NAN Archive

Loading

NAN Archive

Tag 08029451595

  • Apr, Thu, 2020
Entertainment

Shops online can’t surpass regular markets, says Iyaloja Oshodi 

Market

By Aderonke Ojediran

Lagos, April 2, 2020 (NAN) Mrs Folasade Banjoko, a leader at the Oshodi market (Iyaloja) on Thursday said that in spite of the lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic, shops operating on line cannot surpass those in regular markets.

 

Banjoko, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said, “either open market or online market, I honestly don’t believe anyone is buying anything at this moment, for instance cloths and jewelry, where are they going that they are buying these things.

 

“Online marketing is glamorous but it can never take the place or outshine regular markets, variety is the spice of life they say, regular markets gives you that.

 

“Online shopping only gives you the comfort of shopping from your comfort zone, but like we all know, no pain no gain, with this Coronavirus thing, it’s only wise to do online for now.

 

“These are tough times, for us who operate our businesses at the market, I just want to appeal to every market men and women to stay at home; no amount of money is worth any human’s life.

 

“The best to do now is to comply with the government so we can eradicate this pandemic that has held the whole world to a standstill,” she said.

 

When asked if she will encourage market women to take advantage of online marketing, the Iyaloja told NAN that it wouldn’t be a bad idea.

 

“I am not against it, don’t get me wrong. I’m in my 60’s and going to the market is what I have done all my life, but honestly times are changing, the younger generation has what works for them.

 

“As long as you know how to go about your online business I think the opportunity created by online business should be tapped into,” she said. (NAN)

 

OAF/EBI/EAL

===========

Edited by Benson Iziama/Ekemini Ladejobi

 

 

 

 

  • Apr, Thu, 2020
Sport

PSA world ranking frozen 

By Aderonke Ojediran
Ranking
Lagos, April 2, 2020 (NAN) The Professional Squash Association (PSA) has announced that the World Rankings have been frozen during the ongoing suspension of the season tour due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
An official website reports that both the PSA World Tour and PSA Challenger Tour are currently suspended until the end of April and these frozen rankings will stay in place until the tour resumes.
The rankings are frozen as of March 16 to take into account the fact that there were three tournaments taking place over the weekend the announcement was made to suspend the tour.
The frozen rankings mean that points accrued from the 2019 edition of tournaments postponed or cancelled due to the suspension of the tour – for example the Grasshopper Cup and El Gouna International will remain on players rankings as the 2020 edition of those events cannot take place at present.
An expiry date for these points will be finalised when the tour resumes.
The same will apply for tournaments later in the year if the suspension of the tour is extended. (NAN)
OAF/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola
  • Apr, Wed, 2020
Sport

Improvise at home to play golf, says No. 1 golfer

 

Golf
By Aderonke Ojediran
Lagos, April 1, 2020 (NAN) Andrew Oche, the Number One ranked golf player in Nigeria, on Wednesday advised upcoming players to improvise and continue to practise at home in order to hone their skills against the backdrop of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Oche, who gave the advice while speaking with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, added that just like every other thing that had been affected by the pandemic, golf was not exempted.
“Yes, one has to be consistent by practising at home by improvising  so that one would  not get rusty when this is over.
“Almost everything is being affected by the pandemic, of course. Sports are definitely hit hard with the Olympics and major sporting events around the world being called off, it speaks volume as how it affects us.
“Golf surely is not an exception. Hopefully, things can recover really quickly after the pandemic.
“But, be rest assured it will take time for things to normalize before getting even better,” he said. (NAN)
OAF/ORO/AFA
===========
Edited by Razak Owolabi/Felix Ajide
08029451595
  • Mar, Sat, 2020
General news

COVID-19: We need to look inward for cure, says Maharaj ji

 

Religion

By Aderonke Ojediran

COVID-19 We need to look inward for cure, says Maharaj ji
Cure

By Aderonke Ojediran

Lagos, March 28, 2020 (NAN) Satguru Maharaj ji on Saturday urged Nigerians to look inwards toward finding cure for the pandemic Coronavirus.

In a statement, “the perfect living master” attributed the ravaging pandemic to “consumption of animals that are not fit for human consumption and various lifestyles that does not glorify God brought about the plague.

“The seven elements of the world are angry, a lot of sins are committed daily with impunity.

“We need to look inward on how to tackle the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria because it is morally wrong for us to depend on countries the virus originated from for assistance.

“Again some people added millipede, cockroach, scorpion and all kinds of insects bats, frog and even human flesh to their menu list, its becoming scary.

“Advocacy for gay marriage, transgender man and animal canal relationship, prostitution and women roaming the street half naked, we need to turn.

“All that needs to be done is to encourage and empower Nigerians to get enough garlic, ginger and pepper, grind them together boil and filter for all to take a shot in the morning afternoon and night,” he said.

Guru Maharaji also said that “the inability  of Christianity and Islam to save the world from the grips of the ravaging Coronavirus had exposed how helpless they are,” he said.(NAN)

OAF/WOJ

Edited by Wale Ojetimi

====================

  • Mar, Thu, 2020
Sport

Siasia, Akanni lament as COVID-19 stalls CAS hearing 

Siasia, Akanni lament as COVID-19 stalls CAS hearing

By Aderonke Ojediran

Lagos, March 19, 2020 (NAN) A former Super Eagles Head Coach, Samson Siasia, is lamenting the postponement of his match-fixing allegation hearing, slated for Lausanne, Switzerland on March 19, due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.

The disease, which is currently ravaging Europe, the U.S., Asia and other parts of the world has forced the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to postpone Siasia’s invitation to the European country indefinitely.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday, Siasia described the postponement of his invitation as sad.

According to him, being well and healthy in these trying times is more important.

COVID-19, known also as coronavirus has struck the global community with Europe currently having the lion’s share of people killed so far by the virus.

It will be recalled that FIFA had handed a lifetime ban on Siasia, 52, in August, 2019 for alleged match-fixing.

Switzerland is currently on lockdown because of the disease and was listed among 13 countries whose citizens had been banned by the Federal Government from entering Nigeria.

“It is sad honestly but there is nothing anybody can do at this moment other than to pray that this virus disappears.

“Being alive is the most important thing, although being able to work is important but we have to stay alive first to make the money.”

Siasia, however, pleaded with CAS to grant him permission to continue coaching, pending when his case would be heard after the March 19 scheduled date for the hearing.

“I think it will be kind and fair of them if CAS will allow me to coach, pending when moving around will be safe again,’’ said Siasia.

In the same vein, Siasia’s associate, Waidi Akanni, who was also Siasia’s former team mate during their active days as footballers, urged CAS to allow Siasia to continue with his coaching career, pending a new date for the hearing.

“Nobody knows when the coronavirus will be eradicated, that’s like putting his life on hold. This is sad as it is but the only fair thing to do is to allow him coach until a new date is fixed.

“This is his life. Most likely the only thing he knows how to do. We can only appeal that he is given a soft-landing until the coronavirus thing blows away,’’ Akanni said.

Siasia was a 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner with the Super Eagles in Tunisia.

He also played in Nigeria’s maiden appearance at USA `94 World Cup, where he scored a goal against a Diego Maradona-led Albiceleste of Argentina.

The former striker played over 50 times for Nigeria, scoring 16 goals.

As a coach, he led Nigeria’s U-20 and U-23 sides to continental successes in 2005 and 2015, respectively.

He also guided the U-20s to a runner-up finish at the 2005 World Youth Championships (as it was then known) in the Netherlands.

Siasia is the most decorated African football coach at the Olympics, winning silver at the Beijing Games in 2008 and bronze at the 2016 Games in Rio. (NAN)

OAF/ERO/SN
===========
Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Silas Nwoha

 

 

  • Mar, Wed, 2020
General news

Lagos council embarks on massive road rehabilitation

Roads
By Aderonke Ojediran
Lagos, March 18, 2020 (NAN) Alhaji Monsurudeen Bello, Chairman, Ejigbo Local Government Development Council Area (LCDA), on Wednesday reiterated commitment towards rehabilitation of roads and other infrastructure in the area.
He said this during the inspection of the ongoing reconstruction of Kashimawo Alimi Road.
A statement issued by the LCDA’s Media Officer, Mr Kunle Oladele, quoted the chairman as saying: “My job is to protect the roads and ensure they last long. If our roads do not last, people will blame it on our administration.
“Therefore, we have to give people what would make them happy for a long time. The council has a standard and it should not be compromised”.
The statement said the ongoing road construction at Kashimawo Alimi already had a complementary well constructed and completed drainage that extended to Oyibodudu, Prince Babatunde Street and a section of Rainbow Avenue.
“Even while the construction is on, the road is already serving as an alternative route for those moving between Jakande Estate and NNPC bus stop.
“This is to reduce the pressure of traffic congestion being experienced at Jakande Gate.
“Hence, mechanics working at the Mechanic Village (a link road between Kashimawo Alimi and Jakande) have been instructed to make their area accessible for motorists, all through the day, pending the completion of the project.
“Whoever disrupts the peace and sanity or causes any breach of peace would be made to face the consequences,” it said.
It said the council chairman expressed his displeasure over construction of illegal structures along the road under construction.
The chairman ordered marketers and shop owners who had extended their wares beyond the drainage to remove them.
“This is to leave the drain open as it is designed to be. An open drain is easy to clear even before it is filled with refuse, hence, preventing flood on the roads.”(NAN)
OAF/KOO/RSA
============
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Rabiu Sani Ali
  • Mar, Mon, 2020
Sport

Again, EKSU student wins Universities’ Golf Tour tournament

Again, EKSU student wins Universities’ Golf Tour tournament

Golf
By Aderonke Ojediran
Lagos, March 16, 2020 (NAN) Paul Bamikole, 8th handicapper and defending champion of the Nigerian University Golf Tour, has retained his title at the prestigious Smokin Hills Golf Course in Ilara Mokin, Ondo State.

Spokesman for Smokin Hills Golf Course, Samuel Emehelu, said in a statement that Bamidele stood clear of the 90 players that had teed-off at the event with his 82, 10 over gross score at the weekend to reclaim the title he won in 2019 at the same venue.

“I am very delighted to have achieved this feat, the event was very competitive as there were a lot of great players here.

“I think the hard work I have put in paid off for me. I hope to repeat this in the future,”  said the Ekiti State University (EKSU) student golfer.

The event was jointly organised by Elizade University, Smokin Hills Golf Resort and Wole Adamolekun Foundation for all Nigerian Universities.

It was sponsored by Toyota Nigeria Limited, Work and Play, JAC Motors and Wema Bank.

According to the statement, Bamikole’s feat projected EKSU as producing the best player back-to-back at the event.

Olakunle Olalere of host Elizade University was one shot off Bamikole’s score to pick the runner-up in the male category.

Toyin Olusegun, 28-year-old handicapper from Federal University of Technology (FUTA), Akure, shot 106 gross to emerge best female player at the event.

Her score was one shot better than Tawa Ademola, who chalked 107 too at the event.

Vice Chancellor of Elizade University, Prof. Oladipo Amund, who performed the ceremonial tee-off, enjoined the competitors to see golf as an instrument of local and international integration and cooperation.

He commended the organisers for the job well done, saying the 5th edition is the beginning of greater things to happen in Nigerian universities.

Bayo Aderinto, Manager of the Smokin Hills Golf facility, added that the tournament was conceptualised five years ago to stimulate interest of the youths in the game and also as a relevant skill for integration at the workplace and marketplace after graduation.

According to him, “Golf is a social skill and we believe it gives the players some measures of advantage, that is why we are passionate in getting as many university as possible to catch on to it as a skill to hand to the youths.

“Again, at Smokin Hills, which is arguably the best golf facility in the country, this event is our social responsibility and one of our development agenda for the game,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that over 70 participants from 12 universities and two elementary and secondary schools participated at the annual National Universities Golf Tour.

They included; Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile -Ife (OAU), Federal University, Dutse, University of Ibadan (UI), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ekiti State University (EKSU), I- Tree International School Ilorin and Arandun Grammar School, Ilorin, among others.

Monday Adefila emerged winner in the Caddies category, while Ayo Adebumiti came second.

Among the members that played along in the event as guest players were Banji Otitoju, who shot 94 gross to top the category, while golfer Olukayode Daisi came second with 93 gross, leaving Lawani Biodun, who shot 100 gross shots to the third place.

Mrs Evelyn Balogun won the female category of the guest players, while Mr Akin Falodun went home with the Veteran prize. (NAN)
OAF/KOLE/WOJ
==========
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Wale Ojetimi
==========================

  • Mar, Fri, 2020
General news

Igando-Ikotun LCDA completes rehabilitation of revenue office

Rehabilitation
By Aderonke Ojediran
Lagos, March 13, 2020 (NAN) The Chairman, Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Morenike Williams, on Friday said the rehabilitation of the council’s revenue complex had been completed.

Williams made this known in a statement signed by the council’s Media Officer, Abayomi Oseni.

She said, “You do not have a business in politics, if you cannot keep to your words. I promised to do this and I have achieved it by God’s grace.’’

The chairman apologised for the delay and reiterated her commitment toward providing a conducive working environment for workers.

“I apologise that the building was abandoned for that long without providing a comfortable place for the workers. There are a lot to be done and we intend to always get our priorities right,” she said.

Describing Igando-Ikotun LCDA as the pride of other local councils in the state, Williams said that the rehabilitation of the revenue office was one of her campaign promises.

She said that the new complex would be commissioned in the next few days and all departments would be fully accommodated.

The council boss also promised to continue to improve the welfare of staff by supporting the health sector and paying their allowances,

She noted that her administration would continue with the ‘Back To School’ programme to encourage children to study in higher institutions. (NAN)
OAF/FF/AJA
===========
Edited by Fela Fashoro/Adeleye Ajayi

 

  • Mar, Wed, 2020
General news

Lagos State wins maiden Maltina School Games

 

Games
By Aderonke Ojediran
Lagos, March 11, 2020 (NAN) Lagos State on Wednesday emerged overall winner of the first edition of the Maltina School Games held at Yaba College of Technology, Akoka Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lagos State won with 21 gold medals, 12 silver and five bronze, while Federal Capital Territory, Abuja came second with four gold medals 13 silver and 10 bronze.
Kano State came third with three gold medals, four silver and eight bronze.
Victorious Team Lagos State went home
with a cash prize of five million naira, while outstanding athletes will be given scholarship worth N500,000.
Ibrahim Anifowose, a student of Keke Secondary School, Lagos, told NAN that winning the scholarship would help his parents to provide for his educational needs.
” I am so happy that I was selected as one of the most outstanding athletes, I have always love sports, but this has given me the encouragement that I need to remain focused.
“I will learn to manage my time effectively, so it doesn’t affect my studies, I will learn to balance the two,” he said.
President of Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Olabisi Joseph, in an interview with NAN, said that sponsors like Maltina had given the children an opportunity to discover their talents.
“I know these children’s lives is changed forever, this wouldn’t have been possible without our sponsor Maltina, some of these children will continue to pursue athletics as professionals.
“I believe that there is so much we can achieve, talents are everywhere and we just need to continue to harness their potential,” she said.
NAN reports that spectators body  temperature were checked at the entrance and hand sanitisers were given in order to prevent possible transmission of the Coronavirus.
Dr Ademola Are, Director of Grassroots Programme, Lagos State Ministry of Sports, said that the sports ministry was committed toward building a synergy between NSSF and the ministry.
” Discovering these talents is not enough and that’s why I am here today, watching these children has proven that we can not just leave them alone.
“Maltina have taken a good step in the right direction, but we need them to continually show commitment, the Athletic Federation of Nigeria must be involved.
“There is need for a synergy among all parties involved I believe by so doing we will achieve so much,” he said.
NAN reports that the track and field competition for secondary schools was jointly organised by Nigerian Breweries (NB) plc and NSSF.
Sade Morgan, NB Corporate Affairs Director, said the games was Maltina’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) focusing on raising a generation of future champions.
“Learning is not just in the classroom, learning outside the classroom is equally important.
“We couldn’t have done this alone without school sports federation, we can’t overemphasize the fact that we have lots of talents in this country, especially in tracks and fields.
” Today, we take this bold step to ensure that we give these children the opportunity and also to mentor them as we should to help them focus,” she said. (NAN)
OAF/WOJ
Edited by Wale Ojetimi
====================
  • Mar, Mon, 2020
General news

COVID-19: Ejigbo Council takes campaign to residents, schools

By Aderonke Ojediran

Sensitisation

Lagos, March 9, 2020 (NAN) The Ejigbo Local Government Council of Lagos State has started sensitising its residents in support of the state government’s strength to curtail further spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The council Chairman, Alhaji Monsurudeen Bello, disclosed this in a statement issued by the council’s Media Officer, Mr Kunle Oladele, in Lagos on Monday.

“With a special squad created by the Environmental Health Services Department, the Council has started the mass publicity since on Thursday, from the Jakande Estate Retail Market.

“The awareness focused on the causes, prevention and control of COVID-19, and Lassa fever. There was also a demonstration of the proper ways to keep their hands clean.

“The sensitisation also covered personal hygiene, food hygiene, environmental hygiene and modes of waste disposal.

“This is not a one-off sensitisation, as the Council has decided to make it a daily exercise, due to the prevalence of the COVID-19 virus.’’

He further said that other markets, schools, motor parks and communities within the council would be visited soon, to educate, enlighten and correct rumour and misinformation on the threat of the virus.

Bello said that the community leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, opinion leaders and sector leaders, market associations  CSOs and development partners have been encouraged to participate in the campaign to deepen the sensitisation.

“As a responsible and responsive government, we are conscious of our obligation to educate our people on the symptoms of Coronavirus.

“What to do when detected, how to live a healthy and hygienic life to prevent contact with the virus, and to allay the fear of the people by providing accurate and timely information.’’

He said that would help the people to stop panicking.

“We would ensure that Ejigbo people are prepared to beat the virus and minimise its impact on our economy; together, we can fight the scourge and the containment begins with us.

“In spite of our preparation and readiness to combat and curtail the spread of Coronavirus, the best option still remains which is its prevention.

“The people of Ejigbo and its environs are therefore advised to follow the standard recommendations to prevent the spread of the virus,” Bello said.

He also urged residents to take precautions by washing their hands regularly, covering of mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and then cleaning the environments and surfaces regularly with disinfectants.

Besides, he cautioned people to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness.

Similarly, in order to prevent any case of Lassa fever, he told the people to store waste properly in containers that won’t be accessible to rats and to wear hand gloves while disposing wastes. (NAN)

OAF/OYE/MST

Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Muhammad Suleiman Tola