Makkah, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced the death of another pilgrim in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
A statement by Alhaji Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi Governor, gave the name of the deceased as Abubakar Abdullahi from Gulma town in Argungu Local Government Area.
The statement said that the pilgrim died after a brief illness.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Abdullahi is the third Kebbi Pilgrim to die in the holy land.
The statement quoted Gov. Nasir Idris as expressing shock over the death and praying to God to grant the deceased eternal rest.
“The governor also urged the immediate family of the deceased, friends and Kebbi pilgrims to take heart and accept the will of God in good faith,” it added.
It said that the deceased had since been buried according to Islamic rites after a funeral prayer at Masjid Al-Ihram (Ka’aba), on Friday. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Enugu, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says that the rescheduled rerun election for the Enugu South 1 State Constituency was postponed due to security reason.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Chukwuemeka Chukwu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Sunday that the postponed election was cancelled earlier last week due to security consideration.
Chukwu disclosed that the rerun election, which was fixed after stakeholders’ engagements to hold on June 8, would hold on a further date to be communicated by the commission.
“Last week, the scheduled rerun election was postponed and duly communicated to all stakeholders with a clear reason for the postponement.
“But I am surprised some misguided people are taking up all sorts of unfounded falsehood and rumours against the commission that it seems the election had been held in secret even as I am speaking to you,” he said.
NAN reports that Mr Bright Ngene, the Labour Party (LP) candidate for the State House of Assembly was declared winner of the March 18, 2023 election and was sworn in but the election was nullified by the tribunal for being inconclusive.
This is the third attempt by the INEC to hold the election.
As early as 7am on Saturday, voters had converged in the affected polling units but no official of the INEC was seen at the venue.
The LP candidate for the election, Mr Ngene, who was at the polling centre expressed dismay over the development.
He told journalists that there was no information available to him and his party that the election would not hold.
On his part, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr Sam Ngene, however, said the postponement was duly communicated to his party. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Tennis
By Aderonke Ojo
Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) Ikenna Okonkwo has won the ITF World Tennis Tour Junior J30 Abuja by beating Daniel Adeleye 6-2,6-2 in the final of male singles on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tour, which started on June 5, ended on Sunday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Okonkwo was resilient, showing character and mental strength to upset his opponent, against all odds.
Okonkwo was on the front foot throughout the match as he took a 6-2 lead against his opponent.
He overpowered Adeleye in the second set for a 6-2 to win, as the game ended 6-2,6-2.
In the semi-finals, Adeleye had defeated Ezekiel Azi to reach final.
He had earlier qualified for the quarter-final stage, where he defeated Aina Henry 6-2,6-0.
Okonkwo on the other hand, had defeated , Ganiyu Mubarak in the semi-finals. He qualified for the quarter-final by beating Benjamin Jerrimah 1-6,6-0,7-5.
Speaking after the final game, Adeleye said that he was glad for his achievements in the tournaments, despite losing in the final.
He said he didn’t create enough chances that could have made him win and that was why Okonkwo won.
”I congratulate him for putting up such a strong performance. My permutations was not a good calculation today and I hope to lift the trophy next time around.
”Right now I will be working on my practice for my next competition , J60 tournament, I hope to lift the trophy,” he said.
In the females category, Ohunene Yakubu beat Alisha Ndukwu 6-4, 6-4 to clinch the title.
NAN reports that six countries – Nigeria (host), Ghana, Great Britain, Australia, China and Benin Republic – participated in the championship.
Trophies and medals were awarded to the winners, including the runner-up and third place positions.
NAN reports that the Junior ITF event is a flagship tournament to help junior players gain global rankings.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), says it has so far transported 99.2 per cent of Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj rites.
The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, made this known at a news conference on the first phase of Hajj operation, held at the Hajj House on Sunday in Abuja.
He said that all pilgrims that NAHCON, states and general stakeholders processed their visa would be transported to Kingdom Saudi Arabia 72 hours before the deadline for the closure of Kingdom air space.
“As of today, we have had 120 flights; we have carried more than 98, close to 99.2 per cent of our pilgrims.
“And by the end of today, very early morning of Monday, there will be no pilgrim left.
“Everybody will have gone to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia before the deadline normally given by the Saudi Arabia on the closure of their air space.
“In other words, 72 hours before their formal declaration on the closure of their air space.”
Arabi commended President Bola Tinubu and the Vice-President Kashim Shettima for their efforts towards the success of the ongoing hajj operation in the country.
“Of course, we must give credit to the President because he stepped in at that time that matter most.
“He (Tinubu) was an enabler, the Vice-President Shettima was round the clock, a motiveter, he stood by us too. The governors stepped in at that time when we gave up that they won’t.
“And of course, the various states executives of Pilgrims Welfare Boards too did all they could to ensure that we got to where we are today.
“But most pleasing and encouraging are the pilgrims themselves, because they persevered, they were so resilient and, in fact, that tells the story of who we are in Nigeria,” he said.
On his part, the Deputy Director, Aviation, NAHCON, Malam Goni Sanda, disclosed that the transportation of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia back to Nigeria would begin on June 21.
Sanda said that all the air carriers have gotten approval and slots for the return journey in line with the principle of first-in-first-out.
“Based on the strategy we adopted this year, since we commenced the transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, we didn’t allow the air carriers to go with the minimum capacity.
“If you recall, on day one, we started with only three flights, day two three flights and day four, five flights. We moved pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in staggered manner.
“Because, based on the record or history in the return journey, the first week of the return journey used to come with lots of requests and traffic at the Jedda International Airport,” he noted.
He, however, said that the Saudi General Authority on Civil Aviation didn’t give the approval of the adequate number of slots. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) men’s Basketball Club on Sunday recorded their second win at the ongoing maiden edition of the Chief of Defence Staff Democracy Day Basketball Championship in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NSCDC defeated Hotcoal Basketball Club 44-34 in the day one game at the Old parade ground court,Area 10, Abuja.
The championship, which started on Sunday, 8s expected to end on June 12.
NAN reports that NSCDC team drew with Hotcoal team in the first quarter with 17-17, and took the lead in the second and third quarter by 27-23 and 36-30.
NSCDC team fought hard to maintain the lead in the last quarter by leading the game with 10 points difference 44-34.
Speaking after the match, Matthias John, the captain of NSCDC basketball Club, said that his team displayed self control and confidence in the game.
“The game was good, especially as the two teams look great from the blast of the whistle to the end. You cannot tell who would be the winner, but we did.
“We won our first game against Gilali 45-42 at Monaliza, Abuja sports and recreational RB Dikko road Garki. Our targets is to be in the final and lift the trophy.
On his part, Azubuike Joseph, the captain of Hotcoal basketball Club, said his team displayed some good skills which helped them but they lost the game.
“It’s unfortunate we lost the game and I hope we will comeback stronger in our subsequent matches.
“My team is happy to be part of this maiden edition; it’s a great experience for the coaching crew and players. We are in Group A.
“We started great, we won our first game, against full Force, 44-39 at Monaliza Abuja sports and recreational RB Dikko road Garki.
“It wasn’t a bad display by my team. We will make adjustment in our subsequent matches. Our target is to lift the trophy,” he said.
NAN reports that a total of 10 teams are participating in the men’s category of the championship.
The include Gilali, Hotcoal, Kaduna Oilers,vFull Force, NSCDC, Nile university, Marktown Flyers,Nsukvwolves, Arm Forces and FCT hard rockets
In the Women category, a total of four teams are participating – TNT, Kada Angels, Hotcoal Sizzlers and Nsuk Luna Wolves.
NAN reports that the objective of the championship is to promote Civil-Military Cooperation and Inter Agency collaboration.
It is also aimed at engaging the Nigerian Youth positively in furtherance to military’s non-kinetic approach to improving security throughout the country.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Lagos, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) on Sunday said the annual Olympic Day celebration would hold on June 29 across the country.
The Olympic Day is a global event that commemorates the birth of the modern Olympic Movement, founded by Pierre de Coubertin in 1894.
According to Babatunde Popoola, the Secretary-General of the NOC, this year’s celebration holds special significance as it precedes the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
”It’s where Nigerian athletes will compete and inspire the world with their achievements.
”Olympic Day is a chance for people of all ages and abilities to experience the magic of the Olympic Games in their own communities.
”It’s an ideal platform to highlight the benefits of physical activity and the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect,” Popoola said.
He said that NOC has received positive responses from various states and stakeholders, and preparations were well underway for the nationwide celebration.
He said that no fewer than 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory have indicated their plans to organise activities for the event.
The states are: Abia; Anambra; Bayelsa; Delta; Edo; Enugu; Ebonyi; Lagos; Kogi; Gombe; Jigawa; Kebbi; Kano; Kwara; Taraba; Imo; Ondo; Plateau; Rivers; Nasarawa; and Osun
Abdul Ibrahim, the Chairman of the NOC Sport For All Commission, said that Olympic Day was a special day to come together, move together, and learn about the Olympic values.
”We encourage everyone to participate and experience the joy that only sport can bring,” he said.
According to him, a series of activities have been lined up in Lagos with fitness clubs at the National Stadium Complex and the general public gearing up to take part in the global event.
”The celebration will conclude with the presentation of diplomas signed by the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach.
”The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel and other dignitaries will officially flag off the event in Abuja,” he added.
Ibrahim said that the NOC also encouraged corporate and philanthropic individuals to support the celebration through financial or product donations, as it would provide valuable exposure for their companies.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Enugu, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The week 35 star match of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) between Rangers International of Enugu and Eyimba of Aba was abandoned by the visitors.
The Oriental derby played on Sunday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu, was abandoned after Rangers was awarded a penalty in the 107th minute of play.
Eyimba players protested the penalty and when the centre referee stood his ground, Eyimba players walked out of the pitch and refused to come back to continue play.
After waiting for Eyimba players to return to the pitch, the referee positioned the ball at the spot only for some fans at the stand, suspected to be Eyimba fans, to start throwing objects into the field.
The referee and the Rangers players became afraid and ran for their safety while the missiles continued to fly into pitch.
The fans overpowered the stadium stewards and invaded the pitch of play, thus bringing the game to an abrupt end.
NAN reports that the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, with 25,000 capacity, was full with about 40,000 spectators.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that at the time of the incident, the game was goalless.(NAN)
NPFL: Sunshine stars beat Akwa United 2-0 in Akure
Victory
By Segun Giwa
Akure, June 9, 2024 (NAN) Sunshine Stars FC of Akure on Sunday defeated fellow strugglers, Akwa United, 2-0 in the match day 35 encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The match played at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure was a push for survival in the league for both teams as Lucky Nwafor and Ibrahim Yusuf did the job for the hosts.
The home team threw everything at thier opponent’s half in the first half, but could not get a breakthrough as the first half ended goalless.
Sunshine Stars’ best chance came in the 47th minute with Lucky Nwafor’s 26 yards shot which didn’t shake the net.
Sunshine Stars’ forward, Promise Awosanmi, also got a chance after Sunshine’s Nwafor’s beautiful control in the vital area, but missed the target.
Akwa United’s effort to push for an equaliser failed as the home team’s defenders were resilient and coordinated.
However, Boboye’s introduction of young sensation, Chinedu Nwosu, in the 73rd minute did the magic as Lucky Nwafor was lucky to give the home team an opener in the 74th minute.
One of the substitutes, Yusuf Ibrahim, scored from a close range freekick to make it 2 -0 to put the game beyond the visitors.
Sunshine Stars’ Technical Adviser, Kennedy Boboye,min his post match interview, assured the home fans that the team would continue to push until the league is over.
“It’s a good one for us at home today, it’s not over yet, but of course, we are happy with the result because it pushed us out of the danger zone. We wont relent.”
“We fought hard, we decided not to give up, no matter what, in the first half. We continued to push harder because we hax no option than to win which we eventually did.
” Today’s victory will lift us on the log. We will continue to push to the last day,” he said.
Akwa United’s Head coach, Mohammed Babaganaru, said the game was a disappointing one for his side as they failed to pick the needed points.
“It’s not easy to play a relegated threatened team in the league,” he said.
Sunshine Stars, who are now on 11th position on the table, will be up against Doma United of Gombe, in their next match.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
2024 Dominican Republic: Nigeria’s Flamingos beat Liberia 4-1 in Monrovia
Flamingos
By Georgina Adegbie
Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria’s Under 17 football female team, the Flamingos, defeated their hosts Liberia 4-1 in the first leg of the final qualifying fixture for this year’s FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup match.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match was played on Sunday at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, Monrovia.
The Flamingos got off to a pretty quick start in the match.
The Liberian girls, who shocked Senegal on the away-goal rule to reach this final round, warded off the early threats from the Nigerian girls.
Nigeria got the ball into the net after 14 minutes, but the Chadian referee Lare Lamngar ruled it offside.
Not deterred , the Flamingos went forward once again, and in the 19th minute, Shakirat Moshood opened the scoring from a solo run.
Peace Effiong scored in the 29th minute to put a wedge of respect between the two teams.
Harmony Chidi scored the third goal in the 36th minute to widen the gap between the two teams.
On resumption of the second half, Nigeria continued to dominate, and substitute Blessing Ifitezue made it four in the with 74th minute.
Liberia scored a consolation goal in the 85th minute from the penalty spot through Yassah Gwaikolo, after substitute Onyedikachi Ekezie committed a foul in the eigtheen yard box.
NAN reports that the Flamingos will host Liberia in the return leg scheduled for Friday, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The tournament will be hosted by the Dominican Republic from Oct. 16 to Nov. 3 and this is the first FIFA tournament hosted by the country.
A total of 16 teams from six confederations will participate in the world cup. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
June 12: Movement holds rally for MKO Abiola, other democracy heroes
Rally
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Patriots, an eminent group of leaders of thought in collaboration with June 12 Pro Democracy Movement of Nigeria, will on June 12 in Lagos, host a national rally in honour of late Chief MKO Abiola.
Prof. Anthony Kila, Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the June 12 Democracy Day Celebration 2024, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.
Kila said that the rally, with the theme “Securing the Future of Nigeria through a Democratic People’s Constitution”, would also call for a people’s constitution in Nigeria.
According to him, the group’s National Democracy Day Rendezvous will hold at the Conference & Exhibition Centre of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja, at 10.00am on Wednesday.
He said that the event would be chaired by a former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, and the Chairman of the Patriots, Chief Emeka Anyaoku.
Kila added that June 12 stakeholders and activists would be addressed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State at the national rally.
According to him, already invited to give goodwill messages at the event are former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Presidential Candidates of the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Mr Peter Obi and, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso respectively, among others.
He said that Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Prof. Attahiru Jega and Sen. Shehu Sanni were expected to lead the anniversary conversation on “securing the future of Nigeria through a democratic constitution reform process.”
“Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, who was earlier scheduled to provide the key note address at the occasion has now been replaced, due to very pressing engagements and his place taken by former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi and Former Military Governor of Kaduna State and June 12 Activist, Col. Umar Dangiwa.
“They are respectively billed to pioneer broad interventions on the anniversary.
According to him, leading pro democracy stakeholders and activists invited to x-ray and discuss the key note submissions at the event are Prof. Pat Utomi, Mr Femi Falana, (SAN), Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Prof Jibrin Ibrahim, Amb. Nkoyo Toyo, among others.
“A roll call of Honours for nominated Heroes and Heroines of the present democratic rule in Nigeria will also be undertaken by the conveners at the historic event.
“This year’s anniversary will be rounded off with a colourful motorcade procession from the venue of the national democracy rally for a people’s constitution for Nigeria in Alausa.
“It will move to the residence of the martyr of the current Nigeria’s democracy, Chief MKO Abiola, off Toyin St. in Ikeja Lagos.
“Here prayers for the repose of the souls of departed heroes and heroines of democracy and tributes as well as the laying of the annual wreath of honour in their memories will be jointly carried out with members of the MKO Abiola family,” Kila said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that June 12 has been declared by the Federal Government as the Nigeria’s Democracy Day in honour of the acclaimed winner of the June 12 1993 Presidential Election, Chief MKO Abiola. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
