Suleiman And Aliyu: The Return Of Mathematical Odegbami

August 24, 2023

Two brothers: Suleiman and Aliyu Ibrahim are fast manifesting the traits of the football maestro of our time, popularly called, in the early eighties, as “Mathematical Segun Odegbami.” He was so called because of his mastery of the game and particularly, his smooth ball control, which almost always resulted in impossible goals.
Suleiman, 18 and Aliyu, 15, have already conquered Ebira land, the Kogi Central Senatorial area; subdued Kogi State and are set to go national as well as international.
The brothers, who play for AL- Bayan, a local Football Club in Okene, Kogi State, recently led the club to win the Kogi State BESS Championship Cup competition and were so rewarded. The team played its semi final with Idah football team, from Kogi East, where Suleiman scored a goal and Aliyu pepped up the second goal to send Idah team to sleep and moved to the final.
At the final, Aliyu and Suleiman put smile on the face of their Club, AL-Bayan FC, by thrashing their opponent from Lokoja, the state capital, with a goal each at penalty shootouts, after 90 minutes goaless sweat. Aliyu emerged The Man-Of-The-Match while Suleiman went home with Best-Player-Of-The-Tournament.
The two started their football playing at tender ages, and gradually grew to be one of the best footballers in the area within which they practice the trade.

Often seen by people encountering them at first time as “twin,” Suleiman and Aliyu have the ability to dribble their ways into the net, with little effort.
While Aliyu play mainly on mid-field wing, Suleiman play on right wing attack, with jersey numbers 8 and 7 respectively.
They stormed Abuja over the last week looking for a strong Football Club to register with, determining to use it to climb the ladder to the zenith of their chosen trade.
Asked what is his ambition, Suleiman said: “my ambition is to be a professional footballer, like great Nigerian footballers such as JJ Okocha, Ahmed Musa of Russian Premier League, Victor Moses of the same Russian Premier League. And to play in bigger Clubs at international level, like Arsenal, Barcelona, etc.”
For Aliyu too, he said: “my ambition is to become a professional footballer and wish to be part of the Nigerian national team as soon as possible. My Nigerian model as a mid fielder is Alex Iwobi. I also desire to play for international football Club, like Chelsea, Dortmund, etc.
All said, Suleiman and Aliyu have been striving through practices each passing day, to improve their playing prowess by seeking inspiration from legendary footballers who have left a lasting mark on the sport.
As 18-year-old and 15-year-old footballers with immense potentials, Suleiman and Aliyu are set to make a significant impact on the global football stage.
With their technical abilities, tactical intelligence and unwavering determination, they have all the qualities required to become future footballing sensations. Football enthusiasts and experts are lurking around, eagerly seeking for their bubbling promising professional acumen with the round leather game. They are imbued with youthful stamina, calculative brains while on the pitch and hunger to be on top soon in their chosen career.
Their father, Malam Ibrahim Ovansa Usman, a lecturer at the Federal College of Education (FCE), Okene in Kogi State, has been supportive of his sons’ vaulting ambition, having been assured by them, that they are in the football playing world for good.

2-Storey Building Collapses, Kills 2, In Heavy Downpour In Abuja

Greenbarge Reporters

August 24, 2023

A two-storey building has gone down, killing two persons and injuring others, on the strength of heavy downpour in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
Rescue operation, has led to the the evacuation of 37 occupants of the collapsed building, which occurred on Lagos Street, Garki village area of Garki, in the wee hours of today.
Those who were evacuated have been rushed to Hospital, according to a social media post by Ikharo Attah, an aide to former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Atah, who also posted a video of the tragic incident, said two persons have been confirmed dead.
Sunny Njoku, a resident confirmed the incident, but said he did not have details.
“It’s true. I just passed the place now and I saw many people at the scene. I couldn’t wait because I am rushing to the hospital,” he said.
The authorities are yet to react to the incident at the time or filing this report, but witnesses have been commenting about it on social media.
Daily Trust reports that the nation’s capital has recorded a series of building collapse in recent times.
However, this is the the first incident since incumbent FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, assumed office
In his inaugural address at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) office on Monday, Wike, had threatened to embark on demolition of houses built illegally.
Flanked by Mariya Mahmud, Minister of FCT (state), Wike vowed to move against structures obstructing Abuja master plan.

Information Minister Hosts Online Publishers Exco, Seeks Media Support, Partnership

Greenbarge Reporters

August 24, 2023

The Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi has called on Media practitioners in the country to collaborate with his Ministry and the government for the benefit of the development of the society.
Malagi, who spoke when he received in audience, the Executive committee(Exco) members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), advised online publishers to always endeavour to cross-check information before publishing.
He called on journalists to take pride in the fact that they have him as their true representative as part of the government of President Bola Tinubu.
‘The President appointed one of us and the interest of the media is my interest” even as he called on the media to take interest in his affairs as well.
He asked the media practitioners to endeavour to partner with government for the collective good of all, suggesting that they could focus on a lot of positive things that had been under-reported over the years about Nigeria.
The Minister thanked the exco members for the meeting even as he recalled that he has been a keen, silent follower of GOCOP activities for years.
Speaking earlier, the GOCOP President, Maureen Chigbo, congratulated the Minister on his appointment.
Chigbo used the opportunity to inform the Minister that GOCOP will be holding its 7th Annual Conference in Abuja on 5th October 2023 at the Abuja Continental Hotel, and urged him to be a key partner.
GOCOP members present at the meeting included the immediate past President of the Guild, Mr. Dotun Oladipo, the current Deputy President, Danlami Nmodu, mni; Vice President (South), Ken Ugbeche; Vice President (North), Tom Chiahemen; General Secretary, Collins Edomaruse and a member in Abuja, Tajudeen Kareem.

FCT Minister, Wike, Accuses Some Nigerian Media Of Fabricating Lies Against Him

Editorial staff

August 23, 2023

The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike has accused some Nigerian media of fabricating news about what he never said and done.

Reacting to the recent news articles in the media that he is embarking on a demolition spree, targeting 6,000 houses across 30 settlements in Abuja as well as the Wadata Plaza, in a statement today, August 23, Wike said that the story is entirely false without any basis in reality.

“The story on demolition of 6,000 houses was reported by a national daily newspaper on the 22nd of August 2023 with the caption “Abuja land: FG may revoke land allocations, demolish 6000 buildings, slums” while another mainstream newspaper also published this highly irritating story: “Wadata Plaza will go down, Reactions trail Wike’s demolition threat.”

The minister said that in none of his pronouncements since he assumed office listed the areas or the number of illegal houses to be removed, saying that his emphasis has always been that illegal settlements and structures would be removed for the greater good of the public.

The statement, issued by

by the Director of Press in the office of the minister, Anthony Ogunleye, said that another vexing issue is the headline by a reputable broadcast station saying, “I will fix Abuja in 6 days” and attributed same to the FCT Minister.

“We wish to state quite clearly that at no time did the Honourable Minister say this or allude to this phrase in any way. This headline therefore, is borne purely out of mischief.

“The Honourable Minister has consistently demonstrated a commitment to responsible urban development and the welfare of the people even while he was the governor of Rivers State, a commitment he has assured residents within the FCT since he assumed office as Minister.

“The claim that he is orchestrating large-scale demolitions is not only inaccurate but also lacks credibility

“Such sensationalist reporting not only misleads the public but also undermines the vital role that accurate and well-researched journalism plays in our society.

“It is important to remember that the development and maintenance of the FCT is guided by carefully crafted policies and regulations, with a focus on sustainable urban growth and the preservation of residents’ rights.

“Any decisions made in this regard are rooted in comprehensive assessments, community consultations, and adherence to the rule of law.

“On the other hand, the story on the 300M bulletproof car was credited to an online auto blog with the caption: “This ₦300M Armored Lexus LX 600 fitted with ‘FCT – 01’ reportedly belong to FCT Minister, Wike.”

“In a swift reaction, the Minister, who spoke today, 23rd August, 2023 during his first project tour at the Abuja Metro station stressed that the vehicle was not bulletproof as claimed but a regular SUV.

“We encourage journalists, bloggers and media outlets to exercise responsible journalism by verifying information from authorised sources before disseminating it to the public.

“Fabricated stories, such as the ones in question, only serve to damage the reputation of respected public figures and create unnecessary anxiety amongst the citizenry.

“We want to emphasize that the Honourable Minister remains steadfast in his dedication to improving the quality of life for all residents of the FCT.

“Any claims to the contrary are purely the result of misinformation and should be treated as such.”

Let The Poor Breathe In Abuja, By Obiaruko Christie Ndukwe

Editorial staff

August 23, 2023

The primary concerns for Nigerians right now are security and food. It is essential to avoid any actions that could further escalate the already tense atmosphere and adversely affect the poor and vulnerable population in Abuja. Unfortunately, numerous displaced communities from states ravaged by banditry are being relocated to Abuja without sufficient shelter and food. These individuals often gather near road junctions, seeking alms, and later retreat to makeshift shelters. Tragically, young girls and even married women are exposed to criminals who exploit them as sex slaves in exchange for basic necessities like food, shelter, and clothing.

Moreover, there is a significant presence of motorcycle riders, commonly known as “Okada,” in Abuja. Many of them have fallen victim to banditry and kidnapping or have managed to escape from Boko Haram. They utilize motorcycles to provide transportation services to residents in the outskirts where proper road infrastructure is lacking.

The number of individuals using motorcycles, such as Okada, on a daily basis surpasses the number of car owners. Additionally, due to the rising fuel prices, more car owners are opting for public transportation, including Okada and Keke.

The immediate challenge faced by residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is not the distortion of the Abuja Master Plan but rather the lack of essential infrastructure, such as access to clean water, electricity, and well-maintained roads. These issues should be the top priority for the newly appointed Minister of the FCT.

Abuja’s peace is fragile, particularly due to its proximity to Niger State, which is grappling with the threat of terrorists and bandits. Recently, a train traveling from Abuja to Kaduna, a neighboring state, was brutally attacked, resulting in several months of kidnappings and deaths. There have also been incidents where prisons were attacked, leading to the escape of numerous dangerous members of Boko Haram who remain at large. Local areas such as Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kubwa, Karu, Nyanya, and Wuse 11 have all experienced their fair share of deadly attacks.

As we anticipate improvements in road networks, electricity supply, affordable housing, and access to clean drinking water, it is crucial for the Minister to prioritize addressing the major issues over the minor ones. It is unacceptable for any individual, such as Wike, to be scapegoated and demolish houses belonging to suspected opposition party members or the businesses of the poor.

The contributions made by these impoverished traders, artisans, and riders in Abuja are invaluable, and alternative solutions must be provided before taking any drastic action.

In line with the teachings of the Bible, it is evident that there will always be impoverished individuals among us. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure that their rights and livelihoods are protected as we strive for progress and development.

Let the poor also breathe!

#highlights @everyone

Written by Obiaruko Christie Ndukwe is a socio-political commentator, analyst and columnist

First Lady, Remi, Rallies Wives Of Service Chiefs Over Fuel Subsidy Removal

Editorial staff

August 22, 2023

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu has rallied wives of Service Chiefs and the Inspector general of Police to assure them that the removal of fuel subsidy by the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will eventually lead to a greater tomorrow for the country.

Receiving the guests today, August 22, at the Presidential villa, Abuja, the First Lady said that she’s seeking the support of the wives of the Service Chiefs for her pet project, which is the Renewed Hope Initiative that is supporting the government on the effects of subsidy removal.

“We will need your various Associations from time to time, at least to be able to reach out to women in your various barracks, to reassure them that we mean well for this country. That they should be patient and that whatever we can do to ameliorate what the subsidy removal has meted to us, we believe there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

“It is a greater Nigeria we are looking out for and it is a legacy that we will leave for our children and generations yet unborn. We would leave a Nigeria we can relate better as Nigerians and also look for the good of this nation, with the belief that the wealth of this country can be greater enhanced.”

The First Lady promised that the Renewed Hope Initiative would soon be reaching out to vulnerable widows of fallen officers in the military.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, wife of the Chief of Defence Staff and President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association, Mrs. Oghogho Musa assured that the various Associations under Defence and Police Officers wives are poised to partner with the Renewed Hope Initiative in all areas of its scope of coverage.

The First lady was subsequently decorated as the Grand Matron of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association.

I Don’t Expect People To Like Me As I Take Tough Decisions – FCT Minister, Wike

Greenbarge Reporters

August 22, 2023

“This job is not a likable job. It’s not a job that people will like you. It’s a job that people will hate you because you are doing the right thing. But at the end of the day, they will come to love you.”
The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyeson Wike made the statement today, August 22, while receiving handing over notes from the FCT Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, signaling a new chapter in the administration of the FCT.
The Minister stressed that the Administration under his leadership, will focus on short, medium and long-term goals that will bring development in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
On the short-term goals, the new FCT Minister said that the issue of street lights, waste management, mass transportation and environmental sanitation would be given immediate attention.

He said that on the medium and long term plans, the Administration will address the issue of proliferation of shanties, land racketeering, violation of the Abuja masterplan, infrastructure development, procurement issues among others.

On infrastructure development, Wike said that the Administration will consider the availability of resources before embarking on any infrastructural project, adding that no project will be abandoned under his tenure as Minister.
“I don’t do anything called abandoned project. I’m not a party to abandoned project. Any project that has no cash backing will not be awarded. There must be money and I know that money has been provided for this project. And I don’t do a project that will take me more than one year.”
The Minister clarified the misconceptions that his administration’s deliverables were aimed at making life difficult for the residents, assuring that difficult decisions will only be made to improve the lot of Nigerians in the capital city.
He charged senior officials of the Administration to work hard and do their jobs effectively and efficiently, insisting that lapses will no longer be tolerated.
The Minister also charged the staff to always do the right thing at all times, saying that leadership requires that decisions must be made in every situation even when it is inconvenient.
Earlier, the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, congratulated the Minister on his deserving appointment and also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assigning them the important portfolios.
Dr. Mahmoud called for maximum cooperation and loyalty of staff, saying that they must work according to the vision of the President to bring renewed hope.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola informed the Ministers that the capital city is home to a workforce of 40,000 skilled and dedicated professionals, and pledged their loyalty and support for the new Administration.
“Let me assure you of the unflinching loyalty and dedication of our workforce. The men and women who tirelessly serve the FCTA are not merely employees; they are partners of our shared vision, ambassadors of progress and custodians of the dreams of our founding fathers.
“With their high sense of commitment and expertise, they are poised to stand by your side, ensuring the success of your tenure and the fulfilment of the aspirations we hold dear.”
The Permanent Secretary said that some of the activities lined up for the Ministers in the coming days, including the flag-off of projects for the resurfacing of various roads in the Federal Capital City (FCC), distribution of palliatives to residents as well as the flag-off of the park and pay project in the FCC, amongst others.

There Will Be No Cause For ECOWAS War In Niger, Abdulsalami Assures

Editorial staff

August 22, 2023

Former Nigerian military Head of State, retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar has ruled out the possibility of war in Niger Republic between the new military junta and the forces of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
He declared: “hopefully, diplomacy will see the better of this. Nobody wants to go to war. It doesn’t pay anybody, but then again, our leaders have said if all fails, and I don’t think all will fail.
“We will get somewhere. We will get out of this mess.”
General Abdulsalami, spoke today, August 22, while answering questions from newsmen shortly after an audience with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential villa, Abuja. The President is also the chairman of ECOWAS.
General Abdulsalami, who was appointed by ECOWAS Heads of State and Government as an envoy to Niger Republic, recalled his visit to Niger with his team at the weekend, said that they had discussions with the military people for the purpose of finding a way out of “the lacuna we find ourselves.”
He said that he was at the Presidential villa along with the President of the ECOWAS Commission, to give a report back to President Tinubu on their discussions in Niger.
General Abdulsalami said that their visit to Niger was very fruitful, saying: “it has opened an avenue to start talking and hopefully we will get somewhere.”
On the plan by the junta for three year transition, to which ECOWAS had objected, Abdulsalami said that talks are still ongoing.
“They have made their own points and then I made my report to the Chairman of the ECOWAS Heads of state and President.
“He will now consult with his colleagues and then the ding-dong starts and we’ll get somewhere hopefully.”

I Will Stop Land Speculation, Revoke Undeveloped One In Abuja, Wike Vows

Greenbarge Reporters

August 21, 2023

The new minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike has vowed that he would move fast to stop the age-long land speculation in Abuja and will also revoke the land whose owners have not developed till now.
The minister, who assumed office straight from the swearing-in at the Aso Rock Presidential villa, Abuja gathered some key top officials of the ministry to say: “let me tell you that the period of land racketeering is what? Over!
“And to those the government allocated land with C of O (Certificate of Occupancy) and they refused to develop it and have become land speculators, ehe, the land is gone. I’m going to revoke them. I will revoke them.”
Wike wondered how the government would give somebody a land to develop, and he probably paid N200,000 and such person would be looking for who would buy the same land at N2 billion or N3 billion, and asked: “who does that?
“We will take back our land and give it to those who want to develop it. And you must sign that you are going to develop it with certain period of time.”
The minister also vowed to demolish houses and structures that are erected on green areas and those that distort the original master plan of Abuja.
“If you know built where you are not supposed to build, it will go down; be you minister somewhere, be you ambassador. If you know you have developed where you are not supposed to develop, your house must go what? Down!
Those who have taken over the green areas to build (structures), sorry, our parks must come back. The green areas must come back.
“So, if you know anybody who is involved in taking over green areas and parks to now do restaurant, no! We will not accept that.
“Sorry, if your father has done that, sorry. If your mother has done that, sorry. There is nothing I can do. It will go down.”
Wike, who is the immediate past Governor of River State under the People’s Democratic party (PDP), stressed the urgent need to address the environmental issues around the federal capital.
“We must sit down to look at what we can do differently on waste disposal. It is very very key.”

Tinubu To New Ministers: Serve Nigeria, Not Religions Or Regions

Editorial staff

August 21, 2023

President Bola Tinubu has charged the 45 newly inaugurated Ministers of the Federal Republic to prioritize the interests and welfare of the entire nation and its diverse population, above any regional or state-specific considerations.

Speaking today , August 21, at the inauguration of new members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the State House Conference Centre, the President underscored the immense responsibility the ministers now bear in shaping policies that will significantly influence the lives of hundreds of millions of Nigerians.

“You are not a minister of a particular state, colony, region, or ethnic nationality. You are a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” President Tinubu declared, setting the tone for his directive to the new ministers.

“This is all about the cohesion and work of a great team, and I believe we now have it. It is an honour to be chosen to serve as a minister in the Federal Executive Council, and such a high honour comes with tremendous responsibility. In this moment of abundant promise and peril in equal measure, all of you that have been sworn in have been called to distinguish yourselves. Nigerians are highly expectant of excellence in service delivery, accountability, and transparency,” he said.

The President reminded the new ministers that they can not disappoint Nigerians, who expect them to serve with integrity, dignity and competence to actualize the Renewed Hope manifesto of the administration—failing which he will not hesitate to take necessary remedial measures.

“As your country honours you today, you must each work to make yourselves worthy in the eyes of God and our entire nation’s people. Your highest obligation is to restore public faith in government so that our people can once again believe that government can be a positive force for transformation and a vehicle for collective progress of all citizens of this great country,” President Tinubu said, while congratulating each of the ministers and welcoming them to “the Administration of Renewed Hope.”

He said that the newly appointed ministers were selected based on their track records of excellence in both the public and private sectors, saying that they effectively represent the rich diversity present within Nigeria.

Expressing his wishes for the success of the cabinet members in the discharge of their duties, the President invoked a metaphor of a journey, in which he is the driver of a vehicle, along with all Nigerians as passengers.

“In this new assignment, we are in this boat together, even if it is a vehicle, I am the driver. The entire nation sits watchful, as you and I navigate this vehicle. We must hold each other responsible. We have to do the job to meet the expectations of all Nigerians. God be with you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

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