AFCON 2023: Eagles finish second behind roaring Thunder in group A

January 23, 2024

The Super Eagles limped to a 1-0 win over pointless and hapless Wild Dogs of Guinea Bissau in an underwhelming game in Abidjan on Monday, in the process finishing in second place in group A behind a vicious Thunder of Equatorial Guinea that demolished host nation Cote d’Ivoire 4-0 to top the group.

The talking point on a rather vapid night in the Ivorian capital was the humiliation of the host nation, who are as good as having been thrown out of the competition without any mercy by a rampaging Equatorial Guinea side. Emilio Nsue Lopez, who bagged the competition’s first hat-trick in 16 years in his country’s 4-2 demolition of Guinea Bissau on Thursday, netted a brace against the Elephants to race upwards as this tournament’s leading scorer with five goals.

There was little to report from the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, with Nigeria failing to light up the arena and the Wild Dogs making wild moves that ended in no success and failing to carve open a Nigerian defence-line that looked suspect without William Ekong.

Victor Osimhen saw his drive from the right roll harmlessly away from goal before Opa Sangante, under pressure from Osimhen, put the ball into his own net behind goalkeeper and captain Jonas Asvedo Mendes for the match’s only goal in the 37th minute.

Two minutes into the second half, Moses Simon wasted a great opportunity after he was put through by Osimhen, and in the 56th minute, Osimhen’s header from a pull-out by Ola Aina went slightly away. Aina himself wasted a golden opportunity in the 69th minute and at the other end, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali had to be alert to punch away a free-kick by substitute Fali Cande.

The victory lifted Nigeria to seven points, but Thunder’s ferocious display at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara against the host nation kept them at the top on goals difference from Nigeria.

The Elephants’ virtual elimination is a repeat of their performance when Cote d’Ivoire hosted the competition in 1984. They defeated Togo 3-0 in their first match only to lose 1-2 to Egypt and 0-2 to eventual winners Cameroon to crash out at group stage.

The Super Eagles will play the second-placed team in group C in their Round of 16 encounter at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny on Saturday.

AIYEDATIWA MEETS APC STAKEHOLDERS, PREACHES UNITY AHEAD OF GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

January 22, 2024

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday held an interactive session with stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from across the 18 local government areas of the State, urging them to embrace peace and unity ahead of the coming governorship election in the State.

It was the first of such meeting since the Governor was inaugurated and he used the opportunity to thank the party leaders for their support, stressing the need for all contending forces within the party to come together to move the party and the State forward.

The Governor said: “It is important for me to tell you that as leaders of our party, we must put behind us the events of the last few months and come together as one big family for the progress of the APC and the development of our dear State.

“To me, what happened in the past was just politics. It was not a fight; it was not a battle; it was mere politics and I can say that I did not take any offence from that. The most important thing for us is to remain as one big family. There should be no division in our party.

“There is the need to make our party stronger and that necessitated the idea of this enlarged stakeholders meeting to bring everybody on board. Our party leaders and members are critical stakeholders that we cannot afford to neglect.

“There have been complaints from many of our party officers at local levels of not being carried along in the scheme of things. That must now be a thing of the past. All our party officers from ward to local government to State levels will be given the recognition they deserve.”

The Governor said he will liaise with the leadership of the party to ensure the smooth running of the party structure, regular stakeholders’ engagement and the operations of the Leaders’ Caucus and the Governor’s Advisory Council.

Speaking on the forthcoming governorship election in the State, the Governor urged the party leaders to ensure peaceful conduct of aspirants and their followers, adding that there must be a rancorous-free primary election and peaceful governorship election in the State.

The Governor, who paid glowing tributes to former Governor, Late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, promised that the state government will work with the family to give him a befitting state burial and to immortalize his name and legacies.

The Governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing keen interest in the peace and development of Ondo State, adding that the president is happy with the current tranquility being enjoyed in the State.

Speaking earlier, the State Chairman of the APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, who commended the Governor for the timely engagement of party stakeholders, stressed that party leaders must put the past behind to foster unity ahead of the coming governorship election.

Those present at the meeting included members of the State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, members of the State Executive Council, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladuni Odu, former Deputy Governors, Alhaji Ali Olanusi and Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo, former State Chairman of the party, Ambassador Sola Iji, former SSG, Hon. Sunday Abegunde, member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Biola Makinde, Chief Segun Ojo, Chief Jamiu Ekungba, Mrs. Jumoke Anifowoshe, among many others.

Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
January 22, 2024

Akoko Reps Aspirant faults APC primary poll, heads to court

January 22, 2024

The dusts raised by the January 6 delegates Congress and primary election of the All Progressives Congress to elect candidate for Akoko North East and Akoko North West bye election in to the National Assembly is yet to settle as one of the aspirants Olugbemiga Araoyinbo who alleged foul play has approached the court for redress.

Speaking with newsmen in Akure, Araoyinbo berated the process of the election, calling it undemocratic.

OSRC’s Joy Pius has details.

Late Arijesuyo Foundation awards scholarship to nine students

January 22, 2024

Members of the academia and eminent citizens have continued to eulogise a former Deputy Registrar of Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Dr Amos Emiloju Arijesuyo who was murdered three years ago.

The children of the late scholar in conjunction with FUTA held the second memorial lecture in honour of the deceased in Akure.

OSRC’s Jighimoh Ebiemi covered the event as presented from our studios.

Acts of Apostles Church holds 2024 Convention

January 22, 2024

Members of The Acts of Apostles international Church have converged again on the church in Akure, the Ondo State Capital to renew their strength in service to God.

The three-day event with different teachings has as its theme: “Be prepared for second coming of Jesus Christ.

OSRC’s Omorinola Hungbeji reports that the annual international convention is the 34th since the establishment of the church

OSRC DFA, Aregbesola, retires after 26 service years

January 22, 2024

The acting Director in charge of Finance and Administration in the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation, OSRC, Mrs Modupe Aregbesola has bowed out of civil service after Twenty Six years of government engagement.

It was showers of encomium as she drew the curtain on the Civil Service having clocked age sixty.

OSRC’s Joy Pius captured the 60th Birthday celebration and pens down ceremony held at the Station’s Headquarters and now reports.

Ondo residents hail Tinubu on slash of official travel delegation

January 22, 2024

Residents of Akure, the Ondo State Capital, have applauded the recent decision of President Bola Tinubu to reduce the entourage for both domestic and international travel by 60 percent.

The move which is said to be part of cost cutting measures of the presidency will affect all federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as the offices of the President, Vice President, the wives of both, Ministers and Heads of Departments.

OSRC’s Joy Pius reports that Nigerians have called for proper compliance and strict monitoring to ensure effective implementation.

Kidnapping: Amotekun nabs 34-year-old man in Akure

January 22, 2024

A 34 year old young man, Usman Bello has been apprehended by the Ondo State Security Network agency, Amotekun Corp for attempted Kidnapping.

The Suspect, was said to have disguised as a scavenger to carry out the act and was arrested while attempting to abduct an 8 year old girl at the Isolo axis of Akure the Ondo state Capital.

OSRC’s Joy Pius reports that the Amotekun Commander, Adetunji Adeleye assured residents of the state of Zero tolerance for crime.

One dead, several injured as KDSG, Security Agencies investigate explosion in Giwa LGA.

January 22, 2024

Governor Uba Sani commiserates with victims

The Kaduna State Government has received reports from security agencies of an explosion in Kidandan area of Giwa LGA.

According to preliminary reports from the traditional institution and security agencies, one of the pupils learning under a local cleric picked up an object from the bush, which later exploded amidst his fellow pupils.

As of the time of this update, one pupil, Zaidu Usman, has been confirmed dead, while about ten injured victims are receiving medical attention at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika.

The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, received the report with shock and sadness, and sent commiserations to the victims and their families, praying for the repose of the soul of the deceased, and a quick recovery for the wounded.

The Governor also appealed to parents and community leaders to increase their vigilance on the activities of their children and wards, given their susceptibility to various dangers.

The Governor has directed the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs to liaise with security agencies for an urgent investigation into the cause of the explosion, to ensure the safety of residents, mobilize emergency support and ensure prompt medical attention to victims.

Further updates will be duly communicated by the Kaduna State Government.

Signed

Samuel Aruwan

Overseeing Commissioner,
Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State.

NDLEA intercepts 1,274 parcels of Cocaine, Colorado in Lagos, 5.6m opioid pills in Kano
. Arrests actual owner of drug consignment that caused airport fracas in viral video

January 22, 2024

Operatives of different special units of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have intercepted large consignments of Cocaine and Colorado, a strong strain of cannabis, concealed in containerized household items and vehicles imported from Durban, South Africa and Canada at the Tincan Seaport in Lagos.
Following coordinated intelligence and months of tracking of the containers by three special units of NDLEA, the illicit drugs along with arms, ammunition and sundry military effects were seized during joint examination of the three containers by the Agency’s officers and their counterparts from Customs Service and other security agencies between Thursday 18th and Friday 19th January 2024. Some of the Agency’s sniffer dogs were also deployed to help identify locations and bags used in concealing the illicit items
Some of the items recovered from the containers include: 1, 274 parcels of Cocaine and Colorado with a total weight of 884.09 kilograms; four pistols; 197 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 49 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 275 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 14 rounds of 9mm ammunition and sundry military personnel effects as well as some chemicals in kegs. With the exception of 32.5kg shipment of Colorado that came in used vehicles from Canada, the rest of the items were found in two of three containers that arrived the Tincan port from Durban, South Africa onboard a vessel marked MSC RESILIENT III and discharged on new year eve, 31st December 2023. A suspect linked to one of the containers, UACU 5348336, bearing the 32.5kg Colorado, 41-year-old Akara Chibugo has already been tracked and arrested by NDLEA operatives.
Two vigilant freight agents and a traveler escaped being roped into two drug trafficking operations by desperate traffickers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos. The two agents were contacted to send a consignment of 1kg cannabis concealed in tins of Milo beverage to Turkey but chose to submit the shipment to NDLEA checks before processing the cargo. The psychoactive substance was later discovered to be hidden inside the shipment.
In the same vein, NDLEA operatives on Friday 19th January arrested one Okosun Paul Punitt, the consignee of a consignment of tramadol concealed in a bottle of dietary supplements, which a staff of Pathfinder International Ltd, Ajuzieogu Mac-Elvis Ugochukwu attempted sending through an intending passenger on Ibom Air to Accra, Ghana at the Lagos airport on Tuesday 16th January. A video of the face-off between the passenger and Ajuzieogu later went viral after the vigilant passenger suspected the consignment contained illicit substances. Both Ajuzieogu and the exhibit were later transferred to NDLEA on Thursday 18th January by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN for investigation. Preliminary findings by NDLEA showed the parcel contained 50 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in a bottle of dietary supplements. A follow up operation by the Agency led to the arrest of Okosun upon his return from Ghana on Friday. He has in his statement confirmed ownership of the drug.
In Kano, no fewer than five million six hundred and fifty three thousand (5, 653,000) pills of tramadol 250mg and exol-5 were seized from three suspects. While Nura Abdullahi, 38, and Tahir Muhammad Mukhtar, 42, were arrested at Bacharawa area of Kano with 5, 404,000 pills of tramadol 250mg on Sunday 14th January, Yusuf Umar, 50, was nabbed at Gadar Tamburawa area of the state the previous day Saturday 13th January with 249,000 tablets of exol-5 by NDLEA operatives.
In Lagos, two suspects: Ali Abubakar and Murtala Sani were arrested at Ojodu Berger area on Tuesday 16th January with 110kg of cannabis sativa while 69kg of same substance was recovered from the hideout of a fleeing suspect in Akerele, Surulere same day. Not less than 2, 800 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup were recovered by NDLEA officers on Saturday 20th January during a raid operation at Aleita FCT, Abuja. The suspected owner of the consignment, Jideofor Sochima is still at large.
While a total of 100, 510 pills of opioids were seized from a suspect, Ike Emmanuel, 35, on Thursday 18th January at Dan-Anacha village, Taraba state, NDLEA operatives in Abia state arrested 60-year-old Joseph Isiguzoro, as well as Emmanuel Eugene and Malachi Ndu in parts of Abia state with 34,200 pills of opioids. Isiguzoro was equally found with monetary exhibit totalling Two Million Eight Hundred and Eighty Five Thousand and Forty Five Naira (N2,885,045) only.
The War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaign of the Agency continued in equal measure in schools, markets, worship places and others across the country in the past week. Some of them include: WADA sensitization lecture at Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom; Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Lagos; Edusoko University, Bida, Niger state and WADA advocacy lecture at Community Secondary School, Bichi, Kano state, among others.
While commending the officers and men of Tincan, MMIA, Abia, Taraba, Lagos, Kano and FCT Commands as well as the special units of the Agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) urged them and their compatriots across all formations of the Agency to remain focused and resolute in pursuit of the corporate goal of winning the war against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria. He further charged them to maintain the flame of collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders in their areas of responsibility.

Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters Abuja
Sunday 21st January 2024

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