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Umar Farouq Felicitates With Nigeria @ 60

Published

5 years ago

October 1, 2020

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on Nigeria’s 60th Independence Day anniversary.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Senior Assistant to the Minister Nneka Anibeze, Farouq thanked the President for the creation of the Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Ministry and his commitment to the poor in society.

“Mr President has restated his administration’s determination to lift one hundred million Nigerians out of poverty over the next ten years through its Social Investment Programmes. He may not be in office for another ten years but he has set in motion a solid foundation that will ensure that this set target is achieved.

“As we celebrate our 60th Independence anniversary, let us remember the severe humanitarian needs in some parts of Nigeria created by conflict and resolve to live in peace and unity”.

Earlier in his Independence Day celebration address, President Buhari recalled his administration’s efforts to support the small business owners who are the major contributors to the nation’s economy. This, he said is still in place despite the harsh realities the country’s economy is facing due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Our government is grappling with the dual challenge of saving lives and livelihoods in the face of drastically reduced resources. In the last three years, we have introduced unprecedented measures in support of the economy and to the weakest members of our society in the shape of Tradermoni, Farmermoni, School Feeding Programme, Job creation efforts, Agricultural and intervention programmes.

“No government in the past did what we are doing with such scarce resources,” the President stated.

On the occasion of Nigeria’s 60th Independence anniversary, Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq urged Nigerians to live in peace and unity as conflicts and crisis only create more humanitarian emergencies

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NPFL 2024/25: Drama Peaks as Relegation Fears and Continental Dreams Take Center Stage

Published

6 hours ago

May 9, 2025

The Gleamer

Tolu Oguntimehin takes a look at the different fight centres for relegation survival and continental ticket slots

The 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster — filled with twists, late drama, and shifting narratives. With the title already clinched, the real battles now rage at both ends of the table: the desperate fight for survival and the thrilling chase for the final CAF Confederation Cup ticket.

In the heart of that continental race, two ambitious underdogs — Abia Warriors and Ikorodu City — are writing new chapters in their club histories. Abia Warriors, long-time league campaigners since their promotion under the stewardship of Pastor Emeka Enyama, have never tasted continental football. But this season, under the pragmatic leadership of Chairman John Obuh and the tactically adventurous Imama Amapakabo — affectionately known as Imamarimama — the Warriors are defying odds.

Their grit was on display Wednesday, snatching a vital point away to Niger Tornadoes after a bizarre mix-up between defender Idris Saidu and goalkeeper Iwu Emmanuel turned a harmless clearance into a shocking own goal. A lifeline delivered, just when it mattered most.

In Lagos, Ikorodu City showed their mettle in a pulsating 3-2 victory over an in-form Bayelsa United. Talisman Shola Adelani once again rose to the occasion, netting the decisive goal in the 52nd minute to keep their continental hopes burning bright.

Over in Aba, it was a vintage night for Brown Ideye, who rolled back the years with a sublime brace to power Enyimba past Kwara United in a crucial 2-0 win. The seasoned striker struck early in the 12th minute and returned just after halftime to seal all three points for the People’s Elephant.

Meanwhile, in Ibadan, Shooting Stars delivered a gritty performance to edge out fellow South-West rivals Sunshine Stars 1-0. The victory gave the Oluyole Warriors a much-needed cushion in the survival scrap, while Sunshine Stars’ fate was sealed — just waiting for official confirmation of relegation to the Nigeria National League next season.

In Enugu, Nasarawa United kept their hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-1 away win against already-doomed Lobi Stars. But whether this escape act becomes a full survival story remains to be seen, with two high-stakes matches left.

In Port Harcourt, Rivers United added salt to Rangers International’s wounds with a narrow 1-0 win. Rangers’ title hopes have long evaporated, and now their only path to the continent lies in a Federation Cup triumph.

In a surprise twist, Elkanemi Warriors brought the party to life by stunning newly crowned champions Remo Stars 2-0, playing behind close doors following the poor behavior of their fans in their home match against Ikorodu City, however, they had cause to celebrate with the exuberance of a team in “seventh heaven.”

Elsewhere, Katsina United left nothing to chance, edging Kano Pillars by a lone goal in a must-win Northern derby, while Emmanuel Amuneke could finally breathe a sigh of relief after his side’s commanding 2-0 win over Plateau United.

And in Benin, Bendel Insurance kept their continental flame alive with a crucial 1-0 victory over Akwa United, turning the heat up on their rivals ahead of a nail-biting season finale.

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