Sports

Football Stakeholders, Fans Express Joy Over NPFL Kick-Off

Published

3 years ago

December 28, 2020

Joel Ajayi

Despite the fact that many football fans watched the first leagues match on screen, after 9 months due to outbreak of COVID-19, many of them have applauded the efforts of the League Management Company LMC for the successful kick-off of the Nigeria Domestic league the NPFL.

After almost over months of non-league action, Nigeria Professional Football League started across the country on Sunday with some dramatic results.

The poor run of form of last season table topper Plateau United continued as they suffered a surprise 0-2 home defeat to last season struggler Kwara United.

At the Agege Stadium in Lagos, MFM outsmarts Warri Wolves 2-1 in a thrilling contest.

In Lafia, Promise Damala scored the opening goal in the 5th minute for the away side Wikki Tourist but host Nasarawa United responded two minutes later with a goal from Reuben Nicodemus before he completed his brace in the 52nd minute and secure maximum points for the host.

As Kano Pillars held their hosts Adamawa United to a 1-1 draw in another matchday one contest

Many of them expressed satisfaction as the Nigeria Professional Football League resumes this weekend.

The Chairman of Katsina state Football Association Alh. Aminu Balele Kurfi who was amongst the top dignitaries that witnessed the encounter between Jigawa Golden stars FC and Sunshine stars FC played at the ABS stadium Kaduna particularly showered praises on the match officials for their excellent performances.

The philanthropist who is also a member of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF Technical and Development Committee gave kudos to players of the two teams for their high level of discipline, maturity, and a good display of soccer artistry.

He thereafter presented a cash donation of one hundred and fifty thousand nairas to each of the two teams even as he took a group photograph with the two clubs in a display of FIFA fair play and for the good of the game.

Alh. Balele Kurfi solicited for the support of all the relevant Football stakeholders in Nigeria to give their full backing to the LMC to make our league great.

Speaking after successful kick-off, Busayo Olowookere said: “My joy knows no bound as what normally gives me joy came back, I am happy, we don’t want any interruption again, if Europe can be playing their game why not Nigeria? He warned.

Speaking also, a veteran of the Nigeria Professional Football League, Victor Ezeji said it was right that the league had eventually begun after a long layoff.

“I am very excited that the league has begun.

“It was no fault of anyone but because of the Coronavirus. It was not only Nigeria and as of now, but some leagues also have not even started.

“But they have to ensure that safety standards are met,” he said.

In his remarks, the former Super Eagles goalkeeper and coach Ike Shorunmu, one time player of the defunct Stationery Stores of Lagos, said it was gratifying that the NPFL was starting at long last.

Shorunmu noted that the league restarting would give the clubs in the continent a good form while playing their opponents.

“The league is overdue to start but it was not the fault of the LMC or the NFF.

“Everybody knows what the world passed through this year. It is even a pass mark for the league to start.

“But the players and officials should ensure that they maintain safety rules,” he said.

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Sports

DG NYSC Urges Corps Members On Peaceful Co-Existence

Published

4 hours ago

November 29, 2023

The Gleamer

….As Abia Swears-in 1,698 PCMs
The Director General of National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General YD Ahmed has advised Corps Members to live in peace with one another, make new friends and use the opportunities of the service year to foster national unity and integration.

He gave the advise in his address to the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream Two Corps Members during his visit to Abia State Orientation Camp in Umuna, Bende Local Government Area of the State.

General Ahmed said the Scheme was established to foster national unity and integration, hence the need for all serving and prospective Corps Members to key into the NYSC project for national development.

Speaking further, the Director General warned the Corps Members against night travelling and also travelling without obtaining permission from the Scheme. He warned that unauthorized travelling attracts sanctions in line with NYSC byelaws.

The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti in his address at the Swearing-in Ceremony urged the Corps Members to utilize the abundant opportunities around them to develop themselves and also use them to contribute their quota to the socio-economic development of the State.

The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sir Nwobilor Ananaba promised his continuous support for the NYSC in Abia State.

He advised the Corps Members to abide by the tenets of their Oath of Allegiance and conduct themselves as good ambassadors of their families, institutions and NYSC during and after their service year.

In her address, the NYSC Abia State Coordinator, Mrs Dick-Iruenabere Ufoma urged the Corps Members to participate fully in all Orientation Camp activities, as they would serve as veritable tools in the dissemination of information and aid the implementation of the laudable policies of the State Government.

“The NYSC Management will give you the necessary support to make the desired impact. The Scheme also aims at inculcating discipline in our youths and instilling in them the spirit of patriotism and loyal service to the nation.

You must obey all camp officials and no form of insubordination, truancy, including drug abuse and secret cult activities will be tolerated in camp and throughout the service year”, she said.

During the ceremony, the Abia State Chief Judge, Justice Lilian Abai represented by Justice Anya Benson administered the Oath of Allegiance on the 1,698 Prospective Corps Members made up of 891 males and 807 females.

General Ahmed, who was among the dignitaries that witnessed the Swearing-in Ceremony was accompanied by the Director, Special Duties, Alhaji Musa Abubakar and Director Press and Public Relations, Mr Eddy Megwa.

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