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Birmingham 2022: Table Tennis Lists Four Debutants For Commonwealth Games

By
Emenike Agu
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The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation has listed four debutants in its team for the forthcoming 2022 Commonwealth Games later this month.

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games hold from July 28 to August 8.

In the women’s team, 2022 Africa Cup finalist, Fatimo Bello, Esther Oribamise and Ajoke Ojomu are making their debuts at the Games, while Amadi Omeh is the only male player on the list of four making his first appearance at the event.

World No.11 Quadri Aruna will lead Nigeria’s table tennis team comprising of four males and four females to the games.

Reigning African Games champion Omotayo Olajide, Bode Abiodun and Omeh complete the list of male players while Edem Offiong tops the list of women alongside 2022 Africa Cup finalist, Bello, Oribamise and Ojomu.

Meanwhile, our correspondent learnt that Offiong, based in Spain, will join up with the rest of her teammates in Birmingham, while the remaining players will fly out from Nigeria. “My aim is to go there and make my country proud and to win a medal, that is why I opted to return back to my base in Granada to intensify my training.”

Bello, 24, Nigeria’s top-ranked women’s player, added, “I’m in good shape at the moment and I believe we will do well in Birmingham. Individually, I’ve been training on my own and I’m confident of my chances.”

She is ranked world No.52 and No.4 in Africa behind Egyptian trio Hana Goda, Mariam Alhodaby and Dina Meshref in the latest WTT rankings for women.

Anambra Assembly Decries Poor State Of Primary Healthcare Centres

By
Olasunbo Okoromi
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The Anambra House of Assembly has expressed dissatisfaction with the state of Primary Health Centres in the state despite accessibility to Basic Health Care Provision Fund.

Dr. Cater Dike-Umeh, representing Aguata Constituency I and Chairman, House Committee on Health, stated this while speaking at the ongoing 2022 Revised Budget defence by the state House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, in Awka.

According to him, “The state of the PHCs was deplorable and unacceptable.

“In most of the constituencies, we are yet to see any PHC that has been refurbished. So, we will carry out an oversight function to see these projects the BHCPF were used for since 2020.

“The best we can give to residents is access to basic healthcare. We have to get it right this time around as it concerns primary healthcare in Anambra,” Dike-Umeh said.

Earlier, Dr. Chioma Ezenyimulu, Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said it had accessed over N805 million from the BHCPF since 2020.

The BHCPF was established under section 11 of the National Health Act 2014 as a catalyst funding to improve access to primary healthcare.

BHCPF provides free minimum basic healthcare to the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians through accredited Primary Health Centres in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

She said, “Anambra is one of the states in the country that met the criteria to access the Basic Health Care Provision Fund since 2020.

Wimbledon: Nadal Withdraws Due To Injury, Kyrgios Through To First Grand Slam Final

By
Emenike Agu
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The 22-time glam slam winner, despite his injury woes, thrilled spectators with his comeback in a five-set victory over American Taylor Fritz on Wednesday.

Twenty two-time Grand Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the ongoing Wimbledon Championship due to an “abdominal tear”.

The news came on the Wimbledon Twitter handle.

The winner of the first two Slams of 2022 despite his injury woes, thrilled spectators with his comeback in a five-set victory over American Taylor Fritz on Wednesday.

The 36-year-old defeated 11th-seeded Fritz in a (6-3, 5-7, 6-3, 5-7, 6-7) game that lasted four hours and 21 minutes to progress to the Semi-final.

During the game, Nadal sought medical attention as his injury became visible in the second set but the Spaniard fought till the end.

Unfortunately, he won’t be able to play the semi-final against Nick Kyrgios who automatically reached the his first-ever Grand Slam final and will meet either Novak Djokovic or Cameron Norrie.

Nadal’s statement

“I made my decision because I don’t believe I can win two matches under these circumstances.

“I can’t serve. it’s not only that I can’t serve at the right speed, it’s what I can’t do the normal movement to serve.

“I have to say that I can’t imagine myself winning two matches and for respect for myself in some way.

“I don’t want to go out there and not be competitive enough to play at the level that I need to play to achieve my goal and with a big chance to make the things much worse.”

HURIWA: Aregbesola Should Resign Or Be Sacked, 15 Jailbreaks Under His Watch

By
faith Jegede
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Civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, has said the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, must be sacked with immediate effect over his failure to end the incessant attacks on prisons in prisons in the country.

HURIWA’s position was contained in a statement on Thursday signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, where it condemned the jailbreaks under Aregbesola’s watch.

The group stated that, in the last five years, there had been over 15 jailbreaks under the former Osun State governor while over 3,000 inmates have escaped from custody.

During the latest attack at the kuje medium-security correctional facility, the terrorists reportedly freed over 600 inmates, including 64 suspected Boko Haram members held in custody.

HURIWA also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to quit asking rhetorical questions on how the intelligence system of the country failed to detect Tuesday’s attack at Kuje prison in Abuja on social media.

The group demanded the President immediately set up a judicial panel of inquiry on prison attacks in the country and ensure that such assaults on the entire security apparatus of Nigeria do not recur.

Lagos Govt Commences Mass Administration Of Medicines Against Schistosomiasis

By
Olasunbo Okoromi
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Lagos State Government has commenced a mass administration of medicines (MAM) for school aged children against schistosomiasis, an acute and chronic neglected tropical disease (NTD), caused by parasitic worms, in nine local government areas of the state, where the disease is endemic.

The permanent secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, who spoke on the MAM micro planning meeting with implementing stakeholders and partners, held at the Ostra Hall in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, noted that the mass administration of medicines would be implemented in nine LGAs: Kosofe, Eti-Osa, Oshodi-Isolo, Ikorodu, Alimosho, Ikeja, Agege, Ifako-Ijaiye and Surulere.

He stated that the MAM would be implemented in two phases, explaining that the first phase from June 29, would end July 8 2022, in the aforementioned LGAs, while the second phase of implementation will commence immediately in four other LGAs: Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Amuwo-Odofin, Ibeju-Lekki and Lagos Mainland, where the disease is co-endemic with Soil Transmitted Helminths.

Ogboye disclosed that the mass administration of medicines for schistosomiasis control and elimination, is part of the broader goal for the control and elimination of NTD in the state.

“The Lagos State Government is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health and a non governmental organization, Mission to Save The Helpless (MITOSATH), to implement the administration of medicines for school aged children.

“In 2019, the State Government in collaboration with MITOSATH and World Health Organisation (WHO), carried out a successful mass administration of medicines for school aged children in seven endemic LGAs. The successful intervention later served as template for other states to follow.”

The permanent secretary explained that the process will involve administration of oral medicine, Praziquantel to school aged children to achieve a timely intervention for the prevention and control of the disease, in order to reduce the level of endemicity in affected communities.

“What we are trying to do is to give medicine to reduce the level of endemicity of schistosomiasis, so that we can actively control and eliminate the disease in our state,” he said.

While restating the commitment of the state government to the elimination of the NTDs, the permanent secretary stated that over 300,000 school aged children are the target population for the mass administration of medicine for the control and elimination of schistosomiasis.

He assured residents that the medicines approved and provided for the exercise are safe and effective, stressing the need for citizens particularly parents and guardians in the affected LGAs to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the intervention for their children and wards.

The executive director, MITOSATH, Dr. Fransisca Olamiju, stated that the collaboration of MITOSATH, Federal Ministry of Health and the Lagos State Ministry of Health, was in line with the objective of controlling and eliminating the NTD in Lagos, adding that the intervention would take off with immediate effect.

She explained further that the mass administration of medicine, is for children between ages of five and 14 years, adding that praziquantel tablets, would be administered to the school aged children for the prevention and control of the disease.

“This intervention is the first ward level schistosomiasis MAM in Nigeria and in an urban setting. This novel MAM which has earned the Lagos State Ministry of Health an outstanding award by the Federal Ministry of Health is in line with the new WHO guideline for schistosomiasis intervention which focuses on ward level approach.

“The target is to reach 398,933 school age children (5-14years), with praziquantel tablets for the treatment and prevention of schistosomiasis in the endemic local government areas. We want the public to be aware that the drug is safe and our plea is that parents, guardians, caregivers, should ensure that their children are well fed before taking Praziquantel. We need to eliminate schistosomiasis, because it is a neglected and hidden disease,” she said.

Botswana 0-2 Nigeria: Super Falcons Bounce Back With Crucial Victory

By
Emenike Agu
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Super Falcons did enough to get a 2-0 win that has seen them move up to the second spot in Group C.

The Nigeria national women’s team, the Super Falcons, have gotten their campaign at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations back on track following their crucial 2-0 win over the Mares of Botswana, Thursday night in Rabat.

A goal in the first half by Ifeoma Onumonu and another by substitute Christy Ucheibe a few minutes into the second half saw Nigeria cruise to victory at the Moulay Hassan FUS, Rabat Stadium.

After Monday’s lackadaisical performance against the Bayana Bayana of  South Africa the Falcons needed the three points in Thursday’s Group C clash.

Randy Waldrum’s side put up an improved display which was enough to see them get the result that keeps them both in contention for a World Cup ticket as well as a record-extending 10th title.

First Half

Though the Super Falcons dominated the early exchanges, the Botswana Ladies clearly showed they were no pushovers as they made threatening moves that kept goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie busy in-between the sticks for Nigeria.

As early as the ninth minute, Maitumelo Bosija had a great attempt at goal for Botswana but the Mares were denied by the Falcons goalkeeper.

The Super Falcons got better as they settled into the game with the likes of Rasheedat Ajibade, Ngozi Okobi, and Francisca Ordega providing lively displays.

It didn’t take too long afterward for the Falcons to break the deadlock as a defense-splitting pass from Halimatu Ayinde found Onumonu who expertly slotted past the onrushing goalkeeper to give Nigeria the lead in the 21st minute.

While the opening goal boosted the confidence of the Nigerian ladies, it made the Bostwana team come out of their shells for a possible equaliser.

Rifelwe Tholakele led the onslaught on the Nigeria defence but Nnadozie was equal to the task, saving everything thrown at her; including a well-taken free-kick which was straight on goal.

The Super Falcons held on to their slim lead till the end of the first half

Second Half

Coach Waldrum at the start of the second half took off the ageing Rita Chikwelu for Christy Ucheibe and that proved to be a smart move as the new entrant doubled the Super Falcons’ lead barely after spending two minutes on the pitch.

Ucheibe, a former player of Nasarwa Amazons rose the highest to head in Nigeria’s second goal after a well-delivered corner kick from Toni Payne.

With her instant impact, Ucheibe was a target for the Botswana defenders and Kesegofetse Mochawe was booked for a poor challenge on Ucheibe in the 50th minute.

Though the Super Falcons bossed Thursday’s tie with 16 goal attempts compared to Botswana’s six and 74 per cent ball possession compared to the Mares’ 24 per cent, they were unable to increase their two-goal lead.

Coach Waldrum in trying to get the best mix for his team, made a number of substitutions in the second half. Ajibade was replaced by Uchenna Kanu; Ngozi Okobi made way for Gift Monday and Regina Otu came on for Ordega.

The Super Falcons clearly did enough to get a 2-0 win that moves them up to the second spot in Group C with three points ahead of Sunday’s final group game against Burundi. Table-toppers South Africa already qualified for the next round with two consecutive wins and will face Bostwana also on Sunday.

FIFA Alleged Fraud:  Swiss Court Declares Blatter, Platini Not Guilty 

By
Emenike Agu
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Blatter and Platini have been acquitted over a fraud case that allegedly happened in 2011.

On Friday, July 8, former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and vice president, Michel Platini, were found not guilty of the 2011 alleged fraud case.

According to the BBC, both former football administrators were cleared from their allegations in a case that lasted for 11 days.

“Both men had denied wrongdoing and said the transfer was belated payment for Platini’s advisory work for Fifa.

The 11-day trial took place at the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona, Switzerland and concluded on 22 June.”

After the verdict, Platini, in his statement, said that justice has finally come to stay.

“Following the decision of the judges of the Court of Bellinzona, this morning, I wanted to express my happiness for all my loved ones that justice has finally been done after seven years of lies and manipulation.

“The truth has come to light during this trial.”

“I kept saying it: my fight is a fight against injustice. I won a first game. In this case, there are culprits who did not appear during this trial. Let them count on me, we will meet again. Because I will not give up and I will go all the way in my quest for truth.”

Recall that Blatter, 86 and Platini, 67 were allegedly charged with an unlawful transfer of two million Swiss francs ($2.19m; £1.6m) in 2011 as reported on BBC. Ever since then, they have been facing trial at a court in Bellinzona.

But both men claimed innocence about the alleged funds as money without any hidden agenda as reported by AP News.

“Both Blatter and Platini have long denied wrongdoing and claim they had a verbal deal in 1998 for Platini to get extra salary that FIFA could not pay at the time. Platini signed a contract in August 1999 to be paid 300,000 Swiss francs ($300,000) annually.”

The allegations saw the end of Blatter’s 17-year at the helm of FIFA in 2011.

Russia Gas Supply: UK Power Station Delays Closure Of Coal-fired Generators

By
Angel Gimalo
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One of the UK’s largest power stations has delayed the closure of its coal-fired generators due to fears over the security of gas supplies from Russia.

Drax, near Selby, had planned to shut its two remaining coal plants in September but has agreed to keep them online this winter at the request of energy secretary Kwasi Kwarteng.

Mr Kwarteng said the decision was a “sensible precaution”.

The plants will be available “if needed” until the end of March.

In a tweet, Mr Kwarteng said: “With Russia cutting off gas to parts of Europe, this is a sensible precaution back home.

“As Energy Secretary, I have a responsibility to ensure we have enough supply this winter.”

He said that the UK now had two coal plants available for the winter and “talks were ongoing with one more”.

Last month the head of the International Energy Agency warned Russia may stop supplying gas to Europe this winter and encouraged countries to work on back-up plans.

Commenting on the latest development, Drax said at the request of the government, it had “entered into an agreement with National Grid” to allow its coal-fired units “to remain available to provide a winter contingency service”.

It said the units “will not generate commercially for the duration of the agreement and only operate if and when instructed to do so by National Grid”.

Under the terms of the agreement, Drax will be paid a fee and compensated for costs.

The company said its profits were now likely to be “slightly above the top of the range of analyst expectations”.

Exploring Nizwa Fort, Representing One Of Best Examples Of Old Architecture In Oman

By
Angel Gimalo
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Nizwa Fort is a large castle fortress which is located in the largest city in the Ad Dakhiliyah Region, within the Sultanate of Oman.

Being one of the most popular attractions in the country, the fort represents one of the best examples of the old architecture from Oman which gives a great illustration of the way Omani people used to live in ancient times.

Considered to be built in 1650s by the second Ya’rubi, the Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya’rubi, even though there is an evidence that the structure was built even earlier than that, which date back to 12 century.

As it took 12 years to complete the entire fort, there are plenty of interesting features all around.

The foundations extend up to 30 meters (98 feet) underground, and one of the most interesting features is the drum-like cylindrical tower which is around 45 meters (148 feet) in diameter and it is about 34 meters (112 feet) high.

With two cannons guarding the entrance of the tower, furthermore there are maze of rooms, high-ceiling halls, doorways, terraces, narrow staircases and corridors for a greater experience of the Omani architectural ingenuity.

Offering great protection for the city of Nizwa, it was definitely not an easy job to conquer Nizwa Fort.

In addition, battlements, turret, secret shafts, false doors and wells did not ease the job of the conqueror.

A very formidable stronghold against the raiding forces that wanted the abundant natural wealth of Nizwa, it was also a well desired place since the location is precisely at the crossroads of vital routes.

Nowadays, Nizwa Fort serves as a great memorial to the glory of the past rulers of the area, and also there are different exhibits which show the traditional way of living in Oman.

Some of the exhibits include traditional masks, jewellery, frankincense, coffee making, date store, and living quarters of past rulers.

All in all, a definite jewel of Oman which should not be missed when being in this interesting nation on the Arabian Peninsula.

Melting Glaciers Threaten Pakistan’s North

By
Angel Gimalo
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As dawn broke over Javed Rahi’s Pakistani mountain village, a loud boom shattered the silence and a torrent of water came cascading down from the melting glacier nearby, followed by a thick cloud of smoke.

Rahi, a retired maths teacher, had been due to attend his nephew’s wedding the day the flood rushed through the village of Hassanabad.

“I expected women and children to sing and dance… Instead I heard them screaming in terror,” the 67-year-old said.

“It was like doomsday.”

The flood — which occurred as a heatwave was gripping South Asia in May — swept away nine homes in the village and damaged half a dozen more.

The water also washed away two small hydro plants and a bridge that connected the remote community to the outside world.

Pakistan is home to more than 7,000 glaciers, more than anywhere else on Earth outside the poles.

Rising global temperatures linked to climate change are causing the glaciers to rapidly melt, creating thousands of glacial lakes.

The government has warned that 33 of these lakes — all located in the spectacular Himalaya, Hindu Kush and Karakoram mountain ranges that intersect in Pakistan — are at risk of bursting and releasing millions of cubic metres of water and debris in just a few hours, like in Hassanabad.

At least 16 such glacial lake outburst floods linked to heatwaves have occurred this year already, compared with an average of five or six per year, the Pakistani government said earlier this week.

The devastation caused by such floods makes recovery for impacted communities an arduous task.

After disaster struck Hassanabad, Rahi and fellow villagers who lost their homes had to move to a nearby camp for displaced people.

Inside their makeshift tents are the few belongings they managed to salvage and mattresses to sleep on.

“We never thought we would fall from riches to rags,” Rahi said.

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