Afonne – NAN Archive

Afonne
Apr, Sat, 2023

Sports

7 players from S/South make final list for Global Grassroots Football Tournament

By Emmanuel Afonne

Tournament

Abuja, April 22, 2023 (NAN) Seven players have been selected from the South-South zone for final of the Global Grassroots Football Tournament (GGFT) scheduled to take place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, next month.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament is organised by an Abuja-based football academy, Prestige Football Academy (PFA).

Uchendu Nwabara, President and National Coordinator, GGFT, told NAN over the telephone on Saturday that the seven players would proceed to Abuja for the final selection scheduled to hold from May 23 to May 26.

Nwabara said the tournament which started in the six geo-political zones of the country on April 17 with South-South taking the first shot, would end in North-East on May 5 before the final in Abuja.

He said the tournament organised for players between 16 and 19 years would be used for scouting of players for the national teams and various foreign clubs.

“We are done with the South-South zone with a base in Port Harcourt; we are heading to the South-West zone with Lagos as the base.

“We have been in Port Harcourt since Monday but ended our programme there on Thursday and arrived Lagos on Friday.

“This tournament is the maiden edition and we have our target, which is to help revive football in Nigeria through scouting of super quality players.

“So many of them have been doing well irrespective of our different layers of scouting; every player has to be physically fit and must know everything that concerns football on the pitch.

“Also, the player’s medical history is part of the criteria and not just that, we also make sure that the player’s cognitive development and attention span is accessed as well as his character and discipline.

“Some of the players we have seen are very good and ready for the tournament,” Nwabara said.

Obafemi Olugbemi, Coordinator, South-South zone, Global Grassroots Football Tournament, also told NAN over the phone that exceptional players were selected out of the over 200 that participated.

Olugbemi said that the tournament would henceforth serve as nurturing ground for football talents for the country’s national teams.

Edwin Yobo, the Co-coordinator of South-South, urged those who were not selected to up their game and prepare for the second edition next year.

Edwin, who is the elder brother of former Super Eagles Captain, Joseph Yobo, said the screening would now become part of the youth population in the area especially the footballers among them.

Ernest Osuagbenironiso, one of the lucky players selected for the grand finale in Abuja, said the training was awesome but intense.

“We have a large turnout but I thank God I am part of the players selected.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

EMAF/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Afonne
Apr, Thu, 2023

General news

Nigeria can earn N1trn annually from mushroom cultivation – Don

Mushroom

By Emmanuel Afonne

Abuja, April 20, 2023 (NAN) A mushroom plant scientist, Prof. Sami Ayodele, has urged the Federal Government to create an opportunity for farmers to embrace mushroom cultivation to serve as alternative means of farming and income generation for the country.

Ayodele made the call in Abuja on Thursday while delivering the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) 22nd inaugural lecture with the topic: “Mushrooms: Friends or Foes.”

He said it was imperative for the government to sensitise citizens on the benefits of mushroom cultivation for wealth creation and poverty alleviation.

“It is imperative for the government to commence elaborate sensitisation of citizens about mushroom cultivation for wealth creation and poverty alleviation since it has a lot to contribute to the economy of the nation,” he said.

Ayodele, Professor of Botany, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, NOUN, said the country could earn as much as one trillion naira annually if the sector could be properly developed.

He noted that the mushroom sub-sector and its value chain could provide 30 million skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled jobs for the teaming unemployed graduates, vulnerable youths and women.

“Mushroom cultivation could have great economic and social impacts by generating income and employment for both women and youths, particularly in rural areas of developing countries.

“For instance, in China, it was estimated that the export value of mushrooms was about $1.6 billion and the total employment in the mushroom industry was over 30 million people.

“Out of this population, only 10 per cent are actual mushroom farmers, others fall within sectors such as food, beverage manufacturing, trading and management, transport, marketing, retailing, export and so on.

“The global demand for mushrooms has continued to increase significantly according to the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) report, while the market for mushrooms is huge and growing exponentially.

“The world mushroom market as at the end of 2020 stood at about $45.3 billion with China producing the highest.

“In Africa, only South Africa, Madagascar, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Algeria and Morocco grow mushrooms on a large scale, while Nigeria, the giant of Africa, does not feature in African mushroom production scale, not to talk about world production scale,” Ayodele said.

He, however, cautioned that care must be taken to ensure poisonous species were not mistaken for edible ones when collecting wild mushrooms.

Ayodele who is also the Director in charge of NOUN Abuja Model Study Centre (AMSC), noted that toxins from poisonous mushrooms could cause extensive cellular damage, affect the autonomic system and the central nervous system.

He added that toxins from poisonous mushrooms could cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Ayodele, therefore, urged the government to establish a national mushroom germplasm centre where documentation of all available edible and medicinal mushrooms in different regions of the country would be housed.

“There should be regular seminars, symposia, conferences and workshops by the mushroom scientists to sensitise the Nigerian public about the new trend in mushroom cultivation and its potential for food security.

“Soft loans should be granted to interested individuals particularly unemployed youths and graduates with training in mushroom science to establish small-scale mushroom farms to reduce unemployment.

“The pharmaceutical industries in Nigeria should exploit the medicinal potential of the bio-diversities of medicinal mushrooms in Nigeria for medicinal formulation,” he said.

The Vice-chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, while applauding Ayodele for his vision and lecture promised to establish a laboratory in the institution dedicated to mushroom research.

Peters tasked Ayodele to set up a research group for mushroom to enable him get the institution’s support.

He urged the government, especially the incoming administration, not to allow the research to end up as an academic exercise.

“I wish him (Ayodele) more success in his career and especially as I have made the pledge, I will be awaiting some proposals on my table.

“For all of us here, especially our professors and senior academics, this institution will count on you to continue to give us shining examples on how we march forward to research,” Peters said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

EMAF/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Afonne
Apr, Tue, 2023

General news

Matriculation: Elevate Nigeria to greatness, NOUN VC tells new students

*NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters addressing the new students*

Matriculation

By Emmanuel Afonne

Abuja, April 18, 2023 (NAN) The Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Olufemi Peters, has enjoined the new students of the institution to strive to elevate Nigeria to its deserved place of greatness in Africa and the world.

Peters said this on Tuesday, at the 24th matriculation of the university, which took place virtually across its various study centres nationwide.

“As you pass through our university, I am hopeful that you will acquire the appropriate knowledge and skills, as well as the requisite strength of character and tenacity, to sail through the challenges of global competition,” he said.

Peters said knowledge and skills were the weapons needed to make positive mark to elevate the country to its deserved place of greatness in Africa and the world.

The vice-chancellor also urged the new students to utilise the opportunities offered by the flexibility and openness of their study in NOUN to excel more than their peers elsewhere.

“For those that are engaged in a vocation and or employment, it is an opportunity to excel in your career.

“It is also an opportunity to demonstrate the efficacy of continuous education through open and distance learning, in adding value to your competence at work, to the delight of employers,” Peters said.

The new entrants, comprising of 12, 954 undergraduates, 4, 716 postgraduates and four Ph.D students in various faculties, would join an already existing population of over 150,000 students studying for various degrees in the university.

“The uniqueness of the university should evoke special interests in the students especially from people who are eager to know how qualitative academic training is in the university.

“I enjoin you, therefore, to be dedicated to your studies and be good ambassadors of this university,” he said.

Speaking on the marked attributes of NOUN, Peters said the university’s mode of teaching and service delivery cannot be restricted by the barriers of distance, location, or the bias of race and creed.

He said: “I am particularly glad to inform you that your university is privileged to operate in sync with the emerging world order of a global village in the information age.

“NOUN takes the ‘Gown to the Town’ dictum by providing equal access to quality education for all citizens, irrespective of their social circumstances, their creed, and wherever they are located.”

He advised the new entrants to form peer groups where common issues relating to their study can be shared and discussed.

Peters added that the university had provided an e-ticketing feedback system to resolve complaints encountered during the course of their studies.

He also said that other delivery applications, including the simplified assessment processes (tutorials, tests and examinations) would make study at NOUN a most rewarding educational experience for the students.

The Registrar of the university, Mr Oladipo Ajayi, administered the matriculation oath on the students via the Zoom platform.

Ajayi urged them to abide by all the rules and regulations of the university in order to avoid expulsion. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
EMAF/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Afonne
Apr, Mon, 2023

General news

May 29: Stakeholders express optimism in Enugu economy

Economy

By Emmanuel Afonne

Abuja, April 17, 2023 (NAN) Development stakeholders in Enugu have expressed optimism for a quantum leap in the state’s economy in the first two years of the governor-elect, Mr Peter Mbah.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mbah and his deputy governor-elect, Ifeanyi Ossai, will be inaugurated as helmsmen of the Coal City following their victory in the March 18, 2023 governorship polls in the state.

The stakeholders expressed the optimism in separate interviews with NAN on Monday in Abuja.

The Director-General, Peter Mbah Support Group (PMSG), Chief Emeka Ogbu-Nwobodo, expressed optimisim of a prosperous economy from May 29.

Ogbu-Nwobodo told NAN that he relied heavily on Mbah’s manifesto to grow the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state from $4.4 billion in 2022 to $30 billion by 2031.

“This is a very ambitious mission statement. It is indeed desirable to return Enugu state to its post independence era growth and retain it as the investment destination of Eastern Nigeria.

“Peter Mbah is capable of raising the bar in two years.

“He has demonstrated this in his Pinnacle Oil prior to his emergence as the governor-elect,” he said.

The director-general said it was thoughtful of the incoming governor to propose targeted policy incentives for public-private sector investments in key growth enabling sectors.

Ogbu-Nwobodo listed the sectors as: energy and natural resources development; agro-allied industrialisation and rural development; private sector development and integrated productive infrastructure development.

Chief Jude Aninta, the Abuja Coordinator of the group, said they looked forward for a prosperous Enugu economy from May 29.

Aninta told NAN that the incoming administration would surprise the citizens with “systematic, sustained and forward looking aproach”, to the development of the state.

“I am excited by the governor-elect’s plans in commerce and industry with focus on thriving Special Economic Zones to accelerate Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) development.”

Aninta said that Mbah’s promise to partner venture capital firms to create over N100 billion venture capital for MSME’s per annum would help turn around the state’s economy in the shortest time possible.

Also, a development expert, Mr John-Kennedy Chime, noted that the governor-elect had set a target of providing portable water to inhabitants of the capital city in his first 100 days and construction/expansion of 10,000 kilometres of road across the state.

Chime also expressed optimisim that Mbah and his team would drive the administration’s urban renewal, roads and bridges, public transportation, creative industry, tourism and ICT initiatives as spelt out in the mission statement.

“I want to see a lot of developments in the rural areas in order to harness the agro-potential of our state and give the rural dwellers a real sense of belonging.

“Mbah has promised to apply modern technologies to provide security, job creation for the teeming youth, massive improvement of education; healthcare delivery, women and sports.

“Enugu people will derive the joy from their Mbah/Ossai choice.

“We do not expect less and I am sure that the incoming Mbah administration will be unique and break many new grounds,” Chime added.

Chief Emeka Aba, an industrialist and astute businessman, said the likes of Peter Mbah were not easily found.

Aba noted that Mbah’s humility, discipline, foresightedness, industry, business acumen, integrity and spirit of accommodation would be deployed to governance to uplift the standard of living of Enugu people.

He urged other stakeholders in the Enugu to sink their differences and partner the new administration to bridge the infrastructure deficit of the state.

“Today it is Mbah. It could be you tomorrow,” Aba added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
EMAF/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Afonne
Apr, Tue, 2023

Sports

Football Academy begins talent hunt in 6 geo-political zones

Academy

By Emmanuel Afonne

Abuja, April 11, 2023 (NAN) An Abuja-based football academy, Prestige Football Academy (PFA), has commenced a nationwide talent hunt aimed at discovering young talented footballers for the country’s various national teams and foreign clubs.

President of the Academy, Uchendu Nwabara, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday that the talent hunt would be executed through Global Grassroots Football Tournament (GGFT).

Nwabara said that the zonal event would commence in Port Harcourt (South-South zone) from April 17 and end in Bauchi (North-East zone), on May 5, while the grand finale would hold in Abuja from May 23 to May 26.

“GGFT is a project that creates opportunities for young talented players to participate in football scouting tournaments and competitions at regional and state levels,” Nwabara said.

He explained that the best players who meet the specification of certain foreign football clubs would be sponsored and signed up immediately to play for those clubs, from where they can advance their career.

“We have capable regional coordinators that will handle the assignment in every region.

“Edwin Yobo, the elder brother to former Super Eagles Captain, Joseph Yobo, is the Zonal Coordinator of GGFT South-South and he will partner with Obafemi Omobowale, President, H2U Football Academy.

“The Zonal Coordinator of the North-East is Elisha Bako Dauda, NFF Intermediary, while Joshua Dabo (Joe K), President, Heroes Football Academy, Jos, will coordinate the North-Central.

“The South-East will be coordinated by Obinna Winners, while Babatunde Ibrahim, Liaison Officer, H2U Football Academy Global Limited, Lagos, and her Secretary-General, Bola Olugbemi, will together coordinate South-West.”

*Dominion Stars Football Academy, participating in the talent hunt*

Nwabara noted that the preliminary screening would be conducted at local governments and state level, while the semifinals would hold at the state representing each of the geopolitical zones.

According to him, the grand finale will hold at Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, where foreign football clubs presidents and representatives, football scouts from Africa and beyond as well as National League representatives will be in attendance.

The Regional Chief Coordinator of the event, Elkanah Ombugala, an ex-International, emphasised that the tournament is aimed at showcasing talented Nigerian football players.

Ombugala said the tournament would promote efficient and effective football scouting without bias or favour.

He said football scouting had taken a new turn with the involvement of GGFT in football scouting.

“In the past, so many talented but less-privileged footballers have been left behind due to the lack of opportunities to showcase their talents and get sponsorship.

“This event will provide opportunities for the less-privileged young talented football players at the grassroots level to sign up with International football clubs.

“GGFT is one of its kinds as it cuts across all the geo-political zones in the country giving footballers equal opportunities without marginalisation,” Ombugala said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

EMAF/VAO
Edited by Vincent Obi

Afonne
Apr, Sat, 2023

Sports

Commonwealth Games: Nigeria to organise competition for schools in Lagos

Competition

By Emmanuel Afonne

Abuja, April 8, 2023 (NAN) The Commonwealth Games Nigeria (CGN) said on Saturday it would organise a Community Grassroots Sports programme for secondary schools in the Amuwo Odofin Area of Lagos on May 3.

Tony Nezianya, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), said in a statement that the event has been scheduled to hold at the NOC Grounds, “Olympafrica Centre”, and the Olympic Village, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

Nezianya said that the President of the NOC, Habu Gumel, supported by the Secretary-General, Babatunde Popoola, would declare the event open.

He said the objective of the programme would be to provide an opportunity for the students in the Amuwo Odofin area to know the importance of Sports and Education to youth development.

“It will also promote social interaction among the students, which will avail them the opportunity to meet other students and engage in healthy competition.

“They will also know more about the activities carried out by Commonwealth Games’ Nigeria.”

According to Nezianya, CGN will award prizes to the three best students in Volleyball and Netball, saying that Cultural Dance will be featured at the event.

He said that all participating students would receive certificates of participation as the schools are expected to dress in their cultural dance attires.

“The event promises to be vibrant as well as an entertaining experience, offering a unique opportunity to discover the variety and values of our rich multi-cultural heritage.

No fewer than 12 Schools in the Amuwo Odofin area are expected to participate in the programme with six students and a Games’ Master coming from each participating school. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

EMAF/VAO
Edited by Vincent Obi

Afonne
Apr, Sat, 2023

Sports

Imo Strikers emerge 2023 Sheroes Cup tournament champions in Abuja

*Imo Strikers FC celebrating with the trophy after defeating Dannaz Ladies from Lagos, 1-0 in the final of the 2023 edition of the Sheroes Cup tournament in Abuja*

Imo Strikers emerge 2023 Sheroes Cup tournament champions in Abuja

Champions

By Emmanuel Afonne

Abuja, April 8, 2023 (NAN) Imo Strikers FC on Friday defeated Dannaz Ladies 1-0 to win the 2023 edition of the Sheroes Cup tournament which was played at the Area 3 football pitch in Abuja.

The only goal was registered in the 57th minute, courtesy of an own goal after a well-taken corner kick by Oparanmegwa Pattra.

The victory ensured that the Owerri-based female team won the pre-season tournament, organised by Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF) for Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship and nationwide clubs.

Eight clubs from different parts of the country participated in the week-long competition.

Coach of Imo Strikers, Nelly Orisakwe, attributed their success to hard work and prayer.

“We sacrificed a lot and we worked so hard. For the first time we are participating in this tournament and we won.

“We have seen our weaknesses collectively and individually, I will go back and prepare them for the task ahead.”

Also speaking, Coach of Dannaz Ladies, Bashiru Fatai, said the competition had helped them to discover the loopholes in the team ahead of the commencement of the league.

President of RSDF, Paul Edeh, during the prize presentation, promised to sustain the sponsorship of the competition since it served as pre-season tournament for most clubs.

“This pre-season tournament for Championship and Nationwide teams is in its 5th edition and it was conceptualised to help prepare the clubs ahead of the commencement of the NWFL, Championship and Nationwide leagues.

“Amazingly, the competition has also thrown up lots of talents as well as revealed that the FCT Football Association (FA) is supportive of women football development in Nigeria.

“We will continue to partner with the FCT FA which indeed is one of the best football associations in Nigeria,” Edeh said.

The RSDF boss later presented N2 million as the price money for the teams.

Overall winners of the competition pocketed N500,000 being the prize money in addition to the trophy while the first and second runners up smiled home with N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.

A total of N400,000 was shared among the other six participating teams.

The Foundation also gave N50,000 to each of the eight participating teams for feeding at the commencement of the tournament.

Nicholas Elechi, a member of the Board of Trustees of RSDF, donated N200,000 to the winners while urging them to keep winning.

The Foundation also gave a set of jerseys and five balls each to all participating clubs. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

EMAF/VAO

Edited by Vincent Obi

Afonne
Apr, Thu, 2023

Sports

Olarinonye appointed to Athletes Commission

*Nigerian weightlifter, Adenike Olarinoye*

Olarinonye appointed to Athletes Commission

Appointment

By Emmanuel Afonne

Abuja, April 6, 2023 (NAN) Nigerian weightlifter, Adenike Olarinoye has been appointed as member of the Athlete’s Commission of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).

A statement from Tony Nezianya, Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) on Thursday said the appointment was approved at an ANOCA forum held in Algiers, Algeria.

Nezianya also quoted NOC Secretary-General, Tunde Poopola, in a congratulatory message that Olarinoye’s exploit in weightlifting earned her the international appointment.

“There’s no doubt that your appointment is a pride to you but the NOC as well and improve your personal growth generally in sports.

“Once again and on behalf of members of the Olympic Family, we praise this outstanding achievement,” the statement quoted Poopola as saying.

Olarinoye who is of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, represented Nigeria at the 2019 African Games which is her maiden African Games appearance.

She claimed three medals including two gold medals and silver medal in the women’s 55 kg weightlifting event.

The athlete also created a new African record in weightlifting in the clean and jerk category by lifting 116 kg during the 2019 African Games.

At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK she won the gold medal with two new Commonwealth Games Records, 92kg in snatch and 203 kg overall. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

EMAF/JPE

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(Edited by Joseph Edeh)

Afonne
Apr, Tue, 2023

Sports

Mixed Martial Arts to operate as sports federation

Approval

By Emmanuel Afonne

April 4, 2023 (NAN) The Federal Government has approved the recognition of Mixed Martial Arts (NMMAF), as one of the National Sports Federations under the control and supervision of the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development.

The Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, said this in a statement issued on Tuesday by Mohammed Manga, Director, Press & Public Relations of the ministry.

Manga reported the minister as saying that the approval was granted on Jan. 11 following series of interfaces between the federation’s board and the ministry.

He said the approval came, having satisfied the condition precedent, pursuant to NMMAF’s acceptance to abide by the Code of Governance of all National Sports.

“The recognition has also saddled the Federation with the responsibility to develop, regulate and ensure the safety of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as a thriving Sports in Nigeria in line with global best practices,” the statement quoted Dare as saying.

He called on the federation to work towards discovering and developing talents from the grassroots for the game.

The minister also urged them to take the game to a world class status not only through the development and maintenance of strict rules but also adhering strictly to its standards.

The Mixed Martial Arts Game is reputed to be one of the world’s fastest growing sports with an estimated 449 million followers worldwide. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

EMAF/IA

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman
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Afonne
Apr, Sun, 2023

Sports

Anthony Joshua fought Franklin like a lion, says sports minister

Boxing

By Emmanuel Afonne

Abuja, April 2, 2023 (NAN) Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr Sunday Dare on Sunday congratulated Anthony Joshua, Nigerian-born former world heavyweight boxing champion, for defeating his opponent, Jermaine Franklin in an international bout on Saturday.

Dare noted in his congratulatory message that Joshua fought like a lion to defeat his American challenger.

Joshua defeated Franklin by unanimous decision at the 02 Arena in London to get the crucial win in his first fight since his September 2022 loss to Oleksandr Uysk in Saudi Arabia.

“The former world champion demonstrated the heart of a lion in the encounter and his victory was well-deserved.’’ Dare stated in his congratulatory message.

The minister praised Joshua for keeping alive the “never-say-die’’ spirit for which Nigeria is known.

“You never gave up. With an undying spirit, you clutched victory when it mattered most.

“We will continue to cheer you on,’’ Dare wrote.

Joshua is expected to fight with Tyson Fury this summer after a dominant win over Franklin in his ring return.

The former world champion said after defeating Franklin that he and promoter Eddie Hearn were keen to organise a bout with Fury, with deal points already agreed from their failed December 2022 fight. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

EMAF/ALLI

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Edited by Alli Hakeem

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