Obasempire reports that the Nigeria Police Force has stationed anti-riot personnel at key locations, in anticipation of today’s nationwide protest organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the country’s economic downturn.
According to Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, officers have been placed on red alert to manage potential unrest.
Despite warnings from the Presidency and police authorities, the NLC remains resolute in its decision to proceed with the demonstration, citing economic hardships and prevailing conditions in the country.
The protest stems from the government’s alleged failure to uphold agreements made on October 2, 2023, following the removal of fuel subsidies.
The NLC had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address the widespread hardships.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun
In response to the looming protest, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has instructed state commissioners to safeguard the demonstrators’ rights while preventing any attempts to hijack the event.
The police underscored their commitment to upholding citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly while vowing to deter any disruptions.
Adejobi emphasized the police’s preparedness to swiftly counter unlawful activities or violence during the protest, asserting that the force will not tolerate disorder or threats to public safety.
“Emphatically, the force, therefore, is fully prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any unlawful activities or acts of violence that may threaten peace, public safety, and security in the event of such.
“It is vital to state that the police have spread their tentacles nationwide to curb any attempt by some individuals who might want to leverage the nationwide protests to create brouhaha, and such will be met with approved legal and proportional force as the police will not allow the wanton breakdown of law and order, loss of lives and property like we had experienced, in some instances, in the past, in some parts of the country,’’ Adejobi stated.
The force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi,
The statement read in part, “The Nigeria Police Force on the heels of the proposed nationwide protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress hereby affirms the fundamental right of all citizens of the country to engage in peaceful protest in line with extant laws.
“As such, the NPF reiterates its commitment to ensuring the rights and freedom of protesters are protected.
“In line with its lawful duty to maintain law and order, the Nigeria Police Force has deployed personnel nationwide and placed them on red alert to monitor the planned protest.
“All commissioners of police and their respective supervising officers have been briefed and instructed to coordinate the officers on the ground in ensuring the safety and security of all participants if the protests hold as planned.’
’In a bid to facilitate a peaceful rally, police commands in Delta, Benue, and Niger states have engaged with labor leaders to coordinate efforts for a smooth protest.
This halt became necessary after a commotion claimed seven lives at the NCS Old Zonal Headquarters in the Yaba locality of Lagos State last Friday.
Abdullahi Maiwada, the Chief Superintendent of Customs and the National Public Relations Officer for the Comptroller General of Customs, unveiled the pause in operations in a statement released on Monday.
The Nigeria Customs initially intended to vend confiscated food supplies at a rate of N10,000 per 25 kilograms to mitigate the populace’s distress amidst soaring living costs and economic adversities.
On the ill-fated Friday, a pregnant woman and six others purportedly perished in a surge when suspected troublemakers attempted forcible entry into the Yaba Customs office premises.
Disgruntled Lagos inhabitants, who had congregated at the NCS facility in Yaba, voiced their disappointment on Monday subsequent to the discontinuation of the initiative.
Obasempire reports that Prophet Odumeje recently met with renowned Nigerian musician Flavour, sharing his vision of using one of his spiritual powers to tackle Nigeria’s enduring problems.
In a candid conversation, the prophet expressed his determination to bring about positive change in the nation.With unwavering faith in his divine calling, Prophet Odumeje assured Flavour that his spiritual gifts could be harnessed to address issues such as corruption, poverty, and social injustice.
He emphasized the importance of unity and collective action in overcoming these challenges.Prophet Odumeje’s message resonated deeply with Flavour, who has long been an advocate for social change through his music.
Inspired by the prophet’s vision, Flavour pledged his support in spreading awareness and mobilizing communities to work towards a brighter future for Nigeria.
As they parted ways, Prophet Odumeje and Flavour shared a sense of optimism and determination. United in their commitment to ending Nigeria’s problems, they vowed to collaborate and inspire others to join their cause.
Obasempire reports that renowned Nigerian comedian, Oluwaseyitan Aletile, popularly known as Seyilaw, has opened up about the monetary repercussions of endorsing Tinubu’s bid for the presidency.
In an exclusive interview with TVC, Seyilaw revealed that he had to refund a significant sum of 15.5 million naira to certain dissatisfied clients following his public backing of Tinubu.
Comedian Seyilaw
He stressed his steadfastness in his stance, asserting that he remained resolute in his support for Tinubu despite enduring financial setbacks and business losses.
In Seyilaw’s words: “Supporting Tinubu made me poorer, I refunded N15.5m to people who were angry that I backed Tinubu. But because I believed in my choice, that was why I was bold enough to refund money and did not back down from my support.
“Everybody knows that as a comedian December is probably the high point of our event and I lost quite a number of clients because I supported this administration. But do I regret it? No, I don’t. I believe that this administration will deliver”
Obasempire reports that afrobeats artist, David Adeleke, also known as Davido, has announced his intention to donate N300 million through his foundation, the David Adeleke Foundation, to orphanages across Nigeria.
He wrote, “I and my foundation pledge the sum of 300 million Naira to orphanages around Nigeria … as my yearly contribution to the Nation ❤️ .. details of disbursement tomorrow,” he wrote.
Obasempire reports that afrobeat sensation David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has light-heartedly pondered his career path, expressing humorous regret over not pursuing a career in football.
His tongue-in-cheek reflection follows his extravagant 30th birthday festivities, highlighted by a lavish celebration where he received a luxurious Rolex timepiece from Dutch football star Memphis Depay.
Unavailable crooner, Davido
Taking to the microblogging platform X, the Grammy-nominated artist shared his musings on the contrasting worlds of music and football.
In a moment of playful contemplation, Davido remarked on the seemingly enviable privileges enjoyed by footballers.
Obasempire reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed his dedication to resolving the multifaceted challenges plaguing Nigeria.
In a resolute address to the Nigerian populace, via his official handle on Thursday, he outlined comprehensive strategies aimed at alleviating the nation’s burdens.
“I am committed to evolving home-grown solutions to tackle our nation’s food security challenges head-on, including setting up schemes to bolster local food production and cut out all forms of rent-seeking tied to food importation,” affirmed Tinubu.
During an emergency meeting convened at the State House, Tinubu engaged with stakeholders, including all 36 state governors, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, and select ministers. Discussions centered on critical issues such as security and economic stability.
Speaking on the imperative of safeguarding lives and property, Tinubu announced the establishment of a committee comprising state governors and federal representatives to explore the viability of implementing state police forces.
Additionally, he endorsed the training and deployment of forest rangers by sub-national governments to protect vital human and natural resources across communities.”I have instructed the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to coordinate closely to ensure that security agencies in the states inspect such warehouses and take follow-up action,”
“We cannot allow speculators, hoarders, and rent seekers to undermine our efforts in ensuring that food is widely available to all Nigerians.”
“I will not establish a price control board, nor will I approve the importation of food. We must extricate ourselves from this predicament because importation only enables rent seekers to perpetrate fraud and mismanagement at our collective expense.”
“Instead, we will support our farmers with schemes that encourage them to cultivate more food for the nation.”
“We must also rapidly but thoughtfully implement our livestock development and management plans, including dairy farming and others.” Tinubu stated regarding reports of food hoarding in warehouses, particularly in Kano and other regions.
On the monetary front, Tinubu urged governors to entrust the Central Bank of Nigeria with the effective management of the nation’s monetary policy. He decried the disruptive impact of unfounded speculations on foreign exchange rates and called for adherence to designated institutional mandates.
“I urge all governors to trust the Central Bank of Nigeria with the management of our country’s monetary policy and emphasized the need for designated institutions to effectively fulfill their mandate,” Tinubu emphasized.
“The “cacophony of postulations” on the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates is adversely affecting the market. Not everyone can be an expert. If we have assigned someone a task, we must allow them to perform it. If they fail, then we must find a way to quickly remove them from the system,” he added.
In conclusion, Tinubu rallied leaders at all levels to unite in confronting Nigeria’s pressing challenges, underscoring the collective responsibility to secure a prosperous and stable future for all Nigerians.
“I also ask our governors to always prioritize the welfare and prosperity of our people in their development programs, and I asssure them that the federal government will continue to work diligently to improve the nation’s revenue profile.”
“As leaders, we must all work together to address issues of insecurity, food security, and out-of-school children,” he concluded.
Obasempire reports that in a thrilling finale at the Africa Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast staged a remarkable comeback to clinch their third title by defeating Nigeria 2-1 in Abidjan.
The hosts’ victory will be etched in the annals of the tournament’s history as one of its most memorable moments.
Nigeria initially took the lead against the run of play, with captain William Troost-Ekong, the former Watford centre-back, heading the Super Eagles in front at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in the 38th minute. The goal caught Ivory Coast off guard but failed to dampen their spirits.
The Ivorians fought back valiantly, showing resilience and determination. Franck Kessie, rising at the far post, met Simon Adingra’s corner with precision in the 61st minute, deservedly leveling the score and igniting hope among the home crowd.
Despite Ivory Coast’s earlier struggles, including a crushing 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea in the final group stage match, they persevered through the knockout phase. Victories over formidable opponents Senegal, Mali, and DR Congo paved the way for their dramatic showdown with Nigeria in the final.
Sebastien Haller emerged as the hero for Ivory Coast, sealing their triumph with a sublime flick from another Adingra cross in the 81st minute. For Haller, the former West Ham striker, the victory held profound significance, marking a triumphant return from his battle with testicular cancer diagnosed in 2022.
Haller’s pivotal goal not only secured the championship but also etched his name in Ivorian football folklore. His resilience and perseverance symbolize the spirit of the team and the nation, encapsulating the journey of overcoming adversity to achieve glory on the grandest stage of African football.
The celebrations that ensued across Ivory Coast echoed the euphoria of a nation united in jubilation. The third AFCON triumph will be cherished as a testament to the team’s unwavering resolve and their ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.
As the final whistle blew, Ivory Coast basked in the glory of their remarkable comeback, their victory resonating far beyond the confines of the football pitch. It stands as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the indomitable spirit of the human endeavor, inspiring generations to come.
The Super Eagles are aiming for a fourth continental crown in Abidjan while the Ivorians are looking to add to their triumphs in 1992 and 2015.
The teams will meet for the second time at this year’s finals, 24 days after the Ivorians suffered a first-ever home defeat by Nigeria when they won 1-0 in the group stage.
The Elephants are the first host nation to reach the final since Egypt in 2006, with five of the last six hosts to have contested the final having gone on to lift the trophy – the only exception being the Super Eagles themselves in 2000.
Unbeaten unlike their opponents, the Nigerians are the highest-ranked of the finalists – rated sixth in Africa (and 42nd in the world), as opposed to Ivory Coast’s African ranking of eighth (and 49th overall).
Seeking a first title since 2013, Nigeria cruised through the group stages with seven points before, amid a run of four straight clean sheets, defeating Cameroon, Angola and South Africa in the knockout stages.
After the Nigeria loss, Ivory Coast then suffered a record home – and Nations Cup – defeat by Equatorial Guinea (0-4), only squeezing through as a best third-placed side before coming to life with dramatic knock-out wins over Senegal and Mali before beating DR Congo in the last four.
After one of the best Nations Cups in living memory, the hope is that Sunday’s final (20:00 GMT) in Abidjan’s 60,000-seater stadium will providing a fitting climax.
“The organisation has been brilliant, the pitches great, we’ve seen some unbelievable matches and now Ivory Coast is in the final with Nigeria – what a game,” former Elephant Kolo Toure enthused to the BBC.
Even though they are playing in Abidjan, Nigeria are the nominal home side – and in spite of the intense backing provided by the Ivorian fans, whose support has been regularly praised by the national squad, the Nigeria camp say they would not have it any other way.
“The atmosphere will be fantastic and my players and staff all prefer to play in a full stadium, despite the level of noise,” Nigeria coach Jose Pereiro said on Saturday.
“Ivory Coast were favourites ahead of this tournament, but we want to win this Nations Cup. My only plan is to beat Ivory Coast and win this trophy for the people of Nigeria.”
Appointed in 2022, the former Sporting Lisbon and Porto coach has been widely criticised by Nigerian fans throughout much of his tenure but now stands on the verge of adding to titles won in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
During all three of those triumphs, the Super Eagles played Ivory Coast – against whom they have won three times and lost twice during their seven previous meetings at the finals.
With a back line superbly marshalled by former Watford centre-back William Troost-Ekong and long-term West Brom defender Semi Ajayi, Nigeria have conceded just two goals in six games – while scoring seven at the other end.
Surprisingly, only one of those has come from Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year who has converted just one of his 24 chances, albeit while having had two goals ruled out by VAR and another disallowed for handball.
Nonetheless, Osimhen has earned plaudits for his tireless running and pressing, and played the semi-final despite stomach problems, where he earned the penalty from which Nigeria converted their only goal.
“He doesn’t play like a star, but fights for the team,” said the Portuguese Peseiro, 63.
“He knows he’s an important player and because of that, he suffers for the team – getting kicked around – but he helps us as much as the team helps him. It’s a collective effort and we fight together.”
With Osimhen failing to add to his goal in Nigeria’s opener, Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman is Nigeria’s top scorer with three goals, while Troost-Ekong, having netted two high-pressure penalties, is the only other Nigerian to have scored (an own goal aside).
Fittingly for a competition which has been played in excellent spirit through, Peseiro took time on Saturday to “congratulate Emerse Fae” for the interim Ivory Coast coach’s impressive handling of his side after taking over a seemingly-sinking ship.
After coach Jean-Louis Gasset vacated his role shortly after the Elephants’ group campaign, with some saying the Frenchman chose to resign rather than being fired, former Ivorian international Fae stepped in just hours before the team staggered into the knockout stages.
There has been little limp about the side ever since, with the Ivorians showing incredible mental fortitude when finding late equalisers en route to eliminating defending champions Senegal and Mali in two epic ties, prior to a far more routine victory against DR Congo on Wednesday.
Having previously coached Nice’s youth teams and the reserve team of French Ligue 1 club Clermont Foot, Fae – who had been Gasset’s assistant since the latter’s appointment in May 2022 – rejected talk of him being a “special one” on Saturday.
“I said from the start that I was fortunate to know the squad for two years,” he said. “We just tried to focus on building the right chemistry – I haven’t invented anything but done all the basics, like making all the players feel important and building cohesion.
“We deserve to be in the final and the most important thing was to regain confidence, rebuild the team and it was good to tidy things in defence. We’ve been taking things one step at a time.”
Forced to quit playing at the age of 28 because of vein inflammation issues in his legs, Fae was part of the Ivorian side that finished runners-up in 2006, a campaign in which he played every minute.
He will now try to ensure the two-time champions score their first goal in a Nations Cup final, with their four previous appearances in the continent’s showpiece football finale all going to penalties after ending goalless.
With the Ivorians’ six goals all having been scored by different players, Fae will hope that the revitalised Sebastien Haller – who scored the semi-final winner in the striker’s first start at the finals – can continue to impress following his month-long lay-off with an ankle injury.
“Since December, I’ve been working hard with the physios to be here,” said the 29-year-old, who returned to football just over a year ago after battling back from testicular cancer. “I feel the pressure as a striker, it’s a big responsibility but that’s how football works.
“Playing in front of our people gives us the motivation to perform, and I hope this good pressure will help the team. The last two years have been tough and challenging for me. When you see everything that has happened, it’s great to be here and on Sunday I’ll enjoy it.”
“Having had to cope without four suspended players in the semi-finals, Fae will have the rarity of being able to select from a near full-strength squad on Sunday – when he says he is prepared for whatever eventuality this most unpredictable of Nations Cup may have left to offer.
“The main lesson we’ve drawn at this competition is that you have to expected the unexpected,” said a man who could win the continent’s most prestigious tournament in only his fourth game in charge.
