Niger Delta: Ex-agitators hail Asari Dokubo at 60

...say He is foremost freedom fighter against injustice, oppression

Ex-agitators, leaders and stakeholders from the Six States of the Niger Delta region under the auspices of Niger Delta Advocate for Peace And Good Governance Group, NDAPGGG have showered encomiums Leader of the defunct Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force, Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo on his 60th Birthday anniversary, describing him as one of Niger Delta region's freedom fighter that stood against Injustice and oppression.

The National leadership of the NDAPGGG, during a meeting held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, and convened by Ex-militant leader, Comrade Fiawei Pathfinder also known as General Osama; Secretary, Comrade Sir Dr AK Peters and National Woman Leader, Comrade Bridget Eyimosaon, described Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo Asari as the Opu Alabor Da Amakiri Tubor, the Inabio Buari II, the Paramount Head of Edi, Group of Houses in Kalabari Kingdom and an acceptable face of the Niger Delta struggle in quest of Resource Control and emancipation of the Niger Delta people.

The National Leader of the group, Comrade Fiawei Pathfinder also known as General Osama while addressing newsmen after the meeting, said the personality of Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari is a symbol of a universal freedom fighter that could be described to the likes of Nelson Madiba Mandela of South Africa, The Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew and many more global freedom fighters who stood firm fearlessly in the liberation of nations and their people.

"Mujahid Dokubo Asari, The Ediabali of Kalabari kingdom is known to be a fearless, dogged, outspoken, courageous, and defender of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality and by extension the Niger Delta region, a patriot and force to reckon with in the Nigerian state as a whole, therefore we deemed it necessary to honour their own leader who is always at the forefront in agitating for the right and it's privileges of the Niger Delta people".

He said: "There is no doubt about this that this day is special and a unique celebration day to give full and complete honour to a selfless vocal and foresighted leader and a freedom fighter with a global repute, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo Asari, the Ediabali of Kalabari kingdom, the paramount head of the Ediabali ruling house as he clocks a triumphant diamond 60".

"Indeed, it is a day that every son's and daughters of the Ijaw Nation, and Niger Deltans in general should be elated to celebrate with, and so we deemed it fit to celebrate our own renowned son of the Niger Delta region, a relentless and passionate Niger Delta Freedom Fighter, a living legend of our time, the Hero and face of the emancipation struggle in liberating the people of the Niger Delta region".

"This is a man with the lion heart who has remained a fearless voice and an outspoken and courageous fighter that says it as it is, and he had demonstrated that he is the defender of his people, who also.is seen as the Emeritus President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, and his a man that make things happen with uncommon doggedness, and he is a patriotic Nigerian elder statesman who will always advocate for unity and peaceful coexistence of the Nigerian state".

"We see him as a beacon of hope for liberation of the Niger Delta people in the agitation of resource control and icon of true federalism even at 60 years, and he has never lost the vision and strong believe in the struggle for the holistic emancipation of the entire Niger Delta region who still commits himself to the emancipation of the Niger Delta region".

"He is a strong voice who have pressed and sustained the fight for fairness equal rights, equity and justice to ensure the issue of resource control and fiscal federalism is actualized in the interest of the people of the region and Nigeria as well."

However, while acknowledging the dogged, rugged and fearless spirit of Asari Dokubo as a freedom fighter of international repute and defender of the Niger Delta people, Pathfinder described him as the living legend, asserted that the Ediabali of Kalabari kingdom stood with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his presidential project but was not appreciated and refused to be acknowledged.

"We and Nigerians know how our leader and patriotic son of the Niger Delta region stood by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's presidential project and stick it's neck without any compromise from the onset of the campaign to the election victory."

"He stood firm in defense of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu' victory both at the Presidential Election Tribunal even to the Supreme Court for the final declaration of Tinubu's victory, and even though the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu refuses to acknowledge all his tireless efforts and sacrifices with financial commitments and dedication in making sure that Bola Ahmed Tinubu won the last presidential election"

"We the leadership of Niger Delta Advocate for Peace And Good Governance Group, who are the foot soldiers will continue to acknowledge this known fact and such cannot overemphasize this strong believe in the Tinubu project even though, that same Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration refuses to acknowledge all his tireless sacrifices, efforts and commitments contributed to the overall victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presidency"

"Rather the administration deem it necessary to reward some group of persons with their allies who were standing at the corner of the fence when their voice and personal contributions were most needed but they where nowhere to be find, but today they are the sole beneficiaries and got all the rewards from that same president Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, and no matter what he Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari has not derailed to ensure equity, justice and fairness to his people in the region", he added.

The group concluded by saying, "Congratulations and Happy Birthday, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari Abubakar, The INABIO BUARI 11 PARAMOUNT HEAD OF EDI GROUP OF HOUSES IN KALABARI KINGDOM, MAY YOU LIVE LONG IN YOUR REIGN."

Don’t Allow Embittered, Ethnic Jingoists Mislead You On Yahaya Bello's Case, Kogi Indigenes Tell EFCC

Indigenes of Kogi State have cautioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)  against those they described as embittered and desperate ethnic jingoists who are strengthening the public opinion that the Commission is collaborating with certain opposition figures to persecute the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. 

The indigenes said since the allegation of corruption by the EFCC against the former Governor became a national discourse, "some persons who are afraid of chasing their dreams at the polls have hidden under the veneer of activism to sponsor their tribesmen to impugn on the character of ex Governor Yahaya Bello maliciously".

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, the Chairman of Kogi Youth Leaders Forum, Benjamin Oguche, PhD, specifically noted that those still calling for the arrest of Bello even in the face of an ongoing court process, were either uninformed or out to rubbish the image of EFCC while pursuing their prolonged vendetta mission.

The Kogi youth leaders said this particular group had consistently pursued a "we against them" agenda, causing division and hate among the ethnic groups in Kogi,  spreading falsehood and propaganda to the public on the matter.

"It is sad and regrettable that the so-called corruption allegation against Bello, which remains an allegation until established in the court of law, has become an opportunity for chronic political failures to unleash their intolerance and deep-rooted frustration on a state that our founding fathers have laboured so hard to unite. 

"Without credible reasons, they have been said to have mobilised resources to fight him for daring to govern a state he hails from and for overseeing a free and fair election which produced another Governor, not from their fold," they stated.

According to them, the polarization, ethnic and religious colouration that have been introduced in recent times into the EFCC trial of the immediate past Governor calls for worry, especially among every Kogi indigene who has a firm belief in the peaceful co-existence of the state as an indivisible entity.

"Suffice to say that what we see playing out today is a microcosm of what our country represents, where the so called minority is discriminated against, sidelined and treated like a lesser citizen in a country he has made equal, if not greater, contributions to building. The so called minority has been made to believe his voice does not count and his fundamental right to pursue social, economic and political interest taken away.

"Since through divine providence that former Governor Yahaya Bello became governor in 2016, several arrow of ethnic bitterness, needless attacks and corruption profiling have been targetted at him and his government for no offence other than for the simple reason that the responsibility to lead our dear state at that time fell on his shoulder.

"While God saw him through his four years in office, the people of our dear state equally and overwhelmingly renewed their mandate for him, sending him to go again, amidst hate campaign, violence attacks and ethnic war by some ethnic driven elites who have sworn never to allow certain ethnic groups have a taste of leading the state. While this gathering is not about catalogue of exploits he achieved and the records he broke within these eight years, it is important to note that since he left office, same known tribal jingoists and ethnic champions have been having sleepless nights plotting the downfall of the man.

"The anti-Bello protests in the UK last week, Lagos last week and Abuja today highlight the glaring danger those they regard as minority ethnic groups face in the hands of those who feel that their population is for the purpose of suppressing the fundamental rights of others to seek political interest. One continues to wonder where the protesters gathered the money to go on a protest spray, if some people are not bankrolling them, which suggest a sinister plan different from genuine fight against corruption as the public is made to understand.

"We understand that the case for which these hate-induced protests are going on is in the court and the court is a place of orderliness where every party will push their stands without necessarily drawing dagger to murder our peace. We are, however, surprised that dimension of sustained protests have been added to their inglorious mission.

"We have often expressed our confidence in the judiciary and irrespective of how long it could take, the wheel of justice must grind to a logical end. We, however, frown at the seeming open hands the EFCC has been showing to the protesters which is fueling an unfortunate suspicion that must be immediately corrected.

"While we welcome in its entirety the probe of the former Governor, we, however, reject the deliberate image smearing against him. We call on the EFCC to disregard the propaganda of ethnic agents and face the task of diligent prosecution," the Kogi Youth Leaders advised.

Krusaders Feeders FC Begin Prosperity Cup Title Defence in Style.

  ...Nembe City, Fisherman's Sons FC and Petroleum Boys FC Secure Smooth Victories

Defending champions Krusaders Feeders FC on Thursday began their title defence in Nigeria's biggest grassroot football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament christened Prosperity Cup with a resounding victory over Oburu FC.

Fans were delighted to watch Krusaders Feeders FC humble Oburu FC 3-0 in a fixture decided at the Ekeremor Centre. Midfielder Anthony Moses put the Peretorugbene team ahead on 53 minutes after a goalless first-half. 

Forward Handsome Iwasoma doubled the lead for the coach Genesis tutored side on 65th minute as Tony Akpagra's 81st minute goal compounded the woes of Oburu FC who looked decent in the first half.

Earlier in the day, Petroleum Boys FC beat Ekeremor FC 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Ekeremor FC scored Petroleum Boys FC in the first half but Petroleum Boys FC levelled terms on 59 minute to stretch the game into a shootout.

At the Ogbolomabiri Center in Nembe Local Government Area, Fisherman's Sons FC pipped Okoroma United FC 2-1 with goals from Jackson Idubamo at 3' and 20' to progress to the next phase of the tournament as Bestman Solomon's 26' effort couldn't save Okoroma FC while BMU Feeders FC suffered a 4-3 defeat against Nembe City on penalties having played out a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Action will return on Saturday in seven centers as matches in Yenagoa kick-off in Nigeria's biggest grassroot football fiesta. At the Bishop Dimeari Grammar School BDGS Center Chief Street FC will square up against New Chester  FC by 1pm as Kingsmen FC entertain Glitch FC by 3pm.

According to the Tournament Director, Mr. Perela Aboroson, Bayelsa Starts FC at the Biogbolo/ Yenizuegene Center will keep a date with Okaka FC as FC Salinas welcomes De California FC at 3pm. Reward Lions FC will slug it out with Golden Boys FC at the Kpansia cetnter by 1pm, BY FC at 3pm will tango Successful Pillars FC.

He explained that the Swali Center will have the luxury of hosting Divine Arrows FC and Aguobiri FC by 1pm, Ogu FC takes on Derby County in the second game. Rising Stars at the Tombia Center will battle Glorious FC as Northern Warriors square up with Akenfa FC at 3pm.

Mr. Aboroson added that at the Okordia/Zarama Center M.L.D.M FC will tackle Ogilobi FC while Igbogene FC and JTF FC face each other. Brave Stars will test their bravery when they take on Kilimanjaro FC, while MoonLight in another fixture by 3pm battles Brikari FC.

Sariki Pereowei Scores First Prosperity Cup Season 6 Hat-trick

...As Team Mate United, Ward 10 Pro FC and Ogboinbiri FC secure tickets to the next round

Sariki Pereowei of Team Mate United on Tuesday registered the first hat-trick of Season 6 of the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup to propel his side to a spectacular victory.

Team Mate United spanked NDU Civil Engineering FC 4-1 in an encounter decided at the Amassoma Center. Woyeinmiela Promise of NDU Civil Engineering drew the first blood two minutes into the game not knowing what was waiting in store for them. Ofoin Kennedy restored parity for Teammate United after 17 minutes to end the encounter 1-1 at half time.

When it seemed the game was going to stretch into penalties, Sariki Pereowei rose up to the occasion to net the first hat-trick of this year's grassroot football spectacle on 61, 75 and 87 minutes to ensure NDU Civil Engineering FC returned home empty handed after taking the lead with a promise of victory..

Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe who was at the Amassoma Center gifted the hat-trick hero Pereowei with a sum of ten thousand naira on behalf of the Central Organizing Committee forrecording the first hat-trick of Prosperity Cup 2024.

Earlier in the day Ward 10 Pro FC beat N.S.B.S  FC 6-2 also at the Amassoma Center to progress to the next phase of the tournament. At the Oporoma Center, Ogboinbiri FC pipped Young Stars FC 3-2 to secure a place in the next round of the competition.

Two fixtures will be decided on Wednesday at the Amassoma Center, O Block FC will tackle Triumphant FC by 1pm while Oporoma FC will keep a date with Adulama FC at 3pm.

Photo Speak: Prosperity Cup Scouting Coordinators

 

Prosperity Cup Unveils 2024 Governor Douye Diri International Scouting Programme and Coaching Clinic...

             ....as Ex Internationals - Peter Nieketien, Kelvin Etemike leads international football scouts to Yenagoa in June.   

The highly anticipated scouting program of the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament will kick off on the 30th of June, bringing together international scouts and coaches led by Mr. Peter Nieketien, who is the Chief Scout of the program and coordinated by Kelvin Etemike, a representative of OPS / OTS of Finland and CEO of Tristone International Agency..

This year's event promises to be bigger and better with the presence of nine other international scouts who are keen to unearth the best grassroots football talents in  Bayelsa.

This was made at a public presentation of the Scouting and Coaching programme in Yenagoa on Tuesday.

The DG expressed his gratitude to Governor Douye Diri for his unwavering support for sports development in Bayelsa state and commended him for his unprecedented efforts in promoting sports in the country, particularly in the state. 

According to Mr Akpe, the support of the government has enabled the program to lay a strong foundation for international scouts who will be arriving in June and July to witness the exciting talent of grassroots football in the state.

One of the highlights of this year's tournament is that it will feature a triple cadre competition- the male competition which is currently ongoing, the female edition will kick-off in a few weeks, and in addition, the para-soccer edition to cater for players with disabilities. 

The DG hinted that this inclusive approach emphasizes the program's commitment to providing opportunities for all aspiring football players no matter their gender. .

The Prosperity Cup will also introduce a new element to the tournament - the local government champions. 

After rigorous selection process within each local government, selected players will be identified and brought to Yenagoa for a week or two for training, which will ultimately lead to the formation of two to four teams that will participate in the international scouting program alongside the 8 LGA Champions.

Speaking during the official unveiling of the programme at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex Yenagoa, the Prosperity Cup DG, Mr. Ono K. Akpe is confident that the international scouts will be amazed by the level of skill and talent on display.

In an exclusive interview, Mr. Etemike shared his insights into the proposed programme, "Having competent coaches  who understand the fundamentals of building young players is key to the development of grassroots football. With the right guidance, every team can have a successful developmental process." However, the reality is far from this ideal situation. The lack of proper coaching and mentorship has led to numerous issues within the football community.

On his part, Mr. Nieketie also highlighted the adverse effects of inadequate development at the grassroots level. With a lack of proper guidance and support, many young players fall prey to negative influences, such as drugs and illegal activities like internet fraud. "As a coach, you are more than an instructor – you are a father, mentor, and role model to these kids. It is our responsibility to guide them in the right direction and shape their character," he emphasized.

He further elaborated on the impact coaches have on young players, "The players look up to their coaches and often imitate their actions. If the coach is not setting a good example, it directly affects the development of grassroots football in Nigeria." This, in turn, has resulted in a decline in the number of Nigerian players reaching the national team.

However, Mr. Nieketie stated that he is determined to change the narrative. With his vast experience and knowledge in the field, he is leading a scouting program that aims to identify and groom talented young players in Bayelsa, Nigeria. "We are hoping to bring back the former glory of Nigerian football by giving these young players the right guidance and support they need to reach their full potential," he stated.

Mr. Nieketie believes that it is time for the football community to give back to society what it has given them. "The grassroots level gave us the platform to become who we are today, and it's time to pay it forward," he asserted. 

He also encouraged other former football players to join this cause and help build a brighter future for Nigerian football.

This year's edition is expected to see the following scouts:

Hakan Uyanmis ( Turkey)

Agent and CEO, H- Sports Management agency, who has just been confirmed as the new sporting director of Sakaryaspor - karagumruk of Turkey, Hilary Azudo - Sporting Director OTP of Finland, Alfred Fenech Valletta FC -  team leader, and Simas Kumža - Sport Director, FK Babrungas Plungė, Lithuania 

Others include Glenn Stahl - UEFA Pro license Coach FK Zagiris Kauno, Fatih Ares - Turkey Assistant Head Coach Boluspor FC , Turkey,

Kestutis Petkus, Head Coach FK Babrungas Plunges,  Lithuania,

Augustin Jibrin, OTP Head Coach Finland, and

Mindauguas Malinauskas - Goalkeeper Coach, Lithuania amongst others. Highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of branded jerseys to the scouts and the signing of the contract agreement between the Prosperity Cup COC and Tristone Agency.

FG unveils low-interest financing to boost Media Houses

By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi

President Bola Tinubu's commitment to supporting media organizations has led to the introduction of single-digit interest-rate financing.

According to Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, President Tinubu’s desire to support the media to thrive informed his decision to extend a single-digit interest-rate financing to media organizations in the country.

Idris stated this while speaking in Abuja on Monday during the ongoing Ministerial Sectoral update marking Tinubu's first year in office, as he emphasized the government's efforts to create a thriving environment for media stakeholders.

He encouraged media practitioners to develop bankable proposals to access the funding.

“We are also creating an enabling environment for all players and stakeholders in the media and information ecosystem to thrive. One highlight here is the recent directive by Mr. President to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, through the Bank of Industry, BOI, to extend its single-digit interest-rate financing to media organizations in the country.

“It is now incumbent upon media practitioners to develop bankable proposals to access this financing facility being offered by the Federal Government, and I hope that you the media will take full advantage of this great opportunity,” he said.

Also, the Minister explained that the President has decided not to dwell on fanfare in his first year but to fully be accountable to Nigerians by projecting the successes recorded in the Federal Government’s development objectives, known as the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Minister stressed the importance of restoring trust in public communication and ensuring wide coverage of government activities through traditional and digital platforms adding that the objective is to enlighten, inform and educate Nigerians and the world, to ensure that everyone is carried along through the provision of detailed, relevant, credible and timely information.

“Distinguished guests and media colleagues, we are resolute in making sure that in communicating government activities, our watch word is to Restore Trust in public communication as we amplify policies and programmes of the President Tinubu administration,” he stated.

The Minister therefore urged members of the press to report the Briefing Series objectively and responsibly, through their headlines and the narratives.

During the third session of the Briefing Series, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also presented their respective scorecards.