₦airaland Forum

Princek12:
dispatch EFCC to arrest Lulu and his cronies, and press charges against them.

That's also government intervention.

Princek12:
Nigeria can arrest & prosecute those who embezzle funds. What is wrong with that? Why ban the team because of Lulu and his cronies?

How? abeg explain.

How can you arrest and prosecute an active nff worker when they always use fifa as a shield?

Adamu in diplomatic mission to rescue Nigeria

Nigeria's FIFA Executive Committee member Amos Adamu flew to Nigeria on Friday morning on a desperate mission to iron out a solution to the crisis engulfing Nigerian football and avoid a pending FIFA ban.

Adamu will meet with top government officials to thrash out a solution and is scheduled to return to South Africa on Saturday morning, and meet with the FIFA hierarchy later in the day.

On Wednesday, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan ordered the withdrawal of the country's national football team from international football for two years.

A day later, the government announced an 11-man committee to take charge of the country's football affairs.

Miffed, world football governing body FIFA, which takes a dim view of government interference in the running of football, gave Nigeria a 48 hour ultimatum to reverse the decision or face expulsion from the worldwide football family.


Adamu's diplomatic shuttle is expected to help pave the way for an amicable resolution of the crisis, without having the FIFA hammer fall on the country.

http://kickoffnigeria.com/news/16551/adamu-in-diplomatic-mission-to-rescue-nigeria.php

SSS arrest Uchegbulam

NFF first vice President Amanze Uchegbulam was arrested by officials of the State Security Service (SSS) as he tried to fly out to Johannesburg with a letter reporting the Nigerian government to FIFA.

After the announcement of Nigeria's withdrawal from international football by the country's president, the NFF Executive Committee met and resolved to report the government to FIFA.

A strongly-worded letter of complaint was written and Uchegbulam was mandated to fly to South Africa to hand the document over to FIFA.


Amanze was on his way to South Africa with the letter when he was arrested by SSS operatives. Both his international passport and the letter were confiscated.

http://kickoffnigeria.com/news/16552/sss-arrest-uchegbulam.php

soloqy:
abeg honeric, you dey work for the Public Relations Department of Edo State Government?  

Why did you say that?

NPL reschedule outstanding fixtures

All outstanding fixtures in the Nigeria Premier League are to be played on Saturday July 3, with the final round of league games scheduled to be played simultaneously on Wednesday July 7.

There are four outstanding games, mostly arising from abandoned games, including one involving title chasers Kano Pillars away to Lobi Stars. Rather than award points as was the case in previous years, the NFF Disciplinary Committee have directed the clubs to replay the games.

However, in the event that any of the rescheduled games are abandoned, the NPL shall award the points against the offending teams.

Rescheduled Fixtures

i. Wikki Tourists FC vs. Bayelsa United FC - 3rd July, 2010

ii. Lobi Stars FC vs. Kano Pillars FC - 3rd July, 2010

iii. Rangers Int’l FC vs. Heartland FC - 3rd July, 2010

iv. Niger Tornadoes FC vs. Kwara United - 3rd July, 2010

Kickoffnigeria.com

Sports Minister Isa Bio says Nigeria are prepared to work with FIFA to ensure that no regulations are violated as the country seeks to clean up its football.

But he also made it clear that the government will put the interests of the Nigerian citizenry first.

"Nigeria will do everything possible to take the interest and sovereignty of Nigeria first and foremost and if that is in conformity with FIFA rules, so be it but if it is not in conformity with FIFA rules I think the sovereignty of Nigeria and interests of the people is most paramount," Bio said on Thursday in Abuja.

On Wednesday, President Goodluck Jonathan stunned the football world when he authorised the withdrawal of the country's football team from international competition for two years in the wake of a poor World Cup performance.

A day later, the government set up an 11-man Caretaker Committee to replace the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation.

"What we want to do is to get people who by their experience will restructure and reorganise our football and start right from the grassroots, invigorate the clubs and encourage more football academy where we can get young men to replace the present ones," Bio said. "That takes time and experience.

"Government is trying to liaise with FIFA in order to get these things done without necessarily violating FIFA rules."

Bio described the rot in the country's football as a cancer which required surgery.
"You cannot have cancer and continue to live with it because you don’t want to spill blood; we are ready to spill blood to remove the cancer. And so be it."

Nigeria went to the World Cup without a single player from the country's domestic league, and Bio insists the government wanted to redress that.

"Nigeria is so passionate about sports and we are relying on players from foreign clubs. We should have players that are home-based.


"We are trying to have a deliberate policy whereby we can encourage our local league to be very attractive so that we do not have to rely on foreign-based players all the time and when they are not available we continue to wait until their football seasons are over," he said.

http://kickoffnigeria.com/news/16527/nigeria-ready-to-work-with-fifa.php

the final score is wrong.

CORRECT IT.

Nothing is changing our stands, those who do not like it should move to another country, or betterstill you can start supporting another country for that 2 years.

THE GOVERNMENT FUNDS THE NFF AND THE FOOTBALL HOUSE, YET SHE'S NOT ALLOWED TO DETERMINE WHO AND WHAT SHOULD GO ON WITH THE MONEY, now, does that make sense to anyone against the pronouncement of the president?

EDSG BEGINS DUALISATION OF AIRPORT ROAD

In a bid to restore the state Master Plan, Edo State Government yesterday commenced the expansion of Airport Road to ease vehicular movement in the state metropolis.

The 1st Vice Chairman in charge of operation, Taskforce on The Demolition of Illegal Structures, Street Trading and The Removal of Road Obstruction, Major Lawrence Oloye (Rtd.) who supervised the marking and demolition of illegal structures, along side with the leader of the demolition team, Charles Ize-Iyamu who spoke to The NIGERIAN OBSERVER noted that the expansion of the road which is on-going is for the purpose of development of the state.

He noted that the demolition of illegal structures, which is still on-going is to pave-way for the expansion of the road.

While calling for support, Major Oloye stated that those whose illegal structures have been pulled down should maintain the specific perimeter as stipulated by the law of right of way, when erecting their fences.

He said that the specific perimeter is at least 15 metres, adding that it will be safe to add 2 to 3 metres.

“The official measurement is 15 metres from the middle of the road, but there is need to add at least 2 to 3 metres to the specified 15 metres, so that there will be enough space, because your fence ca not be on the road, it will even help the person”, he stated.

While acknowledging the support of the people so far, he said that the people will smile at the completion of the project, adding that it will further beautify Airport Road.

It was gathered that the marking and demolition of illegal structures will continue until all the illegal structures are pulled down.

Structures affected by the demolition and expansion, are both private and government establishments, which included, the Oba Akezua Il Cultural Complex perimeter fence and the Security post and the Nigerian Observer fence amongst others.

http://www.edostate.gov.ng/road_dualisation.php

Beautification/Environment change, focus of govt - Gov

Beautification and Environment change is one of the main thrusts of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole-led administration in Edo State.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Momoh who represented Governor Adams Oshiomhole at the Free Eye Cataract Operation sponsored by Okomu National Park in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State said more than 60% of this year’s budget has been channelled into Beautification, hence the drastic change currently going on at the city centre and other areas in the state.

Dr. Momoh stressed that because of the emphasis government put on forestry, it has put an end to indiscriminate issuance of licence, adding that “our wealth is in the environment and every aspect of it was important”.

He said government appreciates the effort of Okomu National Park towards private partnership for liaising with AP Leventis Hotel towards donating Okomu Hotel to the services of the National Park.

Dr. Moses Momoh called on traditional rulers and community leaders in the area to co-operate with Okomu National Park Free Cataract Eye Operation Programme, stressing that once a person’s vision is improved his Economic position will also improve.

He promised that government will look into their request including roads and the matter of Yoruba cocoa farmers.

In a key note address, the Conservator – General, National Park Service, Alhaji H.T. Abubakar disclosed that the National Park Services was established to ensure that natural resources are used wisely and in a sustainable manner for the benefit of the present and future generations.

He said unless communities change their attitude towards park officials and embrace the principles of conservation we cannot achieve the desired result.

Alhaji Abubakar stressed that the need to conserve biological diversity was becoming more pertinent now that the world is facing the challenges of Global Warming and climate change. He therefore urged that all hands must be on deck to mitigate the effects of climate change and “make the earth safe for us to dwell.”

He announced that AP Leventis Foundation has donated Okomu Hotel to the National Park Service and hope that the donation of this hotel would go a long way in boosting tourism activities in and around the park.

The Conservation – General appealed passionately to the Executive Governor to use his good office to make the Udo – Nikorogha road motorable at all seasons to promote tourism and enhance the economic well-being of the communities.

In a welcome address the Conservator of Okomu National Park, Y.M. Kolo said that studies have shown that the highest prevalence of blindness was in the rural areas and majority of blindness of eyes defect was due to cataract, hence Okomu National Park was partnering with African Cataract and Eye Foundation (ACEF), adding that with the flag-off of the free Eye Cataract Operation it will make “the Blind to see”.

The highlights of the ceremony was the flag-off of the free Eye Cataract Operation by the Comrade Governor, represented by Dr. Moses Momoh, Commissioner for Health and presentation of 20 mackintosh mattresses, pillows, and blankets to Nikorogha Community Health Centre.


http://www.edostate.gov.ng/beautification.php

Workers to earn more in new structure

A NEW pay structure, which will consider the effects of the global financial crisis, is on the way.
The National Minimum Wage Committee has broken into four consultation groups to produce a Living Wage structure.

The committee, headed by a former Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Alfa Belgore, may adopt Ghana’s model by putting in place a Permanent Wage Policy, it was learnt at the weekend.

But in implementing the new wage structure, the government is considering either staff review or employment embargo to be able to cope with the cost.

The committee and other stakeholders agreed in October to change the present wage structure.
The committee decided to break into four groups, headed by some ministers, to work out modalities for the new pay structure.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: "The four groups are already consulting many stakeholders on the way forward.

"One of the options being weighed is the payment of a Living Wage to workers so that they can have a fulfilled career.

"We are also looking at the Ghanaian model which requires putting in place a Permanent Wage Policy without having to go through industrial crisis to secure wage increase.

"The warlike manner being adopted by labour on wage increase does not speak well of us as a nation.
"Once we put a wage policy in place, negotiation will always be on percentage increase because the policy would have regulated the period. For instance, if we have a policy to review wages every four or five years, it would be a permanent thing and such a system will be less rancorous.

"Recently in Ghana when it was time to increase wages, the workers demanded 800 per cent increase but after negotiation, in line with economic realities, the parties agreed on about 15-16 per cent increase.

"In our own case, Labour is asking for about N52,000 minimum wage, which is about 650% to 700% increase, depending on whether you are a Federal or State worker."

Asked if the government will be able to accommodate a wage increase in 2010 budget, the source, who is a member of the committee, said: "There are two options which the Belgore committee would have to choose to make this possible.

"There will be wage increase but with two costs of either staff review (retrenchment) or a temporary employment embargo.

"These two alternatives will form the last segment of the Belgore Committee’s assignment."
It was, however, not clear as at press time when the committee will complete its assignment.

The source added: "Certainly, it will be next year but I cannot tell you the time. The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is coordinating the wage issue."

The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) agreed in October that there is need to jack up the minimum wage, which is between N5,500 and N6,500.

The minimum wage came about eight years ago following the passing of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 into law. ;

Although the Act allows a 12.5 to 15 per cent wage adjustment, the NLC said the percentage increase is no longer realistic because of the biting effects of the global financial downturn on workers. ;

Based on the agitation, the House of Representatives proposed a N30,000 minimum wage.

A bill on the N30,000 wage has been read in the House of Representatives. A committee is examining it.
President Yar’Adua is said to have rejected the N30,000 minimum wage proposal.
BACK

http://www.edostate.gov.ng/workers.php

EDO GOVT. TO SUPPORT ENTERPRENEURS

The Edo State Government has reiterated its commitment towards growing the economy of the state via partnership with the private sector and entrepreneurs. The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Policy and Economic Strategy Taiwo Akerele made this statement at Ewohimi yesterday while on a special inspection visit to a Cassava Processing Company, Idesan Agro Allied Company a private initiative located at Ewohimi Igueben Local Government area of Edo state. He stated that “The position of the Oshiomhole administration is very clear on small scale industries development, our role is to ensure that maximum security is guaranteed and necessary infrastructure put in place as applicable in Western countries”

Mr Akerele who is also a coordinating member of the Edo State Economic Strategy Team declared at the occasion that with the initiative of the owners of the cassava plant, government is further emboldened to fast-track negotiations with development partners such as banks, micro credit institutions and some Federal agencies in order to make access to capital less cumbersome and more encouraging to industries located in Edo State.

The Senior aide to Governor Oshiomhole declared categorically at the occasion that at no point will Government distribute cash to small scale owners in the state as being rumored, he stated that however “our strategy is to reduce unemployment by over 60% by directly attracting investors into the state who will in turn employ our skilled youths, especially graduates and technicians”.

He disclosed at the occasion that the State government is right now designing a framework that will make industries operating in the state attractive to banks for credit packaging. However, the small industries must ensure they imbibe a good book keeping culture, ensuring sound and good ethical values, separating individual interest from company’s productivity, imbibe a banking culture and a well thought out succession strategy.

Earlier in a remark the Managing Director of Idesan Agro Allied Company, Mr Jacob Osirebo had passionately appealed to the state Government to come to the Company’s aide financially and through other means for the plant to start production within the next few months. He said whatever facility is on ground in the company was through his personal effort and hard earned savings for many years. He stated that the company has capacity to generate employment for 21 Nigerians in the first instance while additional 20 jobs will be added when other plants starts production.

Like many others scattered all over the state, Idesan Agro Allied Industries is a private initiative that has the capacity to process cassava into flour and other finished products.

http://www.edostate.gov.ng/eve1.php

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole first priority on being sworn in, was to announce an intervention programme that would create between 5000 and 10,000 jobs in order to reduce the level of unemployment prevalent among the Edo youths. This is social responsibility and a welfarist development programme that was unheard of in the state with just a scoop.

Edo YES is a massive public works programme targeting mainly young people. The employment is of two categories- skilled and unskilled. The essence is to use a labour-based approach to carry out our urban renewal programme, especially in the areas of basic road rehabilitation and maintenance and sanitation. This will serve as an intervention measure to address the unemployment crisis.

The committee under the Edo Youth Empowerment Scheme (EDO YES) set up for the purpose on November 20th, 2008 had on February 6th submitted its reports to the state governor. About 5,323 youths after being randomly selected by use of computers have being employed in the first phase. Out of this number, 175 are non indigenes. Currently, more people are being employed now and undergoing screening under the Edo YES program.
EDO YES TRAINING PROGRAMME- THE FLAGGING OFF IN

http://www.edostate.gov.ng/edo_yes.php

Construction of link roads begins in Benin City

The Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has flagged-off the construction of twelve link roads that will put a stop to the flooding at the five junction in Benin City.

Speaking to the residents of Ivbiye Street, while flagging-off the construction of the network of roads in the area that had been abandoned for over thirty-five years, the state governor assured that when completed, the problem of flooding at the five junction would be a thing of the past.

According to him, the state government awarded the job to a reputable contractor; Hi-tech that has been performing very well in Lagos.

“We are bringing a company with a reputation to construct the roads that will have street lights, walkways and covered drainage,” he said.

He disclosed that, the state government is planning for the twenty-first century, because the people deserve the best, and they are going to get the best”.

He further noted that the link roads to the five-junction were abandoned for too long which is responsible for the area always being flooded anytime it rains.

Engineer Danny Abbord of Hi-tech Construction Company Limited, said the project will be completed within the next fifteen months.

While commending the state government for coming to their rescue as another rainy season approaches, the residents who lamented that they have lost not less than three buildings due to the flooding, disclosed that the government last worked on the roads thirty-five years ago during the administration of Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia.

The governor also flagged-off the expansion of the Siluko Road in Benin City.


http://www.edostate.gov.ng/infra1.php

Redman44:
While I commend the Edo State Government for the beautification of the Ring Road Area of Benin City, I feel Adams Oshiomhole should pay more attention into raising the living standards of people residing in the state. He can do this by setting up cottage industries or small scale recycling centres in different Local Government Areas of Edo State. I have observed that many Nigerian Governors are not really trying to work on the manufacturing potentials of the states they administer. Edo State can go into the recycling of household waste produced by other states. Recycling is big business in the world today. Waste products and what we consider to be 'rubbish' can be sorted and recycled for our local companies to reuse as raw materials. The Edo State Government can also partner with Recycling Companies all over the world so that the converted waste can be sold abroad. How about Edo State developing an entrepreneurial scheme where people with good business ideas that will benefit their local communities are supported financially? Oshiomhole has done well, but our Governors need to start empowering the people. When the living standards of the people improve, they will even start beautifying their environments themselves. Cheers.

He's doing something, just try to listen to the news.


Poverty Alleviation: EDSG distributes income generating equipment
By KEN ABU

BENIN CITY – Edo State Government yesterday demonstrated its resolve to eradicate poverty to the barest minimum in the state by distributing in come generating equipment worth over N2.2 million to less privileged indigenes of Egor local government with a passionate appeal to the recipients to ensure that the equipment are appropriately utilized to improve their standard of living.


The Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bright Omokhodion who represented the state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole at the presentation ceremony of the income generating equipment which were procured by the Egor Local Government Chairman, Hon. Crosby Eribo commended the initiative of the Local Government Council.


He said the state government at this stage of development deemed it fit through the Director of Poverty Alleviation, Chief (Mrs.) Evelyn Igbafe to provide income-generating equipment for the less previledged indigenes of the state.


He commended the Egor Local government Council and the Director of Poverty Alleviation for reaching out to the less priviledged people who really need assistance from government.


According to him, the beneficiaries who are chosen from each of the wards in Egor should not misuse this opportunity and should protect the equipment jealously by putting them to productive use.


“Let them generate means of livelihood for you and thereby society will not see you as parasites,” he noted.


The Chairman of Egor Local Government, Hon. Crosby Eribo who made the donations to the less previledged through the office of the Director of Poverty Alleviation programme disclosed that the initiative was the first of its kind in the state.

http://nigerianobservernews.com/01072010/news/othernews3.html

tkb417:
Thank you for your response; u beat me to it

for those clamouring for ex footballers to take up football admin, what do u call all these
ex Military men?

How many games did Ogunjobi play for NIGERIA? he only played one game for us all his life and apart from that, what else do you remember of him?

And as for the other one called Odebunmi, what do you know of him? Even Dominique Alorfa, what do you remember of him?
the major people pulling the plugs in NFF aren't even sportmen, so what are you trying to say?

Embele:
Isn't Kano's last match with Enyimba
Makes what Enyimba does quite relevant in their last game. Just hope there is enough security

That last match would be shown live on SS3 and NTA, Its the star match and Enyimba won't try anything rubbish that day.

But Pillars still need to win against Heartland first before that match, if they lose that, then Enyimba is likely to win the league.

Cool, i thought it was just a 3D effect, nice one eh, coupled with all other things i heard and read he's doing so far.

Gyan, you finished the whole of Africa.

Will relocate to Vatican city



Wakes up in the middle of the ocean on a life boat with just your boxers on.

Research the source of the message, then reason if there's really any need for me to run for my dear life.


woke up without your 2 legs

Will always come watch La liga at your crib


You woke up as an Hermaphrodite?

Sani Kaita hits out at Vassileos Torosidis
Racist slur sparked Kaita reaction

Posted: 2010-06-26 14:24

Nigeria midfielder Sani Kaita tells KickOffNigeria.com that he hit out at Vassileos Torosidis as a reaction to a racist comment by the Greek midfielder.

“It was not my intention to hit out at the Greece player. But I was angry when he called me a f**king black man," Kaita tells KickOffNigeria.com.

The Nigerian was sent off, and the Super Eagles went on to lose the game 2-1, with the midfielder becoming the target of death threats back home.

But Kaita pointed to his previously spotless disciplinary record with Nigeria as proof that his action was out of character.

“Since I have been representing Nigeria from the Under-20 national team in 2005, the Olympics in 2008 and the Super Eagles, I have never received a yellow card, let alone a red card.

“But I have leant my lesson in a bitter manner and I promise that such an action will not repeat itself. I want Nigerians to forgive me,” Kaita said.


http://www.kickoff.com/news/16411/racist-slur-sparked-kaita-reaction.php

If Kano pillars wins their 2 remaining matches, they are going to top the table and win the league in respective of what Enyimba does with their last match.


But can Pillars really do this?

GOD BLESS YOU GOODLUCK JONATHAN


NOW IF ANYONE HAS FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT AT HEART, HE SHOULD CHANNEL IT TOWARDS THE LOCAL LEAGUE, WE NEED ATTENTION IN OUR LOCAL LEAGUE, THAT'S WHERE DEVELOPMENT SHOULD START FROM.

Log:
Pos Teams Pld Pst
1. Enyimba 37 67
2. Pillars 36 65
3. Sunshine 37 61
4. Wolves 37 58
5. Kwara 36 57
6. Niger 36 55
7. Rangers 36 54
8. Heartland 36 54
9. Gombe 37 52
10. Dolphins 37 50
11. Kaduna 37 49
12. 3SC 37 49
13. Zamfara 37 48
14. Sharks 37 47
15. Bayelsa 36 47
16. Lobi 36 47
17. Ocean 37 44
18. Wikki 36 41
19. Gateway 37 40
20. R Bees 37 36

30/06 Dolphins 1-1 Enyimba
29/06 Rangers 3-1 Sharks
29/06 Gateway 1-2 Sunshine
29/06 Gombe 1-0 Kwara
29/06 Heartland 2-1 Zamfara
29/06 Wolves 4-0 Kaduna
29/06 Pillars 1-0 Wikki
29/06 Niger 1-0 Ocean
29/06 Bayelsa 4-1 Lobi

Now that there's no longer anything national teams, more attention will be given to the league, PRAISE THE LORD.


Our league must grow, whether epl like am oo or not.