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Osun Master plan for Culture and Tourism: Osun-State-Governor-Adegboyega-Oyetola

Seeing is Believing As Osun Kicks Off Tourism Master Plan

by Soji Ajibade 26th December 2020

written by Soji Ajibade

The Governor, State of Osun, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola described the Osun Master plan for Culture and Tourism for Sustainable Economy as a laudable component of the state’s comprehensive template for expanding the state’s economic diversification programme, while improving its internal revenue generation drive and bolstering the reputation and image of the state. The governor made this remark as he kicked off the Tourism Master Plan for the State recently.

According to him, this novel initiative is aimed at putting in place a cohesive and coordinated plan to radically improve the potential in the Culture and Tourism Sector for the development of the State, by deploying intellectualism which is the strength of any enterprise towards driving the potentials in the sector for optimum performance and gains.

The governor said the choice of the theme “Unveiling of Osun Sterling Tourism Vision 30-30” is apt in view of the fact that, it is coming at a time, when the country and the State of Osun in particular need to look away from oil and diversify the economy in all ramifications.

He emphasized the need to bring investors to the state for a mutually beneficial engagement, by introducing some of the many Tourism sites like OLUMIRIN water fall at Erin Ijesha, AYIKUNNU water fall at Oke-Ila, OWALA Resort at Okinni, KARELE OODUA Village, Ila Orangun, MOUNTAIN RESORT, Iragbji, Iba, Otan Ayegbaju, IPETUMODU YOUTH POTTERY AND CRAFT CENTRE, Ipetumodu, JALUMI SPORTS CLUB, Inisa (close to Otin River) IGILA BOTANICAL GARDEN, Iwara near Iwo and OSUN INTERNATIONAL ARTS AND CRAFTS VILLAGE, Iragbiji.

This is a major way to develop a home grown Public Private Partnership investment model that will take care of immediate needs of the stakeholders and pledge a promising future for the participants on key issues of land, reward system, tax matters and providing the basis of relationship with committed employment and Social responsibilities to the community.

The Governor of the State of Osun did not mince words while explaining the fact that Agri-Tourism helps to preserve rural lifestyles and landscape and also offers the opportunity to provide Sustainable “Green” tourism. The Identification of “Agri-Tourism” as the refinement of the farms, hospitality, trades between farmers, and the holidays offer on the farms, he said, represent an important pillar to pick up the fallen prices of the primary products.

The launch of the State of Osun Tourism Master Plan and Tourism For Sustainable Economy could be described as spectacular as groups from the nooks and crannies of the state came up to entertain the guests which included almost all the members of the state executive council and other important dignitaries from the state and beyond.

Highlight of the event was the Award ceremony where notable and prominent Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in various vocations were honoured, some posthumously; Duro Ladipo for his contributions to indigenous Drama. His play “Oba Koso” was adjudged a world class master piece. Also Owomoyela, (Orlando Owoh) a master of his own genre of music.

Governor Oyetola made a cogent reference to the undisputable fact that many performing artists especially the high ranking ones, started to ply their various vocations from the State of Osun, Osogbo in particular.

King Sunny Ade was mentioned as one of the musicians who actually started off in Osogbo and particular reference was made to his relationship with the Late Orlando Owoh.

Other notable Nigerians who were given special Awards were, Lere Panimo (Eda Onileola), Alhaji Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande) (Both of them were in Osogbo in their formative years).

Late Oyin Adejobi also bagged a posthumous award in Arts and Culture. Some prominent State indigenes were also honoured. Chief Adegboye Onigbinde from Modakeke was given a special Award for his unsurpassed contributions to football in Nigeria.

Disabusing the minds of those who might be wondering what Vision 30-30 actually stands for the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in the State of OSun, Dr Ade Obawale said the state will be celebrating, thirty years of its creation, making the “Vision 30-30” a worthwhile project of the State of Osun at 30.

The State of Osun is home to some of the most authentic expressions of culture and tradition like the beautiful ancient palaces, traditional architecture and many others too numerous to mention.

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26th December 2020 0 comment

disbanded-sars-governor-fayemi-and-governor-sanwoolu-endsars

News

The Tragedy and Comedy of a Protest

by Clement Ige 7th November 2020

written by Clement Ige

The disbanded SARS was a tragedy, and most tragedies hardly have spaces for good intentions. So, the Police Unit discredited the good intentions and concepts of those who created it as a special unit.

Because Dele Udoh was a popular sportsman, Nigeria recorded him as the first and major casualty. There was no evidence that Nigerians were sure of other cases before him because in those days, we had nothing to boast of as communication except the scraps of our colonial masters, particularly the malfunctioning NITEL. The military communication was functioning outside this, perhaps.

Anyway, we grew up with SARS after its creation, and watched the Police Unit grew into a monster just like any other Nigerian creation. The entire space called Nigeria became a monster of creations, even before and after SARS. It was scary, as we grew up with policies upon policies and implementations upon implementations, all defying democratic ideals admired all over the world.

The Broadcast Industry is one of such handy experiments. For instance, observers pointed out the irregularities in turning state and federal organs into private megaphones of those in authorities who were supposed to hold these organs in trust for Nigerians. And they also pointed out how the national regulatory body turned away searchlights on them.

To the credit of IBB, his military regime introduced licences for private broadcasting. Good departure and a major step, but there came spiral effects years later which saw the National Broadcasting Corporation growing into a monster as the only regulatory body for the industry. NBC is dreaded by broadcast entrepreneurs and practitioners over alleged instances of those who lost hopes of securing licences after many years, or those who counted themselves lucky securing ones after over 10 years.

disbanded-sars-ekiti-state-looting-endsars

Nigeria is a trendy country, and her citizens go frenzy over trending events. Naturally, it is part of us as Nigerians not to search yesterday to plan today, or take advantage of today’s trending events to plan for tomorrow. So, the cycle goes on, and we mix tragedies with comedies in our national life.

For instance, we see millions of youths ready to do anything to join such agencies as the Road safety Corps, yet many parents have also reportedly disallowed their children from taking up appointments with such organizations going by the societal rating of their lower ranks.

So, the #EndSARS protest was genuine, fundamental, visionary and logical. Most Nigerians welcomed the development, not against Buhari, but against accumulated anger over the years against a bad society.

Too bad, the protest went sour, and all sorts of comedies were introduced into it, even when the nation was witnessing tragic national embarrassments.

One major take-away is that the protest revealed that there was the possibility of an element of greed in every Nigerian even when we easily want to excuse ourselves from the fact that most of us are not clean.

Now, there is a drop in the price of Rice all over the country in the last few days. But analysts are confused to rationalize the situation. Price drop occasioned by millions of bags of rice allegedly carted away from warehouses and pumped into the market illegally, or factual reports that security agents reportedly relaxed acts of corruption on Nigerian roads because of the protests?

Don’t laugh at the reported comedies that hoodlums also exercised much of their “rights,” carting away anything in sight, including tractors in some Northern states and poisonous agricultural items in Ekiti State. How can a nation be going through a national tragedy and also have recorded events of the disabled joining a looting spree?

As a nation, the national tragedy will live with us longer than the comedy. The Lekki Toll Gate ‘killings’ are still unresolved. Properties were destroyed in Lagos more than any other place. This is very sensitive, and the governors of the South West were not comfortable with the situation.

And the National Broadcasting Corporation faces a slippery terrain for the first time. It is going to be one unfolding drama for the Broadcast Industry, particularly for the fact that most Nigerians are not really aware of the enormous powers that reside with NBC.

To the credit of the agency, the Federal Government took a lot of steps to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 on the Broadcast Industry. This is one sector that was adversely affected that many of the state-owned stations had to lay off hundreds of staff.

But #EndSARS protest was not about this; it was a national concern, a national scar. It enjoyed more than average national support. Yet the NBC has its roles, rules and regulations, including sanctions. Perhaps, the law did not envisage this interesting, but very slippery setting in a democracy. And Nigerians, trust them, they are versatile to locate loopholes.

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7th November 2020 0 comment

Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Ekiti State’s first lady

News

Nigeria At 60: The Thrills And Fun

by Clement Ige 10th October 2020

written by Clement Ige

Patti Boulaye, remember her, the pretty Lux Soap girl and actress? She was one of the first to cheer Nigeria into our 60^th birthday anniversary on her Facebook page in a beautifully crafted message.

Listen to her…

The fun began from there. Forget about the political, even socio-economic problems of the nation. This review is not going into the analysis. To single out two national figures, the speeches of President Buhari and Governor Kayode Fayemi on behalf of the Governor’s Forum were probably enough to defend the government while numerous others from the citizens equally went deep against those at the helm of affairs.

But there were smells of fun everywhere, depending on individual states of the nation.

Nigeria-60t-anniversary-roadwork-by-governor-makinde

Of the states, Lagos and Oyo were exceptional. The roadwork by Governor Makinde to kick off the celebration in his state stood out while Lagos demonstrated the “first among equals” with a series of children programmes.

The broadcast stations? Oh, Yinka Ayefele’s Fresh FM beat every station to it. The station got two prominent and interesting personalities to add colour to their programmes. Amiable Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Ekiti State’s first lady and Nigeria’s foremost lawyer, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) were the station’s newscasters for the day, a brilliant and novel idea.

Erelu Fayemi was a delight. Not unexpected, anyway. She was on a familiar terrain.

From the private world, there was this noticeable artistic satire of a lady in clean Nigerian colours, celebrating in the filth, in dustbins. She was seriously criticised and misunderstood. But, honestly, it is one form of sending artistic messages capable of getting the nation out of underserved filthy situations. It was all fun!

LAGOS STATE ON THE MOVE

We also celebrated. Broadcasters Int. Magazine was in Lagos where things are really moving at a fast pace. Curiously, there were several projects going on everywhere to the surprise of those who have taken Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for granted. Now he is the role model, setting the pace. A brief meeting with Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, gave an insight into the terrific working machines of Lagos State. Noticeably, brilliant journalist turned public relations strategist, Omotoso has redefined information delivery in Lagos.

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10th October 2020 0 comment

Members of the Board, including the Managing Editor, Mr. Soji Ajibade with the Commissioner after the visit

News

Broadcasters Int. Magazine Visits Osun

by Broadcasters 5th September 2020

written by Broadcasters

The Board of The Broadcasters Int. Magazine visited Osun State last week to have first-hand information on such areas as Arts, Broadcasting, Tourism and related fields. It was one exciting tour which ended with a visit to the state Commissioner for Information, Funke Egbemode.

Details of the visit will shock observers, particularly on the rapid progress recorded by the state government in these areas. Watch out in coming editions.

1. The Executive Chairman of the Magazine, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, with the Hon. Commissioner For Information — The Executive Chairman of the Magazine, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, with the Hon. Commissioner For Information

Publisher, Mr. Clement Ige, Presenting a copy to the Commissioner

5th September 2020 0 comment

News Sports

Broadcasting: Why Odegbami Takes Up The Challenge

by Clement Ige 15th August 2020

written by Clement Ige

Perhaps, unknown to Segun, Mathematical Odegbami, many of his fans went wild with joy, some reportedly went for the champagne, last March 10 when he announced to the world that a 17- year struggle to get a radio licence is over. He finally got the licence.

Such reactions were cheering news for someone who has kept his head high for years.

mathematical-7-segua-odegbami — ‘MATHEMATICAL 7’

“Mathematical 7”, a legend in his own right, did not read politics, not even sports politics, to the 17- year struggle. But there were unconfirmed stories that he legitimately narrated his fate, unsuccessfully, to some high ranking Nigerians during this long period.

Anyway, gleefully, Segun announced to the world on that day, March 10 2020, that “Yesterday, I received the news that the sport radio station licence I had sought for 17 years has been approved by the President. A new chapter has been opened for me in my very humble and eventful journey through life”

“Wasimi Orile in Ogun State is the location of this new and exciting project. All those who can should join hands with me and help me in every way to make this an addition to my small legacy on earth”, he said

Let’s go through a brief of the man called Segun Odegbami.

Considered one of the greatest football players to have ever emerged from Nigeria as well as the continent of Africa, Segun is unarguably a brand name for football around the globe from the early 70s and late 80s.

Odegbami began his football career with IICC of Ibadan (now 3SC) after he graduated from The Polytechnic of Ibadan where he studied engineering. His educational background coupled with his tactical style of play earned him the nickname “mathematical“ from Ernest Okonkwo.

“Mathematical 7” came into the spotlight in 1976 after helping his club, Shooting Stars, to win the African Cup Winners’ Cup, making Shooting Stars the first Nigerian football club to win a continental title. The tall right-winger was famous for his amazing skills, pace and scoring expertise. His exploits with his football club earned him an invitation to the Green Eagles where he made his debut in October, 1976 against Sierra Leone at the age of 24.

chief-segun-odegbami-radio-station — CHIEF SEGUN ODEGBAMI

Coach Otto Gloria enlisted Segun Odegbami into the national team to represent Nigeria at the 1980 Nations Cup which was held in Nigeria. The tournament brought the legendary ‘Mathematical 7’ his fame as he and a group of formidable players like Christian Chukwu, Adokie Amasieamka, Muda Lawal, Felix Owolabi amongst others won the country’s first African Cup of Nations. Odegbami became the joint top scorer in the tournament alongside Khalid Labied of Morroco with 3 goals each. The two goals Odegbami scored against Algeria in the final match of the 1980 African cup of Nations earned him the second position in the African footballer of the year award. Segun captained the Green Eagles at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, and also led Nigeria to the African Nations cup qualifiers.

Segun remains one of the finest and greatest footballers that ever represented Nigeria and Africa, and has been practising sports journalism and commentary after his retirement. In 2015, Segun Odegbami made known to the world his intention of contesting for the seat of FIFA president but eventually withdrew.

Odegbami, a chief, is a holder of the national honour MON.

Naturally, having gone through such a long wait to obtain the radio licence, excited Segun now visits his station’s site even in odd times, particularly when free movements were allowed during the lock-down. The site is Multi-Purpose. He runs a soccer academy, a farm which produces maize, yams, and fishes, all in a place that will also accommodate the radio station. To him, the long wait is a challenge, particularly for the fact that his vision is still intact and relevant, having endured these past 17 years.

QUIZ: Segun Odegbami joined Green Eagles Squad in 1976. What month and date? Correct answers attract #2,000 airtime cards.

Leave your answer in the comment box below. Also share this quiz using the social share buttons.

During one of these visits, Segun was happy with himself when he penciled down that “There is a mast on ground, a towering 300ft galvanized steel structure, standing upright and majestic, its top in the skies listening to whispers from heaven”

He is excited by the prospects of the take-off of Nigeria’s second sports and culture radio station in December this year, strategizing how it will impact on the youths of Nigeria generally and Ogun State particularly.

Feelers from “Mathematical 7” revealed that he holds this vision to his chest as the main purpose of going into broadcasting in the first instance.

Essentially, sports and culture are two vital platforms to re-orientate Nigerian Youths into a prosperous future, particularly away from their current unenviable mind –set and lifestyles. The world waits for Odegbami’s dream.

15th August 2020 0 comment

News

Boosting the Future of Broadcast and Creative Industries

by Clement Ige 18th July 2020

written by Clement Ige

Broadcast Industry

Two major steps were taken by the Federal Government from Monday, July 6^th, 2020. The Federal Government, in a press conference held by Minister Lai Mohammed, announced COVID – 19 palliatives to assist the Broadcast Industry, which has been groaning over the effects of the pandemic. The palliatives were mainly for radio and television stations. Six days after, on July 12^th, the Federal Government took another bull by the horns to hand over the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos to the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bankers Committee.

On the palliatives to the Broadcast Industry, Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said “As you know, the Covid-19 pandemic has affected all sectors of the nation’s economy. The Broadcast Industry has been particularly hard-hit by falling revenues occasioned by the dwindling adverts and sponsored programmes, in the wake of the pandemic’.

‘Indeed, on 6 May 2020, I received the officials and other representatives of the Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria (BON), who made a comprehensive presentation on the effects of the pandemic on the industry and sought critical interventions by Federal and State Governments’.

‘The Post-Covid-19 Initiatives Committee for the Creative Industry, which we set up to help mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic on the Creative Industry as a whole, has submitted its report, which contained recommendations that will benefit all component parts of the larger Creative Industry’.

‘However, without prejudice to those recommendations, I want to announce today a number of Broadcast Industry-specific measures aimed at giving a lifeline to the industry which, though largely a business, continues to function as a critical social service of sorts, which is relevant to the information and enlightenment needs of the people. These measures are in addition to the two-month licence-fee waiver granted to terrestrial broadcast stations in the country by the NBC, as part of efforts to ease the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Broadcast Industry’.

‘According to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), many Nigerian radio and television stations remain indebted to the Federal government to the tune of 7.8 Billion Naira in total. Also, many of the stations are faced with the reality that their licenses will not be renewed, in view of their indebtedness’.

‘Against this background, the management of the NBC has therefore recommended, and the Federal Government has accepted, the following measures to revamp the Broadcast Industry and to help reposition it for the challenges of business, post-Covid-19:-

60 percent debt forgiveness for all debtor broadcast stations in the country.
The criterion for enjoying the debt forgiveness is for debtor stations to pay 40 percent of their existing debt within the next 3 months
Any station that is unable to pay the balance of 40 percent indebtedness within the 3 months window shall forfeit the opportunity to enjoy the stated debt forgiveness.
The existing license fee is further discounted by 30 per cent for all Open Terrestrial Radio and Television services effective July 10th, 2020
The debt forgiveness shall apply to functional licensed Terrestrial Radio and Television stations only
The debt forgiveness and discount shall not apply to pay TV service operators in Nigeria.
The effective date of the debt forgiveness shall be July 10th 2020 to October 6th, 2020”.

According to the Minister, the Federal Government has made these interventions with a view to re-positioning the Broadcast Industry to play its critical role of promoting democracy and good governance in Nigeria. It is our expectation that the sector will cash in on this unique opportunity to make itself an effective catalyst for national development.

And, in its July 12^th hand-over of the National Theatre, the Minister analysed that the planned restoration and upgrade of the iconic National Theatre will generate about 10,000 jobs during and after the restoration.

In his statement at the handing over, the Minister said: “Please permit me to start off by making a clarification: this iconic National Theatre remains a national heritage and will not be ceded to any person or group, as some have chosen to frame what we are doing here today. What we are here to do is to hand over the National Theatre for restoration and upgrade, and the fallow land within the premises to the Central Bank and the Bankers’ Committee for development.”

Broadcast Industry: Lai Mohammed — ALH. LAI MOHAMMED

“The Federal Ministry of Information and Culture holds the keys to the National Theatre on behalf of all Nigerians,” he said, at the handover ceremony, which was witnessed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare; the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele; the Chairman of the Committee of Banks’ CEOs, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Culture, Deaconess Grace Isu Gekpe, among others.

“Alhaji Mohammed said the 25-billion-Naira project, tagged the Lagos Creative and Entertainment Centre Project, is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) that will be executed in two phases, with Phase 1 being the restoration and upgrade of the National Theatre to its glory days at a cost of 7 billion Naira, and Phase II the development of the adjoining fallow land at a cost of 18 billion Naira”.

“The good news is that this project will not lead to a single job loss. Instead, it will create more. Some 6,000 jobs will be created during the construction phase, while the completed project could generate up to an additional 600 permanent and 2000 to 3000 call-on/call-off jobs. This is as good as it gets!” he said.

The Minister described the handover of the facility as a ‘historic day in the annals of the Creative Industry in Nigeria’, saying the project is a win-win for all involved

“For over 40 years, no major renovation work has been done on the National Theatre, while the adjoining land has been lying fallow. Many attempts to restore the National Theatre have failed. And the Government has no money to restore the complex”.

“As you know, this is the hub of the Creative Industry in Nigeria. The National Theatre was established to encourage the advancement of the Performing Arts throughout the country; to create opportunities for performing artists of the country as well as to aid the promotion of social development and the improvement of the quality of life. In its present state, it is not living to its billing”.

Recalling the glorious days of the National Theatre, Alhaji Mohammed said the edifice once hosted all Nigerian State Government functions and musical extravaganzas such as the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Roy Ayers, Skyy, Shalamar, Whispers, Third world and Dynasty; stage events like Wole Soyinka’s adaptation of D.O Fagunwa’s Langbodo and even Stevie Wonder, who received one of his numerous Grammy Awards at the National Theatre.

Highlights of the first phase include the upgrade of the theatres (the main halls and Cinema Halls, Conference and Banquet Halls, Press Hall and the Bar); installation of new seats, upgrade of the sanitary facilities, installation of lifts, acoustics and special lightings, as well as replacement of the air conditioning, lighting and plumbing.

Phase II will involve the development of purpose-built clusters to provide world class facilities for Nigeria’s Creative Industry, with the clusters having four hubs: Fashion, Music, Film and Information and Technology (IT) hubs.

The creative clusters will be supported by other facilities, including multi-storey parking to accommodate 1,000 cars, a Visitors’ Welcome Centre which will house commercial and retail facilities, as well as Administration and Management offices. The project is expected to be completed in 18 months.

On these two events, first, there is no point over-emphasising the financial situation of radio and television stations which was deeply worsened by the effects of COVID – 19, in spite of their vital roles as key platforms to combat the pandemic. Essentially, therefore, the palliatives came at the right time as a ray of hope for a large percentage of them. The measures don’t really translate into income which the stations need to sustain themselves, but debt reliefs have always been economic strategies for businesses to reorganize its financial positions, focus and visions as ways of strengthening their existence.

The National Theatre handover is the biggest news to the two industries because of their overlapping functions and contributions to national growth.

In Nigeria’s today, the Creative Industry is already the second largest economic boom. The industry has become an economic base for Nigeria which requires Federal and State governments moral and financial boost to assist practitioners who are toiling to meet up with global excellence.

And indeed, the two industries are winners and gainers of this long expected step.

Broadcast Industry: General Gowon — GENERAL GOWON

There is a dire need of local contents by the Broadcast Industry, a need particularly made important by the federal government’s regulation to the industry for a big percentage of local content in their productions. In a way, the federal government has taken a step to make this a reality for the nation’s Arts and Cultural buoyance through the two industries.

As rightly pointed out by the Minister, the National Theatre has become a national nightmare, neglected by successive governments which did not see the goldmine planted by creative-minded leaders before them.

Broadcast Industry: General Obasanjo — GENERAL OBASANJO

The concept of the national asset started with the Gen Gowon led administration, developed by the Late Gen. Murtala/Gen Obasanjo’s government, and eventually came into existence under Gen Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime.

18th July 2020 0 comment

News

Kabiru Yayo Alli: Ace Correspondent

by Soji Ajibade 25th July 2019

written by Soji Ajibade

When one is lucky to come across Journalists from Oyo State correspondents’ chapel, the unique posture of this gentleman of the press must catch your fancy.

KABIRU YAYO-ALLI is from Katsina, in Katsina State, Nigeria. He only had a stint of secondary education before he was employed by the NEW NIGERIA Newspaper as a freelancer for the weekly Hausa Publication GASIKIYA-TA-FI-KWABO in 1979, exactly 40 years ago.

His base was and has been Ibadan South-West Nigeria. Kabiru was always at the action spot any time, any day and this was how he developed his dexterity. Based on this and the number of good stories he was sending then, he was promoted to grade level Six on the salary scale. Kabiru left the NEW NIGERIA, GASIKIYA-TA-FI-KWABO to be specific in 1999 and transferred his service as a versatile reporter to B.B.C. Hausa Service with three other vibrant reporters.

He continued his work with the B.B.C. Hausa Service and he finally retired from there in 2007.

Kabiru Yayo Alli retired but he is never tired. He joined the Hausa publication of the DAILY TRUST Newspaper and also works with the LIBERTY RADIO and TELEVISION, Kaduna, where he sends his reports to, on the various activities in the South-West.

Comparing his versatility with his level of education, Kabiru said, his performance on the job was enhanced by the various training programmes organised by the NEW NIGERIA Newspapers and the B.B.C.

Kabiru is married with six children; two boys now in the University in Katsina State, and four girls, three of them already married remaining one who is still in school.

25th July 2019 0 comment

News

Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State: What Fayemi is doing

by Clement Ige 21st July 2019

written by Clement Ige

There is always a touch of professionalism in every change when a professional is the leader.

A few days in Ekiti brought into attention glaring improvements in the services of the state’s Broadcasting Service. Governor Fayemi, on assuming office last year, inaugurated a committee on the corporation. That was expected because the station was closed by NBC when outgoing Governor Fayose allegedly wanted to air results on the station.

The news is that there have been improvements, impressive ones, which indicate a lot of professionalism in their programmes and delivery of services. Kudos to the Governor for this!

21st July 2019 0 comment

News

Welcome On Board, Pensioners’ FM

by Clement Ige 20th July 2019

written by Clement Ige

Pensioners from the South West of Nigeria are eager to welcome their new ‘baby’, Pensioners’ FM, located in Ibadan, Oyo State. And going by the speed of work in the new station and logistics to go on air, you will listen to the station any moment from now.

There is something to say about this station; it is the newest addition to brand radio stations in the country. Already, you have stations that were specifically established on brand purposes such as Impact Business Radio or Music and Culture FM. The major force behind this new radio is the Pensioners’ General Secretary, Mr. Segun Abatan, who spends most of time to clean rough edges of the logistics for a safe birth.

20th July 2019 0 comment

News

2019 AFCON: Ecstasy, Slips And Tragedies of the Game

by Dr. Titus Ale 20th July 2019

written by Dr. Titus Ale

I welcome you to this 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, the 32nd edition of its kind.

Since the biennial international men’s football championship started in 1957 this edition will go into record as the first to have 24 teams as participants.

The championship kicked off on 21st June and with barely few days to round up, it has so far witnessed barrages of ecstasy, slips, tragedies and disappointment.

One great moment of excitement was the opening ceremony where the Egyptian government and her citizens gave a good account of themselves. Her hosting facilities were close to near perfection in terms of organisation, planning and logistics.

Egyptians have in many cases received commendation for their notable hospitality and friendliness. But the thunder struck that moment in the AFCON’s Round of 16 when Bafana Bafana of South Africa eliminated the Pharaohs of Egypt. That is exactly the turning point. Things fell apart, and the centre could no longer hold. The ‘tsunami’ that followed the defeat of the hosting team was better imagined than real.

You will recollect that Egypt has won the AFCON on seven occasions, which made them believe this edition will make it the icing on their cake for the 8th time, but alas! It was never to be.

Immediately South Africa pipped Egypt 1-0, the President of the Egyptian Football Federation sacked the Pharaohs Coach Javier Aguirre and he himself resigned from his post as the Egyptian Football President. The Egyptian Sports ministry was closed down and the entire nation plunged into mourning. What a soccer tragedy!

There were other casualties in similar scenario. With less than four days to the final and last game of the 2019 AFCON, I can inform you that not less than 6 Managers and Coaches of some of these national teams have lost their jobs; Guinean Syli Stars Coach Paul Put, Nigerian born Taifa Stars of Tanzania, Emmanuel Amuneke, the Dutch Coach of Cameroun Clarence Seedorf, while the fate of South African Coach Stuart Baxter and Super Eagles Gernot Rohr precariously hangs in the balance.

Such development may not come to the lovers of the game as a surprise, this is because the maxim of football management hinges on the fact that, “A coach is as good as his last match”. A coach is never honoured or hired based on his past or lost glory. This invariably leads to the trending issue in Nigeria as regards whether Gernot Rohr should be sacked or be retained as Super Eagles technical adviser after the 2019 AFCON championship.

Let me make my opinion known that this will not be the first time Nigeria will be having a coach that is clueless and tactically poor in championship games. Clemens Westerhof found himself in same situation in 1990 & 1992 AFCON championship games where he lost top matches simply because he was technically bereft. This was what led Westerhof to hire the services of fellow country man Jo Bonfrere who was a pure tactician and ardent reader of football matches.

This of course yielded massive results for Nigeria in 1994 AFCON & WORLD CUP as well as Olympics Soccer Gold medal in 1996. So, someone like me would rather wish the technical crew of Gernot Rohr be beefed up or be upgraded as suggested through refresher courses. But given the kind of Nigerian environment and impatience for results, I would prefer the former solution of hiring a tactician for Rohr.

We need to take into consideration the high points of Mr Rohr. Despite the fact that he is not so tactically strong in championships, Rohr has opened up some dead end which before now remained untouchable or unreachable. It is on record that Rohr has returned Super Eagles to a fertile ground where at least three players are made to jostle for a Jersey, where no player can no longer take the nation for a ride.

We should never lose sight of the rare privilege given to us by Gernot Rohr that gave us easy qualifications for AFCON & WORLD CUP without employing unnecessary permutations and calculation in football.

I’m not head over heels for Gernot Rohr. Much as I appreciate Mr Rohr’s humility and gentleness, I have a distaste for his reckless speech each time he fumbles. One of such dirty statements was the one quoted: “Am not ashamed to lose 0-2 to a Madagascar’s team”.

A statement like that is nothing short of deriding a soccer loving nation like Nigeria. It is a way of rubbing salt on the injury of Nigerian citizens. Nigerians would not take such unguarded statement from him. Nigeria can be so magnanimous but at the same time be cocky when it gets to the soccer arena. Nigeria has come a long way.

Meanwhile, I think it will not be out of order to drop some suggestions for Mr Rohr in this direction for the Super Eagles to achieve its long lost compactness on the field of play.

Dead Balls: I suggest Rohr works seriously on his players on how to maximize the benefits of Set Pieces in games. Free Kicks, Corner Kicks, Indirect Kicks etc. should be taken as potential means of goal scoring. Since the exit of Christian Chukwu and Austin Okocha nobody has surfaced again.

HEIGHTS: I can see the coach already working in getting skillful players with appreciable heights into the team, let him continue in this direction, this will eventually yield for the team the dividend of getting some goals via headings just like in the days of Mathematical Segun Odegbami, Thompson Usiyen, Emmanuel Amuneke, Mutiu Adepoju etc. Nigeria team needs those flavours once again.

While rounding up, I have to commend the patriotic instinct of Super Eagles Supporters. These people are too selfless and loving. These supporters have constituted and grown to become a factor one cannot whisk away in any of Super Eagles game. Kudos to these family men and women. Nwankwo Kanu’s yeoman’s job in Cairo will not go unnoticed as well. More respect for the Soccer Ambassador.

FOR THE RECORDS:

Nigeria has really gotten the bragging right in world football for an African country.

YOU CAN’T BEAT THE RECORD! 👇

– 3 AFCON Gold,

– 4 AFCON Silver,

– 8 AFCON Bronze,

– 9 AWCON,

– 2 U-20 Women’s world cup Silver.

– 7 U-20 AFCON championshU-20

– 4 U-17 AFCON championship,

– 1 Olympic gold,

– 1 Olympic silver,

– 1 Olympic Bronze.

– 5 FIFA U-17 world cup,

– 3 FIFA U-17 World cup silver,

– 2 FIFA U-20 world cup silver,

– Highest FIFA ranking peak achieved by an African country (5th in the world, 1994),

– African footballer of the year ( ‘players’ crowned 6 times),

– Best entertaining team of the tournament at FIFA World Cup USA ’94,

– Best entertaining team at Atlanta Olympics ’96,

that’s not all….

– AFCON highest goal scorers (our ‘players’ hit the bulls eyes more than any African country, 7 times; and Ighalo grabbed the trophy in Egypt).

20th July 2019 0 comment