Mourinho: Chosen One At It Again

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May 21, 2023

Undermine Jose Mourinho at your own peril. He is like a cat with nine lives. When you think he’s dead and buried, he conjures another mouth-watering magic.

The ‘Chosen One’ as he is fondly referred by his numerous fans, led Roma to win their first major European tournament in their history last season when they defeated Feyenoord 1-0 in the Conference League final.

While they are yet still basking in the euphoria of that great feat, Mourinho has done it again, this time qualifying the Roman- based side to the Europa league final, where they will face Sevilla of Spain, Europa league multiple winning champions.

The Portuguese is indeed a master and a genius when it comes to cup competitions. He just has a way of navigating his team all the way, irrespective of which team he finds himself.

The fascinating thing about Mourinho’s conquests in Europe is that he does it with modest sides without huge spendings. Prior to his coming to Roma, the club could only manage to qualify for the conference league, which he then guided them to win after he took over.

Then, the quintessential Mourinho qualified them for the Europa league in his first season as their coach and also winning the Conference league. But with a net spending of €7m Mourinho has led Roma to reach the Europa league final, which is his second successive finals in two different competitions in two seasons.

The respected gaffer did it with Porto winner both the Europa and Champions league for them respectively. He has since gone ahead to win the Champions league with Inter Milan, Europa league with Manchester United, Conference league with Roma and now in the final of Europa league with Roma.

Therefore, the last time Porto was in the final of either Europa or Champions league final they were coached by Mourinho. The last time Inter won the Champions league, Mourinho was their coach. Manchester United’s last European trophy was won by Mourinho. Note that he has won in three decades with different clubs. What more can be said of the ‘Special One’.

All You Need To Know About Flying Eagles Opponents, Dominican Republic

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Emenike Agu

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May 21, 2023

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On the day that FIFA clocks 119 years, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles tonight in Mendoza, Argentina begin another quest to win the FIFA Under 20 World Cup.

In the Group D encounter, they are meeting debutants, Dominican Republic at 7pm, Nigerian time (3pm local time). Nigeria’s best efforts at the competition was finishing as runners-up at Saudi ‘89 and and Netherlands 2005.

The Dominican Republic men’s U-20 team made history by qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023, where they will become the first side to represent the nation at a FIFA World Cup across all age levels and genders.

The Caribbean nation secured their landmark qualification via the 2022 Concacaf Men’s U-20 Championship in Honduras last June, where they triumphed over El Salvador, Jamaica and Guatemala in the knockout stages en route to their first final, which they subsequently lost against a strong USA team who claimed their third successive title.

Not only did their exploits at the tournament see the Dominican Republic seal their spot at Argentina 2023, but they also clinched a place at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 courtesy of a thrilling penalty shoot-out win over Guatemala in the semi-finals.

Midfielder Edison Azcona and forward Ángel Montes De Oca were both key to their memorable campaign on Honduran soil, with the pair claiming spots in the tournament best XI.

Rivers Angels Advance Into Federation Cup Semi-Final

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Emenike Agu

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May 21, 2023

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Eight-time Federation Cup Champions, Rivers Angels are through to the semi-final of this season’s competition.

The Jewel of Rivers defeated Delta Queens 3-1 on penalties after playing out a goalless draw in regulation time on Thursday.

The keenly contested match played at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba saw both teams throw in all they have but neither side was able to find the back of the net.

Head Coach of Rivers Angels, Edwin Okon made five changes in the second half with the likes of Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Alvin Dah-Zossu and Juanita Aguadze coming on to boost the attacking line of his side but the opponent defense ensured they cleared every attempt.

Oghenebrume Ikekhua and Rosemary Adesina had opportunities to score but were unable to convert their chances with Immaculata Offiong making a great save in the 70th minute off Effiom Ekpeyong’s shot.

After Thursday’s win, Edwin Okon said it wasn’t an easy game but was glad his girls got the job done.

“I am the happiest man today because this wasn’t an easy game, it was a hard fought victory. My girls gave everything in today’s encounter and had chances to wrap up the game in regulation period but the goals failed to come.

“The substitution we made added more impact in the game however we were unable to capitalise on our chances despite having more advantage over Delta Queens.

“No one should write off Rivers Angels, as you can see, we started very badly but have so far made it to the NWFL Super 6 and now to the Semifinal of the Federation Cup,” he said.

Rivers Angels midfielder, Alvin Dah-Zossu also expressed her delight over Thursday’s win and said her teammates gave Delta Queens a good fight.

“The entire team is very excited with the win over Delta Queens today. We really worked hard to get this far and I’m happy we are now getting good results.

The Jewel of Rivers now await confirmation of their semi-final opponents from the Department of Competitions of the Nigeria Football Federation.

“I knew this game wasn’t going to be an easy one having met Delta Queens twice before today’s game and our last encounter with them in Asaba was a fierce one.“We headed into today’s game with the mindset that we would give it our best and qualify for the semifinal and I’m glad it came to pass,” she added.

Buhari Inaugurates VIP Wing Of State House Medical Centre

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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May 20, 2023

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President Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated the new State House Medical Centre VIP wing, worth N21 billion.

The new VIP wing of the Medical Centre is to cater for the President, the Vice President and their families and other dignitaries.

The inauguration ceremony took place on Friday at the premises of the newly built facility located within the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Among those who witnessed the inauguration were the wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, Secretary to Government of the President, Boss Mustapha and the Chief of Staff to the President.

Speaking to State House Correspondents after a tour of the facility alongside her husband, the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, said the facility will eliminate the need for the President and his family to travel overseas for medical care.

The President’s wife came up with the idea of the VIP Wing six years ago after her husband’s protracted stay abroad for medical treatment.

Buhari said now that the facility is in place, Nigerian Presidents and their family members will no longer need to go abroad for treatment but may only fly in medical experts to assist their colleagues in the country.

Asked about her impression of the new medical centre, she said: “I’m quite happy, feeling fulfilled. Though we are leaving but all the same, we thank God the project has come to reality.

“I have opted for it six years now. I initiated this project idea six years ago when my husband spent three months abroad, consecutively, for 90 days. And it shouldn’t be because we have all the experts in Nigeria. We only need a good platform.

“The hospital that is supposed to serve the First Family is serving like 35,000 people which is quite much.

“That’s why I insisted we should have a VIP Wing within the proximity of the presidential villa. So, now there is no need for any leader to spend months and months abroad because of healthcare.”

The Permanent Secretary of the State House, Tijjani Umar, described the medial centre as “a one stop shop for the provision of medical services.”

He said it offers a range of medical facilities, adding that it will be a yardstick for the provision of quality healthcare to all Nigerians.

Umar thanked the First Lady for her unmatched advocacy and support and also thanked President Buhari for achieving the construction on schedule and on budget.

The N21 billion, state-of-the-facility inaugurated by President Buhari spans a total floor area of 2,485 square meters, on a suspended floor with a basement, the hospital, which serves as a specialized Intensive Care Centre, caters for the President, Vice President, their immediate families and VIPs.

The hospital, which incorporates state-of-the-art medical technology also houses several specialized departments, to be staffed by a team of medical professionals, featuring five consultation rooms dedicated to various specialties, including respiratory, cardiology, ophthalmology, ENT and general consultation.

Additionally, the hospital has a specialized X-ray suite equipped with a digital X-ray machine as well as a diagnostic suite encompassing MRI, CT scan, and endoscopy facilities.

Moreover, patients and visitors can enjoy access to a Healing Garden, designed to foster healing, relaxation and enhancement of overall well-being.

The completed Presidential/VIP Wing completed also showcases a Catheterization Laboratory (Cath lab), two operating rooms for regular procedures and special procedures such as organ transplants.

Matawalle’s $2m Bribe Allegation False- EFCC

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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May 20, 2023

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says allegations of two million dollars bribe leveled against the Chairman of the Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa by Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara is false.

This is contained in a statement by spokesperson for the commission, Wilson Uwujiaren.

Uwujiaren said the attention of the commission was drawn to a trending interview granted to the Hausa Service of the BBC by the governor of Zamfara, where he made the bribery allegations.

According to him, Matawalle’s recourse to untrue story is symptomatic of a drowning man clutching at straws.

“Despite the irritation of his phantom claims, the commission will not be drawn into a mud fight with a suspect under its investigation for corruption and unconscionable pillage of the resources of his state.

“If Matawalle will be taken seriously, he should go beyond sabre-rattling by spilling the beans – provide concrete evidence as proof of his allegations,” he said.

Uwujiaren said the public should also be notified about plans by some of the alleged corrupt politically exposed persons to flee the country ahead of May 29.

“The commission is working in close collaboration with its international partners to frustrate these escape plans and bring those involved to justice,” he added.

Clashes: Gov Sule Holds Emergency Security Meeting

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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May 20, 2023

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Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has convened an emergency security meeting, with a view to tackling the resurgence of communal clashes across parts of the state, as well as the escalation of kidnapping activities.

In an opening remark at the Government House during the weekend, Engineer Sule decried the resurgence of communal clashes especially in Kokona, Karu and Toto Local Government Areas of the state, even as he lamented that the entire country is facing security challenges leading to the loss of lives.

The Governor explained that, the expanded security meeting, which has also in attendance national and local Fulani leaders, aimed at affording the security architecture in the state to go back to the drawing board in order to proffer strategies to address the prevailing security challenges in the state.

Engineer Sule used the opportunity of the meeting to condole with families of the victims of recent crisis in Tatara, Gitata and Takalafiya, as well as in Toto and Karu Local Government Areas.

He particularly condemned the escalation of kidnapping activities in the state, especially along the Gudi-Garaku road, where only recently a former deputy governor and ex-minister, Chief Solomon Ewuga was kidnapped.

Sule said, “We are beginning to see an escalation in the number of kidnappings. That is the essence of calling for this meeting. I want to use the opportunity to thank the security agencies for all their efforts across all the security challenges we are facing. It’s for us also to go back to the drawing board and discuss which other ways out.

“This is becoming very disturbing. That is why we invited you for this meeting so that we can put our heads together. So far, in Nasarawa State, we have been enjoying relative peace in the state for these number of years. We don’t want to lose that opportunity that God gave us, where we have peaceful coexistence and even during the elections where we thought we will have issues we didn’t have any issue.

Our correspondent reports that those in attendance at the meeting include Hon Kwanta Yakubu, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Barrister Muhammad Ubandoma Aliyu, heads of security agencies in the state, local government chairmen of Karu, Kokona and Toto.

Others are the Odyong Nyankpa of Panda, in Karu Local Government of Nasarawa State, HRH Barr. Joel Aninge, Chun Mada, HRH Samson Gamu Yare, National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, as well as local leaders of the Fulani community including some Ardos.

Tinubu Returns To Nigeria From France

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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May 20, 2023

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The president-elect, Bola Tinubu, has returned to Nigeria from his working visit to France.

The private jet of the two-term governor of Lagos State landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at about 2.15pm on Saturday.

He was welcomed by his supporters, party members and some governors.

Among the delegation were his Vice-President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima; Governor Abdullahi Ganduje; Senate, Ahmad Lawan and the ruling party’s anointed candidate for the post of Senate president in the 10th Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Again, Tinubu Departs Nigeria for Europe

Dressed in a blue ‘Babariga’ and his trademark cap to match, Tinubu was accompanied by his wife, Senator Oluremi.

The president-elect departed Nigeria to avoid unnecessary pressures and distractions while he continues to finetune his transition programmes and policy options with some of his key aides.

A statement signed by his media aide, Tunde Rahman, disclosed that the President-elect would also spend his stay engaging with investors and other key allies with the goal of marketing investment opportunities in the country.

Before embarking on the trip, Tinubu met the candidates endorsed by the All Progressives Congress for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu.

The former Lagos governor is expected to join the President, Muhammadu Buhari and other dignitaries for the official opening of the Dangote Refinery complex in his home state on Monday.

Fire Risk: 12 Parks Closed In Western Canada

By

Angel Gimalo

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May 20, 2023

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Authorities in the western Canadian province of Alberta battling devastating wildfires have closed twelve local parks ahead of the long holiday weekend, fearing fresh flames, officials said Friday.

Alberta has declared a state of emergency and asked for foreign aid with more than 800,000 hectares of land destroyed in fires and thousands of people evacuated since the beginning of the month.

On Friday, there were 94 active forest fires in the province, 26 of which were out of control, according to officials.

The situation was also dire in neighboring British Columbia with 22 out-of-control fires and dozens of evacuation orders issued.

All of Alberta’s 12 parks will be closed, state officials announced.

Christie Tucker of the Alberta Wildfire Fire Department said nearly half fires are started by people.

Temperatures are expected to hit 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit) this weekend, again above seasonal norms. And rescuers say the long weekend in May is often when the human-caused forest fires occur.

Over 2,500 emergency workers have already been deployed to fight the fires and some 110 additional American firefighters are due to arrive over the next few days.

After more than two weeks of intense fires, poor air quality warnings were in effect in the west and center of the country and in several adjacent US states.

World Expo 2030: Namibia Supports Saudi Arabia’s Bid To Host In Riyadh

By

Angel Gimalo

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May 20, 2023

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Namibia has joined the ranks of countries who have expressed support for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo.

Alfredo Tjiurimo Hengari, Namibia’s presidential press secretary, said the show of support was made to Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Qattan, the Saudi advisor at the Royal Court, who was currently on a visit to the southwest African nation.

The global event, which happens once every five years, is scheduled to begin on Oct. 1, 2030 and continue until April 1 the following year.

Hengari said that Namibia’s expression of support reflected the distinguished relations between the two countries. Qattan in return expressed the Saudi government’s appreciation for the latest vote of confidence as he cited the solid bilateral relations between the Kingdom and Namibia.

Saudi Arabia submitted its bid to host the World Expo 2030 in a letter sent by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the Bureau International des Expositions – the international organizing body for the global event since 1931 – in October last year.

Riyadh faces competition from Busan (South Korea), Rome (Italy) and Odesa (Ukraine).

Saudi’s Princess Sara Launches New Science And Technology Initiative

By

Angel Gimalo

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May 20, 2023

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A new center for science and technology called “ilmi” will be launched in Saudi Arabia to encourage scientific curiosity among youth in the kingdom as well as develop their skills.

The center created by Princess Sara bint Mashhour bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud will allow youth to best connect with STREAM subjects like science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

“ilmi will be a beacon of creativity, learning and accessibility,” said Princess Sara, the wife of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as quoted by SPA.

The new center, the name of which translates to “my knowledge” in Arabic, will be a fully accessible Science Discovery and Innovation Center.

The ilmi center will be located at Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City in Riyadh and set to open in 2025. It spans 27,000 square meters and reflects the city’s goals to embody creativity and sustainability through integration in its natural surroundings and extensive landscaping, and to make use of natural light.

The project aims to inspire and empower young people across Saudi Arabia to explore and create, as well as to tackle challenges hands-on, SPA said, adding ilmi’s core is a unique approach that seeks to project a detailed, quality picture of how young people across Saudi Arabia best connect with STREAM subjects.

Princess Sara said ilmi “will offer all Saudi Arabia’s young and lifelong learners the ability to realize their potential, further drive advances in the Kingdom, and help shape the future. Together, I hope that we will all create ilmi, and inspire and support our next generation.”

The project is a philanthropic, non-government initiative incubated and supported by the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk) as one of its subsidiaries, and will operate in partnership with Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City.

The center will host planned permanent exhibitions that will be based around three core themes: Our World, Our Selves, and Our Inventions. In addition, it will focus on issues including space, ecosystems and AI.