Super Eagles striker, Victor Moses has spoken of the enthusiasm in the squad ahead of Monday’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations group match against the Stallions of Burkina Faso after the country’s senior national team rounded off their first training session in South Africa.
The Chelsea winger said he and his colleagues were battle ready to do the nation proud by starting their Afcon group clash with a win over their West African foes.
He admonished Nigerians to get behind the Eagles if they want the team to soar in South Africa.
“We had our first training session in South Africa and the boys are looking sharp. We are looking forward to the tournament and of course the first game against Burkina Faso,” the Nigerian said.
The Eagles will also play Ethiopia and title holders, Zambia in their other group ties.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Sports Minister Bolaji Abdulahi disclosed at the Lagos Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN Forum in Lagos at the weekend that the Nigeria Premier League will start from the scratch after the tumultuous regimes of Davidson Owumi and Rumson Baribote. He disclosed that the vexed issue of sponsorship, which became like an albatross on the neck of successive administrators of the league has been laid to rest and Nigeria football fans can look forward to a new beginning.
“First of all I want to express the confidence that I have in the interim management committee. They are men who have distinguished themselves in their different callings. “The Interim Management Committee has plans to take the league to a different level. Literally speaking they are starting from the scratch,” said Mr. Abdullahi.
He announced that mobile network firm, Globacom that has continually loomed large over NPL with regards to sponsorship rights have agreed to withdraw all litigations from the law courts concerning the sponsorship rights. However, Globacom will own the right to title sponsorship for the next three years.
Mr. Abdullahi disclosed that he had to intervene in the matter to ensure that the league resumes as soon as possible as Nigerian players were bearing the brunt of the delay in the start of the league. “We have players who are ready to play. But there is no league for them to express themselves.
“This is one of the reasons Nigerian footballers have been sold into slavery. We have our players all over the world and in countries that you will never imagine that they will be.”
The Nigeria Premier League has been unable to take off due to high level of intrigues bordering on administrative control and sponsorship rights. In 2011, Davidson Owumi was elected chairman of the NPL but his reign was cut short after he signed a deal with rival company MTN. He was removed by a court ruling that questioned the process that brought him to power. And former Bayelsa United chairman, Victor Baribote was thrust upon the NPL and he was in turn removed last year by the club chairmen who accused him of bringing the league nearer to its grave than ever.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
General Overseer of Dominion Faith International Church, Ipaja, Lagos, Rev. David Olatona, has urged Nigerians not to lose hope as they pursue their aspirations in 2013.
Addressing newsmen ahead of the 2013 edit-ion of the church annual programme tagged; ‘A night with the King’ scheduled for Friday at the church auditorium, the cleric said Nigerians will see the favour of God in 2013 if they put their faith and hope in God.
“We should see God as our only helper as no man can help you except God. Enough of disa-ppointment from man. Put your trust in God because He only has the key to your success,” he said. Olatona said he foresees a brighter future for Nigeria as God is ready to take the country to greater heights.
“Nigeria will regain its greatness and God will silence all the storm in 2013,” he said, adding that Bishop Mike Okon-kwo of TREM will minister.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Mercy Johnson Date of Birth: She was given birth to in Lagos on April 14, 1984, even though she started out her primary school education in Calabar where she resides with her biological father. Mercy afterwards relocated to Lagos State when her daddy was transferred, where she continued her schooling at the Nigerian Navy Primary school. The celebrity went to Rivers State Secondary School for her secondary education in addition to Nigerian Navy Secondary School in Port Harcourt, River State. Right after her secondary education, she auditioned for a role in ‘the Maid’ a movie that’s to launch her into stardom.
The sexy actress continues to be one of Nigeria’s best rising female movie star. Mercy Johnson elevated to popularity in her role in ‘The Maid’ in which she acted as a house help to excellence. The gifted actress is however fast to indicate that this wasn’t her 1st film to stardom though it may be one which made her a household name (www.codewit.com) In the course of acting in ‘The Maid’ movie, she’d never obtained any sort of expert training in the Nigerian movie industry and had just finished her secondary school education.
The talented actress has been mostly connected with emotionally charged roles. As witnessed in many of her films, she’s an extremely actress who is able to fit any role ranging from action to romance. She also admits being her very best in emotional roles.
A few of Mercy Johnson’s movies include Beyond Desire, My Beloved Son, Look Into My Eyes, Kill the Bride, Painful World, Under Control, Lost to Lust, Sweet Mama, Wealth Aside, Royal Tears, Genevieve, Strength to Strength, Last Kiss, Forest of Promises and Women in Power. She hails from a family of 7 children and she is the 6th child. She talks very lovingly of her father, a former Naval officer, with whom she loves playing games. The attractive actress talks very little about the role her biological mother played in her life (www.codewit.com) She recently got married to an Edo based businessman, Prince Odianosen Okojie. For more Nigerian & Nollywood Biographies click
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye has again urged Nigerians to be optimistic about the nation, arguing that ingratitude leads to rejection by God.
Pastor Adeboye made the call during a New Year special thanks-giving service held at the church’s national headquarters in Ebute Metta, Lagos.
Enumerating the imp-ortance of appreciation, he said: “It is important to remember God’s goodness because it helps one to testify and witness what God has done. It helps to get more blessings from God, face the future with confidence, it helps to stay holy and not offend God’s grace and it brings irreversible blessings”.
After the thanksgiving service, the special assistant to the General Overseer, Pastor John-son Odesola advised Nigerians not to run down the country and its leaders with their mouths, adding that Nigerians ought to be grateful to God for the abundant resources He had deposited in the land.
In his words: “We should have a better attitude towards our country because other countries also have all kinds of problems, but when you listen to their citizens, they do not run down their nations or their leaders. God has promised us as a country and for all these to manifest, Nigerians should speak positive about the country and our leaders there is no country in the world that did not have its own challenges; but when it comes to the area of speaking for their count-ries they don’t water down their nations. We should believe in Niger-ia, believe in its pros-perity and I believe that God will reposition us and our glory will be restored.”
Juju Music maestro, King Sunny Ade was not only present to appre-ciate the goodness of the Lord in his life and his band but also used the occasion to express gratitude to God for His mercies and for making him see the day, adding that God is in love with him.
“I have nothing to say than to come and thank my God for what he has been doing for me, my family and my band members. This is the beginning of a new era and KSA and RCCG are partners in progress in the work of God. RCCG has a lot to do in my life. I want the whole world to know that and I am proud to be a member of the church. I have been thanking God and I will continue to do that,” said Sunny Ade.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso Saturday led the members of his executive council to commiserate with the Emir of Kano over the attack on his convoy by unknown gunmen.
The Governor told reporters shortly after he met the Emir that, ” I have just met with the Emir who is in good condition and I sympathized with him over the loss of three of his staff.”
Kwankwaso revealed that, “we discussed at length over the unfortunate incident, but we thank Almighty Allah that the Emir escaped unhurt”.
He described the attack as “condemnable and unfortunate”, adding that “we would do our best to stop its re-occurence”
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Two clergymen, Pastor Glory Okeoghene Abrefera and Reverend Vincent Okpogho, have been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment with a fine of N8 million for operating voodoo banking in Warri, targeted at defrauding unsuspecting depositors of over N1 billion.
Delivering judgement in the case which spanned over two years, Justice Ibrahim Buba said the clerics were convicted on a two-count charge of operating a bank without a valid license, contrary to sections two (2) and 49 (1) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act.
Buba explained that the Mustard Seed Micro Investment Limited was convicted on two counts and fined N2 million on each of them while the two clergymen, both directors of the firm, were to spend 10 years behind bars in addition to N2 million fine on each of the counts against them. However, their jail term were to run concurrently.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted the case.
The activities of the voodoo banking operators came to fore following a petition by Chief Tuoyo Awani, Pa Fregene, Manei Johnson and others, alerting the authorities and the general public over their activities.
According to Awani, the activities of the bank became suspicious when it became clear to some of the depositors that the bank could not give accurate amount of deposits at its disposal.
The petitioner said the depositors were cajoled into believing that the “bank” was operated by “men of God”.
He, however, advised Nigerians to be wary of dubious characters, particularly those who operate under the guise of “men of God” in order to avoid losing their money.
Awani expressed optimism that depositors may not lose all as the court had appointed liquidators to oversee what remains of Mustard See Micro Investment Limited with a view to repaying them.
Mr. John Okoriko, counsel to the convicted clergymen, said the company was not run as a bank.
Okoriko said throughout the legal battle none of the prosecution witnesses testified that they opened an account with Mustard Seeds Micro Ltd nor used cheque books, drafts and other banking documents during the period. But counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Gbolahan Latona, commended the judge for a brilliant and well-researched judgment, saying the verdict would go down as a watershed in the history of the judiciary and enrich the judicial process.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
He derives pleasure in beating me and then force me to bed after”, says a housewife, Abosede Balogun. In her evidence in chief at an Orile Agege Grade ‘B’ Customary Court, Lagos where she pleaded for the dissolution of her 15-year-old marriage to Jamiu Balogun, she alleged desertion and frequent beating.
The 32- year- old woman, of 3, Owolewa Street, Orile-Agege, said her husband behaves like animal, adding that he used to beat her severely whenever she asked for feeding allowance. ”He also abandoned my children and I, and came back after one year,”she said.
The mother of three told the court that Jamiu came back only to take the children and not to make peace. ”He promised to take the children away from me, because another woman he married could not give him children.”I can’t release my children to a tout,a smoker and a womaniser. I don’t want them to take after their father. I plead with the court to grant me the custody of the children,” she said
The 40 year old man, who lives at 3, Salimotu Street, Orile-Agege, denied the allegations. He said, “I have always loved and cared for my family, I am a responsible father though I might be troublesome. ”I never deserted her. I only ran for her trouble for a while. I don’t beat her always, I only do whenever she curses me,”he said.
Balogun, a driver with Lagos State Emergency Agency, LASEMA, also told the court that he still loved his wife and did not support the dissolution because he did not want his children to suffer. Meanwhile, the Court President, Mr Joseph Adewusi, told the couple to maintain the peace and adjourned the case till Jan. 24 for further hearing.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
The US and British defence ministers on Saturday vowed to hunt down Al-Qaeda-linked militants in north Africa following a deadly Algerian hostage crisis, but said they would not be sending in any ground troops.
After talks in London, Leon Panetta and his British counterpart Philip Hammond refused to criticise the Algerian military operation on a remote gas plant seized by Islamist gunmen, ending one of the bloodiest international hostage crises in years.
Hammond said the loss of life at the In Amenas gas plant was “appalling and unacceptable”, but he blamed it solely on the Islamist kidnappers.
“We must be clear that it is the terrorists who bear sole responsibility for it,” he told a joint press conference, adding: “We remain determined to defeat terrorism and stand with the Algerian government.”
And he warned: “The people behind this attack can be sure that the full force of the United States, the United Kingdom and other allied countries will bear down upon them and they will not find a place to hide.”
Panetta, on his final visit to Europe before stepping down, said that after the September 11 attacks, the United States had “made a commitment that we were going to go after Al-Qaeda wherever they are, and wherever they try to hide”.
It had done that in Afghanistan, in Pakistan, in Somalia and in Yemen, and north Africa would be no different, he said.
“The one thing we cannot do is be complacent or take for granted that somehow they can exist and establish a base of operations in the world. That is unacceptable,” he told reporters.
Both defence ministers said they were supporting a French military operation in Mali, which has been battling an onslaught of Islamist rebels, but they also both confirmed that they would not be sending troops in.
“We’re not planning troops on the ground in the area,” said Panetta, while Hammond added the equally unequivocal: “We have no plans to involve British troops in combat in Mali.”
They both said they would work with regional partners to defeat Islamist militants in north Africa, known as Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
“As we face this enemy we have to adapt the best efforts to be able to ensure that we do this effectively, and that involves working with these countries in the region,” Panetta explained.
He refused to criticise the Algerian government for the way it handled the hostages crisis.
“They are in the region, they understand the threat from terrorism better probably than a lot of other countries. They developed the capability to try to deal with terrorism,” he said.
“It’s important that we continue to work with it to develop a regional approach to making sure AQIM does not develop a safe haven in that part of the world.”
He added: “Every one of those countries has their approach to dealing with terrorism and I’m not going to make judgements about what’s good or bad.
“What I care about is that they do everything they can to make sure that AQIM does not establish a base of operations in that area.”
Hammond was also cautious not to criticise the Algerians, saying there was “no doubting their commitment to dealing with Islamist terrorism”.
“Different countries have different approaches to dealing with these things,” he said.
“The nature of collaboration in confronting a global threat is that we work with people sometimes who do things differently from the way we do them ourselves.”(AFP)
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
South Africa got their Africa Cup of Nations campaign off to a limp start here Saturday when debutants Cape Verde held the disappointing former champions to a goalless draw.
On this evidence the 2013 hosts will have to show marked improvement in their next Group A games against Angola and Morocco if they are to avoid a humiliating first round exit.
Cape Verde were the moral winners, producing the two best chances of this Cup curtain-raiser in front of a near 90,000 crowd at Soccer City.
The only time the vuvuzela-blowing fans fell totally silent was for President Jacob Zuma’s opening address — the head of state’s head protected by the lone umbrella in the stadium with his citizens banned from bringing theirs for security reasons.
South Africa coach Gordon Igesund made four changes from last weekend’s drab goalless draw against Algeria — with Bernard Parker and Lehlohonolo Majoro in attack.
For Cape Verde, marshalled by dreadlocked skipper Nando Neves, this was the mother of all baptism of fires, playing the hosts in front of a partisan crowd in the stadium that hosted the final of the 2010 World Cup.
But in contrast to Niger 12 months ago, who suffered a bad stage of stage fright on their debut, Luis Antunes’s men held their own in a tepid first period.
They even had the best chance of the half, from Platini, but he failed to live up to his famous namesake’s artistry by pulling his shot badly wide.
With only half a million inhabitants, Cape Verde are the smallest country to compete in the African showcase.
Yet, having stunned Cameroon to make the finals and placed 15 rungs above South Africa in FIFA’s world rankings, they weren’t about to assume the role of Group A whipping boys, going into the break marginally the stronger of the two teams.
Igesund tinkered with his team for the second half, replacing Crystal Palace midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi with Lerato Chabangu and on the hour he took off Siphiwe Tshabalala for Ajax midfielder Thulani Serero.
Antunes made his first change soon after, with Julio Tavares coming on for Platini, but not before the French-based player had picked up the game’s second booking.
South Africa, winners on home soil in 1996, may have upped the tempo but Cape Verde were still holding their own in tricky playing conditions on a recently-relaid pitch hit by a pre-match deluge.
Desperate to get early points on the board, Igesund introduced Sundowns striker Katlego Mphela for Majoro but soon after he watched as his side were fortunate to escape when Heldon’s header was kept out by keeper Itumeleng Khune’s quick reflexes.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
