Babayaro faults Yobo’s appointment as Eagles assistant coach

Former Chelsea defender Celestine Babayaro has said that while he welcomes ex-players being involved in Nigeria coaching set-up he questions Joseph Yobo’s credentials.

His comments come after the ex-Everton star Yobo was appointed as assistant coach of the Super Eagles two weeks ago.

Babayaro, who won an Olympic gold medal with Nigeria at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, said any such appointment must be backed by requisite qualifications.

The duo were in the Nigeria squad at both the 2002 World Cup and two years later at the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia

“From my point of view as a former player I think he is a good appointment probably done in a wrong way,” the 41-year-old, who is now an agent, told BBC Sport. “I’m not sure if he’s got his badges but if you are trying to appoint someone you make sure they’ve got the right credentials before you appoint them.

“I don’t care if it’s an ex (player) or whoever, make sure you appoint the right person that knows the job.

“Yes, Joseph Yobo has been a captain for Nigeria and he has done well, if you want to give him that sort of position make sure he has the right badges. If he hasn’t got his badges send him somewhere. It takes a few months or less than a year. Get the right badges, get the right papers and make him whatever you want to make him.”

Yobo’s appointment divided opinion when it was made with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) coming out to defend its choice of assistant for Gernot Rohr.

“The concept behind this is to nurture and condition former captain Joseph Yobo to provide leadership and mentorship for the young team,” NFF boss Amaju Pinnick said at the time.

Babayaro also questioned the discipline of African international sides when it comes to challenging at the highest level.

“If you talk about (winning) the World Cup it will take a long time,” he insisted. “Don’t forget I used to play for the national team of Nigeria, the difference is massive. For some reason our African teams are not as disciplined as the European sides and this is me being honest.

“I have seen the way the Europeans do their things. The discipline is so different. For us to be able to win the World Cup it will take a while unless if we get our act right before we can see a World Cup coming to Africa,” he explained.

Yoruba beware of 1967 mistake made by Obafemi Awolowo

Yoruba beware of 1967 mistake made by Obafemi Awolowo

Awolowo was released from Calabar prison by Biafran leader Odumegwu Ojukwu and there was an agreement that while Ojukwu declares Biafra in the East July 1967, Awolowo would declare Oduduwa Republic in the West. The British establishment, sensing the dangers of Awolowo declaring Oduduwa Republic in the West, convinced Gowon and the north to checkmate Awolowo’s secessionist agenda by appointing him the Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council.

This strategy worked effectively and Awolowo was deceived that after Gowon’s tenure he would be given the opportunity of ruling Nigeria. Awolowo thus had to checkmate the Biafran dream to clear any obstacle to his ruling Nigeria while the north was looking for the right opportunity to throw him into the dustbin. In frustration, Awo resigned from Gowon’s cabinet when he realised he had been politically duped.

Awolowo quashed the Biafran dream while the northern establishment killed the Oduduwa dream and betrayed Awolowo’s presidential ambition thrice.  The emergence of Awolowo’s kinsman Obasanjo as Head of State was another opportunity for him to realise his dream of ruling Nigeria.

The 1979 election result was decided in the infamous judgement where the Supreme Court refused Awolowo’s plea that 2/3 of 19 is 13 states, and went ahead to declare Alhaji Shehu Shagari the winner of the election. The north led by Generals Shehu Yar’Adua and Theophilus Danjuma convinced Obasanjo why Awolowo should never be the president of Nigeria. Therefore, instead of a runoff election, which some believe could favour Awolowo, the Supreme Court declared Alhaji Shehu Shagari the winner.

Chief MKO Abiola at one point was used by the northern dominated National Party of Nigeria, NPN, to oppose the presidential ambition of Awolowo . He used his National Concord newspapers and enormous wealth to fight Awolowo and UPN and when they finished using him to deal with Awolowo, they frustrated Abiola’s presidential ambition and he had to resign from the party in 1982.

 Babangida annulled the election of Abiola in 1993, Yorubas alluded to a certain curse Awolowo placed on Abiola, in the heat of the latter’s opposition to his presidential ambition that “even if Abiola was to be given the presidential seat, he would not sit on it.”

The northerner are wise, they learnt how to manipulate their way into the heart of the Yorubas. The same method is introduced in this regime and the Yorubas are falling into the trap. Rumour going on that the northerners has promised that year 2023 president will come from the southwest. Tinubu will contest as president under APC. The same way Gowon promised Awolowo.

 A group was installed "Amutekun", to protect the people of Yoruba land. The northern rose against it, " The Yorubas will forfeit their chances to become next president", said the northerner people . Tinubu playing along, no matter what comes up, he doesn't go against it. " A man who sold his birth right, will sought for it back with tear, but it will be too late" .
 Yoruba wake up from your slumber, it's time to move forward.

A Peep Into Yoruba Mythologies

Just like any other tribe of mankind the Yorùbá had fomulated their philosophies based on observations and experiences with natural (physical) and metalphysical phenomena. 

What is notably lacked is merely documentation because Yorùbá didn't know the art of writing. 

There are no hiccups about God's Divinity and monotheism. In face the Yorùbá believes they are monotheistic in belief. 

However, HE is too grand to approach so they formed gods as 'staircase' to reach HIS Holiness. And do they form gods? Apotheosis. 

What's apotheosis? Dan Brown gives an extensive explaination of the phenomenon thus:

"The largest painting in US Capitol building is called 'The Apotheosis of Washington'. And it clearly depicts George Washington being transformed into a god. 

"This transformation of man into God is called apotheosis. Whether or not aware of it, this theme—transforming man into god—is the core element in this Rotunda’s symbolism. Apotheosis. Yes. He knows. “The word apotheosis literally means ‘divine transformation’—that of man becoming God. It’s from the ancient Greek: apo—‘to become,’ theos—‘god.’

"The Apotheosis of Washington—a 4,664-square-foot fresco that covers the canopy of the Capitol Rotunda—was completed in 1865 by Constantino Brumidi. Known as “The Michelangelo of the Capitol,” Brumidi had laid claim to the Capitol Rotunda in the same way Michelangelo had laid claim to the Sistine Chapel, by painting a fresco on the room’s most lofty canvas—the ceiling. Like Michelangelo, Brumidi had done some of his finest work inside the Vatican. Brumidi, however, immigrated to America in 1852, abandoning God’s largest shrine in favor of a new shrine, the U.S. Capitol, which now glistened with examples of his mastery—from the trompe l’oeil of the Brumidi Corridors to the frieze ceiling of the Vice President’s Room. And yet it was the enormous image hovering above the Capitol Rotunda that most historians considered to be Brumidi’s masterwork.

"This transformation of man into God is called apotheosis. Whether or not aware of it, this theme—transforming man into god—is the core element in this Rotunda’s symbolism. Apotheosis. Yes. He knows. “The word apotheosis literally means ‘divine transformation’—that of man becoming God. It’s from the ancient Greek: apo—‘to become,’ theos—‘god.’

"Nearby, you can see a strange, anachronistic series of figures: ancient gods presenting forefathers with advanced knowledge. There’s Minerva giving technological inspiration to our nation’s great inventors—Ben Franklin, Robert Fulton, Samuel Morse. And over there is Vulcan helping us build a steam engine. Beside them is Neptune demonstrating how to lay the transatlantic cable. Beside that is Ceres, goddess of grain and root of our word cereal; she’s sitting on the McCormick reaper, the farming breakthrough that enabled this country to become a world leader in food production. The painting quite overtly portrays American forefathers receiving great wisdom from the gods."

Take some time off to read stories of Ogun, Ọṣùn, Ọba, Ọya, Sango, Sanponna, Ọ̀runmìlà, etc. You will realise they were humans. Flesh, blood and bones. They lived normal human lives before they were deified. (Check my writeup, IRE-ÈKÌTÌ: FULL STORY OF ÒGÚN, YORÙBÁ GOD OF WAR for the full story of Ogun and that of Ọ̀yọ́ for excerpts on lives of Ogun, Sango and Ọya). 

On the same vein, Yorùbá made notes of some phenomenal; acts, creations, manners. For examples:

- Lẹyin lẹ́yìn ni èwe Olóbe ń so - Olóbe bears fruits behind leaves. 

- Atọlẹdọlẹ ni ti Àdán - Bats are mysterously in folds. This means, when a bat is cut another bat would be found in its belly and if that one is cut another one would be found. 

Also worth of note is the Rule of Firsts. In Yorùbá mythology, there are mention of the firsts; first persons to do some things. Olubikin was the first to use pluck leaves (for medication), Ọsanyinbikin was the first to use roots 

FEDPOFFA takes SEX4GRADE Campaign to#NIPOGA2020

The Nigeria polytechnic games Association (NIPOGA) has acknowledged The Federal Polytechnic, Offa for taking a lead row in campaigning against sex for grade (SEX4GRADE) which has remain a dominant parasite eating the Nigeria Education system.

The FEDPOFFA Sports Team was flanked by a special campaign team while featuring in the NIPOGA 2020 hosted by Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.

The 'No to SEX4GRADE Team' matched round the Stadium with the banner and vest while chanting "Work for your grades and" say no to sex for grade".

The team was led by The HOD Mass Communication Department, Mr Wole Alawode, Campaign supervisor, Mr Mujeeb Zakariyau and Jimoh Taofik Adekunle, the Campaign Cordinator. 

According to the team, sex for grade is a major challenge facing Nigerian Education expecially at the tertiary level, thus making a dire calls on government and other stakeholders in Academia to embrace and walk the campaign in a bid to restore sanctity.

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Expliciting that both students and lecturers are to be oriented if the menace would be annihilated, the group is optimistic that a New Dawn is impending, when effect of the campaign will begin to manifest.

Meanwhile, Kwara state commissioner for Tertiary institutions, Science and Technology, Hajia Sadatu Kawu Appreciated the Fedpoffa campaign team and promised that the state government will strategize on how to give the campaign a wider audience.

#NIPOGA2020 opening ceremony was graced by Kwara State deputy governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulugambari, Rector, Federal Polytechnic Offa Dr Abdullateef Olatunji among other dignitaries across the country.

(c) Jamiu Omoniyi General Jamo

Nigeria to prevent Coronavirus outbreak with N620m – Minister

Sunday Aborisade,  Abuja

The Federal Government said that it will spend  N620m special intervention fund to monitor, detect and contain the deadly Coronavirus.

Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, stated this when he appeared before the Senate Committee on health.

He briefed the Senate panel on the level of his ministry’s preparedness to manage the Coronavirus outbreak in the country.

He said the fund would come directly from the service-wide vote.

His appearance was sequel to a resolution of the red chamber based on a motion by Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, on the need to summon the minister over the issue.

Enahire said the ministry, on Thursday, submitted a memo proposing for the release of the sum of N620m to take proactive measures to contain the virus.

He said Nigeria was prepared to ensure its health security which could disrupt economic stability if left unchecked.

The Minister was in the Senate in company with the Director, Port Health Services, Dr. Morenike Alex-Okoh, and the Director-General National Centre for Disease Control.

Enahire said already,  N71m was released to the port health services for its operations.

Ehanire said the ministry had a multi-stakeholder meeting to deploy port health services there to screen all passengers.

He said the national intervention on containing the Lassa fever outbreak enjoyed timely release of N313m intervention fund from the Federal Government to manage the outbreak.

The senators expressed fears that it may be a loose end to import the Coronavirus.

Chairman Senate Committee on Health, Ibrahim Oloriegbe, said the absence of health services at the private terminal could make for easy movement of infected bodies into the country.

The Senate, therefore, ordered the Minister to deploy health officials to the private tarmac and conduct screening of VIPs on chartered flight stressing Coronavirus was both a national and global health emergency.

Fashola narrates how robbers attacked him, backs Okada ban

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, says the use of motorcycles (Okada) as a major means of transportation is not in the plan of Lagos State and should be banned.

He spoke at a public lecture organised by the United Action for Change in Lagos on Thursday.

It will be recalled that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State had banned the operations of motorcycle and tricycle in 15 Local Government Development Areas and Local Council Development Areas, including highways and major roads in Lagos State.

The ban, however, has generated controversies and mixed reactions from residents of Lagos and other Nigerians.

Since the enforcement of the ban, residents complained of gridlock, hike in transportation fare and unavailability of vehicles to convey them to their destination. 

But Fashola said rather than reduce crime, motorcycles aid it.

During his eight-year tenure as the Lagos State Governor, Fashola also banned Okadas.

“If you are concerned about security you must support the present Lagos governor now on Okada ban. As the Center of Excellence, motorcycles should not be our choice of transport,” he added.

He also advised the Lagos State Government enforcement of the law, saying, “We are more focused on launch enforcement and increasing the numbers of policemen. Capacity development is great but security is more than law enforcement.”

While giving reasons for his support for Okada ban, Fashola narrated that he was once robbed in his home.

He said Okada riding also aided crisis and caused youths not to explore other productive ways of generating income.

He said, “Do we stand in reacting mode or proactive mode. If reacting, there is already a victim and a criminal. If we are proactive then how long can we sustain that?

“Motorcycles are means of peddling drugs to children even under the watch of parents without knowing.

I’ve always held this position. Motorcycle has always been a conduit pipe for the opioid crisis among youths. We must act to eliminate anonymity.

Reps pass LG autonomy bill for second reading

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed for second reading, a bill seeking to give local government full financial and administrative autonomy.

The bill also seeks to make local councils have a uniform tenure across the states.

The legislation is titled ‘A Bill for an Act to Further Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for the Financial and Administrative Autonomy of Local Government Councils and Uniformity of Tenure Across the Country; and for Related Matters.’

The sponsor of the bill, Mr Munsur Soro, while leading debate on the bill, said the proposal was necessary at a time when there is “monumental development” at the grass roots. He stated that crafters of the Constitution, in their wisdom, guaranteed the independence of the third their of government.

Soro said, “However, the present reality is a great contrast with the original provisions of the Constitution. Politically, the local governments lack autonomy as the state governments interfere in their elections. Administratively, the local governments lack independence as the state governments determine their staff recruitment and discipline. Financially, the local government councils are not independent as their funds are often withheld by the state governments through the state joints account.”

The Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, who presided over the plenary, however, noted that not all states had not conducted local government elections, while some governors did not interfere in the affairs of the councils.

Wase said, “This is a bill that has passed through this House…this is the third time it is being brought on the floor of the House. I want to appeal that we need to put some caution. It is not all governors that are involved in those activities. So, we should not use sweeping words on all of them. My appeal is also that it is a constitutional matter. It will still require the state assemblies. It is very important. So, I want to appeal to all of us that the intention of the bill is to bring good governance across the country.”

Wase, then, put adoption of the motion for second reading and it was unanimously approved.

Why we placed travel restrictions on Nigerians —US

The United States has given reasons for imposing visa restrictions on Nigerians and five other countries’  nationals.

It said Nigeria did not comply with the established identity-management and information-sharing criteria assessed by the performance metrics.

The US also said  Nigeria did not adequately share public-safety and terrorism-related information necessary for the protection of the national security and public safety of the US.

The full report of the visa restrictions titled, ‘Proclamation on improving enhanced vetting capabilities and process’ posted in www.whitehouse.gov read in part, “Nigeria also presents a high risk, relative to other countries in the world, of terrorist travel to the United States. Nigeria is an important strategic partner in the global fight against terrorism, and the United States continues to engage with Nigeria on these and other issues.”

It further stated, “The Department of State has provided significant assistance to Nigeria as it modernises its border management capabilities, and the Government of Nigeria recognises the importance of improving its information sharing with the United States.

“Nevertheless, these investments have not yet resulted in sufficient improvements in Nigeria’s information sharing with the United States for border and immigration screening and vetting.”

Nigeria  is  the only country in West Africa sanctioned by the US Department of Home Security following a review and update of the methodology (performance metrics).

Other countries on the list are Eritrea, Myanmar, Tanzania, Sudan and Kyrgyzstan.

The new visa regime announced by the US government on January 31, involves the suspension of the issuance of immigrant visas to Nigerian passport holders. It comes into effect on February 21.

Strong reactions have, however, greeted the US visa restrictions with the Presidency announcing the setting up of a committee to address the issue

“The committee will work with the US government, INTERPOL and other stakeholders to ensure all updates are properly implemented,” the statement by the media aide to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.),