Tag: Niger

Exciting Resumption of NPFL on May 25 post-break
Sports

Exciting Resumption of NPFL on May 25 post-break

Following a well-deserved one-month hiatus, action is set to return in the Nigeria Premier Football League on Saturday, May 25. The NPFL had previously declared the break to accommodate Rivers United's pending fixtures. This Sunday, the Port Harcourt club is poised to clash against Niger Tornadoes in their final outstanding match. The upcoming weekend will witness Matchday 33 games unfold on both Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26. The 2023-24 season, as per NPFL's schedule, will draw to a close on Sunday, June 23. Leading the standings presently are the formidable Rangers with an impressive tally of 57 points amassed from 32 games.
News

Second Reading of PIA: Bill Advocating for Establishment of Petroleum Training Institute in Ibeno

At the House of Representatives, a bill advocating for the establishment of a Petroleum Training Institute in Ibeno, the host community of International Oil Companies in Akwa Ibom State, has successfully undergone its second reading. On Friday, in a statement released by the media unit of the member representing Eket/ONNA/Esit Eket/Ibeno Federal Constituency, Hon. Okpolupm Etteh, it was revealed that the bill, once passed, will repurpose the abandoned ultramodern skill acquisition center that was constructed and equipped by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. The bill, officially titled as “A Bill for an Act to Establish Petroleum Training Institute Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State to provide full-time courses of Instruction, Training and Research in petroleum technology and Produce Technician...
Minister Withdraws Lawsuit Against Niger Speaker Over Marriage of 100 Orphan Girls
News

Minister Withdraws Lawsuit Against Niger Speaker Over Marriage of 100 Orphan Girls

The decision has been made by the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy -Ohanenye, to withdraw the lawsuit she previously filed against the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, in response to his intention to facilitate the marriage of 100 orphans from his constituency. Addressing the media, the minister stated that the Ministry, in conjunction with the Speaker of the Niger State Assembly and traditional leaders from the region, is currently conducting an investigation into the girls' ages to ensure compliance with the legal marriage age. Focusing on empowering girls and those impacted by insecurity in the state is now the priority of the Ministry of Women Affairs. Last week, the announcement by the speaker, Sarkindaji, about the plan to solemnize the m...
Golden Eaglets’ Coach Points Finger at Inadequate Preparation for Draw Against Burkina Faso in WAFU Cup
Sports

Golden Eaglets’ Coach Points Finger at Inadequate Preparation for Draw Against Burkina Faso in WAFU Cup

The head coach of the Golden Eaglets, Manu Garba, expressed disappointment over the team's lack of proper preparation for the WAFU B U-17 Championship. Garba's squad played to a goalless draw against Burkina Faso in their first match of the competition held at the University Stadium on Thursday evening. Despite their dominance, the Eaglets were unable to break through Burkina Faso's sturdy defense. Garba attributed his team's subpar performance to their insufficient preparation for the tournament. After the game, he commented, "The encounter with Burkina Faso marked our team's first international match." He added, "Burkina Faso outshone us in terms of readiness. They embarked on a tour for matches, similar to Ghana." Looking ahead, Garba expressed optimism that the team would improve a...
Niger Youth Organizations and Civil Society Caution Women Affairs Minister on Marriage of 100 Girls
News

Niger Youth Organizations and Civil Society Caution Women Affairs Minister on Marriage of 100 Girls

In Niger State, the Coalition of Youth and Civil Society Organizations has advised Mrs. Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs, to exercise decorum and caution when dealing with matters that impact the faith and societal values of the people in the country. This advice follows a recent ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja which granted an injunction to halt the planned mass wedding of over 100 girls, sponsored by the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, in Mariga Local Government Area of the state. During a gathering in Minna, the Convener of the group, Gambo Abubakar Mohammed, expressed his belief that the Minister's efforts to stop the marriages would not succeed. He criticized Ohanenye for getting involved in a contentious issue ...
Forum urges oil companies to prioritize host communities’ issues before divesting
News

Forum urges oil companies to prioritize host communities’ issues before divesting

The Niger Delta Activists Forum is urging multinational oil firms considering divestment to prioritize addressing the grievances of their host communities before making any moves. In a recent statement, the forum highlighted key concerns such as spillages, unresolved Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoUs), right of ways, legacy projects, and community local content issues under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) that have been neglected by these oil companies. Emphasizing the importance of taking into account the interests of host communities during divestment, the forum expressed frustration with the multinational corporations for their unresponsiveness and reluctance to address these concerns. There are concerns that the current operators may not transfer their outstanding liabilit...
Outstanding Performance by Captain Cletus Earns Him Man of the Match in Golden Eaglets’ Stalemate with Burkina Faso
Sports

Outstanding Performance by Captain Cletus Earns Him Man of the Match in Golden Eaglets’ Stalemate with Burkina Faso

In an intense encounter against Burkina Faso, Simon Cletus stood out and was rightfully awarded the Man of the Match title as Golden Eaglets settled for a 0-0 draw. Displaying exceptional skills in the midfield, Cletus caught the eye with his impressive performance. It was in the 65th minute when the Mavlon FC midfielder came closest to securing a victory with a near-goal for Nigeria. Despite their dominance over the Burkinabes, the Golden Eaglets struggled to create clear goal-scoring opportunities. Looking ahead, Manu Garba's team will now focus on their upcoming match against Niger Republic on Sunday. This crucial showdown will take place at the University Stadium in Accra.
Presidential Amnesty Programme Chief Encourages Niger Delta Youths to Reject Violence on Isaac Boro Day
News

Presidential Amnesty Programme Chief Encourages Niger Delta Youths to Reject Violence on Isaac Boro Day

As the Niger Delta region observes the annual Isaac Boro Day, Chief Dennis Otuaro, the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, has called on the youth in the area to avoid resorting to violence. Every year on May 16, Boro Day is commemorated in memory of Major Isaac Adaka Boro, a prominent Ijaw freedom fighter who lost his life in Okrika, Rivers State, while fighting for the Nigerian government during the Civil War. Major Isaac Boro, revered as a hero among the Ijaw people, is renowned for his endeavors to liberate the Ijaw community. He initiated the declaration of the Niger Delta Republic and later fought for better terms for his people from international oil companies. In a statement released in honor of this year's Boro Day, Otuaro's Special Assistant on Media, M...
Group B Opener: Golden Eaglets and Burkina Faso Share Points in WAFU Cup
Sports

Group B Opener: Golden Eaglets and Burkina Faso Share Points in WAFU Cup

In the ongoing WAFU Cup at the University Stadium in Accra, Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets and Burkina Faso played out a 0-0 draw in their Group B match. Despite their dominance in the game, the Golden Eaglets' struggles in making effective decisions in the attacking third hindered their chances. On the other hand, Burkina Faso was unable to create any significant goal-scoring opportunities throughout the match. Manu Garba’s team is set to face Niger Republic in their upcoming match on Sunday while they will conclude their group stage campaign against Benin Republic three days later. The top two teams in the group will secure a spot in the semi-finals.
Threat to Shutdown Dams Over Increase in Electricity Tariff
News

Threat to Shutdown Dams Over Increase in Electricity Tariff

The organized labour group in Niger State has issued a stern warning to potentially shut down the hydropower dams within the state in response to the significant rise in electricity tariffs. Expressing their discontent, the group made their stance clear during a protest staged at the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) office, aligning with directives from the national chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Idrees Lafene, the Chairman of the NLC in the state, emphasized the community's entitlement to uninterrupted power supply at a more affordable rate while addressing the demonstrators. “The ownership of this dam lies with the people, which is why both NLC and TUC emphasize that this serves as an initial cautionary step for the authorities to take necessary actions; ...