Nigerians spent $1.58bn on health tourism, foreign education, and other personal matters in six months, data from the Central Bank of Nigeria have revealed.
The data from the apex bank’s Balance of Payment compilation spanning the first six months of 2023 showed that Nigerians spent $245.68m on overseas health-related issues, $896.09m on foreign education, and $434.63m on other personal foreign needs.
The apex bank, in an explanatory note titled, Note D, defined Balance of Payments as “a systematic record of economic and financial transactions for a given period between residents of an economy and non-residents.”
Medical tourism and foreign education have continued to put pressure on foreign exchange demand in the country, according to experts.
Poor health infrastructure has been cited as one of the reasons why Nigerians travel abroad for proper health services.
Commenting on this, the National Vice Chairman of the Joint Health Sector Unions, Dr Obinna Ogbonna, recently told newsmen, “Nigerians who are well-to-do lack confidence in our medical facilities. Even though we have well-trained personnel that can handle all medical cases, the infrastructure and the equipment are not adequate.
“These prefer to spend their money abroad, but when they get there, it is still Nigerian doctors that will attend to them. We hope President Bola Tinubu will make our health centres attractive by putting up standard infrastructures and equipment that are up-to-date with the current emerging diseases ravaging the country.”
The country is making moves to reverse the trend of medical tourism amidst declining revenues. A bill seeking to prescribe a jail term of seven years and, or a fine of N500m recently passed a second reading at the House of Representatives.
Very recently, the late Ondo state Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, spent months away in Germany for medical reasons.
According to the President of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Prof. Aminu Muhammad, the best time to reverse the trend of medical tourism is now.
He told newsmen in an earlier interview, “The government and the medical practitioners can reverse the trend. You know that the affordability of people travelling will be restricted to a few people because of the rising exchange rate, so the best time to reverse the trend is now, everybody wants the forex to be okay, and now is the best opportunity to do so.”
Recently, the Federal Government allocated N1.33tn to the health sector in its 2024 budget, a 23.15 percent increase from the N1.33tn the sector got in 2023.
Nigerians migrating for education has become a new norm considering the sorry state of the country’s economy and security situation. Recently, the Open Doors Report, published by the Washington-based Institute of International Education, revealed that the number of Nigerian students studying in the United States rose to 17,640 in the 2022/2023 academic session from the 14,438 that moved in the 2021/2022 session.
In 2022, Nigerians spent about $1.01bn on foreign education in 2022, a 40.36 percent increase from the $720.05m that was spent in 2021.
Five of the six sisters of the Al-Kadriyar family who were kidnapped by bandits in the Bwari area of Abuja and regained their freedom on Saturday, January 20, have narrated their ordeals while in captivity.
Recall that gunmen killed the eldest of the six sisters – Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar and dumped her body somewhere for her parents to bury.
Nabeeha and her sisters were abducted alongside their father, Alhaji Mansoor Al-Kadriyar on Wednesday, January 3. Nabeeha has been laid to rest according to Islamic rites.
She was a 400-level student of biological science, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
Other siblings include: Najeebah Al-Kadriyar (500 level, Quantity Surveying); Nadheerah Al-Kadriyar (300 level, Zoology) both students of ABU; Aneesah and Adeebah
Najeebah who posted on ‘X’, on Sunday after regaining freedom said: “You know on Friday, we walked from 10am till the next 4am or even later. They wouldn’t let us rest, they wouldn’t let us drink water. We only got to drink water around 10am yesterday morning. At a point, I almost gave up, I almost asked them to just kill me.
“But then I was like I can’t leave my sisters here. I kept thinking, we’ve paid the ransom, why won’t they let us go? Then yesterday, I was like my Rabb, if we actually leave this place today, I will never doubt how great and amazing you are. I don’t think anyone understands how I feel right now.
“Allah really said “I’m always listening, my answers might not be the way you like it, but I’m always listening so be patient” I’m soooo in awe, I’m still in awe wallah. Subhannallah, Allah truly is the greatest. Allah’s blessings was there in every way.
“I’m soo happy there wasn’t any molestation cos that was everyone’s greatest fear during the ordeal. Like, they were so against it. I don’t understand why but I counted it as a blessing from my Lord. Ya Dhul Jalal Wal Ikram, Shukran. Your blessings were immense.
“Alhamdulilah. I’m immensely grateful for your prayers and support throughout this ordeal.
This was the greatest test of my life but wallah Allah’s mercy was bountiful as well as it was endless. Thank you all so much
“I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that my uncle actually died that night. I just found out last night. I called and they said he was fine. Inalilahi waina ilaehi raji’un. Ya Allah grant him jannah and forgive his shortcomings. Inalilahi waina ilaehi raji’un.”
Another sister, Nadheerah in a terse post on her personal ‘X’ page said: “Alhamdulillah”.
VIDEO: NDLEA intercepts hard drugs packaged in beverage - intercepts 1,274 parcels of Cocaine, Colorado in Lagos
AdminOperatives of different special units of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have intercepted large consignments of Cocaine and Colorado, a strong strain of cannabis, concealed in containerized household items and vehicles imported from Durban, South Africa and Canada at the Tincan Seaport in Lagos.
A statement released by Femi Babafemi, spokesperson of NDLEA, says following coordinated intelligence and months of tracking of the containers by three special units of NDLEA, the illicit drugs along with arms, ammunition and sundry military effects were seized during joint examination of the three containers by the Agency’s officers and their counterparts from Customs Service and other security agencies between Thursday 18th and Friday 19th January 2024. Some of the Agency’s sniffer dogs were also deployed to help identify locations and bags used in concealing the illicit items.
Some of the items recovered from the containers include: 1, 274 parcels of Cocaine and Colorado with a total weight of 884.09 kilograms; four pistols; 197 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 49 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 275 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 14 rounds of 9mm ammunition and sundry military personnel effects as well as some chemicals in kegs. With the exception of 32.5kg shipment of Colorado that came in used vehicles from Canada, the rest of the items were found in two of three containers that arrived the Tincan port from Durban, South Africa onboard a vessel marked MSC RESILIENT III and discharged on new year eve, 31st December 2023. A suspect linked to one of the containers, UACU 5348336, bearing the 32.5kg Colorado, 41-year-old Akara Chibugo has already been tracked and arrested by NDLEA operatives.
Two vigilant freight agents and a traveler escaped being roped into two drug trafficking operations by desperate traffickers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos. The two agents were contacted to send a consignment of 1kg cannabis concealed in tins of Milo beverage to Turkey but chose to submit the shipment to NDLEA checks before processing the cargo. The psychoactive substance was later discovered to be hidden inside the shipment.
Watch the videos below…
Media
The police in Edo state say they have apprehended one Emmanuel Ebeagbor, Aka Dr Walock, over cyberstalking, revenge porn and raud.
The 20-year-old self acclaimed spiritualist specialised in hoodwinking unsuspecting women to defraud them by posing as someone with power to solve their spiritual and worldly problems.
The suspect was arrested at Uromi, by operatives of the Intelligent Rapid Response Squad during investigations into a case of cyber stalking reported at the station.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP, Funsho Adegboye, confirmed the development.
Adegboye said the suspect requested the sum of N240,000 from a lady to help solve her spiritual problem.
He disclosed that after the victim transferred the money to the suspect’s bank account, he (the suspect) also requested for her nude video.
According to the CP, the suspect asked the woman to record the nude video when she is taking her bath, for spiritual cleansing, and promised to delete it after use.
“She did as he instructed and two weeks later, the suspect demanded for the sum of N400,000, and threatened to post her nude video on the internet,” he said.
The CP said during investigation, the complainant’s nude video and those of other ladies who were the suspect’s victims, were found in his phone.
He said the suspect will soon be charged to court.
In an interview with newsmen, the suspect said he introduced himself to the woman as a spiritualist, and promised to help her.
He said he had lost count of his victims as they are numerous.
Residents of the Adamo area of Ikorodu, Lagos State have nabbed an Islamic cleric identified as Babalola for possession of a human skull.
An X user, Uncle Deji @DejiAdesogan, on Saturday, January 20, 2023, said the cleric was arrested alongside four other suspects on Thursday and handed over to the police.
A resident, identified simply as Ayo, told newsmen that Babalola is the Chief Imam Adamo Central Mosque.
Another resident and eyewitness said that one of the suspects was caught with the human skull and he confessed that he was working for his principal, Imam Babalola.
"I have known the Imam for more than 5 years and this is a man the whole community is standing behind to pray, someone that most of us are looking up to,” the source said.
"People caught one of his men with the head and some human parts, and he confessed that he was holding them for the Imam. This was when the people stormed the Imam's house and arrested him together with four of his men,” the source added.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command has commended residents of the Adamo area of Ikorodu for apprehending the suspects.
A spokesperson for the state police command, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a post on X on Saturday, assured the residents that justice would be attained.
"We commend the good people of Ikorodu for doing the right thing and not yielding to jungle justice. We will ensure justice is done,” Hundeyin said while retweeting the post by an X user, @DejiAdesogan, about the incident.
Nollywood actor and media personality, Chinedu Ani Emmanuel, popularly known as Nedu, has expressed his views on the elevated rate of divorce within the Nigerian entertainment industry.
According to the comedian, the primary cause of the frequent breakdown of celebrity marriages is the absence of peace within these unions.
Nedu asserted his belief that mental well-being constitutes a valid reason for divorce. He emphasized that if marriage becomes a hindrance to one’s happiness, opting for divorce is a reasonable choice.
Disagreeing with the notion that individuals should endure problematic marriages as their “crosses to bear,” he highlighted the importance of safeguarding one’s sanity.
Naija News recalls that Nedu and his estranged wife, Uzoamaka, separated in 2018 following allegations of paternity fraud made by the comedian.
In a recent interview with Hip TV, Nedu said, “My take on divorce is, if it doesn’t work, then take a walk. I’m all for peace of mind. Whatever is not giving me peace, I don’t want it. I can’t come and go and kill myself.
“Some people tell you, it’s your cross, carry am. No, na only Jesus dey carry cross. If you’re not giving me peace of mind, then what am I doing with you? Absolutely nothing.
“I protect my sanity, which is the most important part of who I am. I’m asking people to divorce, but ask yourself if you’re going home every day because of the kids and not the person you married. That tells you a lot. If the person you are married to doesn’t give you joy, then what are you doing? If it’s not working, get out.“
VIDEO: Nigerian comedian, Woli Arole healed man walking with crutches during church service in UK
AdminFamous Nigerian comedian, Woli Arole has garnered traction online over a recent video circulating on social media.
In the footage, Woli Arole through prayers and proclamation healed an elderly man who previously relied on crutches to walk at a church service in the United Kingdom (UK).
Woli Arole, known for his dual role as a prophet of God and a comedian, relocated to the UK after rising to prominence in the Nigerian entertainment industry. In this new setting, he has wholeheartedly embraced the prophetic aspect of his persona.
The video captured a moment during a praise gathering in the UK where Woli Arole, demonstrating his prophetic calling, healed an elderly man who used crutches due to back pain.
Arole had previously expressed his dissatisfaction with the man’s reliance on crutches during their last encounter, prompting him to seek divine intervention.
Displaying what he believes is the power of God within him, Woli Arole facilitated instantaneous healing, freeing the elderly man from his crutches. The transformed man was visibly elated, walking unaided and even jumping in excitement.
Watch the video below:
Media
With four points already and second in Group A behind Equatorial Guinea on goal difference, Nigeria are out to finish their group campaign on a high as group leaders at the 2023 AFCON on Monday (today), but they have been advised by ex-internationals and fans to thread carefully against their opponents, Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles play the bottom-placed side at the Stade Félix Houphoüet-Boigny, Abidjan needing a win to go top of the table, given that Equatorial Guinea are unable to beat Ivory Coast in the other last game of the group.
After a 1-1 draw in their first game against Equatorial Guinea, Jose Peseiro’s men got their campaign back on track with a spirited 1-0 win over hosts Ivory Coast, while their opponents today, Guinea-Bissau, lost both of their games and are eliminated from the tournament.
Guinea-Bissau stunned the Eagles courtesy of a 1-0 win against the Eagles in Abuja during the qualifiers for the 2023 AFCON.
Eighteen players who featured in the defeat to the Wild Dogs March 24, 2023, including Osimhen, are with the team in Ivory Coast and are seeking revenge against the team coached by Baciro Cande.
Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, said the Eagles would study the tape of the loss to Guinea-Bissau and come up with a strategy to beat the fellow West Africans.
“We know them, we played them in the qualifying series. They are a dangerous team if you let them play,” Osimhen told reporters in Abidjan
“I think we’ll go back to the last game in which they won and then we’ll start the game and come up really strong against them. It’s not going to be an easy game but we’re ready to give everything for our fans and country to make them happy.”
Midfielder Alex Iwobi echoed Osimhen’s desire to give everything for the fans as he also promised the Eagles would win to make Nigerians happy.
“The sort of players we have will always create chances and we were able to get the one against Ivory Coast and if we are able to get at least one and defend well, we’ll win the game (against G-Bissau).
“Nigerians aren’t happy if you don’t win, for them to be happy you have to win, so, we are going to win to make them happy,” he said in an interview with journalist Osasu Obayiuwana on Sunday.
“We want to take the first place and for that, we must do battle. We must do what is necessary to accomplish our mission,” Eagles coach Jose Peseiro said at the pre-match conference at the Palais de la Culture in the Treichville area of Abidjan on Sunday.
Meanwhile, there have been reactions back home, ahead of the crucial tie.
Ex-international, Tijanii Babangida, an AFCON finalist on home soil in 2000, said, “Any of the three teams among Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast can qualify. So, the win is important but they must know there are no pushovers. It’s a competitive game and I expect them to grow in every game, regardless of the fact that they have won against us before.”
“I know we are going to play with caution, and again, if we could beat Ivory Coast, the morale is high but I know they will play with caution because we have a lot of experienced players in the team. So, it will be very good for them to top the group,” 2013 AFCON winner, Azubuike Egwwuekwe, noted.
Given theEagles inconsistent run under Peseiro, some fans are wary of the Wild Dogs.
“Let’s not underestimate a wounded team, besides, we don’t have to be in a hurry to win. Let’s calm down, hold the ball and the opportunities will come,” a fan, Adetuwo Suji, said.
If Nigeria finish top of the group, they are poised to face any best losing side from Group C, which could be Cameroon or even Algeria from Group D as well as Namibia, Tunisia or even South Africa from Group E in the round of 16.
A second-place finish will pair the Eagles against the second-place team from Group C, which is likely going to be Guinea, which beat Peseiro’s men 2-0 in a pre-tournament friendly in Abu Dhabi last week.
The most unlikely outcome is qualifying as one of the best losers, and that will be a date with the winners of Group B, Cape Verde.
Nigeria’s game against Guinea-Bissau kicks off at 6pm Nigerian time – simultaneously with the other game between Ivory Coast and Equatorial Guinea.
The last time the Eagles and Wild Dogs clashed at the AFCON (2022), the Eagles defeated their foes 2-0, thanks to second half goals from Umar Sadiq and Wiliam Troost-Ekong.
Gunmen wreaking havoc across the country have struck again in Ekiti State as the nation continues to creak under the sheer weight of unprecedented insecurity.
An unspecified number of passengers have been kidnapped by the gunmen during an ambush on travellers along Ondo-Ekiti boundary.
The incident happened on Saturday between Iju and Ikere-Ekiti along the Akure-Ikere highway.
The kidnappers were said to have attacked the vehicles the passengers were travelling in.
The two vehicles the captives were travelling in, a Toyota Corolla and a white Toyota Highlander, were abandoned at the scene of the incident with none of the occupants present.
The two vehicles had been riddled with bullets upon discovery by other travellers.
According to sources, after the attack on the two vehicles, the travellers were moved into the forest around Iju by their abductors.
The spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Funmi Odunlami, confirmed the incident.
He, however, could not ascertain the number of people involved.
She explained that the anti-kidnapping unit swiftly responded to the incident and has been conducting a thorough search within the Iju forest.
Odunlami added that no official reports had been received from the families of the owners of the two vehicles, and there were no reports of missing individuals in the state
Rents in Lagos have surged by 91.32 percent over the past five years, posing a challenge to residents seeking affordable housing, The PUNCH’s findings have revealed.
It was according to data obtained from prices sourced from prop-tech, propertypro.ng and estate agents in different locations.
The weighted average of the percentage increase for each location was taken to calculate the percentage increase in Lagos rents. This was done by considering the initial rents in 2019 as weights, which reflect the proportional contribution of each location to the total rent in 2019. The result represents the average growth in rent prices across the specified locations from 2019 to 2024.
An evaluation of a 2-bedroom standard apartment across 12 different parts of Lagos- Ikeja, Iyana Ipaja, Ikorodu, Surulere, Ilasa, Gbagada, Yaba, Lekki, Ajah, Epe, Magodo Phase 1, and Ikoyi showed that while a 2-bedroom apartment in the Epe area (one of the cheapest) of the state went as low as N350,000, rates went as high as N10m in the Ikoyi area of the state.
In 2019, Ikeja and Iyana-Ipaja rental rates doubled to N2,000,000 and N800,000, respectively between 2019 and 2024.
Similarly, Ikorodu witnessed a 60 percent rise from N250,000 in 2019 to N400,000 in 2024.
A developer, Femisi Balogun, told our correspondent, “Adding to this surge, the increasing costs of building materials coupled with inflation have played a significant role. Rapid urbanisation in Lagos has driven high demand for housing, and the rising costs of construction materials have contributed to the overall increase in rental prices.”
Economic growth and increased real estate investments have further fuelled this demand, creating a competitive market.
Gbagada and Magodo Phase 1 exemplify this trend, with rental prices jumping by 150 percent and 108 percent, respectively.
Oshodi-Isolo experienced a more modest increase of 37.5 percent, going from N400,000 in 2019 to N550,000 in 2024.
Yaba, Surulere, Ajah, and Lekki also saw 41 percent, 133 percent, and 50 percent rise to N1,200,000, N700,000, N1,800,000, and N1,800,000, respectively in 2024.
In explaining the reason behind the surge in rental rates across the state, experts blamed the current economic crunch, particularly the headline inflationary pressure, which shot up the costs of construction and maintenance.
A real estate expert, Odefadehan Christian, said the driving force behind the surge in rental prices could be attributed to inflation, particularly the significant spike in building material costs.
He said, “The substantial increase in prices for essential materials, such as cement, which has more than doubled from 2,400 in 2019 to 5,500 in 2024, necessitates a corresponding adjustment in rental rates, to compensate for these heightened expenditures.
“Additionally, the evolution of construction techniques and the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies in building infrastructure, encompassing advanced wiring, sophisticated lighting features, and state-of-the-art security systems, contribute to an augmented overall cost of property development.
“Consequently, these advancements in both materials and technology are pivotal factors contributing to the upward trajectory of rental expenses.”
A civil society group under the aegis of the Take-It-Back Movement recently decried the impacts of the high rents on households’ income across the country and called for government intervention.
At a peaceful protest against the high cost of housing in the state, the group lamented the rising cost of housing, particularly in Lagos Island and other areas.
A statement by the Lagos Island chapter of TIB said the protest was strongly against the unaffordable cost of housing.
It stated, “No doubt, this is a national call to enforce housing rights. Housing is a fundamental human right, and the government must ensure it is available to all citizens.”
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The Lagos State Government has announced a ban on the usage and distribution of Styrofoam and other single-use plastics in the state with immediate effect.
This was announced by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab in a statement he personally signed on January 21.
According to Wahab, the decision was reached following the menace the single-use plastics especially the non-biodegradable Styrofoam were causing on the environment.
Lagos bans usage of Styrofoam aka Take Away packs
He added that most drainage channels in the state are daily clogged up by Styrofoam through its indiscriminate distribution and usage despite the regular cleaning and evacuation of the drains with humongous amounts. He reiterated that the larger chunk of littering across major roads and markets which Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) contends with daily is made up of styrofoam.
The Commissioner added that the State Government cannot fold its hands and watch the continued desecration of its environment especially for a coastal city. He has subsequently directed LAWMA and the Kick Against Indiscipline to immediately commence the implementation of the ban.
He asked two agencies to clamp down on all the production companies and distribution outlets for Styrofoam in the state to prevent further distribution.
Wahab explained that the state took the present action, relying on several enabling laws and regulations such as the National Environmental (Sanitation and Waste Control) Regulation 2009 which was established pursuant to the NESREA Act that prohibited and specifically banned single-use plastic in the country but has not been enforced.
Other laws, according to Wahab, include the 2017 State Environmental Management and Protection Law which states under section 56(I) (y) “prevent, stop or discontinue any activity or omission, which is likely to cause harm or has caused harm to human health or the environment.
The Commissioner advised producers, distributors, and end-users of these styrofoam packs to take the ban seriously and find alternatives or risk heavy fines, and other penalties including the sealing of their premises.
He warned that they could also be made to bear the costs of the daily cleanup of their products from our roads and drainage channels which runs into tens of millions of naira daily.
“Our state cannot be held hostage to the economic interests of a few wealthy business owners compared to the millions of Lagosians suffering the consequences of indiscriminate dumping of single-use plastics and other types of waste” he said
According to Wahab, the well-known consequences include climate change, flooding, and diseases like cholera.
He advised Consumers and residents to boycott styrofoam packs and single-use plastics while imbibing the practice of using reusable food containers and water bottles for their food and drinks.
“The convenience of single-use plastic comes at a huge cost to society. We must all make small sacrifices for our collective well-being”, Wahab pleaded.
Born in the Netherlands and educated in England, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has not looked back at the international level since opting to represent Nigeria.
Part of the team that lost to Lionel Messi and Argentina at the 2018 World Cup, Troost-Ekong is currently taking part in his third Africa Cup of Nations and he kept a remarkably cool head to score the decisive penalty in the 1-0 win over hosts Ivory Coast on Thursday.
That result left the three-time continental champions primed to clinch a spot in the last 16 when they play Guinea-Bissau in their last group game in Abidjan on Monday.
“It is so early still, but my belief in the team has stayed the same,” the 30-year-old centre-back, who won his first cap in 2015, told AFP.
“If I look at the players we have now, I think it might be the best team I have played in for Nigeria. That is with all due respect to some of the legends that have been there.”
Amid all the talk of Nigeria’s fearsome attack, spearheaded by African footballer of the year Victor Osimhen, it was Nigeria’s defence that perhaps surprisingly stood out against the Ivorians, with Troost-Ekong marshalling a five-man backline.
“I think we have the most exciting attack in Africa. We have the best player in Africa who is our number nine. But I was not surprised, I think I know what the defenders can do as well and I believe so much in this group,” he said.
“I think we have maybe been underrated a little bit defensively.”
Troost-Ekong, who is wearing boots at the AFCON made from bamboo and other sustainable materials, was born just outside Amsterdam to a Nigerian father and Dutch mother, and was capped at youth level by the Netherlands.
‘Haven’t looked back’
He admits he dreamed of representing the Oranje senior team before a call from Stephen Keshi, then the Super Eagles coach, convinced him to pull on a Nigerian shirt.
“I watched a lot of football with my Dad. He was always watching the Super Eagles, but growing up in Holland, I also dreamt about playing for the Dutch national team,” said the defender, who moved to the UK aged 12 to attend boarding school.
“But when I got the phone call from Stephen Keshi at the time, who was a player and a legend who I watched growing up as a kid, especially as a central defender, I was kind of taken aback, and for him to ask me to play for Nigeria, I didn’t have to think twice.
“I think I said yes before I even had to think about anything or ask anyone because it just felt right, and I haven’t looked back since.
“Something really feels right about playing for Nigeria.”
Troost-Ekong, who has family in the southern city of Uyo as well as in Lagos, spent several months on holiday in Nigeria every year while growing up and says the country “felt very much like home and still does”.
He has turned out for clubs all over Europe, notably playing in Serie A for Udinese and in the English Premier League for Watford.
However, he recently joined leading Greek side PAOK – and opted to offset the carbon from the travel required to complete his transfer in another nod to the environment.
As he settles in Thessaloniki, he is now hoping this year to add some winners medals to the Olympic bronze he won with Nigeria in 2016.
“I have played in Serie A and in England, which are considered probably the top leagues, but for teams that are trying to stay in the league or to survive,” said the player who is so heavily tattooed he claims to have lost count of how many he has.
“Now playing at PAOK it is different because the ambition there is to win the league, win the cup, and win the Europa Conference League.
“I am really enjoying it and I am hopeful that I can add some silverware to my career, here as well as back home.”
[NaijaTimes]
FIFA president Gianni Infantino called for worldwide stadium bans for fans and “automatic forfeits” for teams whose supporters hurl “abhorrent” abuse, following racist incidents in Italy and England on Saturday.
The head of football’s world governing body said there was no place for discrimination of any kind in the sport or wider society.
“The events that took place in Udine and Sheffield on Saturday are totally abhorrent and completely unacceptable,” he said in a statement.
“The players affected by Saturday’s events have my undivided support.”
Fans aimed monkey chants at AC Milan and France goalkeeper Mike Maignan during Milan’s dramatic 3-2 win at Udinese, with the game temporarily halted.
– Support from Mbappe –
In a strongly worded statement on X, formerly Twitter, the France team said: “You have all our support Mike Maignan. The FFF (French federation) totally condemns all racist acts.”
France captain Kylian Mbappe also offered his backing to his international teammate.
“You are very far from being alone Mike Maignan, we are all with you,” wrote the Paris Saint-Germain star.
“Still the same problems and still NO solution. Enough is enough!!!!! NO TO RACISM” he posted on X.
Coventry midfielder Kasey Palmer accused Sheffield Wednesday fans of doing the same to him during their English Championship clash, which his team won 2-1 on Saturday.
“We need all the relevant stakeholders to take action, starting with education in schools so that future generations understand that this is not part of football or society,” Infantino said.
“As well as the three-step process (match stopped, match re-stopped, match abandoned), we have to implement an automatic forfeit for the team whose fans have committed racism and caused the match to be abandoned as well as worldwide stadium bans and criminal charges for racists.
“FIFA and football shows full solidarity to victims of racism and any form of discrimination. Once and for all: No to racism! No to any form of discrimination!”
At Udinese, referee Fabio Maresca stopped play during the first half and a livid Maignan stormed down the tunnel with his teammates.
“They’re ignorant people…. You can be booed or whistled when you’re away from home, that’s normal, but what happened today has no place in football,” Maignan told Sky Sports.
Play resumed after about five minutes.
Italy, a country governed by a coalition led by the far-right Brothers of Italy party, is rife with fascist football fan groups, in particular among the hardcore “ultras” who make most of the atmosphere at stadiums.
Last week Lazio were hit with a one-match stand closure after supporters directed monkey chants at Romelu Lukaku during their team’s Italian Cup win over local rivals Roma.
In Sheffield, Palmer labelled the abuse “abhorrent and wholly unacceptable”, with the match paused as the referee spoke to both managers on the touchline.
In a statement, Sheffield Wednesday said they were “shocked and saddened by the racist gesture from the stands” reported by Palmer.
“Both clubs roundly condemn any form of discrimination and abuse, and underline that there is no place for this kind of behaviour in football or our wider society,” it added.
“We will work together with the relevant authorities and anyone proven to be culpable will face the strictest possible sanctions from both Sheffield Wednesday and the law.”
[Vanguard]
The British Council in Nigeria has announced a 29% increase in the fees for the English Language Testing System (IELTS) examinations.
Starting on February 1, 2024, applicants will be required to pay a sum of N139,000 for the Computer Academic and General Training Modules.
IELTS is a globally recognised examination widely accepted by non-native English speakers as evidence of their language proficiency.
The British Council attributed the fee adjustment to the rising costs associated with conducting the examination.
“We would like to inform you that there has been a review of our IELTS fees. The new price list for the IELTS range of tests offered by the British Council will be effective for registrations on or after February 1, 2024.
“The new prices will be: IELTS on Computer Academic and General Training Modules: ₦139,000
“IELTS on Paper Academic and General Training Modules: ₦134,000; UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI): ₦149,000; Life Skills: ₦130,000; One Skill Retake (O.S.R): ₦87,570
“The change in price is associated with the increased costs in the delivery of our exams.
This will enable us to continue to offer a wide range of services and comprehensive support to enable you to achieve your goals. Thank you for choosing the British Council,” the notice read.
This is the second price jerk in the last five months.
The fee for the IELTS, which used to be between N80,000 to N90,000, was increased to N107,500 in September last year.
[NigerianTribune]