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Benue FA board storms Otukpo, demands return of township stadium

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The Benue State Football Association (BSFA) is demanding the return of the Otukpo Township Stadium to the board.

The new executive board of the association has clamoured for the return of the ancient stadium to enable teams around the vicinity use it for their training and matches.

The ground was allegedly taken over by a government agency.

“I feel very bad and disappointed when I came around after many years to see that this place has been turned to another thing entire. I played here as far back as 1988/89 and later I came back to play for Obeya Babes in 1991,” stated Eugene Agaigbe, a former Lobi Stars player.

“Throughout my football career, this is where I made my name. Now that I’m a coach I feel very bad because I should have taken my team to play on this same ground.”

A former councillor in the area, Hon Francis Ijiga, said, “This land from early 80s was designated as the township stadium in Otukpo. At that time, many clubs from within and outside Otukpo use to train and play competition football here.

“The ground produced many football stars we heard of in the past. Unfortunately, in the early 90’s, the land was taken over by other people and they converted and later abandoned it as against the original plan by the government that approved it as a football pitch.”

Also speaking, BSFA board member and former organising secretary of Otukpo Local Government Area, Mr. Godwin Oyiagba, who revealed the place was taken for over two decades with a promise to provide an alternative venue for the township stadium said, “this is the only stadium we have in Idoma land where I personally raised a team and that same team got to the National division one league.”

A former match commissioner and current BSFA Vice Chairman, Alex Awunah, said, “I have commissioned matches here in late 80s and early 90s. This ground is very strategic for youth of Otukpo and Benue state in general.”

On his part, the FA board chairman, Barr. Edeh said, “The bible instructed that no one should take away the ancient landmark. The take over of the township stadium is a clear indication that the ancient landmark has been moved.

“Teams especially in Otukpo don’t have any place to train or play. They have been relegated to use primary and secondary schools and most times they are not granted permission.

“We have come to reclaim the land… look at the youths roaming the streets, they want to make a name for themselves but they can’t because there’s no place to use for training. Infact, the last Ratels, Benue football league which held few weeks ago, no team from Otukpo participated because they don’t have a place to train, let alone registering to participate.

“Just as his Royal Majesty said, the children who are birthed now are the ones who will reap from the legacies we will leave behind. I can assure you that nothing can be done with this abandoned building project anymore. The building is not more significant than having a football pitch here.

“There’s no land that one can get for a township stadium that is as Central and strategic as this location.”

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Politics

Gov. Namadi inspects road projects, insists on timely completion

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By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse

The Jigawa state governor Malam Umar Namadi  has inspected 26 ongoing road projects across the state and insisted for timely  completion of the work.for the benefit of the public.

The ongoing projects inspected by the governor were mostly rehabilitation and reconstruction of the  roads and bridges damaged by the flooding in the last two years.

Speaking to various contractors, Governor Namadi expressed satisfaction on the quality of the job at the site and urged a speed  work rate for a timely completion.

The Governor told the contractors that Jigawa state is ready to continue patronising any company that demonstrates seriousness and sincerity in handling its work.

“We will not joke about paying your money as soon as you complete the work, however, we will not tolerate or accept any breach of contractual agreement particularly on quality and timely completion in accordance with the specification.”

Governor Namadi assured the Jigawa state people that his government will ensure the completion of all the ongoing road projects, and award new ones to facilitate the movement of goods and services for social and economic development.

While shading more light, the State Commissioner for Works and Transport Engineer Gambo S Malam said, the ongoing road projects have a total distance of 360 kilometers, while in some roads the works included rebuilding the collapsed bridges and provisions of new ones .

He added that so many measures were taken in the reconstruction of the roads and bridges damaged by the flood to prevent such problem In case of any flood in the future..

On their side, the contractors handling various road projects across the 27 local government areas of the state, assured the state governor that they will deliver a quality job and in a good time.

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Politics

Makinde appoints Atanda, Ige as Advisory Council member, chairman LG Pension Board

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Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has appointed Chief Adewale Atanda into the Oyo State Advisory Council.

This is just as a former chairman of Ibadan South-East Local Government and former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige, has been appointed as the chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board.

A letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, indicated that the governor has also appointed eight other people into various positions.

The other newly-appointed persons are as follows: Akeem Oladeji- Full-time member, SUBEB; Dr Monsura Mustapha- Full-time member, SUBEB; Mrs Agbejimi Oladoja Rebecca- Part-time member, SUBEB; Oyewo Oluwaseun Oyedele- Part-time member, SUBEB; Dimeji Ladapo- Part-time member, Civil Service Commission; Mrs Funmi Arulogun- Senior Special Assistant, Diaspora; Mrs Adebayo Omolara- Special Assistant, Culture I; Mr Bolanle Seyi- Special Assistant, Culture II.

Congratulating the new appointees, Makinde charged them to discharge their duties with dedication and loyalty to the state.

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Politics

Delta Governor tasks NIPSS on solutions to Nigeria’s challenges

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By Dave Okpogadie

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta state has charged the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru-Jos, to provide a veritable roadmap for policies that would mitigate the challenges currently confronting Nigeria.

Governor Oborevwori gave the charge yesterday when he received participants of the Senior Executive Course 46 of the NIPSS led by Air Vice Marshal David Solomon, on courtesy call at Government House, Asaba.

He said, “The importance of your institute is anchored on fostering critical thinking that will encourage training and developing professionals in policy analysis, strategic planning and leadership.

“Being a high level center for informed research, reflection and dialogue, the country looks up to you to provide a road map for true policy initiatives and execution.

“The lnstitute remains our country’s foremost thinking cap in developing a group of high class technocrats. It has also contributed to deepening democracy both in Nigeria and other African countries by providing a platform for learning and sharing of ideas.

“You are, therefore, saddled with the responsibility of managing policies and strategies that will shape Nigeria and indeed, Africa.

“Delta is a state that believes in continuity and I have promised Deltans that I am going to do more for them.

“Your coming to Delta shows that the state is peaceful; not minding what happened on March 14, the Okuama incident.

“We have handled it and the Military had had a lot of restraints. As we speak today, the Military have pulled out of Okuama and we have established an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in that place.

“But that does not mean that those involved will be set free. It is just that the innocent people will not continue to have problems with the Military.

“I want to assure you that coming to Delta State is a good choice and all the information you need will be provided.”

Earlier, the team leader, Air Vice Marshal David Solomon, who spoke on behalf of the Director- General of the Institute, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, said the lnstitute was conceived as a high level institution with the primary objective of serving as the nation’s foremost policy think tank and developing a crop of top class leaders of high intellectual capacity.

He commended Governor Oborevwori for consolidating the tempo of sustainable socio-economic growth and development of the state by continuing from where his predecessor stopped, just as he expressed appreciation to the state government for the warm reception accorded them since their arrival in the state.

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