₦airaland Forum

johnie:
Look what I found:

MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO LEGENDARY FOOTBALL COMMENTATOR, ERNEST OKONKWO

26/08/2015

This month marks the 25th year of the passing away of a great sporting legend and arguably, one of Nigeria’s finest ace radio and sports commentators, the inimitable Ernest Okonkwo. Having been privileged to listen to his countless commentaries during the late 70’s and 80’s, I am constrained to write a glowing and fitting tribute in honour of the memory of the great man – Ernest Okonkwo.

Undoubtedly, Ernest Okonkwo and another radio commentator legend, the irrepressible Ishola Folorunsho, were one of the rare breed of first class radio commentators in the 1970’s-1980’s that had the knack of bringing to life the event they were covering to their listening audience as if they were there physically. In Ernest Okonkwo, he was as animated as he was adept at holding his audience captive. There was never a dull moment with him.

Due to the inescapable fact that he was a word smith, he was never lost for words. With impeccable wit, he was blessed with excellent oratory skills and an abundance of apt metaphors, euphemisms and adjectives he usually employed with monotonous regularity in describing his subjects. It was no surprise that listeners would prefer to listen to his radio commentaries while placing the volume of the TV on mute to drown out the voice of the TV commentator, as they watched the action on TV. Such was his endearing eloquence, fluidity, flexibility, creativity as well as his depth of knowledge about football, all of which he brought to bear when he held the microphone to his mouth.

In addition, he had a formidable voice which he used to convey different contrasting moments of a football match. It was high pitch at the right time and low pitch at other times. He was quite simply, a quintessential and consummate professional that commanded respect, not only from his army of listeners but from his peers as well.

Footballers’ nicknames:
He coined nicknames for most of the footballers, which stuck to them nicely. He referred to

Emmanuel Okala as ‘Man Mountain’ given his tall lanky figure;
Aloysius Atuegbu was nicknamed ‘Blockbuster’.

Then you had Christian ‘Chairman’ Chukwu,
Segun ‘Mathematical’ Odegbami,
Mudashiru ‘Midfield Maestro’ Lawal,
Adokiye ‘Chief Justice’ Amasiemeka,
Uwem ‘Harmattan’ Ekarika,
Sylvanus ‘Quicksilver‘Okpala,
Louis ‘Commander’ Igwilo,
Idowu ‘Slow Poison’ Otubusin,
Christian ‘Penalty Specialist’ Madu,
and Emmanuel ‘The Man with Bullet Shot’ Osigwe.

Below are some of his most memorable commentary quotes during his illustrious career spanning 33 years:

”Okey Isima, with a short pass to Sylvanus Okpala. They both play in Portugal. They can communicate in Igbo; they can communicate in English; they can communicate in Portuguese and they just communicated with the ball”.

“Etim Esin, he shilly-shallies, he dilly-dallies, he tries to beat one man but only succeeds in beating himself!”

“He beats Christian Chukwu; he beats Christian Madu; he beats Christian Nwokocha, he beats three Christians in a row. Who is this man? He must be a Muslim. Oh, it is Shefiu Mohammed sending a diagonal pass to Baba Otu Mohammed.”

In the 1975 African Club of champions club match between Rangers and Ghazi El Mehalla of Egypt, Rangers lost 1-3 in the first leg in Egypt, but won the second leg in Enugu 3-0 and Ernest Okonkwo dubbed the match – “Mehalla see wahala”.

“After 90 minutes of play and extra time, the match has ended one goal apiece but a winner must emerge. Five players have on each side been selected to take the penalty kick. The players are praying to God to give them this day, but it is not who prays more but who plays better.”


Nigeria vs Tunisia, 1978 WC Qualifying match:
He starts off slowly: “As the game peters out to the dying minutes of this rather engrossing match, a long ball is floated into the Eagles 18 yard box. It seems like an eternity for it to land … (then as the action intensifies, his voice becomes racy) … Godwin Odiye, under pressure from the advancing Tunisian attacker is there to deal with it.

Without looking back, he expertly heads the ball backwards toward Okala…(his voice is now loud). ..Okala is rushing out to retrieve the loose ball (his voice becomes louder) …Oh noooo…it’s an own goal! Nigeria has scored Nigeriaaaaaa!!! It was a misjudged header by Odiye, as Okala goes the wrong way and the ball the other way. The ball rolls effortlessly into an empty net…(he tones down his voice into a sombre one)… “A sad spectacle to watch…What a calamity!” (His voice is now slow)… “The Tunisians are joyous and celebrating victory. And the Nigerian camp is understandably subdued. Odiye bends down in shock as he watches the long towering figure of Emmanuel Okala walk slowly towards goal to retrieve the ball from the net.

Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka…got a nickname from the Master commentator
The stadium is agonisingly silent. You can hear a pin drop. The Green Eagles are rooted to the spot. They can’t believe their eyes. Even Father Tiko is motionless. It was as if someone had just died…to everyone listening, it is with sorrow in my heart that I return you to the studios. Bye-bye Nigeria!”.

Nigeria Vs Egypt 1980 African Nations Cup:
“…and the ball is ballooned skywards out of the Eagles defence by Chairman Christian Chukwu, but Muda Lawal runs towards the ball and controls it superbly with the deft touch of his right boot as if it was glued to it. The midfield maestro strolls majestically with the ball. He then sprays the ball towards Chief Justice Adokie on the left of midfield, who darts to the left and cleverly cuts the ball back in one fast swift motion, losing his marker in the process…he crosses the ball and it reaches Mathematical Segun Odegbami. He exchanges a one two with Muda. Odegbami collects the ball back, sells a dummy and beats another player with a leg over…the crowd roar in delight… he’s running to the right flank…

He calculates one and two, maybe he will find Muda Lawal again at the perimeter circle, but he decides to send a 50 metre cross close to the 18 yard box of the opponent. Blockbuster Aloysius Atuegbu intercepts the ball. He bamboozles his way past two players using his physical strength. He dribbles one, dribbles two and releases a cannon shot! It’s a goaaaallll!!! Oh no! The Egyptian goalkeeper, Ikrami Ahmed, tips the ball over the bar…just when the ball was flying into the top corner of the goal post! What an intercontinental ballistic missile…! What a brilliant world class save by Ahmed! And what a great flowing move by the Green Eagles! Even Father Tiko is standing in admiration”!

Rangers FC vs Water Corporation of Ibadan:
“The lanky ebony black goal hungry Ranger ranging alone in the goal area of the Water Corporation Football Club of Ibadan. Can the one-man riot squad make it four for Rangers? A hat trick, that is one, two, three goals are already in the kitty. Ifeanyi Chukwu means nothing is insurmountable to God. Four goals are also not beyond the ability of Ifeanyi Chukwu Onyedika. It is a goaaaaal! … goal number four for the indomitable Rangers International Football Club of Enugu!! all scored by Ifeanyi Chukwu Onyedika!”

Nigeria Vs Soviet Union U-20 WC 1989:
In the 1989 U-20 World Quarter-final match between the Soviet Union and Nigeria in Saudi Arabia dubbed the ‘Damaan Miracle’, Okonkwo was at his inimitable best. Russia was leading 4-2, with fifteen minutes left to end the match. Undaunted and with sheer determination to at least reduce the embarrassing score line, the Flying Eagles equalised to make the final score 4-4. All the while, Okonkwo had managed to induce the hearts of many Nigerians to beat frantically in anticipation of what was to happen next!

After extra time, with the score line still the same, then came the dreaded penalty shootout and the last spot kick to decide the eventual winner to meet the USA in the semifinal was to be taken by Samuel Elijah. In a brief but succinct moment, Okonkwo gave a vivid illustration of the confrontation that took place in the Bible involving Prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal. After his narration, Okonkwo then switched back to the action at hand and said “…and now we have Elijah of Nigeria. Give us this day. The whole country is on your shoulders; you cannot afford to fail your country…And he moves, 1 ,2 , 3, 4 it’s a goooooooooooaaaaal!!!! This is a miracle. The God of soccer is a Nigerian!”

Since the demise of Ernest Okonkwo, radio commentary in Nigeria has never been the same again. One wonders what appropriate nicknames he would have given world class players like Messi, Ronaldo or Suarez. His apt description of any football match will be remembered by all, particularly the older generation. He brought joy and delighted ardent football fans with his unique brand of commentary and his affable personality. He was quite simply irreplaceable. May his soul continue to rest eternally.

‘Tunde Adeleye, MBA, Author

http://www.gongnews.net/memorial-tribute-to-legendary-football-commentator-ernest-okonkwo/

[size=14pt]Ambode Inaugurates Committee On Clean Up Of Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki[/size]

https://theunion.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PIX-0837-620x330.jpg

Ambode with Representative of Victoria Island/Ikoyi Residents Associations (VIIRA), Dr. Ishola Salami; Sole Administrator, Oniru/Victoria Island LCDA, Princess Aderemi Adebowale and another representative of VIIRA, Alhaji Abdul-Lateef Muse during the inauguration of a Committee on Clean-up of Victoria Island/Ikoyi/Lekki Areas at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Tuesday, August 30, 2016.

August 30, 2016
Francis Moses

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Tuesday, inaugurated a Special Committee saddled with the responsibility of restoring the original master plan of Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki areas of Lagos State, just as he vowed to bring environmental sanity to all nooks and crannies of the State.

Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House in Ikeja, said his administration was passionately determined to rescue the fragile environment in the State from avoidable impediments, adding that his resolve was non-negotiable.

The Governor said over time, government had observed gross abuse of urban planning and environmental laws which necessitated the decision to embark on a major clean-up of the environment to restore it to its desired form.

“Cases of abandoned properties have become very rampant with miscreants and criminal elements taking over these properties as their base to cause havoc. The neat road sides of the past now parade pockets of kiosks, illegal parking lots, unapproved mechanic workshops, roadside beer parlours and commercial centres. In addition, originally residential areas now have industrial and commercial concerns located there, distorting the balance of the environment.

“These bad environmental practices, thriving in these prime areas, can no longer be tolerated and will be brought to an end immediately. These areas must regain their lost glory as this administration demands a return of environmental normalcy.

“A safe, clean and prosperous Lagos is non-negotiable; that is the commitment of our administration. We will not allow these environmental infractions to continue. We cannot allow our beautiful environment to be destroyed by people who have no regard for beauty, serenity, law and order,” Governor Ambode said.

While expressing his administration’s determination to make all locations, schemes and estates in the State clean and safe, the Governor vowed to do everything possible to bring environmental sanity back to every part of the State.

“This is not a one-off exercise. The Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Lekki clean-up is the pilot scheme and this rescue operation has come to stay until we achieve the Lagos of our dreams,” he said.

Specifically, the responsibilities of the Committee are: “Immediately commence the implementation of the approved action plan and execution of the clean-up exercise; develop strategies for preventing re-occurrences as well as other recommendations as necessary to sustain environmental renewal of these areas; and embark on a public sensitization exercise for the sustenance of a cleaner community in the axis.”

Besides, Governor Ambode appealed to all stakeholders to give the committee the maximum support required for the success of the initiative and for the overall benefit of the State.

The Committee is chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, while other members are Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare; Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Folorunso Folarin Coker; Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engr. Ade Akinsanya; Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Mrs. Yetunde Afusat Onabule; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters, Adekunle Olayinka; General Manager, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Segun Adeniji; and General Manager, Lagos State Urban Renewal Authority (LASURA), Mr. Lateef Sholebo.

Others include Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sulaimon Dogo; Chairman, Lagos State Special Task Force on Environmental Offences, Supol Olayinka Egbeyemi; Sole Administrators of Iru/Victoria Island and Ikoyi/Obalende Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) – Princess Aderemi Adebowale and Hon. Goke Olawale; Representative of Victoria Island and Ikoyi Residents’ Association (VIIRA) – Dr. Salami, Alhaji Muse and Mr. Jide Bibire Sanmiwa; Chairmen of Community Development Councils (CDCs) for the two LCDAs – Mr. Jolly Johnson and Rev Seriki.

Responding on behalf of members of the Committee, Bello thanked Governor Ambode for the confidence reposed in them to do the job, adding that members of the Committee were carefully selected and fully ready to carry out the task.

He said the job cannot be done alone by government, and as such, residents should support the Committee with regular feedback

No structure would have been demolished if it didn't contravene physical planning laws. Sympathies are ok, but LASG 'll enforce its laws

The demolished building on Rumens Road, Ikoyi was properly served contravention and quite order since March. Both the landlord and tenants.

Adequate notices were given with documentary evidence. The public deserves to be informed about the law against unapproved structures

@stephhegarty @AkinwunmiAmbode I do not know who you have tried to reach, but I have addressed this issue on tv. The building has no permit

@stephhegarty @AkinwunmiAmbode and both the landlord and tenants/occupiers were served contravention and quit order notices since March

The demolition of certain structures by the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning was carried out b'cos the buildings had no permit

@stephhegarty @AkinwunmiAmbode it's simple. The buildings were not approved for commercial activities. They are in a residential area

@stephhegarty @AkinwunmiAmbode i sympathize with you over the demolition of the cafe but the law demands illegal structures can't stay there

@Bar_Baric yes indeed, they were marked with photo evidence. The owners and tenants simply ignored the notices and quit order since March!

@abbeylad @stephhegarty @AkinwunmiAmbode I will say it again - d tenants were indeed served. They have legal option if they feel aggrieved

@Bar_Baric we have the pix. I have copies. Let any aggrieved tenant take a legal option if that will help. But I doubt if they will.

@Ibrolad_2 greetings. Illegal shanties shouldn't stand as you know. Let's respect the law and our environment pls

@stephhegarty @AkinwunmiAmbode the same reason why a strictly commercial area can't be turned to a residential area. Urban planning reasons

Lescalier:
Why didnt this facebook Mark Zuckerberg wait for this event.

[size=14pt]Ambode Inaugurates Committee On Clean Up Of Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki[/size]

https://theunion.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PIX-0837-620x330.jpg

Ambode with Representative of Victoria Island/Ikoyi Residents Associations (VIIRA), Dr. Ishola Salami; Sole Administrator, Oniru/Victoria Island LCDA, Princess Aderemi Adebowale and another representative of VIIRA, Alhaji Abdul-Lateef Muse during the inauguration of a Committee on Clean-up of Victoria Island/Ikoyi/Lekki Areas at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Tuesday, August 30, 2016.

August 30, 2016
Francis Moses

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Tuesday, inaugurated a Special Committee saddled with the responsibility of restoring the original master plan of Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki areas of Lagos State, just as he vowed to bring environmental sanity to all nooks and crannies of the State.

Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House in Ikeja, said his administration was passionately determined to rescue the fragile environment in the State from avoidable impediments, adding that his resolve was non-negotiable.

The Governor said over time, government had observed gross abuse of urban planning and environmental laws which necessitated the decision to embark on a major clean-up of the environment to restore it to its desired form.

“Cases of abandoned properties have become very rampant with miscreants and criminal elements taking over these properties as their base to cause havoc. The neat road sides of the past now parade pockets of kiosks, illegal parking lots, unapproved mechanic workshops, roadside beer parlours and commercial centres. In addition, originally residential areas now have industrial and commercial concerns located there, distorting the balance of the environment.

“These bad environmental practices, thriving in these prime areas, can no longer be tolerated and will be brought to an end immediately. These areas must regain their lost glory as this administration demands a return of environmental normalcy.

“A safe, clean and prosperous Lagos is non-negotiable; that is the commitment of our administration. We will not allow these environmental infractions to continue. We cannot allow our beautiful environment to be destroyed by people who have no regard for beauty, serenity, law and order,” Governor Ambode said.

While expressing his administration’s determination to make all locations, schemes and estates in the State clean and safe, the Governor vowed to do everything possible to bring environmental sanity back to every part of the State.

“This is not a one-off exercise. The Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Lekki clean-up is the pilot scheme and this rescue operation has come to stay until we achieve the Lagos of our dreams,” he said.

Specifically, the responsibilities of the Committee are: “Immediately commence the implementation of the approved action plan and execution of the clean-up exercise; develop strategies for preventing re-occurrences as well as other recommendations as necessary to sustain environmental renewal of these areas; and embark on a public sensitization exercise for the sustenance of a cleaner community in the axis.”

Besides, Governor Ambode appealed to all stakeholders to give the committee the maximum support required for the success of the initiative and for the overall benefit of the State.

The Committee is chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, while other members are Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare; Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Folorunso Folarin Coker; Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engr. Ade Akinsanya; Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Mrs. Yetunde Afusat Onabule; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters, Adekunle Olayinka; General Manager, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Segun Adeniji; and General Manager, Lagos State Urban Renewal Authority (LASURA), Mr. Lateef Sholebo.

Others include Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sulaimon Dogo; Chairman, Lagos State Special Task Force on Environmental Offences, Supol Olayinka Egbeyemi; Sole Administrators of Iru/Victoria Island and Ikoyi/Obalende Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) – Princess Aderemi Adebowale and Hon. Goke Olawale; Representative of Victoria Island and Ikoyi Residents’ Association (VIIRA) – Dr. Salami, Alhaji Muse and Mr. Jide Bibire Sanmiwa; Chairmen of Community Development Councils (CDCs) for the two LCDAs – Mr. Jolly Johnson and Rev Seriki.

Responding on behalf of members of the Committee, Bello thanked Governor Ambode for the confidence reposed in them to do the job, adding that members of the Committee were carefully selected and fully ready to carry out the task.

He said the job cannot be done alone by government, and as such, residents should support the Committee with regular feedback

johnie:
What we did whenever any of the national teams was playing in those days was to watch the match on TV with the volume off and listen to commentaries on radio.

lofty900:
The only odd thing about the picture is waje. Where exactly does she fit in? An investor? Politician? Business woman? Maybe she's going to sing after the meeting

Olukologia:
Waje if dey take juju nack U nw U go dey cry. Wetin U dey find dere na?

MDsambo:
Seen



But DAFUQ that waje is doing there?

Samdelzon:
What's waje and bono really doing in this mix?

A dune buggy or beach buggy is a recreational motor vehicle with large wheels, and wide tires, designed for use on sand dunes, beaches, or desert recreation. It is called a "Beach Buggy" in the United Kingdom, Ireland and many other English speaking countries. The design is usually a modified vehicle and engine mounted on an open chassis. The modifications usually attempt to increase the power-to-weight ratio by either lightening the vehicle or increasing engine power or both. Dune buggies designed specifically for operation on open sand are called sandrails.

A similar, more recent generation of off-road vehicle, often similar in appearance to a sandrail but designed for different use, is the "off road go-kart". The difference may be little more than fitting all-terrain tires instead of sand tires and the much smaller size of the engine.

Design


Dune buggies are usually created using one of three methods.

The first involves alteration of an existing vehicle, most notably the original car or chassis, often a Volkswagen Beetle or a purpose-built chassis. The model is nicknamed Bug, therefore the term "buggy". The Beetle automobile platform is preferred for a variety of reasons. Most significant is the position of the rear mounted Volkswagen engine, which with removal of bodywork transfers a high proportion of the weight to the rear driven wheels for extra traction. The engine is air cooled, simplifying engine modification, and the absence of a radiator and liquid-cooling system eliminates multiple sources of failure. The low price, robustness of the front suspension, and the sizable quantity of spare parts from other VW Beetles and Type 2 (Microbus) are a further advantage. Chevrolet Corvair engines are also a way to upgrade to 6 cylinders and sometimes vehicles are fitted with turbochargers.

The second method involves construction of a vehicle frame from scratch; formed and welded using steel tubing. The advantage of this method is that the fabricator can change fundamental parts of the vehicle (usually the suspension and addition of a built-in roll cage). Buggies of this type are called sandrails because of the rail frame. Sandrails, as with the VW Bug, often have the engine located behind the driver. Sizes can vary from a small-engine one-seat size to four-seat vehicles with eight or more cylinders. Sandrails can have panels or custom-shaped body coverings over frame, though many are left bare.

The third method represents a mix of the above two design philosophies, typically constructed from a converted vehicle that has sustained damage from age, hard use, or accidents.

Function


Initially dune buggies were designed for navigating desert or beaches (hence use of the word "dune" or "beach" ). However, dune buggies have become more diversified in terms of the terrain they can handle and are being built for more generic off road tasks, such as CORR / SCORE indoor track racing. Some are even built for and used as on-road vehicles. Typically the function is determined before the buggy is created in order to maximize the comfort or abilities of the vehicle.

Although dune buggies can be bought (as a kit), many drivers make their own. This is done by separately buying chassis, engine, tires, steering wheel, and axles. Some builders make their own chassis, which creates a special, customized vehicle.

A 1961 or later Volkswagen sedan is the preferred donor to create a Dune Buggy. The VW Type 2, Type 3 and Type 4 do not make good donor cars: however, the engine, transaxle, wheels, and instruments can be used from these models.

Other parts that can be salvaged from a donor VW for use in a Dune Buggy include the front axle and suspension, frame, pedal assembly, shock absorbers, seats, battery, fuel tank (1961 or later), steering column, brakes, instruments and switches, windshield wiper, horn, and emergency flasher unit.

HungerBAD:
Saw this today.

Travelling through one State,and on my restroom break I saw this.

It is actually a Volkswagen Beetle(Tortoise Car)stripped of everything,except the skeleton,and with some nice set of rims and car system.

And it is totally Legal in this State to drive it like this.

johnie:
I remember when "school boy" Nwosu was the youngest player in the Green Eagles. The days of Coach Chris Udumezue (couldn't find his picture online) and Radio Commentator Ernest Okonkwo (pic below). The sideburns and "short" afro were in vogue in those days.


An interesting thread is here: https://www.nairaland.com/7532/forgotten-players-nigerian-soccer

johnie:
I remember when "school boy" Nwosu was the youngest player in the Green Eagles. The days of Coach Chris Udumezue (couldn't find his picture online) and Radio Commentator Ernest Okonkwo (pic below). The sideburns and "short" afro were in vogue in those days.


An interesting thread is here: https://www.nairaland.com/7532/forgotten-players-nigerian-soccer