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Kenneth Omeruo Passing the Torch

Published

4 years ago

December 25, 2020

Joel Ajayi

For the Super Eagles and Leganes Spaniard football club defender, Kenneth Omeruo, leaving a legacy off the field is just as important as on-field success and the needy in Nigeria and the entire world are taking notice.

To be an athlete is to live in a bubble, one filled with stats, practice, and training. It’s about games most every night. There are hardships, sure changing time zones, red-eye flights, time away from family.

It’s definitely not easy, and very few people are capable of handling that. But that’s life inside one of the world’s most special vacuums.

Outside that bubble, though, is the real world. And in the real world, bigger questions loom. How will needy kids find a lifeboat? Who will help in the face of challenges? Do they have any ray of hope?

Those questions find their way into clubhouses more often than you might think. Super Eagles 2013 AFCON winner, Kenneth Omeruo‘s football academy reaching out and do something extra.

Of a truth, former Chelsea FC of England player is affecting the world in even more significant ways than just having an impressive line on the pitch of play.

Kenneth Josiah Omeruo was born on October 17th, 1993 in Abia State; he grew up in southeast Nigeria and began playing football in his parent’s sitting room.

It was there the dream to make a career out of football was birthed. Sustained by his mother’s support, he played for his school’s team, featuring in several shell cup and grassroots competitions.

Beginning from Nigeria, Omeruo moved abroad to Anderlecht Academy. From there, he moved to Standard Liege of Belgium and in January 2012 was signed by Chelsea.

His time at Chelsea has been characterized by several loan spells. Immediately after signing for Chelsea, he did not allow that to shake him, he was unwavering until he sealed a permanent deal to the Leganes on a five-year deal.

Kind-heart 2013 AFCON gold medalist, Kenneth Omeruo returned back to the old field Catholic Church playing Ground, Gwarimpa, Abuja where he was discovered years ago where scouting for talented young players took place.

OMERUO’S ACADEMY COMPLETE’ SIGNING OF TWO STARS TO LEGANES

Hope returned for a rejected under-20 player Obinna Martins who could not make the trip for Nigeria after considered him not good while another hopeless player Samuel Obaleh was given hope as the Omeruo academy completed their transfer to the Spanish Segunda club.

Obi Martins was among the player’s journalists, football followers were certain he would make the cut when the official list of the Flying Eagles names was released ahead of the 2020 West Africa Football Union Zone B tournament in the Benin Republic but today no hope is lost as heaven and earth smiled on him the courtesy of Omeruo.

ITS A BLESSING IN DISGUISE- MARTINS

An elated Obinna Martin Speaking in Abuja said: “the disappointment of not being selected by the team handlers was a blessing in disguise.

“I did not feel bad about me not joining the team. And they’re not qualifying for the U-20 Nations Cup that is football. You win some, you lose some. My plans are to do well and make the country and my family proud.”

PUTTING SMILES ON THE FACES OF TALENTED NIGERIAN FOOTBALLERS MY PRIORITY-OMERUO

Addressing journalist in Abuja on Thursday, Omeruo expressed: “giving young boys the platform to realize their dream of playing professional football pleased my heart and I promise to use this academy help and discover more talents for Nigeria.

“It is a thing of joy seeing my dream coming to reality. I am happier when my academy facilitated the signing of two players (Obi Martins and Samuel Obaleh) to my club, Leganes.

“I will like to add that seeing players from my academy playing for the national team will make me a fulfilled man after my retirement from football. Giving young talented players such a platform will help reduce crimes rate, help players take good care of their family and more importantly, takes boys off the streets and give them hope.”

He added that: “football is my passion and I know there are a lot of opportunities out there especially for young players because if we have to wait for the players to play in the national team, Under-17 or U-20, we wouldn’t get the best players. And most times the best players don’t have transport fares to go to this trial and I know a lot of boys so, I normally pay for their transport. I had to make sure they come to see if I can help one or two achieve their dream and right now I have two of my players who have already signed a contract with my club in Leganes and they have opened the way for me and given me the opportunity as long as the players are good they can come and I have other platforms I’m still working on to make it possible for these kids to actualize their dreams

“My satisfaction will at one point when I finish playing and I go on TV and see a lot of my boys still playing and being able to lift their family out of poverty because we can’t all depend on the government to help us and with these at least if one family is lifted out they can also affect other people,” he said.

HEAPED ENCOMIOUM ON COACH ABIMBOLA

Just like a river that did not forget his source, Omeruo showered encomium on the man whom God has given grace Coach Abimbola Samuel to discovered him at the same pitch, eleven years ago.

“I feel happy with the crowd I have seen here and the quality I have seen here am really happy and I want to appreciate my coach, coach Abimbola, coach Abu was here also and Emeka for bringing out time to train the boys, to select the boys, it’s purely by merit.”

KENNETH OMERUO A RIVER THAT DID NOT FORGET HIS SOURCE-COACH

As for him a coach that discovered Omeruo and many others coach Samuel Abimbola expressed that I just want to thank God that this is happening while I am alive and am not disappointed because from the day one I had contact with Kenneth, I knew that he’s going to go places because the River of kindness is flowing through his heart, so am not surprised that he’s trying to give back to what has given him fame.

“I want to see him as a role model to others that is when you climb across the big rivers that don’t forget those that are waiting for the canoe, that is what Omeruo is trying to do, I will liken it to the bible10 lepers was cured by Jesus Christ, its only one that went back to give thanks to Jesus and that is what Omeruo is doing.

“A lot of them that made it but how many of them are coming back, some of them are keeping 4 girls in rooms in the hotel, wasting money, buying Lamborghini and forgetting that a day is coming the younger ones they need to have taken care of will be looking on to them.

“I want to congratulate him for this step, the part he has taken; God Almighty will back him up and see him through.

“It means that he’s giving them life, giving them a future, it goes beyond even Omeruo himself, he’s helping Nigeria as a Country, he’s taking problems out of the street, he’s giving life, hope to the parents, I just want to have a way to discuss with this boy that if he is trying to do it now, they should now have it in mind that time is coming, a time to give back time, because if he has not dedicated himself if he was not determined if he was not having the target of where he’s going, he will not be where he is today. A time will come when he’ll be so happy, he’s not expecting money from them but he’s expecting that when he sits on that couch he’ll say, oh God has used me to touch somebody.” Coach Abimbola extolled Omeruo.

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Presidency Refutes Afenifere’s Deceitful Statement on President Bola Tinubu’s Midterm:

Published

3 days ago

June 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Chief Sunday Dare

The statement from a factional Afenifere group raises serious concerns about a penchant and deliberate attempt to find faults and trade in deceit instead of objectivity. The group has found it challenging to accept that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s comeback story is firmly underway.

The rebellious Afenifere claims that President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s performance over the past two years has witnessed a regression in human development, economic mismanagement, and democratic backsliding.

This is a jaundiced view, echoing the view of opposition politicians, one of whom the group supported in the 2023 election.

A balanced assessment based on available data reveals a more objective and progressive picture, with significant achievements amid the challenges expected from a country like Nigeria with decades-old problems.

Beyond its confounding conclusions based on prejudice, the statement raises the following issues. With the ensuing point-by-point clarification, it will become clear that the group’s position is neither grounded in facts nor logic.

Economic Reforms and Their Impact

The factional Afenifere’s claim that Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, have led to “unmitigated sufferings” and “economic deforms” seeks to draw attention to some of the challenges but overlooks the macroeconomic gains. The removal of the fuel subsidy, announced on May 29, 2023, saved the government over $10 billion in 2023 alone, reducing fiscal strain and redirecting funds to other sectors. Unifying the foreign exchange market and the naira’s floatation aimed to address distortions in the currency market, boosted foreign reserves to $38.1 billion by 2024 and achieved a trade surplus of N18.86 trillion for the country.

Under the Tinubu administration, Nigeria’s annual inflation rate fell to 23.71% in April 2025 from 24.23% in the prior month. Food inflation, the most significant component of the inflation basket, remained elevated but moderated to 21.26% from 21.79%

While these figures indicate stabilisation, the immediate impact on ordinary Nigerians is not lost. The government’s cash transfer programme, which provides funds to the poorest households and benefits over 5.7 million households, is a credible outreach.

However, dismissing the twin policies as “unforced errors” ignores the unsustainable nature of the previous subsidy regime and multiple exchange rate systems, which were draining public finances. A more balanced critique would acknowledge the necessity of reform while emphasising the need for better-targeted social safety nets.

As of today, the Tinubu administration has recorded over 900,000 beneficiaries of the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme, over 600,000 beneficiaries of the Students’ Loan Scheme, NELFUND, N70,000 minimum wage, NYSC monthly stipend increase from N33,000 to N77,000, Free CNG kits distributed to thousands of commercial drivers across Nigeria with CNG buses rolled out in partnership with state governments, leading to a significant drop in transport costs. The administration also recorded over $10 Billion FX debt cleared, Federal account allocation to states growing by 60%, enabling more local development projects, N50 billion released to end the perennial ASUU strikes, and over 1,000 PHCs revitalised nationwide with an additional 5,500 undergoing upgrades.

The administration also disbursed N75 Billion in palliative funds to states and LGs for food distribution and cash transfers, over 150,000 youths are being trained in software development, tech support and data analysis under the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) project, over 20,000 affordable housing units under construction under the renewed Hope cities program launched across Nigeria, N200 Billion in Loans to farmers and agro-processors. Other gains: over two million Nigerians are now connected to new digital infrastructure and community broadband hubs and public WiFi projects, 3.84% GDP growth in Q4 2024 (highest in 3 years), over $50 Billion in new FDI Commitments, Net Foreign Exchange Reserves up from $3.99 Billion (2023) to $23.11 Billion (2024), over $8 Billion in new oil and gas investments unlocked, and over $800 million realised in processing investments in solid minerals in 2024 and inflation as at April was down to 23.17%.

It is now pertinent to inquire from opposition leaders about alternative strategies they would propose in contrast to this administration’s extensive list of significant achievements currently benefiting Nigerians in real-time.

Cost of Governance and the Oronsaye Report

The assertion that the Tinubu administration has failed to implement the Oronsaye Report and instead increased governance costs is inaccurate. The Oronsaye Report, which recommends the merger or scrapping of government agencies to reduce expenditure, has not been fully implemented and has drawn criticisms; it must be noted, however, that the administration has made some efforts to improve fiscal discipline. The fiscal deficit was reduced from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024, and the debt service-to-revenue ratio dropped from nearly 100% in 2022 to under 40% by 2024. The government also recorded over N6 trillion in revenue in Q1 2025, partly due to removing Ways & Means financing and fuel subsidies. These steps demonstrate fiscal prudence and will eventually translate into immediate, tangible relief for citizens. The administration is working earnestly to address these optics and prioritise cost-cutting measures, including implementing the Oronsaye Report, to restore public trust.

Allegations of Prebendalism and Corruption

Afenifere’s claim that the administration favours “the privileged and connected” through corrupt palliative distribution and mega-project allocations is questionable. Reports of palliatives being mismanaged or distributed through unverified channels have no doubt surfaced, raising concerns about transparency.

The administration has taken steps against corruption, such as suspending Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu in January 2024 over alleged fund diversion, signalling some commitment to accountability. Critics may argue that more systemic action is needed, but dismissing all the efforts as propaganda overlooks these initial steps.

Without abusing Presidential powers, the administration is working on expediting action on all pending investigations and prosecution of corrupt practices. At the same time, critical agencies are collating credible evidence on ongoing corruption litigations. It must, however, be noted that in 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured a record-breaking 4,111 convictions, marking its most successful year since its inception. They recovered over N364 billion and significant amounts in foreign currencies, including $214.5 Million, $54,318.64, and 31,265 Euros.

The EFCC achieved its single most significant asset recovery in 2025, with the final forfeiture of an Abuja estate measuring 150,500 square meters and containing 725 units of duplexes and other apartments. The EFCC concluded the final forfeiture and handed the estate to the Ministry of Housing in May 2025.

Democratic Concerns and Centralisation

Afenifere’s accusation that the Tinubu administration is pursuing a “one-party state totalitarianism” and undermining democratic institutions is unsupported and lacks merit. The claim of neutralising the legislature and judiciary is also a false alarm.

The public should note that the Supreme Court has upheld opposition victories in states like Kano, Plateau, and Abia, suggesting judicial independence. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has faced criticism for allegedly appointing individuals said to be ruling party affiliates, but no evidence confirms these appointees are card-carrying APC members.

The allegation that the Tinubu government cracks down on peaceful protesters is primarily unfounded. It is a regurgitated rhetoric deployed under previous administrations as a reflection of broader challenges in Nigeria’s democratic culture.

The issue of the State Police is more complex than the oversimplified approach of the factional Afenifere’s statement. Every administration policy is subject to security impact assessment before implementation, and there is a difference between the State Police being widely advocated and a Police State that critics may blame the Federal Government for if implemented without caution.

Security and Social Welfare

Contrary to the impression created, the administration’s security record is impressive. Over 13,500 terrorists, bandits, and insurgents have been neutralised and 7,000 arrested in the past year, though there is still some news of abductions and violent attacks. The administration’s proactive response to security-related matters has paved the way for more farmers to return to their farms, impacting food production and supply.

The administration also embarked on agricultural initiatives, including tractor procurement, fertiliser distribution, and increased mechanisation.

The government has also not relented on its Regional Development drive as the administration succeeded in establishing Development Commissions across 6 Geopolitical zones (South West, North West, North Central. North East, South East and the Niger Delta) to empower communities and accelerate developments.

Political Climate and 2027 Elections
The claims of government-sponsored conflicts within opposition parties lack concrete evidence and should be ignored.

Economic reforms are undoubtedly laying the foundation for long-term stability, with GDP growth at 4.6% in Q4 2024 and a Fitch B credit rating upgrade as evidence. Moody’s Investors Service’s latest upgrade of Nigeria’s rating from Caa1 to B3, with a Stable Outlook, indicates that the Tinubu administration is on the right path.

The government is not oblivious to some discontent and difficult times among Nigerians. There is an urgency to deliver more tangible results, which is guaranteed given the impressive performance of the administration in just two years.

Afenifere’s statement saw the cup as half empty. On the contrary, it’s half full. Under President Tinubu’s administration, some of Nigeria’s hydra-headed problems are being tackled headlong.

The administration has achieved fiscal improvements, such as reduced deficits and increased revenues, which will eventually translate into meaningful microeconomic relief for most Nigerians in the short term, even as the government moves to address these issues with greater empathy and transparency.

The administration’s demonstrable priorities are securing the nation, fixing the economy, and improving human capital development.

Responsible citizens and political leaders must work collaboratively with the administration to address the challenges and counter disinformation, as highlighted in the admonition against fake news and deceptive AI videos.

Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is turning the corner. From stabilising the naira and curbing inflation to reducing debt burdens and

expanding access to education and health, the administration delivers bold reforms with actual results. With improved security, regional inclusion, anti-corruption measures, and institutional rebuilding, Nigeria’s comeback story is not yet complete — but it is firmly underway.

– Sunday Dare is the Special Adviser to Mr. President on Media and Public Communications.

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