₦airaland Forum

Appearing in their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals as a non-host, and doing so as Group E’s lowest-ranked team, Equatorial Guinea arrive here having recently beaten a higher-ranked Tunisia side 1-0 in FIFA World Cup qualifiers. A current five-game unbeaten run (W3, D2) will now give them hope they can extend their unbeaten record across AFCON group campaign openers (W1, D1).
With a playoff spot available for the four best-placed third-ranked teams, ‘National Thunder’ will hope for an early strike, having won the last six matches to see them score the match opener. With five of those games being decided by a single-goal margin (including four 1-0 results), the opening goal could prove critical.
Two-time AFCON champions Ivory Coast are looking to rebuild, after experiencing the heartbreak of failing to qualify for this year’s upcoming World Cup. The 'Elephants' should still stamp their authority on proceedings here though, having marched past the group stage in seven of their previous eight AFCON appearances.
The Ivorians generally start well in this competition, avoiding defeat in each of their previous 11 openers to an AFCON finals (W6, D5). Each of those wins came via a single-goal margin, while nine of those 11 produced under 2.5 goals.
Players to watch: Ibán Salvador has been Equatorial Guinea's last scorer with each of his previous four international goals, including one in the most recent H2H. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast's Wilfried Zaha has seen each of his five goals in national colours come during wins. At club level, he has scored five goals for Crystal Palace this season, each time giving them a 1-0 lead.
Hot stat: From group stage to finals, Equatorial Guinea have failed to score before half-time in nine of their last ten AFCON matches.

dre11:
Standard Chartered Plc is closing about half its Nigerian branches in a pivot to digital banking, according to people familiar with the matter, as...





https://dailytrust.com/standard-chartered-to-shut-half-of-nigerian-branches

Joblessness loading!

Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, has declared his intention to run for the office of the President in 2023.

Umahi disclosed this to State House Correspondents on Tuesday after a closed-door meeting with the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The governor’s visit to the Villa comes barely 24 hours after the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, met Buhari to notify him of his presidential ambition.

Emerging from the President’s office on Tuesday, Umahi confirmed that he discussed the issue with Buhari, who asked him to go and seek the support of the people.

The governor said he is undeterred by Tinubu’s presence, saying that the contest is not about might.


Umahi defected from Peoples Democratic Party to the APC in November 2020.

Details later…


https://punchng.com/breaking-2023-umahi-meets-buhari-declares-presidential-ambition/

Sierra Leone can defend for Africa!

Nothing working under this government and you are planning for another ancestor!

Lalasticlala

Chief Ernest Adegunle Oladeinde Shonekan GCFR (9 May 1936 – 11 January 2022), titled Abese of Egbaland from 1981 (in addition to a variety of other chieftaincy titles), was a Nigerian lawyer and statesman who served as the interim Head of State of Nigeria from 26 August 1993 to 17 November 1993.

Prior to his political career, Shonekan was the chairman and chief executive of the United African Company of Nigeria (successor of The Niger Company), a vast Nigerian conglomerate, which at the time was the largest African-controlled company in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Shonekan was born on 9 May 1936 in Lagos. The son of an Abeokuta-born civil servant, he was one of six children born into the family.

Shonekan was educated at CMS Grammar School and Igbobi College. He received a law degree from the University of London, and was called to the bar. He later attended Harvard Business School.

Early business career
Main article: United Africa Company of Nigeria
Shonekan joined the United Africa Company of Nigeria in 1964, at the time a subsidiary of the United Africa Company which played a prominent role in British colonisation. He rose through the ranks in the company and was promoted assistant legal adviser. He later became a deputy adviser and joined the board of directors at the age of 40. He was made chairman and managing director in 1980, and went on to cultivate a wide array of international business and political connections.

Crisis of the Third Republic

On 2 January 1993, Shonekan assumed office simultaneously as head of transitional council and head of government under Ibrahim Babangida. At the time, the transitional council designed to be the final phase leading to a scheduled hand over to an elected democratic leader of the Third Nigerian Republic.

Shonekan learned of the dire condition of government finances, which he was unable to correct. The government was hard pressed on international debt obligations and had to hold constant talks for debt rescheduling.

In August 1993, Babangida resigned from office, following the annulment of the 12 June elections. He signed a decree establishing the Interim National Government led by Shonekan who was subsequently sworn-in as head of state.

Interim government
Main article: Cabinet of Ernest Shonekan
Shonekan was unable to control the political crisis which ensued following the election annulment. During his few months in power, he tried to schedule another presidential election and a return to democratic rule, while his government was hampered by a national workers' strike. Opposition leader Moshood Abiola, viewed Shonekan's interim government as illegitimate. Shonekan released political prisoners detained by Babangida. Shonekan's administration introduced a bill to repeal three major draconian decrees of the military government. Babangida made the interim government weak by placing it under the control of the military.

Shonekan had lobbied for debt cancellation but, after the election annulment, most of the Western powers had imposed economic sanctions on Nigeria. Inflation was uncontrollable and most non-oil foreign investment disappeared. The government also initiated an audit of the accounts of NNPC, the oil giant,[5] an organisation that had many operational inefficiencies. Shonekan served as an Executive of Royal Dutch Shell while acting as the interim president of Nigeria.

Shonekan tried to set a timetable for troop withdrawal from ECOMOG's peacekeeping mission in Liberia. General Sani Abacha, was the minister of defence and chief of defence staff who had full control over the military.

Out of office
In November 1993, three months into his administration, Shonekan was overthrown in palace coup by Abacha.

In 1994, he founded the Nigerian Economic Summit Group an advocacy group and think-tank for private sector-led development of the Nigerian economy.

Since then Shonekan went on to feature prominently as an elder statesman. At the time of his death he was the third oldest surviving Nigerian head of state by age after Elizabeth II and Yakubu Gowon.

Chief Ernest Shonekan who headed the Interim National Government that succeeded the junta of General Ibrahim Babangida, has died.


Shonekan died in Lagos at the age of 85.

He was the interim head of the Nigerian Government between August 26 and November 17 1993 when he was ousted in a coup led by late General Sani Abacha.

Africa Cup of Nations holders Algeria take on Sierra Leone to kick off their 2022 campaign this afternoon.

The Fennec Foxes and Group E rivals Ivory Coast are expected to seal the two automatic qualification spots for the last-16 but an unfamiliar Sierra Leone side will hope to spring an upset in Cameroon.

John Keister’s squad boasts only six players who have earned ten or more caps and the country has only made it to two previous AFCONs, yet were hard to beat in a qualification campaign that once saw them recover from 4-0 down to draw at Nigeria.

However, few countries at this year’s tournament can boast the star power or winning pedigree of Algeria.

The Arab Cup champions went undefeated in 2021 and brushed aside Ghana 3-0 in a pre-tournament friendly.

Date, kick-off time and venue
Algeria vs Sierra Leone is scheduled for a 1pm GMT kick-off on Tuesday January 11, 2022.

Japoma Stadium in Douala will host the match.

Nemere2020:
https://dailytrust.com/2023-nobodyll-get-our-ticket-on-a-silver-platter-apc-tells-tinubu

God pass human being, lets see how it will end!

I remembered him now. He was around same time with Sir Shina Peter.
RIP to him.
Lalasticlala!

Areola14:
No picture! No information where he died and what led to his death, how long as he be on a sick bed

So people need to be on the sick bed to die!

Veteran Juju musician, Dayo Kujore, has died at the age of 63.

Kujore who was among the pioneers of the Nigerian styled musical art form is said to have died on Monday, according to his daughter, Dayo Kujore.

Circumstances surrounding the ‘Soko Extra’ crooner’s death are yet to be revealed as a formal announcement is expected to be made by the family.

Details later…

https://punchng.com/breaking-veteran-juju-musician-dayo-kujore-dies-at-63/

The Black Stars are set to start their quest for a fifth Afcon title against the Atlas Lions on Monday

All eyes will be on Yaounde's Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo when Ghana and Morocco clash to open their campaign at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon on Monday.

The two sides are set for a Group B opening day thriller, each targeting a result capable of fueling the rest of their adventure at the 33rd Afcon tournament.

Ghana have won the continental showpiece on four previous occasions, but that their last title dates to 40 years ago highlights their desire to rule Africa once again.

For all their high ratings, particularly in recent times, Morocco, on the other hand, have only one title to show - their 1976 success in Ethiopia – explaining their popular tag as perennial underachievers.

Did you prayed!

Mynd44

Maxymilliano:
The only divine intervention we need is for the country to be rid of this incompetent and inept idiot we have as President

Tall order!

Pray in your area today!

Lalasticlala

saaron:
May Independent nations across the world especially Africa NEVER have a tyrant like Buhari again! What a pity.

Amen!!

See crowd at the praying ground!

Advocate500:
oga you have not answered my question? How well is Osinbajo doing with economy that we need to trust him with security?

Help me ask them.
Mind you they have been punctured by Buhari dismayed performance.

Lalasticlala

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the fight against insecurity challenges in the country needs divine intervention.

The President stated this at the National Special Prayer Session organized by the Kano State Government for peace and stability in the country.

The special prayer session was led by the World Leader of the Tijjaniyya Movement from Algeria, Sidi Sharif Ali Ibn Arabi, grandson to the founder of the Tijjaniyya Muslim sect, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani.

Buhari represented by Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mustapha Baba Shehuri said the divine intervention is to complement the efforts by the security agencies to overcome the menace.



He further said the Federal government is not relenting in its support of the security personnel in its bid to bring the insecurity to an end.

According to him, “We are doing everything possible to support the security agencies but we also need divine intervention,” Buhari stated.

Buhari also commended the Kano state Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for taking the giant spiritual commitment towards making Nigeria peaceful.

“I am very happy with this initiative. Indeed Ganduje is doing well in securing Kano and is giving his quota to achieving peace in the country at large,” he said.

On his part, Governor Ganduje expressed the state government’s readiness to annually invite World Islamic Leaders and organize prayers for peace and stability in the country.

Ganduje said the prayer is needed to seek divine intervention and for God to grant the security agencies more strength and strategies to resolve the insecurity facing the country.

Earlier, the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero prayed for peace and stability to reign in the land.

In attendance at the prayer session include Islamic leaders from all sects, traditional leaders and representatives of governments from the North West.


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/01/insecurity-we-need-divine-intervention-to-overcome-menace-buhari/

Muntairu Cardoso aka messenger will still come here and defend him, that it was not what he meant!

Lalasticlala!

No comment, I pity those who are living in Lekki Ajah-Axis, Apapa, holdup will be Child's play!

Buhari always love shifting blame!

The president, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) has said that one way to fight corruption in Nigeria is for citizens to live within their means.

He added that as long as Nigerians want to live flamboyantly, corruption would continue to thrive.

Buhari said this in an interview with the national broadcaster, NTA on Thursday.

When asked about the new leadership of the anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and how the fight against corruption had been revamped, Buhari said, “The problem of corruption is a continuous one for a developing country like Nigeria. People have to accept living within their means. As long as people don’t want to live within their means, so long will corruption be with us.”(sic)

Speaking further, the retired general said, “The best way is funding by departments, ministries and especially by states. Now, look at local governments in this country, the third tier of government, it is getting less and less effective and they are supposed to be the most effective because they deal with bottom-up especially when it comes to education, healthcare, which are the basic things for the majority of Nigerians.

“Nigeria must conserve resources to give education and healthcare to the needy.”

Buhari had in the last two days been interviewed on national TV where he spoke on issues affecting the country, from insecurity to economy, state policing and more.



-Anti-corruption fight-
Fighting corruption was been a major campaign point of the Buhari’s regime from its inception and had been repeated over the year. However, stakeholders have varied thoughts on the success of the anti-corruption fight.


https://punchng.com/corruption-nigerians-must-live-within-their-means-buhari/

This man warned us, but most of us youth were deceived !

TheRareGem1:
The Federal Government spent $1.68bn on food importation from January to September last year.

The Central Bank of Nigeria disclosed this in a report on sectoral utilisation of foreign exchange for the third quarter of 2021.

According to the CBN, the government spent $163.60m, $197.73m, and $171.05m in January, February and March, respectively, while $156.30m, $135.72m and $213.58m were spent in April May and June, respectively.

The report revealed that $184.69m, 188.88m and 271.59m were spent in July, August and September, respectively.

During the Bankers’ Committee retreat in Lagos recently, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, said Nigeria could produce enough to feed its citizens.

He said the government was ensuring the diversification of the economy.

Emefiele said, “We believe that Nigeria can feed itself; Nigeria can produce what to eat. Everything needs to be done for us to move away from a situation where everything is imported.

“We need to get to a stage where we bring our manufacturing industries back to life again. For us to say that there is sustainable, inclusive growth in the country, we, as banks, working with government must do everything possible to diversify the Nigerian economy.

“We have to do everything possible to reduce the rate of unemployment in the country. We will do everything possible to reduce the rate of poverty in our country.”

According to him, if the country is able to diversify the economy, reduce unemployment and poverty, the level of insecurity in the country will reduce.

Emefiele said the banks had done a lot to support the economy and would still do more to catalyse the economy for growth.

He said the banks would increase credit to the economy.

The CBN governor noted that there were companies that were ready to conduct credible business but did not have the capital.

“We will help in providing jobs and employment for Nigeria,” he said.

Emefiele said the CBN recently unveiled the ‘100 for 100’ policy on production and productivity to engender growth and employment.

According to him, under the programme, targeted credit of up to N5bn will be provided to 100 firms every 100 days, provided the firms are investing in greenfield projects.

He said the projects would be assessed based on their ability to generate significant employment opportunities in critical sectors for the economy, adding that eligible firms would be made to show evidence of their efforts to harness available local raw materials towards the realisation of their intended investment.

The CBN governor said the bank remained committed to supporting eligible firms with foreign exchange to import machinery and equipment.

He noted that routine audits would be conducted on firms that receive funding, to ensure that they are complying with the terms of the programme.


https://punchng.com/fg-spent-1-68bn-on-food-imports-in-nine-months-cbn/?

The same government that shut Ota border and still importing foods! Who does that!

Orangedreams:
Everything this man has ever said has come to pass as true and confirming him a true man of God. But of course the Nigerian church have never tried to make amends. Good a thing we are in the last days.




Check my siggy/profile for your investment abeg.

That is why there are prophecies!

Many Lagosians are enjoying free beers under various base, so they are not aware and Oba of Lagos is enjoying free space!