Falconets Crash Out Of U-20 Women’s World Cup

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September 13, 2024

Japan survived a late scare against Nigeria to set up a re-match of the 2022 final with Spain in Sunday’s quarter-finals.

In rainy Bogota, Miyu Matsunaga’s free header just after the half hour was enough to send Japan to the break with a lead, as they have done at every match at Colombia 2024.

Maya Hijikata then doubled the advantage midway through the second term, tucking home a cross from substitute Chinari Sasai at the back post; that goal taking her joint-top of the adidas Golden Boot race with Brazil’s Vendito.

Olushola Shobowale did manage to pull one back for Nigeria in stoppage time but they couldn’t find a second as Japan hung on to close out the 2-1 win and set up that epic quarter-final clash with Spain. It is a re-match of the final match of the last edition in Costa Rica two years ago.

Randy Waldrum, Super Falcons Coach Resigns. See Full Text Of His Resignation Letter

By

Emenike Agu

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September 13, 2024

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The Nigeria Football Federation, although yet to react, has received the resignation letter of the coach of her women National team, the Super Falcons.

American, Randy Waldrum has stepped down from his position as coach of Nigeria, citing family reasons, LN247 reports.

The Pitts coach in America expressed gratitude for being given opportunity to serve but claimed that he is going away because of the failing health of his wife.

Randy Waldrum led Nigeria to a round of 16 finish at the last women world cup in Australia and qualified Nigeria for the Olympics in Paris France 2024, a feat last achieved in 2008.

Full Text Of His Resignation Letter

September 12, 2024

Nigerian Media – Release

RE: Statement from Randy Waldrum

It’s been a very difficult few weeks following the Olympics, with my wife’s health issues, and the worries that obviously come with that. After much thought and consideration, I am hereby resigning my position as Head Coach of the Super Falcons. This will allow the NFF ample time to find the next manager to take over this incredible squad.

I always wanted to leave any project better off than when I took it over, and I believe we have done that with the Super Falcons. We have built a squad that can compete consistently with any top team in the world. The future is bright with the current team as well as the up-and-coming U20 and U17 pool of players.

We had not qualified for an Olympics in 16 years, so qualifying was a huge accomplishment for the program. In addition, we beat two of the best teams in Africa in Cameroon and South Africa along the way. We played three of the top ten teams in the world, including the defending World Cup Champions, and played very well against both Spain and Brazil during the Olympics. Conversely, if you look back at the matches from the 2023 World Cup until the Olympics we had the following results:

Canada (Olympic Champions) – Result – 0-0 (draw)

Australia (#10 World Ranking) – Result – 3-1 (win)

Ireland (#21 World Ranking) – Result – 0-0 (draw)

England (#3 & European Champions) Result – 0-0 (draw) lost in penalties

Brazil (#9 World Ranking) – 1-0 (loss)

Spain (#1 World Cup Champions) – 1-0 (loss)

Japan (#7 World Ranking) – Result – 3-1 (loss)

*That’s 7 of the World’s Top Ten teams in FIFA rankings and we won 1, drew 3, lost 3! No other Super Falcons team has had that kind of success against the world’s best. This team has proven it can be one of the best in the world and play against any team without fear.

I would like to thank Past President Amaju Pinnick for giving me this opportunity and believing in me. I appreciate his open communication always accepting my calls and willingness to discuss any issues.

To President Ibrahim Gusau I thank you for the time you have given me and the opportunity to discuss with you the things that were and are needed moving forward. Your leadership will be very important for the progress of the Super Falcons.

A big thank you to Aisha Falode who I could not have done this without. Her support and help along the way have been immense. Along with the board, she understands the required approach to football, the professionalism that is required, and the support and resources that are necessary to be successful not just in Africa, but on the world stage.

I want to thank Kyle Quigley who was my right-hand assistant. We shared many hours together planning and figuring out how to navigate the World Cup and Olympics, and I will be forever grateful for your friendship and professionalism while on this journey. Only a few of us know the true difficulties we faced, but you stayed on giving up your time to help me and this team. One day the story will come out, and people will be amazed at how much we accomplished.

To Eboboritse Uwejamomere who worked as not only our video analyst, but as an assistant coach, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wish we had you at the World Cup, but it was amazing having you on board through qualifications and the Olympics in France. You do a fantastic job with your analysis, and I appreciate your work ethic and professionalism as well. You have a bright future ahead of you, and the NFF should utilize your talents across all teams as much as possible.

To Lauren Gregg, I cannot thank you enough. Despite all the turmoil, you still worked tirelessly behind the scenes analyzing video and preparing analysis for us. I couldn’t have gotten through the World Cup without your work. You spent your own money, you traveled at your own expense, and you gave up your time and consulting business to help these players and myself. You are true class and I’m so thankful to have a friend like you with the professionalism you display.

Thank you as well to a few others like Pancho Serna and Tom Brown that has helped me with analysis during my time with the NFF, along with my son Ben who has helped from behind the scenes in so many ways. His willingness to take over Pitt for me while I was away and his willingness to put in time on tactical analysis for the Super Falcons along with training was invaluable.

I would like to thank Tobex who has always had my back regardless of what was being said about our staff and the team. You helped me work with the media and journalists who were always there to support us in our quest. There are too many media and journalists to name who were behind me and the team, who really know football and can see the positive things we were doing. Thank you to all those media people and journalists, I really appreciate you and your support. Tobex, thank you for your professionalism, your work ethic, and your friendship! CAF is fortunate to have you, and you know I wish you all the best.

A quick thank you to Vivian and Priscilla who were our doctor and physio respectively during my tenure with the Super Falcons all the way through the World Cup, I value our friendship and thank you for all you did for me!

Lastly, or course my biggest gratitude goes to the players. We have built a side that can compete with anyone in the world. You all have been so supportive, so diligent about your work in difficult situations, and so professional in your approach to the national team. Your country is proud and should be very proud of all you have accomplished. My hope for all of you is that the NFF realizes where we are in the world now and capitalizes in giving more resources to ensure that you continue to climb as a world power. I thank you all for your hard work, your attention to detail, your willingness to try new things, and your overall coachability. The sky is the limit as to what you can achieve. I also appreciate your thoughts and prayers for my wife in a very difficult time, and you are all not only great players, but more importantly amazing young women who represent Nigeria in a first-class way. I wish you all nothing but the best, and I now feel as though I have added so many to my extended family. I’ll be here for each of you in any way you need moving forward.

I love you all and appreciate so much what we all accomplished together. You gave me memories for a lifetime!

A Nation In Crisis: How Inflation Is Rewriting The Rules Of Life In Nigeria

By

Tosin Onisuuru

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September 12, 2024

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The rising cost of living has become a harsh reality for millions of Nigerians, as inflation continues to bite hard across all sectors of the economy. From skyrocketing food prices to fuel costs and housing challenges, the average Nigerian is struggling to make ends meet.

The Impact of Rising Cost of Living on Nigerians

Over the past few years, inflation rates have surged, pushing up the prices of essential goods and services. Nigerians, particularly those in lower-income brackets, face increasing difficulty affording basic needs. The cost of food, transportation, healthcare, and housing has risen dramatically, leaving many households financially stretched.

a. Food Prices and Transportation Costs

One of the most glaring indicators of inflation is the cost of food. Basic food staples such as rice, beans, and cooking oil have seen dramatic price hikes, with some items more than doubling in price over the last year. This is coupled with rising fuel prices, which have caused transportation costs to soar, further compounding the problem for everyday Nigerians, especially commuters and small business owners.

b. Housing and Utilities

As Nigerians contend with rising food and transport costs, housing and utility bills have not been left behind. The high cost of rent and increasing electricity tariffs have added to the financial burden on households, leaving many struggling to afford comfortable living conditions.

Much Ado About Subventions: Are They Enough?

In response to the inflationary pressures, the Nigerian government has introduced subventions and palliatives aimed at cushioning the economic blow on the population. However, questions remain about the effectiveness and reach of these measures.

a. Fuel Subsidies

Fuel subsidies have long been a contentious issue in Nigeria’s economic management. While they are meant to keep fuel prices affordable, the ongoing debates around their removal or restructuring have raised concerns about whether subventions in their current form truly benefit the masses. The government’s introduction of food relief programs has been welcomed, but many believe that the scale of these interventions is insufficient to address the magnitude of the problem.

b. The Role of Social Safety Nets

Social safety nets, such as health insurance and unemployment benefits, are crucial in mitigating the impact of rising living costs. However, many Nigerians do not have access to these safety nets, leaving large portions of the population vulnerable. The government’s social intervention programs need to be expanded and made more accessible to ensure that the most vulnerable citizens are not left behind.

Addressing Economic Hardship: What Needs to Be Done?

To alleviate the rising cost of living, several steps must be taken to address the root causes of economic hardship in Nigeria.

a. Improving Local Production

One key solution is increasing local production to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports, which are often subject to global price fluctuations. Encouraging local agriculture and manufacturing will help stabilize prices and create jobs, reducing poverty in the long run.

b. Strengthening Infrastructure

Improving infrastructure, especially in transportation and energy, will lower the cost of doing business and help reduce inflation. For example, better roads and efficient electricity supply will cut down production and distribution costs for businesses, leading to more affordable goods and services.

c. Implementing Targeted Relief Programs

Finally, the government must adopt more targeted relief programs to provide immediate assistance to those hardest hit by inflation. These programs should go beyond cash transfers to include initiatives that support small businesses, create jobs, and offer affordable credit facilities to help people rebuild their livelihoods.

The rising cost of living in Nigeria is an issue that requires urgent attention from both the government and private sector. While subventions and palliatives offer short-term relief, they are not enough to address the underlying economic challenges. A comprehensive approach, focused on local production, infrastructure development, and expanded social safety nets, is essential to ease the burden on Nigerians and create a more sustainable economic future.

Intellectual Property Rights Limited to 20 Years in Nigeria – NOTAP

By

Tosin Onisuuru

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September 12, 2024

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The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has clarified that inventors hold exclusive rights to their intellectual property for a maximum of 20 years. After this period, the rights to the invention is then transitioned to the public domain, allowing anyone to use the work without restrictions.

Obiageli Amadiobi, the Director General of NOTAP, made this announcement during a press conference held in Abuja to mark the African Day for Technology and Intellectual Property. The event, themed “Leveraging Technology and IPRs to Drive the Renewed Hope Agenda,” addressed ongoing debates surrounding intellectual property rights, particularly in the music industry and the necessity of securing permissions from original creators.

Amadiobi highlighted that this commemoration follows a 1999 resolution by the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union), aimed at promoting the domestication of technology and strengthening intellectual property rights in African countries.

In her speech, she emphasized the role of technology and intellectual property rights in nation-building and wealth creation, stating that these systems foster creativity and innovation. She encouraged young inventors and innovators to develop indigenous solutions to the challenges facing Africa, which would, in turn, help eradicate poverty and promote sustainable development.

Amadiobi explained, “Intellectual Property refers to the creative works of the mind, including literary and artistic pieces, which belong to the creator. These works can only be transferred or sold with the innovator’s permission. However, the exclusive rights to such creations are limited to 20 years in the case of patents. After this period, the invention enters the public domain and can be utilized by anyone.”

She also reiterated the significance of intellectual property in international trade relations, as recognized in the World Trade Organization’s Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement, which Nigeria has been a party to since 1995. With knowledge becoming increasingly vital in the digital age, Amadiobi hailed the African Union’s decision to commemorate the importance of technology and intellectual property as a key driver of sustainable development in Africa.

CBN Mandates PoS Transaction Tracking to Boost Electronic Payment Security

By

Tosin Onisuuru

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September 12, 2024

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has instructed all Payment Service Providers to route transactions from Point of Sale (PoS) terminals, both physical and electronic, through a CBN-approved Payment Terminal Service Aggregator (PTSA). This directive, accompanied by a 30-day compliance window, aims to improve the tracking and monitoring of electronic transactions across the country.

This new regulation seeks to decentralize PoS transaction routing, addressing concerns over the previous centralization under a single entity. The CBN issued the instruction in a circular signed by Oladimeji Yisa Taiwo from the Payments System Management Department.

The circular emphasized that PoS transactions from both merchants and agents must be processed through any PTSA licensed by the CBN. Additionally, PTSAs are required to send transactions to processors certified by the relevant payment schemes and licensed by the CBN.

The circular read, “To achieve the objective of tracking electronic transactions in Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria, in August 2011, granted a Payment Terminal Service Aggregator licence to Nigeria Interbank Settlement System Plc. In furtherance of the above, the CBN hereby directs acquirers to route all transactions from PoS terminals at merchant and agent locations, whether on physical or electronic PoS terminals, through any CBN-licensed Payment Terminal Service Aggregator.”

“PTSAs are required to send PoS transactions to only processors certified by the relevant Payment Scheme, nominated by the Acquirer, and licensed by the CBN.”

This development comes after the September 5th deadline for PoS agents to register their businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Despite legal challenges, the CAC recently announced that it has begun shutting down unregistered PoS businesses that failed to register.

The directive on PoS business registration comes against the backdrop of frequent fraud incidents involving PoS terminals and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s plans to prevent trading in cryptocurrency or virtual currency.

According to a report by Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc, PoS terminals accounted for 26.37% of fraud incidents in 2023.

Zimbabwe Student Union Demands Release of Nicole Chabata Jailed Among CCC Activists

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Nzubechukwu Anodo

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September 11, 2024

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The Zimbabwe National Student Union (ZINASU) has called for an immediate release of Nicole Chabata, a young female student who was arrested at CCC interim leader, Jameson Timba’s residence on June 16, 2024.

Chabata was arrested alongside 77 activists of the Opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and has been in remand for close to 3 months now.

She is due to sit for her Ordinary Level examinations in a few weeks and missed over a month of schooling during the second term following her arrest.

The High Court recently acquitted the 78 opposition activists for disorderly conduct and 66 remain in jail awaiting trial for unlawful gathering.

In a statement the students union condemned Chabata’s detention.

According to the union, “the actions taken on Nicole reflect a disturbing trend of the regime trying to silence young voices that seek to promote social Justice and the rights of women”.

“The unlawful arrest of Nicole deprived her of an opportunity to finish her 2nd term and with schools reopening today she won’t be attending school like other students.

This undermines her educational journey simply because she celebrated the hope, resilience and the fundamental rights every child deserves. It is disheartening that a student meant to sit for her O level exams in a month is in detention, wrote the ZINASU Gender Desk”.

The union is demanding that the responsible authorities and relevant institutions review these convictions and uphold justice.

Also in their statement, women and activists are being subjected to unnecessary trauma, health conditions and institutionalized personality traits as the conditions in the prison cells are dehumanizing especially for innocent women and men that are wrongfully convicted.

Enugu Govt Partners Real Estate Company To Build 260 Smart Schools

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Nzubechukwu Anodo

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September 11, 2024

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Enugu State Government has patnered a real estate and construction company, Sujimoto in an ambitious project to revolutionise education across the state.

According to the state Governor, Peter Mbah, the N420 billion initiative is aimed at building 260 state-of-the-art smart schools in all wards of Enugu, setting a new standard for education in Nigeria.

Initially focused on expanding its agro-industrial projects into Enugu, the company’s involvement took a transformative turn when Governor Mbah invited it to join the groundbreaking educational initiative.

The smart schools, designed to foster experiential learning and innovation, will be built across Enugu’s 17 local government areas, with each school costing about N1.6 billion.

CEO of Sujimoto, Dr Sijibomi Ogundele expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting that the project aligns with the company’s desire to contribute to national development beyond luxury housing.

The partnership signifies a pivotal step towards redefining educational standards in Nigeria, focusing on inclusivity, innovation, and excellence.

Shettima Pledges Immediate Action to Combat Borno Flood Disaster (Video)

By

Tosin Onisuuru

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September 11, 2024

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Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Borno State to assess the devastating impact of the recent floods, which have displaced thousands and severely affected critical infrastructure, including the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the government house, and the post office. The flooding, triggered by the collapse of the Alau Dam and an overflow of water from its spillways, has submerged several neighborhoods in Maiduguri and nearby towns, including the palace of the Shehu of Borno.

Wild animals, such as snakes, crocodiles, and ostriches, have been spotted roaming the streets after being displaced from the state zoo. The most affected areas, including Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, and Bulabulin, have seen homes swept away and streets turned into rivers.

As the former governor of Borno, Vice President Shettima expressed deep concern for the flood-affected communities and pledged swift federal intervention. He assured the residents that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to immediate relief efforts and long-term solutions to mitigate future disasters.

In a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Shettima emphasized that President Tinubu has outlined a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of recurrent flooding and other environmental challenges. He acknowledged that the disaster is a stark reminder of Nigeria’s growing threat of climate change.

The Vice President assured that the government is ramping up interventions in flood-prone regions, focusing on community protection, agricultural preservation, and reinforcing key infrastructure. Shettima also stressed the importance of national unity in overcoming the aftermath of such disasters and reiterated the government’s commitment to finding sustainable, long-term solutions to these issues.

Visa Restrictions and Study Abroad Costs: What Nigerian Students Should Know

By

Tosin Onisuuru

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September 10, 2024

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As the global demand for higher education rises, many Nigerian students are seeking academic opportunities overseas, particularly in popular destinations such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. However, recent immigration policies in these countries are increasingly affecting the prospects of these students, from visa restrictions to post-graduation work limitations.

Nigerian Students Abroad: Key Destinations and Statistics

In 2021, the number of Nigerian students studying abroad reached significant figures:

United States: Approximately 13,000 Nigerian students, according to the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors Report.

United Kingdom: Over 21,000 Nigerian students were enrolled in UK universities, per data from Universities UK International.

Canada: More than 13,000 Nigerian students attended Canadian institutions.

Malaysia and Germany: Malaysia hosts around 6,000 Nigerian students, while over 3,000 are enrolled in German universities.

These destinations offer a range of academic programs, but recent changes in immigration policies could change the landscape for Nigerian students.

New Immigration Restrictions: UK, US, and Canada

1. United Kingdom: In 2023, the UK introduced new policies to curb immigration, impacting international students significantly. Key changes include:

A higher salary threshold (£38,700) for those transitioning from student visas to skilled worker visas.
Restrictions on dependents for students not enrolled in research-based courses (e.g., PhDs).
Ongoing reviews of the Graduate Visa, which could reduce the two-year work permit currently offered to students.

2. United States: The US has tightened visa regulations, including stricter H-1B visa scrutiny and delays in Optional Practical Training (OPT) processing. These changes make it harder for international students to remain in the US post-graduation.

3. Canada: Though Canada remains a popular choice, it has introduced stricter eligibility for post-graduation work permits (PGWP) and made adjustments to its Express Entry system, adding challenges for students aiming to transition to permanent residency.

Global Trends: Capping International Student Admissions

Several countries are considering or implementing caps on international student admissions, citing concerns about housing shortages and social resources. For instance:

Canada: In 2023, Canada announced its plan to cap international student admissions due to housing challenges.

Australia: While not capping student numbers, Australia is reviewing visa policies to prioritize domestic employment.

United Kingdom: The UK is also evaluating its Post-Study Work (PSW) visa, with possible restrictions for students attending lower-ranked universities.

Economic and Social Impact

The economic benefits of international students for host countries are undeniable. Universities heavily rely on tuition fees from international students to fund research and academic programs. In Nigeria’s case, the outflow of resources due to students studying abroad is significant, particularly as the Naira continues to devalue. Some students report that their educational costs have risen by up to 300% in a single academic year, straining their financial capabilities.

At the same time, the potential long-term benefits for Nigeria are clear: remittances, innovation, and skills brought back by those who return with global experience. However, the challenge remains balancing these benefits with the need to retain talent domestically.

Weaponization of Food and the push GMO crops in W.Africa

By

Henry Williams

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September 10, 2024

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Bill Gates’ interest in agricultural reform across Africa, particularly in West Africa, has been significant. However, his foundation’s efforts to promote food security and tackle malnutrition have been both praised and criticized. The criticism centers around the weaponization of food through corporate-driven agricultural technologies, which may exacerbate food insecurity and drive dependence on external inputs, industrial agriculture, and corporate profit.

The Gates Foundation’s Agricultural Initiatives in Africa

The Gates Foundation has invested heavily in agricultural initiatives, notably through the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). Since 2006, AGRA has promoted policies to reshape African agriculture by encouraging large-scale farming, hybrid seeds, GMOs, and synthetic fertilizers. These policies aim to increase yields and commercialize farming but have sparked debates about their suitability for Africa’s unique agricultural and socio-economic conditions.

Impact of GMOs and Industrial Farming

The promotion of GMOs is a central aspect of Gates’ strategy, but critics argue that GMOs and required inputs benefit multinational corporations more than smallholder farmers. The Gates Foundation has funded efforts to commercialize GMO maize across several West African nations, but concerns about GMOs are widespread, particularly regarding their impact on biodiversity and long-term soil health. This is despite GMO products cutivation being banned in major european and African countries including Germany Algeria, Kyrgyzstan, Bhutan, Madagascar, Peru, Russia,Venezuala and Zimbabwe.

Weaponization of Food and Dependency

The term “weaponization of food” refers to the creation of an agricultural system where small-scale farmers become dependent on corporate-controlled seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs. This model shifts control away from local farmers and communities and into the hands of multinational agribusinesses. In West Africa, this dynamic has been damaging, as farmers struggle to afford the inputs required for high-yield crops promoted by Gates’ funded initiatives.

Analysts stakeholders within Nigeria say that insecurity and killing of farmers whose families now live in IDP camps is sponsored by western corporation behind the push for GMO crops in Nigeria with the aim to create hunger and leave farmers with no option but to embrace genetically modified crops with the promise of higher yields.
Experts like Dr. Philip Njemanze Chairman Global Prolife Alliance say government banning of GMO crops in Nigeria would automatically bring the killing of farmers to an end.

Conclusion

Bill Gates’ efforts to reshape agriculture in West Africa have had mixed results. While the intention of increasing food security is noble, the implementation has sparked concerns about the weaponization of food and the risks posed by creating dependency on industrial farming systems. A shift towards supporting traditional farming methods, promoting food sovereignty, and focusing on local, sustainable solutions is necessary to avoid further exacerbating food insecurity.
However finding a lasting solution will lie government investment in sustainable farming methods that enhance soil and health biodiversity.
Policies should prioritize supporting smallholder farmers, ensuring they retain control over their seeds and farming methods while international organizations and donors focus on poverty alleviation and market access for farmers.
Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term impacts of GMOs and hybrid seeds on West African ecosystems and food sovereignty.