Sports
Ex-Army Chief Burutai Woos Borno Governor Zulum, APC Delegates To Vote Amaechi
Prominent Borno indigene and former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai has urged the Governor, and delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State to vote for former Transportation Minister, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to emerge as the party’s flag bearer for the 2023 presidential elections.
Buratai who is now Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, said Amaechi is one Nigerian that can change things for good in the country, if given the opportunity to serve as President.
Speaking at a consultative meeting between Amaechi, Governor Babagana Zulum, leaders and delegates of the APC in Maiduguri, Borno State on Sunday, Buratai narrated how Amaechi as Governor of Rivers State, succeeded in curbing militancy, kidnapping and others forms of criminality, restoring sanity to the State within few months of assuming office.
The former COAS who was then Brigade Commander of the Nigerian Army in Rivers State, said he saw in Amaechi the resilience and determination to do things right, urging the Governor and delegates to give him all their votes and see for themselves the change that will occur when Amaechi gets the ticket and eventually becomes President.
He said, “Your Excellency, we will not share any votes. Give hundred percent of your votes to Rt Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, and I will tell you the reasons why. Here with us is the man of the moment who is ready to serve, and has shown the determination in his exploits and his experience over the years, as Speaker, as a Governor and as Minister. He has led his peers Governors twice. He has also led his colleagues in parliament as Chairman, Conference of Speakers twice.
“He has that experience and very importantly he has remained loyal to President Muhammadu Buhari. On two occasions in 2015 and 2019 as campaign Director General he delivered President Muhammadu Buhari. You know the history of Borno, we have always gone along with the winning team. Do not follow any other person apart from Amaechi who is here. We must align ourselves with Amaechi, we must be with the man of the moment,” he said.
On his part, Amaechi reiterated that of all the aspirants gunning for the position of President in the 2023 elections, he is the better candidate.
Amaechi advised delegates of the APC to put their conscience first and vote a candidate that is true to his word, a true Nigerian candidate, stating that he is that true Nigerian candidate,who is detribalised and is known to perform in whatever task he takes on.
Amaechi who also visited the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar El-Kanemi said, “one of the reasons why you have high level of insecurity is the fact that our past leaders had visited us with poverty. Politicians will be chasing you with money, but when you step out on that day (of the primary election), carry your conscience in your hand. Vote for me, because when you vote for me, you have transferred that responsibility, to partner with others to change the country. Trust me. Don’t share the votes. Step out that day, vote for me and see the difference I will make.”
“As Minister for Transportation, we started the rail line from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, go and verify, they are working, go and check. We don’t have the loan yet, but the little money we have I said ‘go and start work.’ I heard there is oil around Borno, if I’m made the president, I will look for that oil,” Amaechi said.
Responding, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum said, “To me, power belongs to God. It is my prayer that Nigeria should get a good President. My prayer is for Almighty Allah to give us a good candidate that can take this nation to a greater height, a candidate that can deliver dividends of democracy to the good people of Nigeria.
Zulum stated that Amaechi’s advice to delegates to vote with conscience is very important, and “the people of Borno State will use their conscience to vote for a candidate that deserves to be voted for.” He however added that, “President Muhammadu Buhari is also very important in this political equation. We are still waiting for him to say what he wants us to do.”
Basketball
WESIE League Set to Transform Basketball and Ignite Investor Interest in Sports, Says Founder Funke Adeniji
Funke A. Adeniji, the visionary founder of the Women’s Elite Sports Empowerment Initiative (WESIE), announced that the WESIE Basketball League, a groundbreaking endeavor designed to reimagine basketball in Nigeria and attract increased business investment in sports.
Speaking on the sidelines of the league’s kickoff, Adeniji emphasized that the initiative is more than just a competition—it’s a platform aimed at elevating the visibility and commercial appeal of sports, particularly for women athletes.
“This is the first basketball league of its kind in Nigeria, featuring women’s teams across 15 states,” Adeniji explained. “Every weekend for the next six weeks, fans will see teams battle it out in a home-and-away format, bringing an international-standard experience to audiences nationwide.”
The league, exclusively for players over 18, is rooted in addressing gender disparities in sports. By providing elite female athletes with equal opportunities, WESIE hopes to drive greater recognition, paving the way for enhanced visibility on national and global stages.
“This isn’t just about competition; it’s about transforming the sports landscape to inspire businesses to support and invest in women’s sports, amplifying their market reach and social impact,” Adeniji stated.
The inaugural weekend saw thrilling matchups across seven games, delivering powerful performances and a taste of the excitement to come. Victoria Queens defeated Hope Dreams 52-37, while Life League secured a victory over Book and Ball with a score of 58-47.
In subsequent clashes, Life League narrowly fell to Hoop Dreams 29-30, while Victoria Queens clinched a second triumph, overcoming Book and Ball with a 62-36 win. AGF had a hard-fought battle but narrowly lost to V. Buzzers 57-59. IMBA delivered a solid 50-36 victory over Hope, and Divine Speed capped the weekend with an impressive 23-13 win over Hope, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive season.
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