Basketball

MFM underestimated us and they paid for it’ ASPAC Coach Says

Published

2 years ago

December 3, 2023

…. We will bounce back – MFM Coach

ASPAC coach, Adognon Landrey, stated that his team capitalized on MFM’s complacency to secure a significant victory in their initial match at the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Women Qualifiers held in Abuja.

Emphasizing that they remained focused despite the crowd, the coach acknowledged the caliber of their opponent and highlighted that being underrated worked in favor of his team.

“We didn’t let the crowd distract us. As a continental team, we’re back on our home turf. In sports, it’s not over until it’s over, and that resilience was our strength in the game. Despite being underrated, we’re making our mark.”

Team captain Somakou Marlene stated, “We thoroughly studied MFM, identified their weaknesses, and plan to capitalize on them. We weren’t intimidated and adhered to our coach’s instructions.”

In contrast, MFM coach Okworogwu Ochuko admitted during the post-match conference that her team allowed ASPAC to regain momentum by not defending well in the last two quarters as they did in the first two. Despite the defeat, she expressed optimism about her team bouncing back in the next game.

“In the first half, our strategies were effective. However, in the second half, we deviated from what was working for us initially. The players recognized this issue, and our opponents capitalized on it, particularly in defense.

Defensively, we overloaded one side, resulting in vulnerabilities in our backline. Our opponents seized this opportunity. Now that we’ve identified these mistakes, we’re committed to correcting them in our upcoming match. The defeat, though disappointing, is not the end as none of the three teams have secured qualification yet. We’re all competing for the two available slots. It’s an open competition, and I believe we can still turn it around.”

Team captain Okoh Ukamaka echoed her coach’s sentiments, emphasizing that “it’s not over until it’s over.”

“As my coach mentioned, we abandoned the strategy that was effective for us, and defensively, there were shortcomings. Our communication faltered, unlike in the first half, leading to our downfall in the second half. However, we are determined to come back, better and stronger.”

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Basketball

RMAFC Reaffirms Commitment To Boost Revenue Generation From Mining Sector

Published

3 weeks ago

October 16, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

In line with its commitment to bridging the gap in the remittance of revenue generated from the mining sector into the Federation Account, the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission organised a sensitization workshop on the new template for data rendition in Enugu for the South East Zone on Thursday 16th October, 2025.

Speaking at the occasion, Chairman of the Commission Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu reaffirmed the commitment of RMAFC to bridging the gap in the data remittance of revenue generated from the sector into the Federation Account.

“It has been established that despite the extent of activities going on in the Country’s mining sector, it contributes only a negligible amount to the Federation Account, largely due to the lack of proper and effective monitoring of mining activities. Hence, it is the intention of the RMAFC to work assiduously in order to ensure that all revenues due to the Federation Account from the mining sector are promptly remitted into the Federation’s distribution pool account as at when due.” He said.

The Chairman who was represented by the Federal Commissioner representing the Federal Capital Territory in the Commission, Ambassador Ayuba Jacob Ngbako stated that the new data rendition templates were designed to capture and manage relevant data with regards to specific measurement of quantity of minerals produced, producing companies and their locations, particular licenses, fees and permits paid by mining companies. According to him, if the data is properly managed and utilized, it will go a long way in ensuring that mining operations and revenues therefrom are effectively tracked and accounted for.

Dr. Shehu emphasized the imperativeness of the new data rendition template given the current economic difficulties the country is going through. He added that the perpetual over dependence on hydrocarbon sources of revenue, which is often plagued by the vagaries of the international oil market in addition to other reasons such as the problems of pipeline vandalism and oil theft underscores the determination of the President Bola Tinubu led administration to harness revenue potentials from other sectors of the country’s economy such as the solid minerals, agriculture, manufacturing and the blue economy.

In his goodwill message, the Executive Governor of Enugu State His Excellency Governor Peter Mbah, who was represented at the occasion by the Honourable Commissioner of Energy and Mineral resources of the state, Honourable Franklin Ogbonna described the new template as a significant step towards building a reliable framework for revenue monitoring and proper resource allocation framework. He added that accurate data is the foundation of sound policy formulation and effective revenue management. ” It enables both the Federal and State Governments to assess real production figures, close leakages, and ensure that due revenues are remitted for the benefit of all Nigerians.” He said.

The governor further said that the initiative aligns perfectly with the drive to reposition the solid minerals sector as a key contributor to the internally generated revenue and economic diversification agenda of the state.

In his welcome address, the Federal Commissioner representing Enugu State in the Commission, Honourable Ozo Obodougo Obumneme stated that the exercise was primarily aimed at ensuring the existence of a platform for independent data source for the Commission which will be free of summation errors and could be used for comparison as advanced information for attribution purposes.

The Commissioner for Solid Minerals in Ebonyi State, Honourable Onyia Emmanuel, Honourable Commissioner of Petroleum and Mineral Resources in Abia State, Prof Joel Ogbonna, Honourable Commissioner for Local Government in Anambra State, Honourable Tony Nwabuno and the Permanent Secratary Ministry of Industry, Mines and Minerals in Imo State, Mrs Obialor Angela all praised the initiative in their goodwill messages.

The sensitisation exercise scheduled to be held in the six geopolitical zones of the country, which commenced on the 7th of October 2025 in Abuja, was followed by the one organised in Asaba Delta State for the South – South region on the 13th of October, 2025.

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