COVER
Tinubu, Atiku, Ekpo, Omokaro Applaud Falcons’ Victory Over Australia
By Orkula Shaagee, with Agency report
First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, commended the Super Falcons for their victory over co-hosts Australia, in the on-going FIFA women World Cup.
The Falcons yesterday overcame a stubborn Australian side 3-2 at Brisbane Stadium in their first win at fiesta.
Emily van Egmond opened scores for Australia by hitting the back of the net in the first minute of added time in the first half, while Uchenna Kanu equalised for Nigeria six minutes later.
Later Osinachi Ohale (65 minutes) and Asisat Oshoala (72 minutes) gave Nigeria the lead while Alanna Kennedy gave Australia their second goal in added time.
The First Lady who watched the game at her Abuja home expressed said the team made Nigeria proud and charged them to go all the way and win the cup for Africa.
She said doing so would be a source of pride for Nigeria.
“I am so delighted and I pray, by the grace of God, for them to bring the cup home.
“I am proud of them and like I promised the, I will be waiting to receive them“, Tinubu said.
The First Lady had on July 1 through Dr Betta Edu, the APC National Women Leader, hosted the girls before their departure for Australia.
Also yesterday, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar hailed the Super Falcons of Nigeria for beating Australia in a 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup tie.
Atiku, in a tweet on his Twitter handle, said the Super Falcons’ victory encapsulates what Nigerians can do as a people and country when they work together as one.
“Bravo, Super Falcons, @NGSuper_Falcons! Your remarkable victory brilliantly encapsulates what we can do as a people and a country when we work together as one,” he tweeted.
The Super Eagles will now face the Republic of Ireland in their last group game next Monday.
Similarly, ex-international, Friday Ekpo, yesterday applauded the performance of the victorious Super Falcons in their clash with tournament co-host, Australia, in the ongoing 2023 Women’s World Cup
The Super Falcons came from behind to defeat Australia 3-2 in the match, silencing their home crowd.
Ekpo, however, appealed to the Nigerian team not to underestimate the Republic of Ireland, their next opponents.
With the 3-2 win, the Falcons now have four points from two games, having earlier played a goalless draw with Canada.
The Matildas, on the other hand, now have three points, having earlier defeated the Republic of Ireland 1-0 in front of a record 75,784 supporters.
Matildas are ranked No.10 in the world by FIFA, while the Falcons are ranked No. 40.
Ekpo, a member of the 1992 Africa Nations Cup squad, said playing as a team would help the Super Falcons to sail through the group stage and the round of 16.
“Playing against a host country is tough, winning them is no small feat; these women have done well, they went all out and were able to keep it together, I say kudos to them.
“I want our girls to give the next match against the Republic of Ireland the same level of seriousness and concentration they gave the previous two matches; any team that made it to the World Cup is no pushover.
“Nothing beats having a team that plays with precise cohesion, plays as a team and wins as a team.
“It is crucial that they play according to the coaches’ game plan,” he said.
Ekpo said that the team’s defence line should be tightened.
“The defence was fair enough but it can be better, the midfield too; we need to control and hold the ball in order to create more opportunities.
“The coach needs to identify what works for his team, so far he has done well in terms of selection of players, and as a big fan of the girls I applaud the coach Randy Waldrum,” he said.
Sharing same view, Bright Omokaro, an ex-international, commended the team for not getting overwhelmed with the home support their opponents enjoyed.
“Not being overwhelmed by the fans cheering the co-host is applaudable, then going ahead to win is great; they’re the team to watch out for in this tournament.
“This win will further boost their morale, it’s a big deal to defeat the host country.
”They should allow their win to spur the team to the next level, they should refrain from assuming that Ireland will be an easy fry.
“They need to beef up their defence and keep it together, Australia’s second goal shouldn’t have happened, the less goal the team concedes the better,” he said.
The ongoing World Cup is being hosted by Australia and New Zealand. (NAN)
Team Top Group B, Target Round of 16 Spot
The Super Falcons, yesterday moved to the top of Group B at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup, having secured victory in their second match at the mundial.
In a sterling performance that earned a 3-2 win over co-host nation Australia in Brisbane, the African side enhanced her chances of reaching the FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16 at the biggest-ever tournament in history.
The Super Falcons’ feat at the Lang Park, which was made colourful by 49,156 spectators, meant that Africa had at last won a match at the ongoing competition, and that the nine-time African champions have put a firm foot on the way to the knock-out stage. This will be achieved simply by doing the minimum against the Republic of Ireland at the same venue on Monday.
Coach Randy Waldrum left Barcelona Feminine ace Asisat Oshoala on the bench and started returnee Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimatu Ayinde, with Ifeoma Onumonu and Uchenna Kanu also starting.
The pomp and pageantry at the arena were enhanced as the Matildas began to impress in the early stages, caging the Falcons in their own half.
Nigerian keeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, hero of the first match against Canada in Melbourne, made a string of saves as the co-hosts showed no signs of missing four of their regulars, including Captain Sam Kerr and defender Mary Fowler.
The din in the stands was overwhelming with one minute into added time in the first half, when Emily Van Egmond sneaked into the Nigeria box to toe-poke the ball past Nnadozie from a flowing move.
Dauntless, the only African team to have played in all editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup restored parity four minutes later, as Uchenna Kanu stayed very alert to sweep the ball into the net from Rasheedat Ajibade’s deflected cross.
Both teams saw shots whistle over the other’s bar in the early exchanges in the second half, but Nigeria shot into the front for the first time in the game when, in the 65th minute, defender Osinachi Ohale bundled the ball over the line after Rasheedat Ajibade’s header proved too hot for the goalkeeper to handle.
Substitute Asisat Oshoala made it three for Nigeria minutes later, profiting from a mishap in the opponents’ box after Alanna Kennedy headed past her onrushing goalkeeper and left an empty net for Oshoala to make hay with a volley.
The goal, coming only a few minutes after she replaced Onumonu, made Oshoala the first African to score in three FIFA World Cup finals, having also netted at the finals in Canada in 2015 and in France in 2019.
Kennedy would later salve her conscience, when she rose highest in the box to score Australia’s second goal from a corner kick by Cooney-Cross10 minutes into added time of the second period.
Nnadozie was again rock-solid, saving a close-range header and another point-blank shot in the closing stages to give Nigeria victory.
Nigeria captain Onome Ebi also made history, extending her record as the African player to have featured in most FIFA World Cup tournaments, when she came in with minutes to the end, to play in her sixth World Cup finals.
Victory catapulted Nigeria to the top of Group B, and has enhanced the Falcons’ chances of a spot in the knock-out stages. Canada, who defeated Republic of Ireland on Wednesday, lie second also with four points, while Australia stays third with three points.
The Super Falcons are up against eliminated Republic of Ireland on Monday, while the co-hosts take on Canada. A draw will be enough for the Falcons to make progress, no matter the outcome of the other match.
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Tragedy struck in two Niger Communities as flash accompanied by heavy down pour that lasted for hours led to heavy flood that claimed 21 lives and washed away over 50 houses. The heavy down pour which started late on Wednesday, the 28th of May lasted till mid Thursday leaving behind tells of woes and deaths.
Niger State emergency management agency confirmed the deadly flood in a statement by the Director General Abdullahi Baba Ara on Thursday evening. ” NSEMA is in receipt of report of a deadly flood disaster that ravaged two communities of Tiffin maza and Anguwan hausawa in Mokwa town of Mokwa LGA” He disclosed that, the incidence occurred last night (Wednesday)during a torrential downpour of very high intensity that lasted several hours.According to him, the surging flood water submerged and washed away over 50 residential houses with their occupants.Tge Agency Director General disclosed that, ” in response the Agency, in collaboration with Mokwa LG Authority, local divers and very brave volunteers are conducting search and rescue operation to rescue survivors and recover corpses .” At present 3 servivors ( a woman and her 2 children) are receiving treatment for wounds and shock at Mokwa general, while 21 corpses have so far been recovered of those who sadly loss their lives in the incidence” Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Ara said over 10 persons are still missing as search and rescue operation is still ongoing.
By Andrew Oota , Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration’s economic reforms and policies were working for the progress of Nigeria and the good of all.
The President also stated that his administration would make life better for Nigerians acknowledging the sacrifices made so far, with a conviction that his vision for the country is clear.
Tinubu said this in a statement issued to commemorate the second anniversary of his administration on Thursday, May 29, 2025.
He stated that his administration had stabilised the nation’s economy, noting that “we are now better positioned for growth and prepared to withstand global shocks.
”He pointed out that , “Today, I proudly affirm that our economic reforms are working. We are on course to build a greater, more economically stable nation.
“Under our Renewed Hope Agenda, our administration pledged to tackle economic instability, improve security nationwide, reduce corruption, reform governance, and lift our people out of poverty.
“While implementing the reforms necessary to strengthen our economy and deliver shared prosperity, we have remained honest by acknowledging some of the difficulties experienced by our compatriots and families.
”We do not take your patience for granted. I must restate that the only alternative to the reforms our administration initiated was a fiscal crisis that would have bred runaway inflation, external debt default, crippling fuel shortages, a plunging naira, and an economy in a free-fall.
“Despite the bump in the cost of living, we have made undeniable progress.”
The president further stated that he acknowledged the sacrifices many Nigerians have been making for the development of the country, adding: “Our journey is not over, but our direction is clear. So is our resolve to tackle emerging challenges.
“By the Grace of God, we are confident that the worst is behind us. The real impact of our governance objectives is beginning to take hold.
“The future is bright, and together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria that we can all be proud of.” He said.
By Eze Okechukwu and Ubong Ukpong,Abuja
House of Representatives on Wednesday passed the tax reform bills transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu in October 2024.The bills were passed at a session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.
The development followed the adoption of the harmonised versions of the reform bills by both the House and the Senate. At plenary on Wednesday, the House of Representatives considered the report of the conference committee, which harmonised the bills. The Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Abiodun Faleke (APC, Lagos), who headed the House team to the conference committee, presented the conference report to the House for consideration.According to him, the Conference Committee met and agreed on all areas of difference in the version passed by both chambers of the National Assembly. He stated that there were 45 areas of difference in the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 12 areas of difference in the Nigeria Revenue Service Bill, 9 areas of difference in the Joint Revenue Board Bill and 46 areas of difference in the Nigeria Tax Bill, adding that all grey areas were resolved ahead of the passage. While the conference committee agreed to retain the Senate version in some of the clauses, they also retained the House version in some others, making amendments in a few others. The conference committee agreed to the imposition of a 4 per cent development levy on the assessable profit of all companies chargeable to tax under Chapters 2 and 3, except small companies and non-resident companies. They also agreed that the levy shall be collected by the Nigeria Revenue Service and paid into a special account created for the same purpose.In the sharing formula, the committee agreed that 50 per cent of the tax would go to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, 15 per cent to the Education Loan Fund (up from 3 per cent agreed by the House), and 8 per cent to the Nigeria Information Technology Development Fund.
Similarly, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure is to get 8 per cent (down from 10 per cent earlier agreed by both chambers), the National Board for Technology Incubation is to get 4 per cent from the fund, defence and security infrastructure is to get 10 per cent while cyber security fund will get 5 per cent.
Meanwhile, the Social Security Fund, Nigeria Police Trust Fund, and National Sports Development Fund were excluded from the list of beneficiaries passed by the House of Representatives.
The committee also adopted a new clause 158, which imposes a 5 per cent surcharge on chargeable fossil fuel products provided or produced in Nigeria and shall be collected at the time a chargeable transaction occurs.
The controversial Value Added Tax sharing formula was not part of the areas of disagreement between the two legislative chambers.
In his remarks, Kalu said the parliament has played its part in ensuring that the country moves forward, even as he urged the executive arm of government to do its part.
In his contribution, a member of the House representing Gwoza/Damboa/Chibok Federal Constituency, Borno State, Ahmed Jaha warned those who will clean up the bill not to tamper with any of the clauses passed, saying “Where the T is not crossed, don’t cross it, where the I is not dotted, don’t do it. We have the original copies of the bills as passed before and after harmonisation.
“We have had cases in the past where those in charge of cleaning up the bills tamper with it and at the end of the day, the President will withhold assent. That must not happen.”
That said, the All Progressives Congress lawmaker singled out Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu for praise, saying, “I want to thank your leadership for the role you played in making these bills a success. I also want to thank the Chairman of the Committee, Abiodun Faleke. He showed that he is truly a good elder. He provided a lot of training for some of us, and I want to say that this is the way to go.”
In a related development, the Senate has approved the Rivers State 2025 budget for a second reading.
The budget, which totals ₦1,480,662,592,442 trillion, was presented by the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, on Wednesday.
Bamidele explained that the Senate had assumed legislative powers over Rivers State following the declaration of a State of Emergency in the state.
Supporting the motion, Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan emphasised the urgency of passing the budget to ensure that the people of Rivers State feel the impact of governance.
He said, “Mr. President, I am not exactly sure under what title this document is categorised, but from what I can see, it pertains to a budget under the state of emergency. I hereby support its passage for second reading so that the people of Rivers can feel the presence of government.”
With no opposition to the motion, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, conducted a voice vote and referred the budget to the Ad-hoc Committee on Overseeing the Rivers State of Emergency for further legislative action.
Senate announced that the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, along with other key state officials, would appear before a Joint National Assembly Ad-hoc Committee to defend the state’s 2025 budget. NASS holds commemorate 25 years of democracy, holds joint session,
Also,President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has announced that a joint session of the National Assembly will be held on June 12 to commemorate Democracy Day.
He made the announcement after the upper chamber reconvened for plenary on Wednesday.
Akpabio revealed that the Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate minority leader, Senator Abba Moro as well as the Chairman senate services, Senator Sunday Karimi will meet with their counterparts in the House of Representatives to finalize the programme of activities and coordinate arrangements for the special session.
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