Sports

Ex-Army Chief Burutai Woos Borno Governor Zulum, APC Delegates To Vote Amaechi

Published

4 years ago

May 22, 2022

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.”

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Sports

From Boardroom To Battlefield: Corporate Giants Trade Deals For Goals As Third Edition Of Corporate Stars League Kicks Off

Published

1 hour ago

October 22, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

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‎Ten corporate giants are preparing to swap boardroom meetings, spreadsheets and strategy decks for football boots, tactical battles and bragging rights as the Corporate Stars League returns with a promise of fierce competition, corporate networking and business deals that could extend beyond the touchline.
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‎For five weekends, beginning Saturday, October 24, 2026, participating organisations will battle for supremacy on the pitch, where boardroom influence counts for little without teamwork, skill, determination and the ability to find the back of the net.
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‎This year, new contenders have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to dethrone defending champions Norrenberger and prevent them from making it back-to-back titles.
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‎But Norrenberger are not surrendering their crown without a fight. Their representative, Victor Olamide Mattews, insists the champions are ready to defend their title, warning challengers that stopping them will be no easy task.
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‎The company’s ambition to simplify wealth creation and champion inclusive financial solutions appears to extend beyond the financial market, with the champions eager to establish their dominance on the football pitch as well.
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‎Telecommunications giant MTN, whose slogan is “Everywhere You Go,” will also be looking to make a stronger impression after falling short last season. Their representative, Abubakar Bako says the team is returning with renewed determination, hoping to improve its performance and ensure that this time, its presence is felt across the competition.
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‎The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) is also taking its reach beyond financial statements and revenue collection to test its strength on the pitch. But whether its reform-driven approach can translate into football success remains another ball game entirely.
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‎Meanwhile, the representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), David Idakwo, says although this is the organisation’s first appearance in the competition, the team is ready to learn and challenge established conventions.
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‎Similarly, Hassan Haruna of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) says the organisation hopes to translate its financial discipline into tactical precision, sound decision-making and a winning performance on the pitch.
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‎Then comes Beer and Barn, ready to bring its own flavour to the contest. Beyond the football, the hospitality brand offers grilled pub meals, shawarma, live-band performances and energetic DJ nights. Its representatives will hope to make their presence felt on the pitch as much as they do in the entertainment and hospitality scene.
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‎However, the competition is not just about goals, celebrations and corporate bragging rights. With the Nigeria Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Pension Commission (PenCom) and Jaiz Bank also among the participating organisations, the banter is already gathering momentum.
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‎From playful jibes about power supply and infrastructure to pension benefits, investment decisions and corporate expansion, the pre-tournament exchanges have added another layer of excitement to a competition where professional rivalries will temporarily give way to football banter.
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‎But when the whistle blows, the real talking will have to be done with the ball. Every misplaced pass, missed chance and defensive lapse could prove costly, while a moment of brilliance could separate champions from challengers.
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‎Speaking after the draws and unveiling of the teams, 5Stars Operations Manager, Misal Dikko, said this year’s edition promises a higher level of competition, with more participating teams and increased expectations from corporate management.
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‎“We are going to have an interesting competition, especially with the number of participating teams and the level of expectations from management. They have shown they are ready to put their money where their mouth is by supporting their teams with all the necessary logistics,” Dikko said.
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‎With ten corporate teams preparing to battle over five weekends, the Corporate Stars League promises more than football. It is a meeting point for competition, camaraderie, networking and business opportunities.
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‎For the defending champions, the mission is to protect their crown. For the challengers, it is a chance to rewrite the story. And for every team, the ultimate objective is clear: turn corporate ambition into football glory.
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