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Official appeals for sponsorship to revive Handball Premiere League
Handball
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos, Sept. 26, 2018 (NAN) Musa Hamza, a board member of Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), has appealed for continued sponsorship of handball league to reawaken the game in the country.

Hamza made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

He commended Prudent Energy Services for sponsoring the ongoing handball premiere league at Rowe Park, Yaba, Lagos because the players, teams and technical crew were exited with the resumption of the league.

NAN reports that 12 male and 10 female teams are participating in the league, which started on Wednesday and ends on Oct. 6.

“Handball in the country is beginning to take shape, especially with the programmes holding at various levels and that is a major development that will help us to get it right.

“The sponsorship by Prudent Energy Services is one of the greatest achievements of this board because it has awakened our sleeping league and exited players and officials.

“The national premiere league has been neglected due to lack of sponsorship,” he said.

He said that he was impressed with the turnout of teams, especially those from the northern part of the country for the league.

“This league has watered the appetite of players and officials in various teams, especially those that traveled all the way from north.

“The HFN board is full of appreciation to Prudent Energy Services for its tremendous support and commitment which has made this national event a reality,” he added.

Shina Sanya, the Tournament Director, told NAN that 11 matches would take place daily to enable the teams to comply with the competition guidelines.

NAN reports that at Wednesday’s event, Plateau Peacocks defeated Owens 36-27 while Kada Queens overwhelmed Desert Queens by 32-15.

At the male event, Niger United defeated Coast Shooters 28-24 while Kano Pillars downed Safety Shooters by 25-24. (NAN)
MIL/JI/IA
Editing by Joseph Idika/Idris Abdulrahman

Flood

Lokoja, Sept. 26, 2018 (NAN) The Nigeria Red Cross Society (NRCS) on Wednesday, distributed food items and other relief materials to 100 households affected by the flood in some communities in Kogi.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who witnessed the distribution of the items reports that the beneficiaries were the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Ozahi and Kasania communities in Kogi Local Government area.

The two communities had been submerged by flood which also washed away their farmlands, livestock and personal effects.

The victims are currently being housed at the IDP camp at the LGEA Pry School, Koton Karfe, where the items were handed over to them.

The NRCS, with the support of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Society (IFRC) and other partners, provided the relief materials which included 100 bags 0f rice (50kg), 100 bags of beans (24kg), 100 bags of corn soya blend,(24kg) 100 gallons of vegetable oil (10kg) and 100 bags of 0.5 salt.

Other items include hundreds mosquito nets, sleeping mats, blankets, kitchen sets, buckets and hygiene kits for each of the households.

Speaking at the occasion, the Head of Communication of the NRCS, Mr Nwapa Nwapa, said the gesture was to ameliorate the suffering of the victims.

He noted that the natural disaster had cost the victims their means of livelihood and personal belongings.

According to him, the camp is chosen for the intervention based on the vulnerability of the people.

“Our responses are done according to the level of vulnerability. The higher the vulnerability, the surer for us to reach the camp.

“We are starting here because of the vulnerability we notice, from our assessment, “Nwapa said.

He also promised more assistance for the victims as soon as the flood recedes.

“We are also responding to all the states affected by the flood. Our volunteers are always on ground, assessing the situation.”

Also speaking, the Head of Office, International Federation of the Red Cross, Dr Michael Charles, said that the organisation had discussed with other partners across the globe to bring further succour to the victims.

In his remarks, Mr Abubakar Kande, Secretary General of NRCS Cross Society, said that enough volunteers had been mobilised to the state to offer continuous humanitarian services to the victims.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Adamu Hussaini, who is also the head of Ozahi community, commanded NRSC and other partners for coming to their aid at this critical period. (NAN)
KKA/DUA

Edited by Dada Ahmed

NNL: Bendel Insurance beat Akwa Starlets 2:0

NNL

By Monday Ajogun

Benin, Sept. 26, 2018 (NAN) Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin on Wednesday at the University of Benin Sports Complex defeated Akwa Starlets FC of Akwa-Ibom 2-0 in a Nigeria National League (NNL) fixture.

Junior Osaighae’s brace at 24 and 78 minutes in each half secured victory for the home team.

At the end of the match, Insurance FC’s team manager, Monday Odigie, lauded his team’s performance for their excellent display throughout the 90 minutes of play.

Speaking in an interview with newsmen, Edo’s Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, commended the team for the victory, saying they should keep up the wining mentality.

Shaibu also congratulated Insurance players for the victory. (NAN)

AJOM/GOM/SA

Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Salif Atojoko

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Weather
By Sumaila Ogbaje
ABUJA, Sept. 26, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted of thunderstorm and rain activities with cloudy weather conditions cover most parts of the country on Thursday.

NiMet’s Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office (CFO) on Monday, predicted morning thunderstorms over the eastern half of the central states like Abuja, Lokoja, Mambilla Plateau, Lafia, Makurdi, Ibi, Jalingo with cloudy morning over the western half.

It added that thunderstorms were likely over the entire region in the afternoon and evening hours with day and night temperatures of 27 to 31 and 16 to 23 degrees Celsius.

The agency predicted that Northern States would experience morning thunderstorms over Kano, Gusau, Kaduna, Kebbi , Nguru, Potiskum, Damaturu, Maiduguri with partly cloudy to cloudy condition over Sokoto.

It also predicted afternoon and evening thunderstorms over the northeast and partly cloudy to cloudy conditions over the northwest with day and night temperatures of 30 to 36 and 21 to 24 degrees Celsius.

According to NiMet, Southern states will experience early morning mist over Benin, Asaba, Lagos, Ibadan and Abeokuta with partly cloudy to cloudy conditions over Abakaliki, Enugu, Awka, Umuahia, Owerri in the morning.

“Scattered thunderstorms are anticipated over Shaki, Ikeja, Akure, Oshogbo,
Ibadan, Ado and Iseyin. There are chances of rains over Uyo, Calabar, and
Eket axis in the morning hours.

“Thunderstorms and rains are anticipated over the entire region in the afternoon and evening hours with day and night temperatures of 28 to 31 degrees and 21 to 24 degrees Celsius.

“Sustained influx of moist winds will enhance prospects of precipitation over some parts of the country in the next 24 hours,” NiMet predicted. (NAN)
OYS/HA
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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Pickford signs new deal to stay at Everton until 2024

Contract

Liverpool (UK), Sept. 26, 2018 (Reuters/NAN) Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has signed a new six-year contract, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday.

Pickford, who joined Everton from Sunderland last year, impressed in his debut campaign and also established himself as England’s first-choice keeper before this year’s World Cup.

The 24-year-old started all of England’s games in Russia as the team reached the semi-finals of the tournament and he credited Everton for kickstarting his international career.

“Getting the opportunity to become England’s number one was down to being at Everton, I believe, and being able to put in solid performances week in and week out,” Pickford told the club’s website.

“Coming to Everton, a massive club with a massive history and seeing how passionate and determined the fans are, it’s inspired me to perform…

“I want to play as many games as I can for the club, that’s my goal now,” said Pickford.

He has started all six of Everton’s games in the league this season. Everton face promoted Fulham on Saturday. (Reuters/NAN)

KIA/SA

Edited by Salif Atojoko

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D’Tigress

By Kayode Adebiyi

Tenerife (Spain), Sept. 26, 2018 (NAN) Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, on Wednesday in Spain escaped with the narrowest margin of one point  to book their place in the quarterfinals of the ongoing FIBA Women’s World Cup.

The Nigerian team, which was playing at the Qualification to Quarterfinals stage having finished second behind Australia in Group D, defeated Greece 57-56 points at the Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

D’Tigress had a nervy start to the game and surrendered a comfortable lead in the first quarter to tie Greece 15-15.

They, however, rallied in the second quarter, after falling five points behind at the early stage to emerge winner of the second quarter 16-11. The third quarter also saw Nigeria extend their lead by winning 17-11.

But it was in the final quarter that the Greeks took matters into their hands by constantly asking questions of the Nigerian guards. Their persistence paid off as they overtook D’Tigress.

The Greek needed just a few points to hang on to victory when Nigeria managed to score nine points, including two crucial ones at dead of the game, to end the fourth quarter 9-19.

Evelyn Aktahor was Nigeria’s top performer, recording a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double performance in the slim win.

Greece Maria Fasoula was the overall top performer with 18 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks.

D’Tigress’ Chinemelu Elonu attributed their victory to team spirit.

“I’m happy because we’ve been through a lot and our motto was to stay together and we stayed together.

“Greece is a really tough team. I don’t know how we pulled it off but I’m beyond happy and proud,” she said.

Elonu said: “It sounds really nice. I’ve never really thought about it. I don’t know what to expect but we’re just going to keep pushing.

“We didn’t know what to expect from the World Cup as none of us had been here. It’s just a ride that we’re taking,” she said.

Nigeria’s will now meet U.S.A in one of the quarterfinal games at the Santiago Martin Arena, San Cristobal de la Laguna on Thursday. (NAN)
KIA/JI
Editing by Joseph Idika

Osun rerun: Omisore insists on good governance, accountability

Omisore

By Dorcas Elusogbon

Ile-Ife (Osun), Sept. 26, 2018 (NAN)  The Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the Osun governorship election, Sen. Iyiola Omisore, has said that what is important to him is the practice of true democracy, good governance and accountability in the State.

Omisore made the remark in a statement on Wednesday, in Ile-Ife, signed by his media aide, Mr Jide Fakorede.

The former deputy governor said that, in spite of pressures on him in the run-up to Thursday’s re-run governorship poll in the state, he would never renege on his promise of good governance, accountability and human dignity in the State.

“Osun State has always been a stellar example of democracy where the people have consistently and freely expressed their franchise to determine who governs them.

“This should remain so. Osun people have shown that it is not business as usual.

“It is a positive deviation from what was hitherto the norm.

“I am telling my people that they should go with any political party that believes in what we in the SDP stand for; good governance, social justice and accountability.

“I have already detailed how we planned to restore Osun to the path of good governance through the five thematic pillars in my manifesto I shared during the electioneering campaign.

“I will not negotiate for personal gains and abandon my people,” he said.

Omisore, however, insisted that his alliance will remain with the people of Osun, irrespective of the political party they belong.

He added that his people must be treated with the dignity they deserve, while having a government that will be accountable to them.

According to him, the people need to experience the good governance founding fathers of the state envisaged.

” I have told the parties that have solicited for my support to approach the electorates and ask for their mandate as I have assured them that I will not coerce them for political or social power.

” It is because I have kept my promise that has made me enjoyed their unalloyed support all these years,” he said.

Omisore also highlighted his SDP’s manifestos, including the five thematic pillars the party had hoped to implement to improve governance, eliminate financial reckless and re-position the economy of Osun.

They include, economic management and accountability; Professionalism and performance; Equity in access to service; Local content and innovation; and Security.

“It is the right and democratic freedom of people to choose by their own free will. Their votes should not be coerced by money, vote buying, intimidation in form of militarisation, political and social power.

“Their voices of demand for good governance, accountability and human dignity should continue to be heard as well as salaries paid,” he said. (NAN)

EDA/KTO/AMY

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo and Abdullahi Yusuf

Osun rerun: Be impartial, group urges INEC

Impartiality

By Taiye Agbaje

Abuja, Sept. 26, 2018 (NAN) A civil rights activist, Joe Okei-Odumakin, on Wednesday called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be impartial in the conduct of Thursday’s governorship rerun election in Osun.

Okei-Odumakin, who is the President, Women Arise for Change Initiative, also called on the electorate in the affected polling units to freely exercise their voting rights without fear or favour.

She made the call in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

‘’We urge INEC to be impartial, dutiful and allow the people to freely exercise their franchise without any infringement,” she said.

She said since it was within the powers of the electoral umpire to call for the elections, ‘’we hope that the political actors will play by the rules of the game.”

‘’It is also hoped that the peaceful atmosphere that we witnessed during the main election last Saturday will be allowed during this supplementary poll, by the political parties and other stakeholders involved in the process,” she added.

On whether she will be monitoring the election, Okei-Odumakin said: ‘’A team of 28 Women Arise observers, to be led by myself, are being deployed to observe the election across all the polling units where the supplementary elections will be taking place tomorrow (Thursday).”

NAN reports that INEC had declared the governorship election in Osun inconclusive following the thin margin of votes scored by the two main contenders.

The rerun election scheduled for Thursday in Osun is to hold in seven polling units across four local government areas.

The Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Joseph Fuwape, said Sen. Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored 254,698 votes, while Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scored 254, 345 votes and Sen. Iyiola Omisore of Social Democratic Party (SDP) followed with 128,049.

Prof Fuwape said: “Based on the results collated by the Returning Officer, the margin between the two leading candidates is 353 which is lower than the number of registered voters in the affected areas.

The extant law and INEC guidelines and regulations provide that where such a situation occurs, a declaration may not be made. (NAN)
TOA/AMY

Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf

Flood submerges over 200 houses in llorin, renders hundreds homeless

By AbdulFatai Beki
Flood
Ilorin, Sept. 26, 2018 (NAN) Flood wreaked havoc in Ilorin Township on Wednesday, as over 200 residential houses were submerged with hundreds of victims displaced and rendered homeless.

The most affected areas are Aduralere and lsale Koko communities in the llorin East local Government area of the state.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that hundreds of residents of the affected communities are now taking refuge in Churches, Mosques and residence of some neighbours, who were not affected by the flood.

Some of the affected residents told NAN that the downpour, which lasted for several hours made water to overflow the drainage channels that cut across the two communities.

Narrating his ordeal to NAN, one of the affected residents, Alhaji Abdurasheed Jimoh, of Aduralere community, said the flood has destroyed most of his property as the rain caught him unaware.

He said, “This is not the first time we are experiencing flood in our community, but this one came with an ugly and bitter experience as the drainage channels got filled up and submerged houses suddenly.

“Most of the buildings here have been submerged as their occupants have lost all their household property to the flood and are displaced.”

The Chairman of Aduralere Community, Alhaji Tunde Aremu, while speaking with NAN said that residents of the affected houses were unable to salvage any of their property from the flood.

Aremu attributed the flood to the blocked channelization that passes through the two communities.

He said that since the blockage of the channelization and retraining walls of the project from Unity to Amilegbe, flooding had been frequent occurrence at Isale Koko area.

The Chairman of the community, called on the state government to revisit the water channels by clearing the blockage and possibly expand the drainage system to allow free flow of water.

He solicited immediate succour from the state government to alleviate the sufferings of the affected residents.

When NAN contacted the Special Adviser to Gov. AbdulFatah Ahmed on Emergency and Relief Services, Alhaji AbdulRasaq Jimoh, he said that he was not aware of the flooding.

He, however, pledged to pay on-the-spot assessment visit to the affected areas with a view of assessing situation and providing succour for the homeless victims. (NAN)
BEKl/KOLE/AFA
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Edited by Remi Koleoso/Felix Ajide

Suspected cultist shot dead during gun dwell with police in Lagos
Suspect
By Moses Omorogieva
Lagos, Sept. 26, 2018 (NAN) The Lagos State Police Command said a suspected cultist had been shot dead during a gun duel with with operatives in Ishashi area of the state.

Mr Chike Oti, Spokesman for the command, on Wednesday said that Olamide Oloruntobi, 31, a suspected leader of the dreaded Aiye confraternity, was killed at Durosooto Street, Celenizer, New Mebamu, Ishashi at about 9p.m on Tuesday.
According to Oti, the police stormed the area following a distress call that the group was terrorising residents.
Oti said that the hoodlums allegedly opened gunfire on sighting the police team.
“This led to a hot exchange of gunfire. When the dust settled, Olamide Oloruntobi was found dead while other members of the gang fled.
“A locally made pistol with live ammunition was recovered, while the body has been deposited at Badagry General Hospital mortuary for autopsy,” Oti said in a statement.
The police spokesman said the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Edgal Imohimi, had charged operatives in the area to arrest the fleeing gang members.
Imohimi called on parents and community leaders to prevail on their children or subjects who were members of the unlawful groups to renounce cultism and surrender their weapons to the police.
The CP promised to reintegrate the cultists into the society with the help other stakeholders. (NAN)
MIO/JI/WOJ
Editing by Joseph Idika/Wale Ojetimi