WWC: Samoura Praises Falcons For Making Nigeria, Africa And Women’s Football Proud

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August 1, 2023

Secretary-General of world football-governing body, FIFA, Ms Fatma Samoura on Monday in Brisbane commended the Super Falcons of Nigeria for reaching the Round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, saying their feat has brought joy to women’s football as a whole with their elegance and self-assuredness on the pitch, as well as African women football and the African girl-child.

The 0-0 draw with Republic of Ireland meant the Falcons finished unbeaten in their Group B, a first-ever for an African team at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“I must say that personally, I am proud of you. As you know, I am the first woman to be Secretary General of FIFA since the organization was founded in 1904, and I am also an African. So, I am easily excited by any accomplishment that glorifies women’s football and African football,” Samoura said as she addressed the nine-time African champions at the dressing room after the match at Lang Park.

READ ALSO:Transfer: Iwobi’s Everton intensify bid to return Iheanacho to Premier League

In company with Nigeria’s leader of delegation, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu (NFF 1st Vice President) and NFF Board Members Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, Rt. Hon. Margaret Icheen, Alhaji Babagana Kalli and Ms Aisha Falode, Samoura said the performance of the Falcons is a terrific inspiration to other African teams at the tournament.

“You have won one match here, as Morocco and Zambia, but you are the only team that has made it to the knock-out stage yet. I am also excited because when FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced my name as the new FIFA Secretary-General, I was in Nigeria working for the United Nations. So, Nigeria is a second home for me.

“You should continue to believe in yourselves and play as a team, and be ready to lift the African flag higher in this tournament.”

Gelson Fernandes, the Director for Africa at FIFA, himself a former Swiss international player, urged the Super Falcons to retain their self-belief and be ready to confront and surmount every obstacle on their way to the Final.

Naira Exchanges for N871/$ at Parallel Market

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 1, 2023

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The naira Monday weakened to N871 per United States’ dollar at the parallel section of the foreign exchange (FX) market.

The figure represents a depreciation of N6 or 0.7 per cent compared to the N865/$ it traded last week.

Bureaux De Change (BDC) operators, popularly known as ‘abokis’, who spoke in Victoria Island, Lagos, quoted the buying rate of the greenback at N865 and the selling price at N871 per dollar, leaving a N6 profit margin.

Aliyu, a currency trader in the Agbara area of Ogun State, said that buying and selling prices stood at N865/$ and N870/$.

He said there was still high demand for the greenback in the street market.

At the investors and exporters (I&E) forex window, the local currency appreciated by 2.43 percent to close at N756.94/$ on Monday, according to details on FMDQ Securities Exchange – a platform where FX is traded.

The currency has closed at N775.76 to a dollar on Friday.

Since the government unified the exchange rate windows, the naira has consistently experienced fluctuations at the official window.

Recently, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), an arm of The Economist of London, predicted that the Federal Government would go back to a system where they have more control over the exchange rate.

The UK-based platform said the move would be taken to try and stop the naira from losing its value much further.

“The CBN lacks experience in conducting monetary policy under a float, and the need to control rapidly increasing inflation will become more acute over time.”

“Our forecast is finely balanced, but we expect a return to heavier exchange-rate management from the second half of 2023 as the naira slides beyond N800:US$1 from N770:US$1 in early July,” EIU said.

Transfer: Iwobi’s Everton Intensify Bid To Return Iheanacho To Premier League

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Emenike Agu

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August 1, 2023

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Premier League side Everton are interested in signing Super Eagles and Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho.

The 26-year-old, who has a year left on his contract with the Foxes has been linked with a move away from the King Power Stadium since the start of the transfer window.

Iheanacho joined Leicester from Manchester City in the summer of 2017 but has struggled to secure a regular place in the team. He made 10 goals involvements for Leicester City last campaign in the league despite starting just 11 times in his 28 appearances.

However, Everton have showed interest in the Nigerian international, and he is highly regarded by the Toffees manager Sean Dyche according to bbc.com.

The Merseysiders are expected to make a first approach soon to Leicester City after they suffered a blow in their pursuit of long-term target El Bilal Toure, who chose to join Serie A side Atalanta.

The need for a new striker at the club has been evident by their struggles in front of goal last season, where they scored 34 goals in 38 Premier league games and they have identified the Super Eagles striker as a reinforcement for their frontline ahead of the new season.

Securing the move Goodison Park will be good for Iheanacho as this will avoid him playing in the English Championship with Leicester City next season.

City Pays $300K In Settlement After Arresting Christians For Singing Hymns During COVID-19 Lockdowns

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Koko Lawrence

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August 1, 2023

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In a legal resolution that echoes the tense confrontations over draconian restrictions on the faith community in parts of the United States during the COVID-19 lockdowns, a city in Idaho has agreed to a settlement of $300,000 following the arrest of Christians who were singing hymns outdoors as a form of protest.

The lawsuit was filed by Gabriel Rench and Sean and Rachel Bohnet against the city of Moscow, Idaho, and several of its employees in response to a gathering that took place at City Hall in September 2020.

The Idaho Counties Risk Management Program, the city’s liability insurance provider, determined that a financial settlement was the best way to resolve the suit and avoid lengthy litigation.

Under the terms of the agreement, the ICRMP will pay $300,000, and all claims against the city and the employees named in the lawsuit will be dismissed, along with a release of all liability, as stated in a July 14 press release by the city of Moscow.

Rench was awarded the settlement for violations of their constitutional rights. The settlement was signed by the city’s supervisor Gary Riedner, city attorneys Mia Bautista and Elizabeth Warner, Moscow Chief of Police James Fry, and city employees Will Krasselt, Megan Vincello, and Jake Lee, according to a statement by Rench.

Rench, who came to Moscow in 2002 to attend the University of Idaho, voiced his relief at the resolution while expressing concern over the cost to city taxpayers. “I am glad this shameful saga is over, but unfortunately at a high cost to the city taxpayers. I estimate that the city spent about $500,000 of city resources on this fight, including the mediated settlement,” he said.

Gallant Falcons Pocket N1bn, Reach W’Cup Last 16

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Emenike Agu

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August 1, 2023

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Following their progression to the round of 16 at the ongoing Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand on Monday, the entire 23-woman Super Falcons squad are guaranteed $1,380,000 (N1,062,600,000, as at Monday’s exchange rate) as prize money from world body FIFA for the biggest edition of the tournament.

The Nigerians booked their spot in the round of 16 of the competition for the third time in nine appearances after a goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland in their last group game on Monday to place second behind co-hosts Australia in Group B.

Randy Waldrum’s ladies finished with five points, one point behind The Matildas, who thumped Canada 4-0 in their last game as well to move ahead of Nigeria.

After securing a goalless draw in their first game against Olympic champions Canada, the Falcons followed it up with a stunning 3-2 win over co-hosts Australia, before finishing the job with the stalemate against the already eliminated Ireland.

The Falcons also ended the group stage unbeaten to become the only African country among the continent’s four representatives at the tournament.

The Falcons will know their round of 16 foes — Group D winners — who are likely going to be European champions England or Denmark on Tuesday (today).

For progressing, each member of the 23-woman Falcons squad will get a whopping $60,000 (N46.2m as at Monday’s exchange rate), $30, 000 being their prize money in the group stage and another $30,000 for reaching the last 16.

All players of the 32 teams at the tournament were guaranteed $30,000 for appearing in the group stage and the Falcons will now top it up with another $30,000 when they file out in the round of 16 next Monday.

“That is a lot of money, and it can be used for a lot of things. I know definitely a lot of my teammates are happy for that money. I’m definitely happy for that money,” Falcons right-back Michelle Alozie, said.

Further progress into the quarter-finals will attract an additional $30,000, just as the money rises significantly to $165,000 in the semi-finals.

The players who win the Women’s World Cup will pocket $270,000, the runners-up will get $195,000 and players from the third-placed side will be given $180,000 each.

The 2023 Women’s World Cup is the biggest edition ever, with FIFA expanding the tournament to 32 teams and also increasing the prize money significantly.

Last June, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced that the world body would dole out $110m in prize money to the 32 participating teams, which is close to a four-fold increase from the $30m in 2019, allocated for 24 teams.

All the 732 players in the new scheme is guaranteed to receive $30,000, while the 23 players in the winning team will pocket $270,000 each — the first time ever that women players will receive guaranteed pay at a World Cup.

Helen Frankenthaler Foundation Donates $2 M. To Smithsonian American Art Museum

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Koko Lawrence

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August 1, 2023

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The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation has donated $2 million to the Smithsonian American Art Museum to support its fellowship program, marking the largest donation the program has received in its 53-year history and completing a $10 million capital campaign for it.

The gift will be used to create an endowment for a fellowship focused on modern and contemporary American art, to be called the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation Fellowship. The first Frankenthaler Foundation Fellowship will be awarded for the 2024–25 academic year, with applications due on November 1, 2023.

Housed within SAAM’s Research and Scholars Center, the fellowship is available for scholars at all levels, from doctoral students to established scholars, as part of the research necessary to complete a dissertation or a book. In addition to endowing the new fellowship, the $2 million gift will also be used for professional development resources for all fellows active in the Research and Scholars Center.

“Writing a dissertation or book can be a lonely and tedious process,” SAAM director Stephanie Stebich said.“ It takes a very long time, and much of it is spent alone traveling between various libraries and archives. There is also a history of scholars carefully guarding their work. SAAM’s fellowship program is a sort of antidote to this isolation—it is a nurturing space where scholars learn from each other, deepening and expanding their thinking.”

Stebich was appointed the museum’s director in spring 2017 and launched the $10 million capital campaign the following year, in the run up to the fellowship program’s 50th anniversary in 2020. She realized that its “outsized impact as an educational and research institution” meant that it required greater funds to continue its scholarly work.

Yola Market Under Fire Attack, Many Shops Fear Burn

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 1, 2023

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A central Market in Yola town, Yola South Local Government area of Adamawa State is on fire and sources revealed that many shops have been razed down.

The cause of the fire outbreak is not yet known as the state capital is under a curfew imposed by the state government as a result of insecurity threats by hoodlums.

Sources under anonymous condition who resides close to the market, revealed that many shops feared burnt but the quick response and intervention of firefighter of the state and federal government helped the situation and stopped it from further escalation.

According to a source, the market is always having a fire outbreak on yearly basis and suspected poor electricity connection or a spark up of faulty wires.

FG Charges D’Tigress To Retain Afrobasket Title

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Emenike Agu

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August 1, 2023

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As the 2023 AfroBasket FIBA Women’s Competition unfolds in Kigali, Rwanda, the Federal Government has rallied behind the Nigerian women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, urging them to maintain their impressive performance and secure victory in the tournament.

D’Tigress exhibited their dominance by defeating Egypt 83-65 in their second Group D match on Sunday.

Ismaila Abubakar, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, conveyed his heartfelt congratulations and praised the team’s stellar performance since the beginning of the championship.

“We want to remind you that we are closely monitoring your exceptional performances in all the events our athletes participate in. So far, you are doing great. We are proud of you and want you to continue giving your all to maintain the lead and raise our nation’s flag high with podium finishes. We stand firmly behind you and commend you for making the country proud. Keep up the momentum,” he stated.

The Permanent Secretary also lauded the officials of the ministry, the Nigeria Basketball Federation and the team’s technical crew for their unwavering commitment in realising the government’s sporting initiatives, policies and programmes, all aimed at the empowerment and advancement of Nigerian youths through sports.

Ismaila expressed confidence that with the determination and skills displayed by the team at the competition, they were destined to clinch the prestigious trophy for a record equalling fourth consecutive time.

D’Tigress demonstrated their prowess by securing comfortable victories against DR Congo and Egypt in the first and second quarters, ultimately securing a spot in the quarterfinal stage of the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament.

The triumph against Egypt marked the third consecutive win for Nigeria over the North African team, having previously defeated them in 2015 and 2017. Notably, D’Tigress have triumphed in five continental championships, including the last three women’s AfroBasket competitions.

Cricket: Nigerian Wins U-19 Batter Award

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Emenike Agu

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August 1, 2023

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Junior Yellow Greens star, Solomon Chilemayan, was among the top performers at the just-concluded ICC men’s U-19 Africa Division 1 Cricket World Cup qualifier in Tanzania, winning the best batter award.

Despite Nigeria’s underwhelming performance in Tanzania, Chilemayan was impressive and epitomised what coach Daniel Gim’s side could do during their 42 runs win over the hosts.

He was instrumental with an unbeaten 66 runs off 80 balls to guide Nigeria to the win against the hosts, their only victory at the event, winning the best player of the match award. He also eased the pressure on the team during the matches against Sierra Leone, Uganda, Kenya and Namibia.

Chilemayan’s award was something to cheer for Nigeria after the Junior Yellow Greens failed in their quest to pick the ticket for the U-19 World Cup, which will hold in Sri Lanka next year.

“Proud moment for Nigeria as Solomon Chilemayan is named batter of the tournament in the just-concluded ICC Men’s U-19 World Cup Africa Division 1 Qualifier in Tanzania. Nigeria is super proud.”

Nigeria won just one match at the tournament with their only win coming against hosts Tanzania, while they lost against rivals Sierra Leone, Uganda, Kenya and Namibia.

Thanks to their 53 runs win over Nigeria in the last game on Sunday, Namibia picked Africa’s ticket to the tournament in Sri Lanka.

The Junior Yellow Greens return to the country on Wednesday.

Security: No Room For Violent Protests– IGP

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 1, 2023

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The Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, is deeply concerned about recent developments regarding planned nationwide protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

While being mindful of the right to peaceful protest, as enshrined in our Constitution, the IGP urges all parties involved to ensure that the planned demonstrations are conducted in a peaceful manner to prevent being hijacked by miscreants, owing to the previous ugly experiences of such protests in most major cosmopolitan cities in the country.

The IGP, however, acknowledges the grievances raised by the labour unions and the importance of constructive dialogue, which is sine qua none, in addressing these issues.

In light of this, the IGP orders the Commissioners of Police in charge of various commands, and supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, to engage in fruitful discussions with the NLC/TUC leadership to foster understanding and reach common grounds on the planned protests. A peaceful and coordinated approach is crucial to achieving meaningful solutions and preventing any form of violence or disruptions to public order, should the protests persist.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens during the period of the planned protests as all necessary measures to facilitate the peaceful conduct of these demonstrations have been emplaced. However, it is hereby reaffirmed that any attempt by miscreants to exploit the situation for violent purposes viz-a-viz vandalism, gangsterism, and extortion will be met with firm, professional and commensurate lawful approach. The Police will not tolerate any act that threatens the peace and well-being of our country.

In light of the potential challenges posed by the planned protests, the Nigeria Police Force is fully prepared to deploy all available resources to maintain law and order and to protect the lives and property of our citizens.

The IGP therefore calls on all officers to be vigilant, professional, and uphold the highest standards of conduct during this period.

The Police boss urges all stakeholders, including the NLC, TUC, and other civil society groups, to embrace peaceful dialogue as the most effective means of resolving grievances, while also reemphasizing that the Police is committed to ensuring a secure and conducive environment for open dialogue, constructive engagement and mutual understanding for a seamless exercise of civil rights.