MTN Secures Exclusive Right To NPFL Broadcast Streaming

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September 21, 2023

From L-R: Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services Officer (CCSO) MTN; Basil Kabbani, Chairman Propel Sports Africa Ltd; Hassan Jaber, Chief Operating Officer (COO) MTN; Edward Simons, President Propel Sports Africa Ltd and Victor Okobi, In-Country Director, Propel Sports Africa Ltd.

Following the Joint Venture between the Nigeria Premier League Ltd, GTI and Propel Sports Africa to stream Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) games live, Propel Sports has announced MTN Nigeria as the exclusive broadcast partners of the Nigerian football league.

Consequently, the NPFL matches will be streamed live on mobile devices on the MTN Network.

The streaming will cover eight live games each weekend, which will translate to over 300 games per season.

Basil Kabbani, Chairman of Propel Sports Africa stated: “The engagement with the team at MTN has been amazing, from the Digital VAS, to the Marketing and Commercial team, their approach has been consistently professional, and their enthusiasm for the NPFL content has been infectious. From the very start of our negotiations, we knew MTN was the right partner to give our great content, the platform it deserves.”

The deal, concluded by Propel Sports Africa President, Edward Simons and MTN Chief Operating Officer Hassan Jabar, will include in-and-post-game highlights delivered in real time to MTN subscribers through the NPFL Live OTT platform.

Propel Sports Africa’s in-Country Director Victor Okobi commented, “I cannot think of a better network than MTN to showcase the best of Nigerian soccer on NPFL-Live”.

“We are excited about this opportunity to deliver entertaining content to our subscribers. It is a testament to our commitment to sports development in Nigeria. “We know Nigerians love football and we are glad to partner with Propel Sports Africa and GTI to deliver Nigerian Premier League matches in high definition to our customers.

“We are confident that this partnership will transform the reception and appreciation of the Nigeria Premier Football League,” said Hassan Jaber, Chief Operating Officer, MTN Nigeria.

Commenting for GTI, the Group Managing Director, Abubakar Lawal stated: “This is the testimonial of the journey of the NPFL to the global space.

“The partnership is very good for the football ecosystem of Nigeria as we strive to deploy technology and efficient solutions to create value for all the stakeholders and other prospective partners of the league.”

Commenting for NPFL, the Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye, stated: “The Nigeria Premier Football League is excited about the partnership potentials to elevate the league’s visibility and engagement.

“We are thrilled to welcome MTN as our exclusive telecommunications partner. Their expertise and commitment to innovation align seamlessly with our vision for the league.

“With MTN’s support, we look forward to not only reaching a wider audience but also enhancing the overall experience for our dedicated fans. This groundbreaking collaboration marks a significant milestone in the realms of sports and technology, promising an elevated viewing experience for football enthusiasts across the nation.

“The partnership underscores a shared commitment to bringing the excitement of football closer to the hearts of millions of Nigerians.

“The partnership will also redefine how football is experienced, engaging fans in every goal, tackle and victory with unparalleled clarity and convenience.”

Nigeria Drops In FIFA Ranking

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Emenike Agu

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September 21, 2023

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Harvest of goals in their last African Cup of Nations qualifying match did not impaction the super Eagles’ FIFA ranking as they dropped to 40 from their previous 39 in the world and are sixth in Africa.

Nigeria beat Sao Tome & Principe 6-0 in Uyo earlier this month to get a 16-0 aggregate win. But Sao Tome & Principe, at 188^th globally is the least ranked of the 50 African teams.

It also means that the Super Eagles May be out of the seeded teams for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations draw if FIFA ranking is used as the determinant.

Though sixth, Nigeria may lose ranking rights to hosts, Cote d’Ivoire who are number nine in Africa and 52^nd in the world.

While Nigeria remain static at number six in Africa, Morocco hold on to their number one position ahead of Senegal. The third ranked African team is Tunisia, followed by Algeria and Egypt.

Globally, Argentina hold on tenaciously to their number one position following their 1-0 triumph over Ecuador and a 3-0 away success against Bolivia in their opening CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Second place France lose some ground after suffering a 2-1 friendly defeat at the hands of Germany.

Meanwhile, Brazil at number three, England (4th) and Belgium (5th) retain their places in a top five that remains unchanged from the July 2023 edition of the global ranking.

Police Constables Face Sanctions For Escorting Adamawa S.U President

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faith Jegede

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September 21, 2023

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The Nigeria Police Force has referred two unnamed police constables serving in Jimeta Police Division of Adamawa State Police Command to the Force Provost for disciplinary actions.

This is over their misconduct during the convention and election exercise organized by the National Union of Adamawa State Students between September 4 and 5, 2023.

In a viral video on social media, the police constables were seen escorting the car of the newly elected President of the Students Union.

Reacting to the development on Monday, the Force Headquarters said the two policemen went beyond their brief and the purpose of their deployment to the Students Union event, adding that their actions were unacceptable and do not represent the values of the NPF.

In a message posted on his social media handle, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said both police constables and their superiors have been summoned to the Force Headquarters, Abuja for appropriate action.

Artist Ordered To Pay Museum Back For Sending Blank Canvases

By

faith Jegede

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September 21, 2023

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An artist has lost a lengthy battle with a Danish museum after submitting two blank canvases and taking off with the loaned cash that was meant to be displayed inside the artworks.

Danish artist Jens Haaning was ordered by a Copenhagen court to pay the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art 500,000 Danish kroner (around $76,500) after his audacious stunt set off a nearly two-year legal fight.

In 2021, Jens Haaning was given the equivalent of nearly $84,000 in Danish kroner and euro banknotes by the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art in Aalborg.

As well as lending him the notes, the museum also paid him $3,900 for the work.

However, when the museum received the completed artworks, they were blank.

He has now been ordered to repay around $70,600 and another $11,000 in court fees.

“I am shocked, but at the same time it is exactly what I have imagined,” Haaning told Danish public broadcaster.

For its exhibition on labour conditions and money, entitled “Work It Out,” the museum commissioned Haaning to recreate two of his earlier pieces, which featured banknotes attached to a canvas representing the average annual wage in Denmark and Austria.

Haaning said the artwork here was that he had taken the money. “I encourage others who have just as miserable working conditions as I to do the same. If they are being asked to give money to go to work, then take the money and run.” He said

The museum said Haaning broke an agreement on how to use the money.

The artist disputed the allegations saying “It’s not theft, it is a breach of contract, and the breach of contract is part of the work.”

Strike: NLC ultimatum ends today, FG allays fear

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Mana Balagbogbo

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September 21, 2023

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Hours to the end of the 21-day ultimatum issued by the organised labour, the Federal Government, on Wednesday, said it has no fears about a potential economic shutdown. This is despite last Monday’s parley being deadlocked as both parties failed to see eye-to-eye on the labour unions’ demands over the removal of petrol subsidy.

“I don’t think there is any problem. We don’t have any fears about some of the things they (labour) put on the table and also the suggestions and the package of the Federal Government,” the Minister of Labour, Simon Lalong, told State House Correspondents after a private meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima, at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, Wednesday evening.

Days earlier, Lalong met the organised labour in Abuja. However, both parties failed to reach a consensus as the Nigerian Labour Congress insisted that the FG must meet its demands ahead of the 21-day ultimatum it issued on September 1.

The union had handed down the 21-day ultimatum over the delay in sharing palliatives, saying it might be compelled to declare an indefinite labour action if its demands were not met. It said all is set for a total shutdown of the economy, which would start at the expiration of the ultimatum on Friday.

Arising from his meeting with Shettima, the labour minister responded to questions about the deadline for an indefinite strike by the organised labour, saying, “As for me, I don’t think there is any problem. We have fully spent time with the Nigerian labour and the posture of the President too is towards the welfare and prosperity for workers.

Adeleke gets 10-day ultimatum to pay judges’ allowances

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Mana Balagbogbo

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September 21, 2023

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Ibadan-based lawyer, Mutalubi Adebayo, SAN, has given Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, a 10-day ultimatum to pay arrears of allowances owed retired and serving judges in the state or face legal action.

Adebayo, in a statement dated Thursday, September 21, signed by himself, and obtained by our correspondent in Osogbo, said that should Adeleke refuse to yield to the request, by September 30, legal action to compel him to pay up would commence in a court of competent jurisdiction on October 3.

The lawyer, who confirmed being the author of the statement in a message to our correspondent, also noted that besides the arrears of outstanding allowances, he would also claim interest and aggravated damages in respect of the unpaid entitlements.

Adebayo’s statement further read in parts, “This serves as a notice to the Governor, the Government and the Judicial Service Commission of Osun State of Nigeria that if all the arrears of allowances being owed all the Judicial Officers in the state (both serving and retired) from the tenure of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola till date are not liquidated on or before the 30th day of September 2023, I, JCI Senator Mutalubi Ojo Adebayo, SAN, shall on the 3rd day of October 2023 commence legal action in a court of competent jurisdiction to recover the full amount of the said unpaid allowances from the Government of Osun State and its Judicial Service Commission.

“Take further notice that I will also claim interest and aggravated damages in respect of those unpaid allowances because the acts of the Government of Osun State in refusing to pay same over the years amount to sheer callousness, recklessness, disregard for rule of law, indecent and unfair.”

However, the spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, had yet to react to the statement as of the time of filing the report.

Curfew in Kano as tribunal sacks gov, fears grip other states

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Mana Balagbogbo

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September 21, 2023

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Uneasy calm has gripped the otherwise boisterous city of Kano State following the judgment of the Governorship Election Tribunal which upturned the victory of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), yesterday.

Following rising tension, the state government imposed a 24 hour curfew on the state. Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, who confirmed the development, said the curfew was communicated by government via letter with Reference No: K/SEC/H/435/T.1/153 dated September 20. The curfew took effect from 6pm.

The police boss warned that violators would be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law. He said combined security forces have already been dispatched to the nooks and crannies of the state, including the entry and exits of the state and assured that they had mapped out strategies to ensure safeguard the state.

In the judgment delivered electronically via Zoom, the tribunal ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate of return issued to him in respect of the election and reissue a fresh certificate of return to Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The tribunal led by Justice Oluyemi Osadebay Akintan held that the name of Yusuf was not on the official list of the party members submitted to INEC as at April 9, 2022. It equally declined to recognise 165,663 votes due to irregularities in their ballot papers.

According to the tribunal, having expunged the invalid votes from the total vote cast, the second runner up, Nasiru Gawuna, won.

In spite of the visible presence and assurances from the security agencies, hours after the judgment, shops, malls and offices across major markets and the axis of Kano were shut while everyone rushed home.

Some of the places where traders suspended activities were Sabon Gari, Kantin Kwari and Singer markets. The biggest shopping mall in the metropolis, Ado Bayero Mall (ShopRite), was shut.

In his reaction, NNPP chairman in the state, Hashim Suleiman described the judgment as unjust and vowed to appeal it.

But National Chairman of APC, Abdullahi Ganduje and Gawuna have hailed the verdict.

Speaking separately to newsmen in Abuja, Ganduje appealed to the people to remain peaceful.

In his own reactions, Gawuna, chronicled his political journey with the APC boss and promised to continue with the blueprint especially the campaign against drug abuse, insecurity, and criminality if he finally regains his mandate.

Tribunal affirms Mohammed’s election as Bauchi governor

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Mana Balagbogbo

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September 21, 2023

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The Bauchi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has affirmed the victory of Governor Bala Mohammed of PDP.

The tribunal dismissed the petition filed by APC and its governorship candidate, former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

The Justice P.T Kwahar-led three-man panel stated that there was no strong reason to nullify the election because it was conducted in compliance with the law.

Mohammed polled 525,280 votes to beat Abubakar who got 432,272 votes.

The governor hailed the verdict of the panel as a profound judgment that will continue to resonate within multiple circles as a demonstration of judicial rigour and commonsense and an affirmation of the sovereign will of the people over political brinkmanship and an entitlement mentality

“Our victory today is by the grace of Allah who gives power to whom he wishes and takes it without consulting the holder. We are once again reminded that all power is held in trust on behalf of God.”

He said despite the mischief of political merchants who arrogate to themselves kingmaker status and deceived some unsuspecting compatriots into believing that they can determine the destiny of others, the judgement indicated that God still reigns in the affairs of all his creations.

“In the nature of things, many of our supporters would expect me to jubilate over the verdict that has just confirmed the overwhelming mandate that they freely gave to me at the last governorship election in the state.

“Naturally, I am relieved and happy that this distraction has been put aside.

“However, how I wish that we got to this point devoid of the acrimony, the bitterness, the resource hemorrhage, the bickering, the time wasted.

“How I wish that rather than dissipate energy through avoidable litigation, we had all resolved what is a disagreement among brothers through discussion, consultation and unity of purpose.

“How I wish all of us had submitted to the Supreme will of Allah then succumbed to our ego and personal fantasies.

“As a constitutionalist who has stood with the law at critical moments in our country’s history, I will be the first to admit that the framers of our constitution did not err by co-opting judicial intervention as part and parcel of the electoral process.

“It is the epitome of our Doctrine of Separation of Powers that gives confidence to the aggrieved not to resort to self-help. It ensures constitutional and social harmony.”

Potential voters in Imo yet to collect 134,000 PVCs for guber poll –INEC

By

Mana Balagbogbo

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September 21, 2023

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Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday, disclosed that barely seven weeks to the November 11 governorship election in Imo State, registrants are yet to collect at least 134,000 permanent voter cards (PVCs).

Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Sylvia Agu, told newsmen in Owerri that INEC resumed issuance of PVCs for the election on September 11 and that the exercise would continue until October 9.

“INEC still has about 134,000 uncollected PVCs in Imo in the 27 local government area secretariats of the state.

“I urge Imo residents to collect their PVCs at the INEC offices in their councils, while those in Orsu Local Government Area should collect theirs at the state office in Owerri. Apart from the 27 local government area offices, INEC has also created some centres for PVCs collection for registration areas that have more than 1,000 uncollected PVCs.

“Remember that PVCs cannot be collected by proxy and they must be exchanged with the temporary voter cards. INEC has gone a step further to gather the phone numbers of owners of uncollected PVCs in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi to send bulk SMS to them,’’ she said.

Off-cycle governorship elections will be held in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi on November 11.

Agu also told newsmen that INEC was prepared for the election in Imo and that all non-sensitive materials had been received and would be distributed to the various local government areas appropriately. “The Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security of which the police is the lead agency is on top of the security situation and shall draw up security architecture for the exercise. INEC is poised to, yet again, conduct a credible, free and fair election.”

LUTH denies late doctor worked 72-hour call duty

By

Mana Balagbogbo

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September 21, 2023

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The management of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, has denied allegations that one of its house officers, Dr Michael Umoh, died after a 72-hour call.

This is contained in a statement issued by LUTH management team in Lagos on Thursday.

“LUTH management understands the fact that the family of Dr Umoh is presently mourning the death of their beloved son and requested the foreclosure of any media engagement regarding the death of their son. It is important for us as a management to make clarifications regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.

“Dr Umoh died on Sept 17 while in church with his parents. The management was informed, and the death was later confirmed by one of the Consultants in his unit (Neurosurgery).

“The death of Dr Umoh is unfortunate but the narrative of a 72 hours non-stop shift is false.

“The record from Neurosurgery unit shows that the last time he was on call was 13th and 14th September, 2023.

“He was not on call on the 15th, 16th and 17th (the day he died), contrary to the insinuations on social media. He was at home with his parents on Sept. 16 and Sept. 17,” the management said.

Prior to this time, the management said, he was on call on the Sept. 7 and Sept. 8.

”This shows that Dr Umoh was on call for a total number of four days in September, 2023.

“A delegation from LUTH visited the family on Wednesday to commiserate with the family and to get more details of the circumstances surrounding his death.

“The parents gave the details of what they thought must have contributed to his death but pleaded that the wish of the family be respected and that the narrative is not for public consumption,” it said.

It said he will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues.

“May his soul rest in peace, and may the Almighty give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss” LUTH said.