Ibrahim Sa'id's Hat-Trick Qualify Nigeria For Round Of 16 In Brazil

Nigeria became the first team to reach the Round of 16 of the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup finals in Brazil on Tuesday night on the back of a superlative hat –trick by forward Ibrahim Sa’id. Two goals in five second half minutes turned the table against a well –organized and cohesive Ecuador in Goiania.

Sa’id put Nigeria in front after only five minutes as goalkeeper Lopez made a hash of an attempted pass to his defender. An alert Sa’id intercepted and slotted past Lopez from outside the box.

The lively and tactically –disciplined South Americans were level five minutes later, as Mejia turned Ferdinand Ikenna from just outside the box and pulled the trigger. The ball grazed the upright and then went into the net off the back of goalkeeper Daniel Jinadu.

The Eaglets had endeavour, enthusiasm and pace, but were easily checkmated by the strong and highly coordinated Ecuadorians. Two minutes to the end of the first period, substitute Akinkunmi Amoo found Sa’id in the box, but the latter could not get the decisive touch needed to pull Nigeria level before the break.

Nine minutes into the second half, Ecuador were awarded a penalty by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) as Charles Etim had a slight contact with an advancing Ecuadorian attacker in a melee. Johan Mina sent Jinadu the wrong way to put the South Americans in the lead.

The Eaglets, five –time world champions, pushed, searched and frisked with determination, just as they did against Hungary in their first match before scoring three goals in six minutes in the second half to beat the Europeans 4-2 and bag the three points at stake.

Short and stray passes in the opposition’s critical zone, anxiety and wayward shooting did not help the Eaglets’ search for goals as time wore on.

However, substitutes Ibraheem Jabaar and Amoo had come close and captain Samson Tijani had fired over the bar before Sa’id drew Nigerian level in the 84thminute with a sweet, angled drive after receiving a pass from Jabaar.

Five minutes later, it was Sa’id again, blasting past Lopez from inside the box from a determined team move. Lopez got his hand to the ball but it was too hot to halt its flight into the net.

Jabaar went to the ground when he should have scored and Olakunle Olusegun shot narrowly wide in added time, but the Eaglets picked their three points for a maximum six in two matches and will await their opponents in the Round of 16, even as they travel to Brasilia for their last Group B game against Australia on Friday night

NFF Writes CAF, Demands Rescheduling of Match In Uyo

Nigeria Football Federation has written CAF demanding that the AFCON 2021 qualifier between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Squirrels of Benin Republic scheduled for November 13 in Uyo be played on Thursday November 14

The NFF is also requesting that CAF also approve 5pm kickoff instead of the 8 pm earlier fixed for the match, insisting that request for time change was over security concerns.

The federation in the letter to CAF is asking for the game to be played a day later than the original schedule to enable Super Eagles players who are mostly based in Europe enough traveling time after their weekend games.

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has earlier decried the match schedule and kickoff

NDDC Gets Three Man Interim Management Committee

The Federal Government has inaugurated a three-man Interim Management Committee to oversee the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The Interim Management Committee would be in place to create the enabling environment for the upcoming forensic audit. 

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio while performing the inauguration said President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the appointment of Dr. Gbene Joi Nunieh as the new Acting Managing Director, while Dr. Cairo Ojougboh is the Acting Executive Director, Projects and Chief Ibanga Bassey Etang is the Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration. S

enator Akpabio inaugurated the committee in Abuja on Tuesday, October 29, 2019. According to Senator Akpabio, the Committee would be in place to create the necessary ambience for a hitch free forensic exercise, adding that the Inauguration of the Board Members would be put on hold until the forensic exercise is completed.

 The Minister said that the forensic audit as ordered by President Buhari would cover 18 years of NDDCs operations between 2001- 2019. According to Akpabio, there would be ten (10) slots of auditing firms, and each State would be assigned one slot while the NDDC Headquarters slot would be the coordinating slot.

 The Minister urged the Interim Committee to discharge their duties effectively and efficiently without fear or favour noting that the people of the Niger Delta region and indeed the whole country reposed confidence in them in overseeing the affairs of the Commission as an interventionist agency to work towards alleviating the plight of the people of the Niger Delta region. A

ccording to Senator Akpabio, the Acting Managing Director Dr. Mrs Enyia Akwagaga had been directed to hand over to the new Interim Committee on Wednesday 30th October, 2019 by 10.am In her remarks, the Interim Managing Director Dr. Joi Gbene Nunieh expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for the opportunity given to them to serve and assured that the team would not disappoint the President, people of the Niger Delta region and indeed the whole country in carrying out their mandate.

Akwa United Unveil 2 Coaches, 15 Players For 20219/2020 Season

Two-time Federation cup champions Akwa United football club have officially unveiled her new head coach John Obuh and his assistant Duke Udi to tinker the club for the up coming 2019/2020 NPFL season scheduled to kick-off on November 3.

 At a colourful unveiling ceremony at the Godswill Akpabio international stadium in Uyo, the Promise keepers also presented 15 newly signed players to the media community, Fans and Supporters of the club.

 The vastly experienced John Obuh featured for many top clubs including Abiola Babes, Udoji United, Julius Berger, Sharks FC, Enugu Rangers and Enyimba as a player.

The Abia State born coach started his coaching career in 1994/1995 season as a coach-player with Enyimba of Aba. He has also worked with the National Under-17 team- the Golden Eaglets and the National Under-20 team- the Flying Eagles between 2008-2013. Obuh has CAF B coaching license, English FA International coaching license, and German Football A license.

His last assignment in the NPFL was with Kwara United in 2018 after helping the team gained promotion from the NNL. The tactician who has signed a 1 year contract with Akwa United has set a target of winning the NPFL title with the Uyo based side.

Also joining Akwa United's technical crew for the new season is former Super Eagles, Grasshopper of Switzerland and Akwa United defender Duke Udi as the Deputy Head Coach. Udi has previously worked as a coach with Giwa FC, Enugu Rangers, Sunshine stars amongst others. He has agreed a one year deal with the Promise Keepers. In the playing department of Akwa United, the club has acquired 15 new experienced players for the up coming season comprising three goalkeepers, four defenders, four midfielders and four forwards players.

In a chat with Newsmen shortly after his unveiling, Coach John Obuh promised Fans and Stakeholders of the club NPFL title, While calling on the state darling team Supporters to increase their supports by always coming to cheer the team to victory during matches.

 The New Players include; Goalkeepers: Itodo Akor - from (El-Kanemi) Bassey Akpan - from (Sunshine Stars) Adewale Adeyinka - from (Gombe Utd) Defenders: Ekemini Ukoebe - from (Lori FC) Sampson Gbadebo - from (Rivers Utd) Ali Chiwendu - from (Yobe Stars) David Philip - from (Go Round) Midfielders: Samuel Mathias - from (Lobi Stars) Dare Ojo - from (Lobi Stars) Morice Chukwu - from (Go Round) Ifeanyi Ifeanyi - from (ES Setif) Forwards: Christian Ekong - from (Delta Force) Michael Ohanu - from (MFM) Ubong Friday - from (Lori FC) Akarandut Orok

 The Promise Keepers have registered a total of 35 players for the 2019/2020 football league season.

18 Teams To Battle For 1Million Naira Trophy Prize As Uyo Champions League Kick's Off

The draws for the UYO Champions League supported by bet9ja master agents in the area has been conducted with 18 teams drawn from the nine local government areas of the senatorial districts set to compete for the N1 million trophy prize.

According to the secretary of the state FA, Joseph Eberefe, who
conducted the draws the competition was sanctioned by the FA because of its innovative idea of providing opportunities for grassroots players to be exposed.

“Most tournaments played now focused on School players and clubs, those involved in community competition hardly have opportunities of playing at the big stage, this is why we are happy that Firstline Sports Management is coming up with this competition and in reality invited local teams at the grassroots to be a part of it".

He said the FA Chairman was really excited to know that the organizers could be so concerned about talents, who are rotting away at that
level because they don’t have a platform to exhibit their talents.

A spokesman for the masters agent, Mr Utibe Emmanuel confirmed that they were committed to ensuring that the competition run smoothly and players discovered are encouraged to further their career by providing the desired assistance.

He thanked the State FA and the organizers Firstline Sports for the excellence conduct of the draws and bringing top sports personalities across the state to witness the event.

In an interview Mr. Sammy Etuk, the operations director of Firstline Sports described the tournament as a premier scouting championship where the players will have a platform to showcase their skills to potential employers and sponsors.

“These players may be the nest Lionel Messi but in our clime there are no facilities and sponsors to prop them up and exposed them to the world, this is the essence of this championship league".

Some of those who graced the occasion included former Flying Eagles coach, John Obuh, Patrick Udoh, a former Eagles goalkeeper, Charles Bassey, MON, Comrade Felix Udoh, a foremost labour leader and member of the state FA board.

AKS Born Journalist Emerges Best Investigative Reporter In West Africa

An Akwa Ibom born journalist Mr. Cletus Ukpong, working PREMIUM TIMES’ on Saturday emerged the best investigative reporter in West Africa.

At the 2019 West Africa Media Excellence Awards (WAMECA) held in Accra, Ghana, Mr Ukpong was adjudged to have produced the best investigative story among all the entries received in that category.

The winning entry was a six-part report that examined how corruption, poor budget planning and implementation, and outright neglect led to the near collapse of public education in Akwa Ibom state.

Mr Ukpong is PREMIUM TIMES’ regional editor for South-south Nigeria. After he published the series, he came under sustained attacks from the Akwa Ibom government and its supporters who accused him of ridiculing the administration.

At a point, this newspaper had to rush him out of his location after receiving intelligence that he might be physically attacked. He returned several weeks later after tempers had calmed.

The Akwa Ibom government later came to terms with the revelations made in the series. It began rehabilitation work in some of the worst-affected schools. This year, it held an education summit to design long-term measures to address the problem.

Back to the WAMECA event in Accra. Earlier, the award organizers, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), had announced a shortlist of 21 finalists from six African countries.

At the WAMECA award ceremony on Saturday night, a former reporter with PREMIUM TIMES, Tobore Ovuorie, was named winner of the human rights reporting category of the award. The report that brought her honour was published in the Nation newspaper.

Other Nigerians who shined on the night include ‘Kunle Adebajo of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) who won the telecommunications category; Tunde Ajaja of Punch Newspaper, winner of the best Business and SMEs reporting.

Also, Destiny Onyemihia scooped the Continental Journalism Awards on AU Charter, with ACDEG’s Wagdy Sawahel finishing first runner up.

In other categories, Ghana’s Nabil Ahmed Rufai of GHOneTV was awarded the best SDG reporter; Seriba Kone of Lepointsur also finished best on anti-corruption coverage; Sama Tounwendsida Hugues Richard of L’Observeteur Paalga was best in health reporting.

Ultimately, Sama Tounwendsida was pronounced as West Africa’s Journalist of the Year for his reporting on mental illness in Burkina Faso.

All 21 WAMECA finalists got Certificates of Merit while ultimate winners received plaques, certificates and cash prizes.

“All 21 finalists will also be inducted as fellows of the MFWA’s Journalism for Change Network and will be offered regular training opportunities both locally and internationally to enhance their capacity to influence positive change in society through journalism,” organizers said.

PREMIUM TIMES publisher, Dapo Olorunyomi, attended the WAMECA awards ceremony and the conference that held before it.

AKHA Confirms Appointment of Persons Into Three Commissions

Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has confirmed and ratified the appointments of Persons into Boards and Commissions in the State.

The House made the confirmations during her plenary session of Thursday, October 17th, 2019 following the message sent to House by Governor Udom Emmanuel, through the Speaker, seeking the ratification and confirmation of his nominees into Boards and Commissions in the State.

The new appointees are as follows:

LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICE COMMISSION:
Hon. Monday Eyo as Chairman,
Hon. (Elder) Aniekan S. Akpan,
Otuekong Emmanuel Udo Ibiok, Mrs. Idara Ephraim Akpan, Engr. John Asikpo and Mr. Samuel Ekpenyong Thomas, as Members.

LAW REFORMS COMMISSION
Barr. Imowo Okpokpo, Member

AKWA IBOM STATE  INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION (AKISIEC)
Ufot Sunday Akpan, Member
Ekpuk Eshiet, Member.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey has directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Mandu Umoren to communicate the position of tje House to the Governor and other relevant quarters.

Barr. Onofiok Luke Advocates Increase In Capital Expenditure In 2020 Appropriation Bill

Honourable Onofiok Luke has called for an increase in the capital expenditure in the 2020 budget estimate presented by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Mr Muhammadu Buhari. He stated this while contributing to the debate on general principles of the 2020 Appropriations Bill on the floor of the House during Wednesday plenary. The budget has proposed N2.14 trillion as capital expenditure while N2.45trillion for debt servicing.

The Member representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency Hon. Luke said it was not good to have  the amount budgeted for debt servicing to be higher than capital expenditure. He said that measures should be taken to ensure an increase in budgetary  allocation for capital expenditure as that will benefit Nigerians more.

Also Hon. Luke commended the President for timemously presenting the budget.  The budget captured "Budget of sustainable growth and job creation" he  said should be targeted at meeting the yearnings  of Nigerians. He drew the attention of the House to the fact that 2020 is the year Nigerians were promised economic wellbeing.  A year he described as "the magic year we use to hear about.

The Akwa Ibom Lawmaker said the provision of social investment programme in the budget must be for  the poor and vulnerable not the privileged. He also commended the President  for making adequate provision for infrastructural development. There is infrastructural deficit in roads, ports and other areas and this budget seeks to address that he added.

"My people have asked me to support this budget because of the benefit it will bring to them" He further stated that he believes that Federal institutions in Akwa Ibom state will equally be beneficiaries of this budget and more importantly the proposed Ibom Deep Sea Port which he believes the President will give the necessary approvals to realise a sea port in Akwa Ibom State.

He appreciated the budget for the increase in non debt recurrent expenditure which will cater for the increase in workers wages , remuneration and welfare for the Police and men of the Armed Forces.

Aniekan Udofia
Media Aide to Member representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency

NLC Demands Reinstatement Of 723 Workers Sacked By Akwa Ibom Government

By Uwakmfon Dan

The Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has demanded that 723 Workers of the Local Government Service Commission, sacked by the State Government, be reinstated.

The union said the action of the state government was totally condemnable and unacceptable.

The Chairman of NLC in the state, Comrade Sunny James, who led a rally to the premises of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, on Monday, to mark this year's World Decent Work Day, said of the 723 workers, 93 had their salaries terminated, without any notice.

"There are 723 workers in the Local Government Service Commission who were relieved of their duties in the salaries of July 2019. What we are saying is that massive retrenchment of workers and stoppage of salaries of workers who were already members of the Union, without notice of the Union is totally condemnable and unacceptable.

"93 of them employed by the Local Government Service Commission. They have been receiving salaries since 2016, but we are surprised that their salaries have been stopped without any notice. We have written a letter to His Excellency, that the actions be reconsidered, that those persons be returned to work", he said.

The NLC Chairman also wondered how the recent recruitment by the Local Government Service Commission, which according to him, saw Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) being issued by the state Accountant General, be described as illegal by government.

"We have been told that the process was illegal. That is what we don't understand, because the Accountant General of the state was the one who give out Pins and BVN. Without any notice, how can that recruitment exercise suddenly become illegal?", he queried.

Other complaints listed by the Labour Leader included illegal sack of workers at Jubilee Syringe Factory, non payment of gratuities and pensions to retired primary school teachers and local government workers.

He also urged the state government to implement the 30% minimum wage earlier endorsed by the Federal Government, as other states have done same and the Assembly Service Commission, to pay the 35% legislative allowance, to staff of the Assembly.

Responding, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, vowed that the House will look into the issues raised by the NLC, but however advised the union to officially forward a petition to the House, so their grievances can be addressed critically.

It would be recalled that the State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, had in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, recently, suspended the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Sir Valentine Attah over an alleged involvement in an authorised recruitment of persons into the Unified Local Government Service.

The state government also terminated the appointments of those who benefited from the said recruitment exercise.

A'Ibom Proposed To Spend 597.800 Billion Naira In 2020 Fiscal Year

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has proposed a budget estimate of N597. 800 billion for the 2020 fiscal year.

The budget estimate earmarked N111. 225 billion for recurrent expenditure, N369. 642 billion for capital expenditure and N116.933billion for consolidated revenue fund charges.

Presenting the budget to the State House of Assembly, Emmanuel said the 2020 budget is predicated on an oil benchmark of $55 per barrel at a production rate of N2.18 million barrels per day with an exchange rate of N305 per US$ in line with the national budget benchmark projections.

According to the governor, the 2020 budget was christened Budget of Industrialisation for Poverty Alleviation Phase II, adding that the state has witnessed a breakthrough in industrialisation with the construction and commissioning of some firms to generate employment.

“The policy thrust of the 2020 budget, the first in the second term of this administration will be to continue to gradually metamorphosed Akwa Ibom State from a civil service state to a largely private sector driven state, depending less on statutory allocation as the main source of revenue to the state'''.

Cameroonian Stars' Son Joins Under 17 Indomitable Lions

Weeks ago, there was controversy surrounding the fact that Samuel Eto'o's first son; Etienne Eto'o was called upon by FECAFOOT to join the Under 17 Indomitable Lions to play at the Under 17 World Cup in Brazil, this October.

Etienne Eto'o, who plays in Real Mallorca Spain, evidently answered the call and is proud to serve Cameroon. As he posted this picture from the training camp in Brazil today with a caption that says that he is focused on his team!

For the competition, Cameroon is housed in Pool E alongside Argentina, Spain and Tajikistan. The competition begins October 26th, the Lions play their first match on October 28 against Tajikistan. 

AKHA Speaker Rename Chapel, Says 7th Assembly Remains Peaceful, People's Oriented

The Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, on Monday, said the Seventh Assembly, under his leadership, will remain peaceful and also make laws that will foster the progress and development of the state.

The Speaker stated this at a Special Thanksgiving Service, to mark the Lawmaker's one hundred days in office, held at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Chapel, Uyo.

Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, while thanking God for His grace and sustenance, reiterated the current Assembly's commitment to bettering the welfare of members and staff of the Assembly and solicited for more prayers and support, to enable the Lawmakers deliver on their mandates.

The Speaker further renamed the Assembly Worship Centre from Chapel of Repentance, to Chapel of Peace and described the Seventh Assembly as that of peace, rest and perfection.

On her part, Clerk of the House, Mrs Mandu Umoren, thanked God for preserving the lives of Members and Staff of the Assembly and the Speaker, for hitting the ground running since he assumed office.

She also thanked the Speaker for the recent rehabilitation works at the Assembly Complex and sued for more commitment from staff of the Assembly.

In his homily, the Guest Minister at the event, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Ekong, who preached from Mark 10: 30, urged the Lawmakers to remain united and visionary, while discharging their duties.

The Cleric while praying God to grant the Lawmakers the grace to succeed, advised them to seek God's guidance and wisdom in the task of representing the people.

The event which featured choral renditions, special prayers for the success of the 7th Assembly and the 40th Birthday Celebration of the Speaker's Aide on Religious Matters, Mr David Gospel, was attended by Lawmakers from various State Constituencies, Members of the Legislators Wives Association (LEWA), including management and staff of the state Assembly.

Why Mercy Emerged Winner of Big Brother Naija 2019

After Ninety nine (99) days of intense drama, Mercy Ekeh, Sunday night, emerged winner of the 2019 edition of the Big Brother Naija reality show.

The Twenty six (26) year old is going home with N60million worth of prizes, including a brand new Innoson SUV worth N25million, plus an all-expenses-paid trip for two to an exotic destination, among others.

The winner of this year's show is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, video vixen and a television personality. Mercy is currently based in Lagos State in the south western part of Nigeria and loves cooking, swimming, traveling and dancing. She refers to herself as Lamborghini and Highlight Queen.

However, Mike was the first runner-up while Frodd emerged second runner-up. The other two finalists were Omashola and Seyi.

This fourth edition tagged: ‘Pepper Dem’ started with 21 housemates. These housemates included Omashola, Avala, Khafi, Ike, Frodd, Ella, Nelson, Isilomo, Kimophra, Esther, Sir DEE, Tuoyo, Thelma, Sheyi, Diane, Jeff, Mike, Mercy, Tacha, Gedoni, and Jackye. 6 other housemates – Venita, Elozonam, Enkay, Joe and Cindy, joined the show later.

A'Ibom Speaker Calls For Total Judicial Independence

The Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, on Friday, made a case for complete independence of the judiciary in Akwa Ibom State, to ensure that the administration of justice is carried out in full compliance with international best practices.

Bassey who spoke shortly, after a Special Thanksgiving Service to mark the opening of the 2019/2020 Legal Year of the Akwa Ibom State Judiciary, at Full Life Christian Centre, Uyo, urged the legal practitioners to play a major role in ensuring that victims of human rights abuses obtain effective remedies.

The Speaker, flanked by his Wife and President of Legislators Wives Association (LEWA), Mrs Itohowo Bassey, called on the judicial officers to bring perpetrators of human rights abuses to justice and also ensure that persons suspected of criminal offences receive a fair trial according to international standards.

In his address, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, represented by his Deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo, lauded the State Judiciary for starting the legal year on a sound note and expressed optimism that they will continue to leave up to expectations and remain the last hope of a common man.

While urging the judiciary to help in deepening democracy in the state, the state Chief Executive said those found innocent should be released to decongest the various prisons and further pledged the support of the Executive to the judiciary in Akwa Ibom State.

On his part, Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Godwin Abraham, said they were at the Church to thank God for His perseverance and mercies in the last Legal Year and to also seek His protection and wisdom for the 2019/2020 Legal Year.

He thanked the church for their prayers and members of the state judiciary for their dedication to duty.

Earlier in his homily tagged "A Prayer worth Praying", drawn from Psalms 60: 1-7, the Senior Pastor of Full Life Christian Centre, Rev. Ntia Ntia, urged the Judiciary to cultivate the fear of God, in the discharge of their duties.

He described the judiciary as representatives of God's spiritual justice in the affairs of men and urged those in the legal profession to play their role with dignity and reference to God.

The event which featured special prayers for the State Judiciary, was graced by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Barr. Uwemedimo Nwoko, Judges, Magistrates and Heads of Directorates of the State Judiciary, officers of the Multi-door Courthouse and legal practitioners across the state.