CHAN: Eagles get $100,000 for semi-final loss

Super Eagles may have lost a final place ticket to the Black Stars of Ghana at the African Nations Championship but they did not lose the economic game as they were still paid fully.

The Minister of Sports Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi on Thursday morning met with the players at their President Hotel and Conference Centre in Bloemfontein. At the meeting he redeemed the pledge of $100,000 the sports ministry made to the team for defeating Morocco in the quarter finals and another $100,000 for the semi-final match against Ghana which they lost 4-1 after penalty shootout.

The minister made the pledge basically to serve as a match-win bonus.

A person who was at the meeting said that, “Abdullahi hailed the resilience of the Eagles while declaring that Nigerians from President Goodluck Jonathan to the common man on the streets appreciate the team.”

The minister met them in company with the Nigeria Football Federation president Alhaji Aminu Maigari and some of his board members. He also urged the team to win the third place match against Zimbabwe on Saturday.

In Lagos former internationals Emeka Ezeugo and Friday Ekpo applauded the players despite the team’s failure to reach the final game. Both former players, who have now turned coaches, said in separate interviews with The PUNCH on Thursday that the team’s defeat to Ghana had taken nothing away from their quality with regard to African football.

Ezeugo, who now coaches Abia Warriors, told our correspondent on the telephone that Nigeria did better than expected of them at the tournament.

He said, “I don’t think Ghana have the edge over us in African football; we’re the African champions in AFCON, and that’s a bigger competition than this. Ghana was there at the tournament but they didn’t win.

“The Super Eagles performed well at the CHAN, it’s just that sometime you win some and lose some. Nobody gave them the chance of getting to this stage, but they fought hard.”

The former defender added that the competition had churn up new discoveries for coach Stephen Keshi, who would be looking forward to bolster his squad ahead of the World Cup in Brazil.

Ekpo agreed with Ezeugo on the new discoveries, saying that up to seven players, which he would not name, had the quality to play in the first team at the World Cup.

“The team didn’t do badly against Ghana; it was just one of those days the game wouldn’t go their way,” the former midfielder said. However, I would have expected the midfielders to be more creative and take the game beyond just adhering to the coach’s instruction.”

Both former players are confident that the Eagles would get over the defeat and bounce back to beat Zimbabwe in the third-place match on Saturday.

Sport: Mourinho concedes defeat to City before clash

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho feels Manchester City are favourites for Monday’s Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.

While Mourinho saw his side draw 0-0 with West Ham on Wednesday, City moved top of the table thanks to a 5-1 victory over Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Manuel Pellegrini’s free-scoring side are now a point ahead of Arsenal and three clear of third-placed Chelsea.

Ahead of Chelsea’s visit to City, Mourinho said: “Are they favourites? Yes. Are they even favourites to score again four, five, six goals? Yes.

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“But the result is 0-0 and we go there to compete and to play.”

Mourinho, who won the Premier League twice in his previous stint with Chelsea, has tipped City for the title on numerous occasions this season.

He told the Daily Mail: “For how long have I said the same thing? For how many months?

“For me it is not a surprise but we go there next Monday and the result at this moment is 0-0.”

Mourinho’s men came out on top against City earlier this season – winning 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in October.

Chelsea are left three points behind new leaders Manchester City at the summit following the draw against West Ham. Although Mourinho respected West Ham’s motives, he was scathing of their methods.

“I just told the boys it is very difficult to play a football match when only one team wants to play,” he said.

“Football matches are about two teams playing and this match was only one team playing and the other team not playing.

“I told ‘Big Sam’, and I repeat my words, they need points and because they need points to come here the way they did, is it acceptable? Maybe, yes.

“I cannot be too critical because if I was in this position I don’t know if I would do the same. Maybe, so I don’t want to criticise that.

“But at the same time I told (him) also, this is not the Premier League, this is not the best league in the world – this is football from the 19th Century.”

Asked to expand on his comments, Mourinho added: “Cheating – I don’t know if that’s the right word; pretending injuries, the goalkeeper winning time since the first minute. Not after 70 minutes, the first minute.

Enwo-Igariwey

In this interview with journalists, the President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Gary Enwo-Igariwey, speaks about the Igbo position on the proposed national dialogue and threat by the Northern Elders Forum to drag Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (retd.) before the International Criminal Court. JOHN ALECHENU was there

Is it true that there are factions in Ohanaeze Ndigbo?

The leadership of the Ohanaeze you have today was properly elected and sworn in for a four-year term. The election was held in the open and remember that delegates came from all over the world. There were representatives from the United States, from the United Kingdom, from the diaspora in general and all branches in Nigeria. It was not a hidden election. Anyone who claims that there is a faction in Ohanaeze is not saying the truth; there are no factions. Some of these people contested elections and lost. I am not aware that someone becomes a faction because he lost an election.

So much has been said about the proposed national dialogue/conference. What is the position of the Igbo on this issue?

In the composition of the dialogue, we insist on equal representation of the six geo-political zones of the country. We propose 60 delegates from each zone. Since this conference is about ethnic nationalities, it is expected that each zone should bring ethnic nationalities in their zones and special interest groups. We also state that each zone should select delegates with respect to its diversity.I want to state clearly that Ohanaeze presented the Igbo position to the presidential advisory panel on this conference. In it, the Igbo never gave any other position, the Ohanaeze position was the generally accepted position. That’s what was presented in Enugu, Umuahia and in Lagos. The document was signed by notable Igbo leaders including former Presidents-General of Ohanaeze, former governors, even the former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani, and other prominent Igbo sons. There was no dispute about it. Let me give you what the main issues are. The main thrust is the structure of this conference. Ohanaeze recognises and respects all other ethnic nationalities.

What about the issue of a legal framework for the conference?

To ensure its legality, the conference should be instituted through the National Assembly. Mr. President should, as a matter of urgency, send an executive bill to the National Assembly to legalise the conference; that is the position of the Ohanaeze. That is not different from what others are advocating.

On the duration of the proposed conference, it is necessary to complete the work of the conference, including the enactment of the new constitution, before the end of the tenure of the present administration so that the next elections would be held under the new constitution. It is recommended that the outcome of the conference will be subjected to a national referendum/ plebiscite and thereafter, without alteration becomes the next constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. There is no difference between what we have been saying and what others have been advocating and challenging Ohanaeze’s position as speaking for the Igbo.

Ohaneze works with all Igbo organisations. In fact, this presentation to the advisory committee was a collation of the ideas of major Igbo organisations; their ideas were collated from groups like the Aka Ikenga, the Igbo Legacy and the South-East Peoples Development Association. It was a combined effort.

Recently, the Northern Elders Forum said it would drag the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, before the International Criminal Court. What is your take on this?

We initially took it as statements not made out of good intentions. First of all, when you are fighting terrorists, especially when they are embedded within the people, there is bound to be collateral damage. Ohanaeze appreciates the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform, who are dying every day; people who put their lives on the line everyday for us to be happy. The best we can do is to encourage them so that they will bring this issue to a peaceful end.

Nigeria: Jonathan Arrives in Addis Ababa for 22nd AU Summit

President Goodluck E. Jonathan arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the 22nd Summit of AU Heads of State and Government, slated for Jan. 30 and Jan. 31.

The President, who arrived on Wednesday at 9.30 p.m. Ethiopian time (7.30 p.m. Nigerian time), was received at the Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, by the Supervising Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, the Ministers of Agriculture, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina and Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe.

Mr Bello Adoke, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu and the Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Mr Paul-Lolo Bulus, were also on ground to receive the President.

Jonathan is expected to join other African leaders in various deliberations at the summit, with the theme "Transforming Africa's Agriculture: Harnessing Opportunities for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development."

It would be recalled that the AU had declared 2014 as "The Year of Agriculture and Food Security in Africa."

President Jonathan and other participating heads of state and government would formally launch the Year of Agriculture and Food Security in Africa.

The leaders would also consider and adopt the reports of high-level committees on the Assessment of the African Standby Force.

They would consider the operations of the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises.

The leaders were also expected to consider the reports of other high-level committees on UN Reforms, the post-2015 Development Agenda, African Trade and Climate Change.

President Jonathan is expected to return to Abuja on Friday.(NAN)

Nigeria Face Zimbabwe in 3rd Place CHAN Playoff

The Super Eagles who fell out of CHAN Title contest hope to find solace in beating the Warriors of Zimbabwe in a fight for the 3rd place.
We wish super Eagles all the best.

NNPC Debunks Rumours of Imminent Fuel Scarcity

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Thursday debunked media reports of an imminent scarcity of fuel supply in the country.

Responding to media reports linking the delay to the release of petroleum products import permit for the first quarter of 2014 by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) as possible reasons for the looming fuel supply scarcity, the NNPC in a statement in Abuja stated that it had adequate stock of petrol in its reservoir.

The statement was signed by the corporation's acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, who asked members of the public to desist from panic purchase of fuel as a result of the development.

Ibrahim noted that the NNPC in spite of the unending challenges posed by pipeline vandalism and product theft has enough stock of products in its marine reserve and national strategic reserve to ensure that the country is supplied with adequate petroleum products round the clock.

He further cautioned members of the public against any form of hoarding or panic buying of petroleum products in anticipation of scarcity.

The Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) had recently notified that the reluctance of the PPPRA to release import permits for the new period was causing a lot of panic in the market, adding that a possible fuel scarcity could be underway with such delay.

Nigeria: The Downside of SmartPhones

The Nokia 3310 was the high point of digital technology in 2000. There were quite a number of reasons for this, but one stood out-it was a mobile phone. It was the dawn of the GSM revolution in Nigeria, and it was a status symbol to have any mobile phone at all. Fourteen years down the line, things have changed radically. The Nokia 3310 and its counterparts have been replaced by the smartphone movement; phones that don't just do everything, but let you do everything. Despite their mega popularity, smartphones do have a downside. Here are some reasons why:

Cost

Topping the list of smartphone disadvantages is the sky rocketing price tags. Even the cheapest smart phones are not a walk in the park. And the best of them could pay some rents for a year. Despite our love for technology, for a nation that has 60% of its citizens living below poverty line, it is no wonder that quite a number of people would think twice about purchasing a smartphone

Distractions

Before the GSM revolution, calls were mostly scheduled. As mobile phones became more common place, calls were shorter because of high tariffs. But with smart phones, there is a beep nearly every second of the day; pings, emails, whatsapp messages, alarms, skype requests... the list goes on and on. Now, more than ever before, technology is helping people with their daily activities. But on the other hand, never in human history have so large a number of people been so easily distracted from their daily lives because of technology.

Security

There is practically nothing you can't do on your smart phone. This should be a good thing right? Well, not always. A stolen smart phone could mean that someone else has access to your bank accounts, personal notes, business ideas, etc. Another issue of insecurity when it comes to smart phones is their propensity to attract thieves.

Ruggedness

There aren't many smart phones that can fall to the ground and resurrect without incidence. Painfully, many Nigerians go about with broken screens from fragile phones.

Ecowas approves $50m for Lagos-Abidjan expressway design -Jonathan

ALL is now set for the details design of the Lagos-Abidjan six-lane dual carriage way following the approval given by Heads of Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for $50 million seed money requested by the Ministerial Project Steering Committee.

President Goodluck Jonathan announced this on Thursday during a meeting of Ministers of Works and Infrastructure of ECOWAS at the sidelines of the ongoing 22nd Ordinary Session of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He told the ministers from Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Togo, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire that a meeting of the ECOWAS Heads of Government would decide how soon the money could be mobilised as he noted that since the issued involved money, it would take a bit of time, but he would, however, conult his Ivoirian counterpart, Alhassan Quattara, over the matter.

According to the president, “at the meeting of the ECOWAS Heads of State, it will be decided how quickly the funds can be mobilised. We have approved your prayers. Anything that money is involved in takes more time.

“In terms of details of how we can quickly mobilise money and the ratio of contributions by each member state, decision will be taken when we get to Abuja. I will speak with President Alhassan Quattara.”

Chairman of the Ministerial Project Steering Committee and Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, who spoke on the committee’s prayers to the ECOWAS leaders, recalled that the ministers had presented to the leaders a request to approve and authorise the raising of the sum of $50 million for the actual start of the details design studies and to cover for the meeting expenses for the next two years.

He said they also made a request for the approval of an initial joint request from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to provide $16.67million towards the details studies.

Onolememen said while the committee appreciated the support given to  it by leaders of ECOWAS so far, it also requested for approval for the leaders to consider the initial draft treaty and full commitment of member-states towards the Abidjan-Lagos corridor.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the Works Minister explained that the implementation of the project would ensure the proper regional integration of West Africa and open up the sub-region for commerce.

Ukraine Scraps Controversial Anti-Protest Laws

Sky News - Anti-protests laws that sparked violent demonstrations in Ukraine have been scrapped in an attempt to end a two-month stand-off between the government and opposition supporters.

At least three people have died in clashes between protesters and security forces since the new laws were announced.

Applause broke out in parliament after the vote passed with 361 deputies in favour and two against.

The move came shortly after Prime Minister Mykola Azarov resigned, saying he hoped the move would help bring resolution to the crisis.

Ukraine protests: Kiev a battle zone as pro-EU ...

Ukraine threatened to impose a state of emergency after demonstrators occupied the justice ministry and protests demanding the president's resignation spread despite a power-sharing offer. At least four people have died during violent clashes between protesters and riot police in Kiev, Ukraine. The bloody clashes come two months into protests by integration supporters who took the streets in November after the government failed to sign a deal to strengthen ties with the European Union. Vitali Klitschko, the former heavy-weight boxer turned politician, told the crowd he would lead pro-EU protesters "on the attack" if the government refused to call snap elections.

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Ukrainian opposition activists guard the occupied building of the Ukrainian Justice Ministry in Kiev on early January 27, 2014

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AFP | Photo by Sergei Gapon / AFP

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Mr Azarov said he was stepping down to try and encourage a "social-political compromise" to the unrest in the country.

In a statement he said: "Today the most important thing is to preserve the unity and integrity of Ukraine. This is far more important than any personal plans or ambitions. That is why I have taken this decision."

The pro-Western protests in Kiev began on November 21 after President Viktor Yanukovych shelved a long-planned political and economic treaty with the EU, then accepted a huge bailout package from Russian President Vladimir Putin instead.

He then approved the anti-protest laws to try to curb the opposition.

Demonstrations then spread to other parts of the country, including to some cities in the Russian-speaking east, the base of the president's support.

The crisis has been aggravated in recent days after protesters and police clashed violently.

Mr Yanukovych agreed to abolish the laws - which made the occupation of public building punishable by five years in jail and banned protesters from wearing masks or helmets - after talks with opposition leaders.

Protesters established an extensive tent camp in downtown Kiev's main square, where demonstrators have gathered around-the-clock since early December.

Not all of Ukraine is in favour with closer ties to the EU.

Many of the Russian-speaking citizens of the east want the country to retain its ties with Russia.