The Nigeria squad that won the first Fifa Under-16 World championship have been rewarded after a 30-year wait.
New Nigeria president Muhammadu Buhari has made good on a promise to reward the players after the 1985 tournament when he was the military head of state.
Nduka Ugbade, captain of the team who beat West Germany 2-0 in the final in Beijing, told BBC Sport: "I have finally received my money.
"I am extremely delighted that our president has fulfilled his promise."
Buhari had promised the players a house, stock in the central bank and a scholarship and other incentives after their success but soon after he was ousted by another military regime and the country's government never fulfilled his pledges.
Following Buhari's election as president last year he announced in January a 2m naira ($10,000; £7,000) reward for each of the players and 1.5m for the officials.
"He's truly a man of his word and on behalf of myself and the team I say a big 'thank you' to our president," added Ugbade.
"I would also like to thank the sports ministry, Alhassan Yakmut of the sports commission, the Nigerian Football Federation, both local and international media, and everyone involved in this great story."
'Minute's silence'
Another of the winning squad Jonathan Akpoborie, who went on to represent the country at senior level, told BBC Sport: "I have spoken to some of my colleagues and they are happy that the president has delivered on his promise.
"This gesture - and not the amount involved - will change the perception of unfulfilled promises in our country."
However, the rewards came too late for Kingsley Aikhionbare, who died in London in 1996. At the presentation to the players a minute's silence was held in his honour.
The Under-16 World Championship was contested three times before it was changed to the Under-17 world Championship in 1991.
Nigeria won the Fifa under-17 World Cup in 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.
BBC
Friday, February 26, 2016
Nigeria plans to offer free health care to 100 million Nigeria in two years
The Nigerian government will offer free healthcare to 100 million Nigerians in the next two years under the country’s new health agenda, the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, has said.
Pregnant women across Nigeria will also enjoy free antenatal and delivery services, particularly at the primary healthcare level, the government said.
The minister disclosed this while speaking on a current affairs programme, The Osasu Show, broadcast weekly on African Independent Television.
Mr Adewole said in order to achieve that target, the government would revitalise the primary healthcare services and adopt “the universally accepted concept of one primary healthcare centre per political ward”.
Women with uncomplicated pregnancy and those with uncomplicated past will be expected to visit the primary healthcare centre, Mr.Adewole said.
“One of the things we want to do under the revitalised PHC programme is that each of these revitalised, reinvigorated PHC will have an industrial borehole so that we can offer water to the people, clean drinkable water,”‘ Mr. Adewole said.
“There will be solar electricity so we can have the ability to keep our vaccines in safe conditions. We will then use this new reinvigorated primary healthcare centres for the focus of community development nationwide.
"The primary healthcare facilities, according to the minister,will be managed by nurses, mid-wives and village workers so as to accommodate cultural differences in different parts of Nigeria. “If we do not (do this), people will not use the facilities.”
“We are not going to import someone from Port Harcourt to work in Sokoto. We are looking at people in the Sokoto environment who speak the language and understand the culture.
“The new model we are operating will also have villager workers who will oscillate between the facilities and the community and we will promote ownership by telling them the facilities are theirs and not for the federal government or state but that it belongs to them as a community.”
Mr. Adewole said for a start, the federal government would deliver 110 primary healthcare centres in the next three months across the country.
“When we flag it off, it is going to be one PHC per day to show Nigerians that we mean business,” he said. “We will surprise everybody!”
The minister said President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was different from other past administrations in Nigeria.
“We are serving under a leadership that is totally committed to supporting the poor,” he said. “We have an agenda that is entirely pro-poor and as we havementioned we will not just make vague promises, we will deliver.”
Mr. Adewole said the federal government also intends to change the national health insurance from being voluntary to compulsory and universal, so that the “healthy will care for the sick and the rich will care for the poor”.
Premium Times
Pregnant women across Nigeria will also enjoy free antenatal and delivery services, particularly at the primary healthcare level, the government said.
The minister disclosed this while speaking on a current affairs programme, The Osasu Show, broadcast weekly on African Independent Television.
Mr Adewole said in order to achieve that target, the government would revitalise the primary healthcare services and adopt “the universally accepted concept of one primary healthcare centre per political ward”.
Women with uncomplicated pregnancy and those with uncomplicated past will be expected to visit the primary healthcare centre, Mr.Adewole said.
“One of the things we want to do under the revitalised PHC programme is that each of these revitalised, reinvigorated PHC will have an industrial borehole so that we can offer water to the people, clean drinkable water,”‘ Mr. Adewole said.
“There will be solar electricity so we can have the ability to keep our vaccines in safe conditions. We will then use this new reinvigorated primary healthcare centres for the focus of community development nationwide.
"The primary healthcare facilities, according to the minister,will be managed by nurses, mid-wives and village workers so as to accommodate cultural differences in different parts of Nigeria. “If we do not (do this), people will not use the facilities.”
“We are not going to import someone from Port Harcourt to work in Sokoto. We are looking at people in the Sokoto environment who speak the language and understand the culture.
“The new model we are operating will also have villager workers who will oscillate between the facilities and the community and we will promote ownership by telling them the facilities are theirs and not for the federal government or state but that it belongs to them as a community.”
Mr. Adewole said for a start, the federal government would deliver 110 primary healthcare centres in the next three months across the country.
“When we flag it off, it is going to be one PHC per day to show Nigerians that we mean business,” he said. “We will surprise everybody!”
The minister said President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was different from other past administrations in Nigeria.
“We are serving under a leadership that is totally committed to supporting the poor,” he said. “We have an agenda that is entirely pro-poor and as we havementioned we will not just make vague promises, we will deliver.”
Mr. Adewole said the federal government also intends to change the national health insurance from being voluntary to compulsory and universal, so that the “healthy will care for the sick and the rich will care for the poor”.
Premium Times
Video - Sunday Oliseh resigns as Nigeria Super Eagles coach
Sunday Oliseh has resigned as coach of Nigeria citing contract violations, unpaid wages and lack of support.
Oliseh, 41, had been in the job for only eight months.
Nigeria must seek a quick replacement to oversee next month's crucial 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Group G leaders Egypt.
"Your contractual violations and the interest of the nation necessitates that I tender my resignation," he wrote to the Nigeria Football Federation.
"So little help is being rendered me in getting the players to give their best and very vital conditions and advantages to the team play are also being sacrificed... my several e-mails and others seeking your aid to effectively carry out my duties were ignored."
Oliseh's complaints: A rented apartment in Abuja promised to Oliseh and his two assistants after he was appointed in July 2015 was never provided
While he was paid outstanding salaries on Thursday he was was initially owed five months' salary by the NFF, while his assistants are still owed several months' salary
His players have also gone unpaid after the NFF blamed financial challenges for their inability to pay outstanding match bonuses since September 2015
The NFF technical director Shaibu Amodu, who has managed the national team on four occasions, is widely expected to take charge of the team on a temporary basis.
Former Nigeria captain Oliseh endured a turbulent reign as Nigeria boss after succeeding Stephen Keshi in July 2015.
Some high-profile players have retired, including goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama - Nigeria's most-capped player, who quit after he was replaced as captain.
Two weeks later striker Emmanuel Emenike also announced his retirement from international football.
In early February, a frustrated Oliseh posted an eight-minute video rant on his own website to hit back at what he called the "insanity" of his critics.
He had come under pressure after Nigeria failed to get past the group stages of the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Rwanda.
The coach later apologised to the NFF for his outburst aimed at the Nigerian media as well as some of his former international team-mates.
Oliseh had also gone public with the money problems affecting his team during the continental tournament in Rwanda, to the embarrassment of his employers.
Nigeria face seven-time African champions Egypt in back-to-back 2017 Nations Cup qualifiers next month.
They are two points behind group leaders Egypt after two rounds of matches with only group winners guaranteed automatic qualification to the tournament in Gabon.
BBC
Related story: Nigeria Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh goes on youtube rant
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Sony Music opens office in Nigeria
Sony Music Entertainment today announced it is expanding its operational presence across Africa as part of a long-term strategy to open offices in a number of key markets in the region.
The company has opened an office in Lagos, Nigeria to serve as the new hub of its on-the-ground operations in West Africa, and has named music business entrepreneur Michael Ugwu General Manager for the West African region. It also recently began the process of registering to do business in Nairobi, Kenya, which will anchor the Sony Music's physical operations in East Africa.
In connection with the opening of operations in Lagos, Sony Music recently signed Nigerian superstar Davido to a worldwide deal. In East Africa, SME has partnered with local artists in the region as well, recently signing Redsan amongst others.
"Expansion in Africa has been part of our strategy for several years," said Adam Granite, President, Northern & Eastern Europe and Africa, Sony Music International," said Sean Watson, Managing Director of Sony Music Entertainment Africa, "We are really keen to partner with African artists to deliver local, African and global success stories. With over 800 million people living in Sub Saharan Africa, the African continent is a market with huge potential for local artists wanting to expand their horizons."
These moves build upon Sony Music's existing business initiatives in Africa, where the company is already a market leader. Sony Music has long had offices in South Africa, in both Johannesburg and Cape Town, and throughout the continent, Sony Music earns revenue from partners including Vevo, YouTube, Apple Music and iTunes. In addition, in West Africa, music content is currently available through MTN Nigeria's service via IMI, and in East Africa it currently conducts trade with Kenya's largest mobile network operator, Safaricom, a company that boasts in excess of 10 million CRBT subscribers.
Capital FM
The company has opened an office in Lagos, Nigeria to serve as the new hub of its on-the-ground operations in West Africa, and has named music business entrepreneur Michael Ugwu General Manager for the West African region. It also recently began the process of registering to do business in Nairobi, Kenya, which will anchor the Sony Music's physical operations in East Africa.
In connection with the opening of operations in Lagos, Sony Music recently signed Nigerian superstar Davido to a worldwide deal. In East Africa, SME has partnered with local artists in the region as well, recently signing Redsan amongst others.
"Expansion in Africa has been part of our strategy for several years," said Adam Granite, President, Northern & Eastern Europe and Africa, Sony Music International," said Sean Watson, Managing Director of Sony Music Entertainment Africa, "We are really keen to partner with African artists to deliver local, African and global success stories. With over 800 million people living in Sub Saharan Africa, the African continent is a market with huge potential for local artists wanting to expand their horizons."
These moves build upon Sony Music's existing business initiatives in Africa, where the company is already a market leader. Sony Music has long had offices in South Africa, in both Johannesburg and Cape Town, and throughout the continent, Sony Music earns revenue from partners including Vevo, YouTube, Apple Music and iTunes. In addition, in West Africa, music content is currently available through MTN Nigeria's service via IMI, and in East Africa it currently conducts trade with Kenya's largest mobile network operator, Safaricom, a company that boasts in excess of 10 million CRBT subscribers.
Capital FM
MTN pays N50 billion fine to Nigeria
South African mobile phone operator, MTN Group, withdrew its lawsuit against Nigeria’s National Communications Commission, over a N780 billion fine, and paid N50 billion toward a possible settlement.
A judge in Lagos last month gave both parties until March 18 to reach a settlement.
The settlement was opted for after MTN had asked the court to arbitrate over the dispute, saying the NCC had no legal grounds to order the fine.
MTN said it would withdraw its court challenge in an effort to reach an amicable settlement and make a “good faith payment” of N50 billion toward a possible settlement.
The group makes most of its sales in Nigeria.
“This is a sign that the fine could be reduced much further.
“There is some sort of negotiation taking place and the parties are migrating toward a common ground,” said Dobek Pater, Managing Director of Africa Analysis.
Nigeria has been trying to halt the widespread use of unregistered SIM cards amid worries they are being used for criminal activity, including by the Islamist group, Boko Haram.
MTN said in a statement that it resolved to withdraw the case in response to a request by the NCC to afford it the chance to negotiate an amicable settlement.
MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Ferdi Moolman, said the decision to withdraw the case was to create a conducive atmosphere for further negotiations with the Nigerian authorities.
“This is a most encouraging development,” Mr. Noolman said. “It demonstrates a willingness and sincerity by both parties to work together towards a positive outcome.”
The NCC had imposed a N1.04 trillion fine on MTN Nigeria in October 2015, for its failure to disconnect 5.1 million improperly registered lines within the prescribed deadline.
The penalty was based on fining the company N200, 000 for every unregistered SIM card in use.
Although the fine was subsequently reduced by 25 percent to N780 billion, MTN Nigeria had refused to pay, saying doing so could force the company to go under.
The company later went to court.
Mr. Moolman said with the withdrawal of the court case and the payment of N50 billion that the company was hopeful about reaching an amicable resolution of the crisis soon.
“Along with the authorities (NCC), it is clear that we are collectively committed to working towards a solution that is of mutual benefit to all parties.
“Our industry in Nigeria is an incredibly important example of the remarkable progress in ICT, particularly as a much needed catalyst for socio-economic growth and development at this time,” Mr. Moolman said.
It is not clear whether the NCC has accepted the condition or terms under which the case was withdrawn by MTN.
The Director of Communication, NCC, Tony Ojobo, told PREMIUM TIMES it was too early to comment. He did not elaborate.
Premium Times
Related story: Deadlline for MTN to pay $5.2 billion fine extended by Nigeria
A judge in Lagos last month gave both parties until March 18 to reach a settlement.
The settlement was opted for after MTN had asked the court to arbitrate over the dispute, saying the NCC had no legal grounds to order the fine.
MTN said it would withdraw its court challenge in an effort to reach an amicable settlement and make a “good faith payment” of N50 billion toward a possible settlement.
The group makes most of its sales in Nigeria.
“This is a sign that the fine could be reduced much further.
“There is some sort of negotiation taking place and the parties are migrating toward a common ground,” said Dobek Pater, Managing Director of Africa Analysis.
Nigeria has been trying to halt the widespread use of unregistered SIM cards amid worries they are being used for criminal activity, including by the Islamist group, Boko Haram.
MTN said in a statement that it resolved to withdraw the case in response to a request by the NCC to afford it the chance to negotiate an amicable settlement.
MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Ferdi Moolman, said the decision to withdraw the case was to create a conducive atmosphere for further negotiations with the Nigerian authorities.
“This is a most encouraging development,” Mr. Noolman said. “It demonstrates a willingness and sincerity by both parties to work together towards a positive outcome.”
The NCC had imposed a N1.04 trillion fine on MTN Nigeria in October 2015, for its failure to disconnect 5.1 million improperly registered lines within the prescribed deadline.
The penalty was based on fining the company N200, 000 for every unregistered SIM card in use.
Although the fine was subsequently reduced by 25 percent to N780 billion, MTN Nigeria had refused to pay, saying doing so could force the company to go under.
The company later went to court.
Mr. Moolman said with the withdrawal of the court case and the payment of N50 billion that the company was hopeful about reaching an amicable resolution of the crisis soon.
“Along with the authorities (NCC), it is clear that we are collectively committed to working towards a solution that is of mutual benefit to all parties.
“Our industry in Nigeria is an incredibly important example of the remarkable progress in ICT, particularly as a much needed catalyst for socio-economic growth and development at this time,” Mr. Moolman said.
It is not clear whether the NCC has accepted the condition or terms under which the case was withdrawn by MTN.
The Director of Communication, NCC, Tony Ojobo, told PREMIUM TIMES it was too early to comment. He did not elaborate.
Premium Times
Related story: Deadlline for MTN to pay $5.2 billion fine extended by Nigeria
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