Nigeria Archives | Page 10 of 13

AFCONQ: Libya regrets Super Eagles ordeal

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Libya Football Federation (LFF) has expressed regrets over the poor treatment melted at the Super Eagles team on arrival for the second leg tie of the AFCON 2025 qualifier. The Libyan football authority stated this is in social media post on Monday. “We are deeply concerned about the recent reports surrounding the diversion of the Nigerian national team’s flight ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya. “While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel. “These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon. “We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional. “There are no grounds to accuse the Libyan security teams or the Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating this incident. Such actions are inconsistent with our values and principles. “We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. “It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification. “Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities. “Football, in its essence, unites nations, and we are committed to upholding the spirit of fairness and mutual respect both on and off the field. “In Libya, we pride ourselves on our hospitality and our welcoming nature. We have always prioritized treating all visiting teams, including our African brothers and other international delegations, with the respect and dignity they deserve. @Hosting these events is a great honor for us, and we strive to ensure that all teams feel safe and respected as our guests. This commitment to equality and hospitality is a core aspect of our culture and tradition. “We hope that this misunderstanding can be resolved with understanding and goodwill. Our doors are open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams, and we continue to promote the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and friendship in the world of football.” The Nigerian side were abandoned at the airport for over 13 hours without food, drinks, Wi-Fi and other social amenities.

NLC condemns increase in petroleum pump price

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd). NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajero stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday. The statement reads; “We are dismayed by the latest increase in the pump price of petrol. “It looks like the only thing this government is known for is increase in the pump price of petrol without commensurate capacity of Nigerians or mitigatory measures. “Even following the logic of market forces , we find it an aberration that a private company (NNPCL) is the one fixing prices and projecting itself as a hegemonic monopoly. “We challenge the government to go to the drawing board and present us with a blueprint for an inclusive economic growth and national development instead of this spasmodic ad hocism and palliative policy. “It needs no stating the fact that the latest wave of increase has grossly altered the calculations of Nigerians once again at a time they were reluctantly coming to terms with their new realities. “It will further deepen poverty as production capacities dip, more jobs lost with multidimensional negative effects. “In light of this, we urge the government to immediately reverse this rate hike as previous increases did not produce any good result. People only got poorer. “But more fundamentally, the government should be bold enough to tell Nigerians in advance the destination it wants to take the country.” The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) on Wednesday increased the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as Petrol of fuel from N855 to N998 per litre. It was gathered that the increment has been initiated across all NNPC Ltd filling stations. The new development is a 12.7% or N113 increase from the initial price.

FG launches portal for youth access 2000 CNG tricycles

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Federal Government has launched the Portal to enable youth access the 2,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tricycles to improve transportation infrastructure and foster economic growth. The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande unveiled the Porter in collaboration with the Presidential CNG Initiative (PI-CNG) and National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners & Riders Association (NATOMORAS) at his office in Abuja. While launching the Portal, Comrade Olawande explained that it is dedicated to fostering transparency in the enrollment of youth into the Presidential CNG Initiative within the transportation sector. He explained that the portal empowers youth from all regions of Nigeria to register and be connected with aggregators or owners who are directly involved in the programme. The Minister said; “this aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for all government programmes and initiatives to provide equal opportunities to people of all backgrounds, regardless of wealth or social status.” He stressed that young individuals in the country will not require any influential connections to benefit from the Ministry of Youth Development’s programmes, adding that the launching of the Youth portal reaffirms the commitment to ensuring that all the initiatives and programmes are equally accessible to everyone. The Minister encouraged all young people working in the commercial transportation sector or those interested in joining the sector to take advantage of the benefits provided through the Presidential Initiative on CNG, noting that the initiative is a significant component of the President’s palliative programme. The Minister further explained that there are two ways to accessing the CNG Portal for tricycles; youthcng.ng, pci.gov.ng/tricycle. The Representative of the Presidential CNG Initiatives, Mr. Tosin Coker, in his remarks disclosed that partnering with the Ministry and NATOMORAS will create opportunities for many youths. He stated that the youth have the chance to gain employment by becoming partners with aggregators through the launched scheme. He added that they will have the option to own these tricycles if they desire. He expressed his appreciation to the Ministry for taking the lead and to the aggregators for supporting the initiative. Earlier, the Chairman of NATOMORAS, Alhaji Sani Hassan, noted that the launch of the portal is historic for their association and its members across the country. He expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to witness and participate in the launch of the important portal, which he said will provide opportunities for all members. He assured the Minister of the Association ‘s full commitment to mobilize and educate their members to be actively involved in the programme and to ensure that they make the most of the opportunity.

Breaking: NNPCL increases fuel price from N855 to N998 per litre

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) on Wednesday increased the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as Petrol of fuel from N855 to N998 per litre. Reports claimed that the increment has been initiated across all NNPC Ltd filling stations. The new development is a 12.7% or N113 increase from the initial price. Details later…

Aisha Falode, others to grace Nigeria-France Sports Awards in Paris

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Dignitaries, including Aisha Falode, president of the Nigeria Women Football League, and humanitarian services icon Noah Dallaji, will attend the 2nd edition of the Nigeria-France Sports Awards and Gala in Paris. The prestigious event will bring together key figures from the world of sports to celebrate outstanding achievements and strengthen sports relations between Nigeria and France. Senegalese legend Khalilou Fadiga, who played at the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups, has also confirmed that he will attend the ceremony on October 21, 2024. It is a star-studded event, as Abu Barde, the special assistant to NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, will be live at the event. Babatunde Ojora, the convener of the Nigeria-France Sports Awards and Gala, says this year’s event will further solidify the sporting relationship between the two countries. Ojora, who is also the founder of OJB Sport, said: “Nigeria and France have witnessed significant sporting achievements in the past year, respectively, and these feats must be celebrated. “I am excited to announce that we will have Aisha Falode, who has been of immense support, in attendance. “Humanitarian icon and president of the African Children Talent Discovery Foundation Noah Dallaji will also be present. “Senegalese legend Khalilou Fadiga will also grace this prestigious occasion as well as NBA sensation Tarekeyi Edogi. “We want to continue to celebrate those who have excelled in our world of sports and encourage others to strive to reach the top, as there is always a reward for excellence. “I want to thank the Nigerian High Commission in France, as well as the Nigerian permanent delegate to UNESCO. The 2024 Nigeria-France Sports Awards and Gala will be held inside the Louisiana Belle Boat on the Seine River, same venue for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony parade.

Morocco 2025: Eguavoen drops Osimhen, picks 23 Eagles for Libya clash

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen has called Captain William Ekong, rave-of-the-moment Ademola Lookman, in-form winger Moses Simon and 20 other players for this month’s home-and-away 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying battle with the Mediterranean Knights of Libya. Wing-backs Olaoluwa Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi are included, as well as goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoya, defenders Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika and Alex Iwobi, and forwards Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface and Samuel Chukwueze. Reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen is excluded on grounds of injury, just as South Africa-based centre-back Olisa Ndah, but defender Bright Osayi-Samuel makes his way back after missing the duels with Benin Republic and Rwanda last month, and in-form playmaker Chidera Ejuke returns to the fold after many moons. Veteran forward Kelechi Iheanacho is also listed, as well as midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi and Frank Onyeka. The Super Eagles will host the Mediterranean Knights at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 11th October, before flying to Benghazi to take on the Knights at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium, 19 kilometres away from Benghazi on Tuesday, 15th October. All the players are expected to report in Uyo on Monday, 7th October. Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema SC, Ethiopia) Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Benjamin Tanimu (Crawley Town, England) Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC. Italy); Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England) Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)

FG introduces new fiscal incentives to boost Nigeria’s Oil & Gas Sector

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Mr. Wale Edun has unveiled two major fiscal incentives aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector: •Value Added Tax (VAT) Modification Order 2024 •Notice of Tax Incentives for Deep Offshore Oil & Gas Production, in accordance with the Oil & Gas Companies (Tax Incentives, Exemption, Remission, etc.) Order 2024. The VAT Modification Order 2024 introduces exemptions on a range of key energy products and infrastructure, including Diesel, Feed Gas, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Electric Vehicles, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) infrastructure, and Clean Cooking Equipment. These measures are designed to lower the cost of living, bolster energy security, and accelerate Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy sources. In addition, the Notice of Tax Incentives for Deep Offshore Oil & Gas Production provides new tax reliefs for deep offshore projects. This initiative is aimed at positioning Nigeria’s deep offshore basin as a premier destination for global oil and gas investments. These reforms are part of a broader series of investment-driven policy initiatives championed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in line with Policy Directives 40-42. They reflect the administration’s strong commitment to fostering sustainable growth in the energy sector and enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness in oil and gas production.

64th Independence: SWAN felicitates Nigerians, urges robust sports development

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago05 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has felicitated with Nigerians as the country celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary on Tuesday October 1, 2024. SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, enthused that Nigeria from independence in 1960 has witnessed ups and downs in all spheres of its national life. However, the number sports journalist noted that with over two hundred million people, Nigeria as the most populous nation in Africa can deploy its vast resources using sports as major economic driving force. He said, “First of all, I want to congratulate Nigerians, particularly the sporting media on this auspicious day in the nation’s history. It’s supposed to be a proud moment considering the years that have come by. At 64, a man is fully matured after witnessing several developmental stages in life. “For any country desirous of fundamental and genuine development in time, human capital development interest should be the major focus and sports being a big entrepreneurial/business drive globally has what it takes to turn around the fortunes of Nigerians. “Again, the population of people in Nigeria has continued to grow geometrically with little plan to engage mostly young people. Nigeria’s abundant human talents and mineral resources can be channelled to tackle unemployment and give hope to many through sports like it obtains in other parts of the world. “All that is now needed is the political will amidst implementation of practical policy geared towards harnessing teeming human assets in the over 40 different sporting areas. The truth remains that only sports have the vast opportunities to absorb and keep millions of youth busy, then give their lives meaningful living.” While expressing optimism that the future could be better than the past and present, the SWAN President also tasked government at all levels to channel efforts towards addressing various societal menaces including insecurity through sports. “Sports development is not just a Federal Government affair, political, business leaders and philanthropists have crucial roles to play. Nigeria recently participated at the 2024 Paris Olympics Games and returned home empty handed. Such disastrous outing shows that as a country, we have a long way to go. “It’s time to make our population count among the comity of Nations and grassroots sports development is key in this regard,” he said. The President of SWAN also congratulated the current leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau for reaching two years since its emergence. President Benjamin hailed NFF’s visionary leadership which has witnessed a turn around of the various leagues’ administration and called for sustainable approach and focus in the development of all aspects of Nigeria’s football drive, though Super Eagles have witnessed unexpected hiccups in their 2026 World Cup qualifying series, efforts should now be channelled towards ensuring they win remaining qualifier matches to brighten their chances of qualification at last.”