A public outcry followed the discovery of tainted fuel in Max Air’s main tank in July 2023, which prompted the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to announce that it had identified and sanctioned offenders of its fueling laws.
According to NCAA, its cooperation with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) made the identification possible.
At the inauguration of a joint audit committee on aviation fuel activities in Nigeria on Thursday, NCAA Director-General Musa Nuhu’s representative, NCAA Director, Operations, Licencing & Training Standards, Ibrahim Dambazau, stated this.
The NMDPRA, NCAA, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Association of Aviation Marketers, and Department of State Security (DSS) are among the organisations represented on the committee.
The committee was established to look into the supply and usage of aviation fuel, the origin of contamination, and suggest fixes to stop further incidences of fuel contamination in the nation.
According to NCAA, the aviation industry regulator’s fuel criteria must be followed by airline operators and other parties.
The NCAA stated that it is understandable that the public is upset over the Max Air contaminated fuel.
He added: “I want to assure the Nigerian public and the world at large that the Nigerian aviation industry and our skies are safe as the NCAA has always been thorough in granting approvals in addition to our oversight responsibilities, which include surveillances and audits of all operators involved in the aviation industry to ensure the highest level of safety in our skies.
“The authority has not been sleeping and have taken steps in the aftermath of the incidents, which included the investigation of all the incidents that have been reported, collaboration with sister agencies in the aviation industry like FAAN, NSIB, NMDPRA that issue licenses, and DSS.”
In the 1980s Prof. Emmanuel Ayandele, the foremost Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar and a respected Professor of History declared that “Cross River was an atomistic society perpetually at war with itself” after observing some of the unending skirmishes that had bedevilled the state.
Although Ayandele’s declaration did not go down well with some of the indigenes of the state, it was borne out of an intense observation from the astute academic.
While many believed that the constant squabbles were as a result of the discord between the people of present-day Akwa Ibom and the remaining Cross River before they were separated in the old Cross River, time has shown otherwise.
40 years after his declaration, situations in the state have made Ayandele a somewhat prophet because internally, Cross River has had some communal crises that had spanned for decades and are still on despite efforts to resolve them.
Some of these conflicts include the Nko, Inyima crisis; Nko, Mkpani Crisis; Ugep Ekori crisis; Agoi Ibami, Mkpani crisis; Nko, Agoi Ekpo crisis, Ugep, Idomi Crisis that was said to have been on since 1928 and many others in Yakurr LGA alone.
In Obubura LGA, there is the Ofatura Ovunum crisis; Iyamitet, Ababane crisis; Iyamitet, Adun crisis; and Ofatura Apiapun crisis among others.
There is also the crisis among Urugbam, Egbor, Ipene, and Abanwan communities in Baise LGA while in Abi LGA, the crisis between Ediba and Usumutong and Ebom and Ebijakara was on for over 15 years.
14 out of the 18 LGAs in Cross River had either engaged or are currently involved in one crisis or the other not just within the state but also with communities of neighbouring states like Abia, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi and Benue in the northern part of Cross River.
The only LGAs that seem not entangled in the web of one communal crisis or the other are Calabar Municipality, Calabar South, Akpabuyo and Bakassi LGAs all in the Southern Senatorial District of the state, except for issues of cultism militancy.
Among these wars, some of the most fascinating were those between Ediba, Usumutong and Ebom versus Ebijakara communities in the Bahumonu nation of Abi LGA, which lasted for over 15 years.
The Bahumonu nation is a collection of nine autonomous communities with the same ancestry, Ediba, Usumutong, Ebom, Ebijakara, Anong, Afafayin, Abeugo, Egonigoni and Bazohure.
With a large expanse of arable land, the Bahumonu nation boasts of agricultural produce such as rice, cassava, yams, groundnut and others in commercial quantity, which makes it an agricultural hub.
Originating from a common ancestral land in Othumosa, the Bahumonu nation in Cross River is bordered on one side, across the river to the Ozizza community in Ebonyi state that depends heavily on its agricultural produce.
It also borders communities in two LGAs that had at one time or the other been involved in brutal communal clashes that had cost lives and properties, Ugep in Yakurr LGA and Ijom in Biase LGA.
However, in spite of its agricultural and fishing potential, a large part of the Bahumonu nation is without electricity, motorable roads, telephone network and other amenities, no thanks to the war between Ediba, Usumutong and Ebom versus Ebijakara.
The crisis in these communities became a full-blown war around 2005 after years of bottled-up disaffection and anger aggravated by rumour-mongering, distrust and mutual suspicions over ownership of lands located in the boundary areas among the communities.
The carnage continued unabated for 15 years with Ebijakara totally dislodged from their land by the people of Ebom who subsequently started taking over Ebijakara’s land, even though, they themselves lived in fear of surprise attacks from the people of Ebijakara who relied on guerilla warfare to surprise their assailants.
For Ediba and Usumutong, two communities that look equally matched in strength, there was massive destruction of lives and properties that could hardly be quantified in monetary terms.
It was not until in 2020 when the youths who had been doing the fighting, maiming and dying with support from some of their elites who were mostly based outside the warring communities, decided to say enough of the killings and destructions.
This miraculous decision was greeted with joy as the youths from the nine communities with tears of mixed feelings, following the 15 years of carnage against their brothers and their brazen audacity to say enough was enough, went round the communities hugging each other and saying nobody would persuade them to kill each other again.
This homegrown approach by the youths hinged on dialogue, as a few of them started the process of talking to each other gradually until they got the buy-in of the youth leaders of the warring communities.
This however was not without its challenges, following the allures of resources for weaponry sent in by elites most of whom were based outside the warring communities but the youths remained focused and steadfast in their peace-building process.
That day, June 20 was officially declared a day of peace by the Bahumonu nation and has been celebrated annually since 2020 by the people in their ancestral land of Othumosa where Christians hold an inter-denominational service while traditional worshippers gather to consolidate the oath of peace, taking in 2020.
Seeing this development, Sen. Ben Ayade, former governor of Cross River set up a reconciliation committee headed by Sen. Ndoma Egba with a view of consolidating peace, repositioning Bahumonu for growth and development and contributing to the Gross Domestic Product, (GDP) of the state.
The committee quickly went to work and after laborious observations, mediations and dialogues with the people, came up with recommendations in 2021 which were agreed upon and signed by the nine communities.
However, like most committee reports, these recommendations are still lying on a shelf awaiting implementation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) visited the Bahumonu nation during its 2023 Peace Day celebration and observed that, although there was renewed hope from the people, there was also a snag; the much-awaited consolidation of peace and development was taking longer than expected.
Traditional Rulers from the nine communities in Bahumonu in a meeting during the Peace Day Celebration
After a meeting of the traditional rulers of the communities that ended in a deadlock on the day of the peace celebration, HRM, Ovai Solomon Edward, Paramount Ruler of Abi and Leader of Osumutong told NAN that they have not achieved their desired goal which was for the communities to live in peace.
According to him, “What we have today as peace was the effort of our youths, without them, we would not have achieved anything but today, the youths are becoming tired because they have sustained peace for the past three years yet the elders are not agreeing.
“As far as the peace process is concerned, we have not achieved much because Ebijakara people are still displaced and the boundary issue between Ediba and Usumutong has not been resolved.
“The last administration in the state set up a mediation committee that came up with recommendations, if these recommendations are implemented, it will go a long way in reducing the palpable tension among the communities,” he maintained.
On his part, the Traditional Ruler of Ediba, HRH Ovai Uvara Anani said Ediba went to court and won the case over the disputed land twice and because of this, the Ediba people were superior in the ownership of the land in contention.
He said the people of Usumutong have to negotiate with Ediba and not use force to enter into their land.
“The government came to look into the matter and make peace through the Ndoma Egba-led committee but they refused to tell us the truth about the land; it is a new government now, if they are ready to come and give us the peace we will comply but I will not fight,” he noted.
While the subtle bickering went on, NAN went into the communities and spoke to some residents who said all they wanted was infrastructural development.
In Ebom, Mr Monday James said their roads were bad, they had no electricity and due to these challenges, selling off their agricultural produce had been difficult because of poor access.
He said he was grateful to God that the fighting had ended and they could go to their farms but their communities needed more in terms of development.
A section of the ring road that connects the nine communities in the Bahumonu nation
Mrs Mary Okoro said the bad road into Bahumonu has affected her business badly as her farm produce were hardly sold out.
“As a woman, I am also pained because our schools have no teachers, and the Primary Healthcare Centres lack basic amenities like water.
“Electricity and manpower are totally out of the question because nobody wants to come here, we are in desperate need of government attention.
However, I am happy that we are no longer fighting because the women and children suffered most in those days of war,” she noted.
On his part, Mr Clement Omina, President, Bahumonu Sociocultural Group said they were able to form an elite committee of sons and daughters of Bahumonu who like the youths swore never to allow war to tear them apart again.
Omina however added that, as good as that decision was, there were still critical issues such as resettling Ebijakara and finding an acceptable boundary between Ediba and Usumutong.
“We are not happy with where we are today because after three years we decided to stop fighting, Ebijakara is not back in their homeland and there are still skirmishes between Ediba and Usumutong.
“We have tried as a people to find our own solution because we know that peace that is homegrown will be more sustainable than whatever is forced on the people from outside.
“But the problem is that as a people from a common ancestry, any decision we take, it is difficult for the other party to accept it if it does not favour them. This is why we need an external arbiter which is the government,” he stated.
Traders preparing to move cassava from Ebom, one of the communities in Bahumonu, across the river to Ebonyi
He said that for more than 15 years Bahumonu nation was alienated from the government with the simple excuse that the place was not safe, adding that what of now that the killings have ended for three years?
He emphasised that as a people, they had done the most difficult part which was dropping their arms, while appealing to the new government in the state to help ensure total peace and infrastructural development which was a low-hanging fruit for the government in its first 100 days.
Corroborating the view of Bahumonu Sociocultural Group, Dr Earnest Eteng, Chairman of Bahumonu Peace and Development Union said the youths decided to adopt a homegrown approach because according to them, outsiders would not help them, so they had to help themselves.
He maintained that they have been using the youths to uphold peace among the warring communities and engaging in dialogue to ensure its sustainability.
“At this point, we need encouragement from the government, we need an implementation of the recommendations of the Ndoma-Egba-led committee which also highlights the infrastructural need of the Bahumonu nation.
All efforts to meet some of the youth leaders of the communities that had managed to sustain peace in the communities were unsuccessful as they were said to be unhappy with the elders who were still finding it difficult to ensure total peace that would give way for development.
Back in Calabar Mr Davies Etta, Member Representing Abi State Constituency in the Cross River House of Assembly said the committee set up by the former governor did a good job.
While hoping that Gov. Bassey Otu would implement the recommendations of the committee for sustainable peace in the region, Etta called on the governor to remember the promises he made to the people of Abi during his campaigns.
“The ring road project that connects the entire nine communities is a project which when executed will impact all the communities in the Bahumonu nation.
“We are also looking at implementing programmes that will ensure the youths are given scholarships for those that have the capacity to go school while those with businesses are supported with funds.
“If this is done, we will keep the youths busy while providing a conducive environment for government to come and work because we discovered that the chiefs, women and children don’t fight but the youths,” he said.
He appealed to the warring communities that justice may not give them peace adding that absolute peace comes from the hearts of the people by negotiation and sacrifice.
The war in the Bahumonu nation may have ended but like dying embers that could be sparked up again into a massive flame, crisis was still an option on their table, except conscious efforts at development are made to refocus the youths.
The battle for land which is a very important resource to the people because of their agrarian nature will recede if infrastructures such as the ring road that connects the nine communities and electricity are provided.
While this will shift the attention of the youths to other means of livelihood, it will reawaken the economic life of one of Cross River’s agrarian giants.
Importantly, Gov Otu needs to pick the report and recommendations of the Ndoma-Egba Committee set up by former Gov Ayade off the shelf, get it dusted and implement the latter to forestall any relapse.
Subsequently, it is important for the state government to be proactive in nipping any disagreement in the bud before it develops into a full-fledged war, the time to act is now. (NAN)
Forex trading has gained immense popularity in Nigeria, attracting many traders seeking to capitalize on the dynamic and potentially lucrative currency markets. With the rapid advancements in technology, Forex trading has become more accessible than ever before, with various trading apps providing convenience, real-time data, and user-friendly interfaces.
In this article, we will explore the 5 best forex trading apps in Nigeria, offering a comprehensive review of their features, reliability, and overall user experience. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or a beginner looking to dip your toes into the Forex market, these apps can serve as powerful tools to enhance your trading journey.
Understanding Forex Trading in Nigeria
Forex trading, also known as foreign exchange trading, involves buying and selling currencies in the global market. Forex trading has grown significantly in Nigeria in recent years due to increased awareness and internet accessibility. The primary objective of trading in the Forex market is to profit from the fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
Traders in Nigeria can participate in the market through brokers and trading platforms that provide access to various currency pairs. However, aspiring traders must understand the risks associated with Forex trading, as the market can be highly volatile and unpredictable. Engaging in thorough research, building a solid trading strategy, and keeping abreast of market news is essential for success in Forex trading.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Forex Trading App
Before delving into the world of Forex trading using mobile apps, traders must consider several key factors to ensure a seamless and secure trading experience. Firstly, they should verify the app’s legitimacy and reputation by checking for regulatory compliance and user reviews.
Secondly, the app’s user interface and navigation should be user-friendly, especially for beginners. Speed and reliability are crucial for executing trades effectively, making choosing an app with low latency and minimal downtime imperative. Access to real-time market data, technical analysis tools, and customer support can significantly impact the overall trading experience.
Top 5 Forex Trading Apps in Nigeria: An Overview
HFM App
The HFM app has the following features:
The HFM App provides access to a wide range of global markets, including forex, stocks, commodities, bonds, ETFs, and indices, offering over 1200+ trading instruments.
Traders can enjoy a fully customized mobile trading experience with features designed to suit both beginners and advanced traders.
The app allows users to manage multiple accounts with a single wallet, making portfolio management efficient and hassle-free.
Traders have the flexibility to place trades in various formats, including amounts, lots, or units, catering to different trading strategies.
A detailed trade history is available, enabling users to analyze their performance and make informed decisions based on past trades.
The HFM App offers charting tools and popular indicators, empowering traders to conduct technical analysis and refine their trading strategies.
Real-time quotes and market-moving news are readily accessible, ensuring traders stay informed about market developments.
The app provides 24/5 multilingual support, ensuring users can get assistance whenever they need it.
Extensive educational resources for beginners to enhance their trading knowledge.
MT 4
The MT4 app offers the following for traders:
Features:
MetaTrader 4 for smartphones provides a top-rated and versatile platform for traders to access the financial markets conveniently.
Traders can download the app and engage in Forex trading 24/5, gaining round-the-clock access to the global Forex market.
The platform offers connectivity to over 2,000 broker servers, ensuring a wide range of choices when selecting a preferred broker for trading.
It comes equipped with 30 popular technical indicators and 24 analytical objects, enabling in-depth technical analysis for better trading decisions.
The full-featured trading system includes two execution modes, instant execution and market execution, along with four order types, catering to diverse trading strategies.
Real-time symbol quotes are readily available, allowing traders to stay up-to-date with the latest market prices for informed decision-making.
Traders can open up to 10 charts simultaneously, facilitating multi-chart analysis for a comprehensive market view.
The platform provides access to financial news, ensuring users are well-informed about market-moving events that can impact their trades.
Communication tools like email and chat are available for seamless interaction with brokers and other traders, enhancing the overall trading experience.
HFM also provides the MT4 application to its traders for trading purposes.
MT 5
MT5 is the big daddy of the MT4 platform. It has the following features:
Access to Forex and Exchange markets from smartphones or tablets
Connect to your broker’s server and analyze quotes of currencies, stocks, and other exchange instruments
Execute trade operations anytime and anywhere
Free access to all features around the clock
Two position accounting systems: netting and hedging
Powerful trading system with Market Depth and all types of trading operations
Full set of orders, including pending and stop orders
3 chart types and 9 timeframes
Built-in technical analysis tools: 30 indicators and 24 analytical objects
Financial news, alerts, and push notifications
Advanced tools for comprehensive analysis of currency, stock, and futures prices
Interactive charts with scroll/zoom options and various timeframes
Access to financial news and push notifications from the desktop platform and MQL5.community services
MT5 application is also available with HFM. Traders can directly download it from the brokers’ website or their trading dashboard.
CTrader
cTrader application comes with the following set of features:
Straight-through processing (STP) and No Dealing Desk (NDD) trading platform
Detailed symbol information and trading schedules
Links to news sources for staying informed about market events
5 chart types: standard time frames, tick, Renko, range, Heikin Ashi
5 chart view options: candlestick, bar, line, dot, area
65 popular technical indicators for sophisticated analysis
Push and email alert configuration
Support for 23 languages, making it accessible to a diverse user base
IG
The IG application has the following features:
Set price alerts to react quickly to market volatility
Benefit from secure 256-bit SSL encryption technology for safe transactions
No cost to download the app and create an account
View interactive charts for market analysis
Access advanced trading features
Practice trading with virtual currency on IG’s demo account.
Key Benefits of Using Forex Trading Apps
Forex trading apps offer several advantages to traders in Nigeria. Firstly, they provide on-the-go access to the Forex market, allowing traders to stay connected and seize opportunities at any time. The real-time market data and technical analysis tools aid in making well-informed decisions.
Moreover, these apps often offer demo accounts, enabling beginners to practice trading without risking real money. Additionally, the convenience of mobile trading apps reduces the dependency on desktop platforms, making Forex trading more accessible to a broader audience.
Tips for Successful Forex Trading in Nigeria
To excel in Forex trading, traders in Nigeria should adopt a disciplined approach. This includes setting realistic goals, managing risk wisely, and not trading with funds they cannot afford to lose.
Engaging in continuous learning and refining trading strategies is crucial for long-term success. It’s essential to stay updated with global economic news and events that can impact currency markets. Additionally, traders should maintain a trading journal to track their progress and learn from past trades.
Conclusion: Selecting the Ideal Forex Trading App for Your Needs
Choosing the right Forex trading app is critical in enhancing your trading journey. Consider reliability, user-friendliness, available features, and customer support. Each of the top 5 Forex trading apps in Nigeria reviewed here has its unique strengths and weaknesses, catering to different types of traders. Evaluate your trading goals and preferences before selecting the best app. Successful Forex trading requires skill, knowledge, and a well-rounded trading platform.
Out of the 8 House of Representatives Members in Cross River State, only Rt. Hon. Essien Ayi, Mike Etaba and Legor Idagbo were elected to chair a Committee each – while Chris Agibe and others were made ordinary floor members in the 9th Assembly.
Rt. Hon. Essien Ayi, a 5-time Member representing the people of Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South (ABC) Federal Constituency was elected Chairman Committee on Niger Delta Ministry Affairs; a position he held in the previous administration.
Meanwhile, Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba was elected Chairman Committee on Legislative Budget and Research; the first time he’d ever chaired a committee in the Green Chambers. Etaba is a 2-time Member representing Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency.
Also, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo, Member representing Bekwarra/Obanliku/Obudu Federal Constituency was elected Chairman Committee on Local Content.
Just before the House resolved to proceed on 2 months recess to resume September 7, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila announced the Chairmen and the Committees were constituted. Out of the 109 Standing Committees, Cross River State was only allotted 3 spots.
The remaining 5 Reps Members; Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom (Member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency), Rt. Hon. Chris Agibe (Member representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency), Hon. Alex Egbona (Member representing Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency), Rt. Hon. Daniel Asuquo aka Dansuki (Member representing Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency) and Rt. Hon. Ettah Mbora (Member representing Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency), could not muster any chair position.
Recalled that after the 2019 National Assembly elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took all positions in Cross River State, apart from the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency which was taken by the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Recalled also that the Speaker (APC) in the heat of his campaign pledged to give the opposition parties a sizeable number of committees. But, it wasn’t so after all as the opposition clinched about 59 while the APC swept a whooping 143 (both Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen).
After the announcement, he however appealed to all those who were unable to get the chairman and deputy of various Standing Committees to take it in good faith.
See the full list below…
1. Hon. Wale Raji (APC-Lagos) was named as Chairman of House Services;
2. Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas, chairman Committee on Army;
3. Hon. Aliyu Betara (APC-Borno) as chairman House Committee on Appropriations;
4. Hon. Abiodun Faleke (APC-Lagos) was named as Chairman House Committee on Finance;
5. Hon. Pascal Obi as chairman House Committee on Health Institutions;
6. Hon. Luke Onofiok as chairman House Committee on Federal Judiciary;
7. Hon. Akin Adeyemi as Chairman House Committee on Communications;
8. Hon. Jimi Benson as Chairman, House Committee on Defence;
9. Hon. Wole Oke (PDP-Osun) was named as Chairman House Committee on Public Accounts;
10. Hon. Abdullahi Bago (APC-Niger) who contested against Speaker Gbajabiamila was appointed Chairman House Committee on African Integration and Cooperation;
11. Hon. Jerry Alagbasowas appointed as Chairman Public Petitions;
12. Hon. Nasir Daura as chairman House Committee on Interior;
23. Hon. Aisha Dukku as Chairman House Committee on Electoral Matters;
24. Hon. Yusuf Buba, chairman House Committee on Foreign Affairs;
25. Hon. Tunji Ojo as chairman House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission;
26. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas as Chairman House Committee on Land Transport;
27. Hon. Johnson Ogbuma as chairman House Committee on Environment;
28. Hon. Lynda Ikpeazu as chairman House Committee on Maritime Administration & Education;
29. Hon. Mohammed Jega as chairman House Committee on Internally Displaced Persons;
30. Hon. Jonathan Gaza as chairman House Committee on Legislative Budget & Research;
31. Hon. Yusuf Kila as Chairman House Committee on Customs;
32. Hon. Hadija Bukar Ibrahim as chairman House Committee on North East Development Commission;
33.Hon. Munir Baba as chairman House Committee on Agricultural Production;
34. Hon. Adamu Faggae as chairman House Committee on Constituency Outreach;
35. Hon. Nicholas Mutu, Chairman House Committee on Gas;
36. Hon. Victor Nwokolo as Chairman House Committee on Banking & Currency;
37. Hon. Bello Kumo as chairman House Committee on Police;
38. Hon. Garba Datti as Chairman House Committee on Ports & Harbours;
39. Hon. Ibrahim Babagida as Chairman House Committee on Capital Markets;
40. Hon. Abubakar Ado as chairman House Committee on Information;
41. Hon. Mustapha Dawaki as Chairman House Committee on Housing;
42. Hon. Yemi Adaramodu as Chairman House Committee on Youth Development;
43. Hon. Olumide Osoba as chairman House Committee on Sports;
44. Hon. Abdullahi Salami as chairman House Committee on Poverty Alleviation;
45. Hon. Kabir Idris as chairman House Committee on Civil Society;
46. Hon. Femi Fakeye as chairman House Committee on Commerce;
47. Hon. Ifeanyi Momah as chairman House Committee on FCT Judiciary;
48. Hon. Abubakar Kabir as Chairman House Committee on Works;
49. Hon. Benjamin Kalu as Chairman House Committee on Media;
50. Hon. Nwokocha Darlington as Chairman House Committee on Insurance;
Football holds a special place in the hearts of Nigerians, and it is no surprise that the country boasts a vibrant betting culture surrounding the beautiful game. Each match offers an opportunity to analyse odds and predict outcomes for entertainment purposes.
However, though done for fun, success in football betting on platforms like the ones reviewed on Match Center Nigeria requires more than simply chance; it calls for a smart approach in a world of unpredictability and ever-changing circumstances.
This article dives into the best methods for navigating the nuances of football betting in Nigeria so that you may make educated wagers, sidestep frequent mistakes and hopefully come out on top.
Analysing Team Performance and Form
Data is essential for evaluating a team’s performance and current form. Bettors who use available data to their advantage have a better shot of predicting the outcomes of matches. As a punter who places wagers for fun, you may learn more about a team’s present skill level and whether or not they will maintain that level in the future by going through old data.
Evaluate the team as a whole and then examine the performance of its members. Keep an eye out for any changes in form or injuries that can hinder their performance on game day. Finally, consider any outside influences, such as weather or home-field advantage, that might affect the game’s result.
Identifying Undervalued Odds
In sports betting, “value betting” refers to seeking and taking advantage of odds significantly below their true worth. Bettors need a firm grasp of value theory to do this. The value of a wager is determined by comparing the probabilities of a certain outcome with its actual likelihood. A wager has value if the likelihood of the occurrence is larger than the odds given.
Bettors may find value bets by examining historical data and patterns to see which outcomes are more likely to occur than the odds suggest. They should also consider the weather, injuries and the squad’s mood. They may optimise their outcomes by placing bets only after finding possible value bets.
Leveraging In-Play Betting
Betting on sporting events for entertainment has increased significantly with the introduction of in-play betting. It refers to placing wagers on live football events. Based on how a game is progressing, you may use this information to make smart betting selections. However, having a plan in place can help you make the most of in-play betting.
First, you should never lose track of the score and how much time is left in the game. You may use this information to better predict the game’s outcome and make educated wagers. Also, watch for momentum shifts that can alter the game’s result, such as player substitutions or injuries. Finally, do your homework on both teams to be confident in predicting who will win the game.
Utilising Tipsters and Betting Communities in Nigeria
Wagering tipsters and betting groups are excellent resources since they can fill you in on the newest industry developments and methods, allowing you to make better selections while wagering on sporting events for fun. Doing your homework and discovering someone you can trust while searching for tipsters is crucial.
It would help if you chose someone with expertise in the Nigerian market who can analyse their predictions extensively, allowing you to understand the rationale behind their betting recommendations better. You may also learn much about the Nigerian industry by joining a betting community. These groups often attract participants nationwide, giving you a glimpse into regional trends and betting patterns.
Bankroll Management
As much as one might be wagering for entertainment, they still use real money to place the wagers on various sporting events. As such, careful management of your bankroll becomes essential. Effective money management while betting involves establishing a personal budget and deciding how much money you are ready to risk.
You may use this to prevent going beyond financially or taking unnecessary risks. Once you know how much money you have and are willing to risk, you should spread it across several bet types or sporting events. It will assist in diversifying your risk and give you peace of mind knowing that you have not placed all your eggs in one basket.
In conclusion, football betting for entertainment is an adventure that calls for constant study and adjustment, but with the appropriate approach, you can play the game with assurance and pleasure. With the methods discussed in the article, you can be sure to have an enjoyable and a stress-free betting experience on football in Nigeria.
It is very unfortunate, that the youths of today have been given such a bad name when it is only a minority of people who are creating social disruption. Most youthful people are motivated and long to do well in everything they do. Which means they could be a very important aspect of all political activities.
Nigerian youths have different perspectives and a host of different ideas. Allowing them to express their opinions is not only good for society, but paramount for a society that intends to grow bigger with every ramification.
The importance of youth participation in formal political processes is not something to overlook at all if truly today’s youths are future leaders.
For a political system to be representative, all parts of society must be included. When young people are disenfranchised or disengaged from political processes, a significant portion of the population has little or no voice or influence in decisions that affect group members’ lives. A key consequence is undermining the capacity of youths’ involvement in a political system and representation.
To make a difference in the longer term, it is essential that young people are engaged in formal political processes and have a say in formulating today’s and tomorrow’s politics. Inclusive political participation is not only a fundamental political and democratic right but also is crucial to building stable and peaceful societies and developing policies that respond to the specific needs of younger generations. For young people to be adequately represented in political institutions, processes, decision-making, and in particular, elections, they must know their rights and be given the necessary knowledge and capacity to participate in a meaningful way at all levels.
When there are obstacles to participating in formal, institutionalized political processes, young people can rapidly feel disempowered. Many tend to believe that their voices are not going to be heard or that they will not be taken seriously even if they are heard. The problem becomes circular as politicians may lose interest in responding to the aspirations of young people if they cannot win their votes. This in turn leads to young people being increasingly excluded from taking part in decision-making, or in debates about key socio-economic and political issues, despite their sensitivity to the demands for social equity and justice, environmental protection and cultural diversity.
In new and emerging democracies, the inclusion of young people in formal political processes is mandatory.
Young people’s active contributions can bring democratic values to life, leading to the overturning of authoritarian practices. In countries where young people have led protests that have forced authoritarian regimes out of power, they are likely to feel significant frustration if they are not included in new formal decision-making procedures. This can destabilize democratization and accelerate conflict dynamics.
Government and other electoral stakeholders have a role to play in promoting young people’s participation in formal decision-making processes. For this role to be effective, it is necessary to understand the interconnected nature of the obstacles to participation.
The position of Dr Esther Oluwatoyin Aluko, Secretary-General of the Nigeria Netball Federation (NNF) is being threatened after Cornelius Ehimiaghe, a Trustee of CSED Initiative and members of the Naija Netball Stakeholders petitioned her over suspected illegal activities.
Aluko, THE PARADISE gathered was petitioned alongside Dr Henry Nzekwu, who is also the President of the Nigeria Netball Federation.
In one of the petitions directed towards the president of Netball Africa, Cecilia Molokwane in 2021, the petitioners stated that the illegality and anti-netball activities started with Helen Manufor who did not follow due process, yet self-imposed herself as the Secretary-General which Aluko is following today. The petition can be found HERE.
The petitioners also petitioned the duo to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare in a letter dated January 25, 2023, which stated that Aluko and Nzekwu are using NNF to deceive Nigerians, thereby extorting both the local and international communities. You can find the petition HERE.
One of the petitioners, Cornelius Ehimiaghe, a trustee of CSED Initiative and sports for change activist said the Naija Netball Stakeholders view the action of the so-called President and General Secretary of NNF as an illegal action that violates the principle of justice and Fairplay.
Ehimiaghe claimed that Aluko and Nzekwu have been imposed on the netball stakeholders by the top hierarchy of the Youth Sports Ministry, who failed Nigerians in conducting their developmental and supervisory role in respect of netball, in the past decade.
“Now that they have seen the gradual progress of ‘PROJECT 2027’ (CSED Initiative programme of making one million Nigerian school girls to be aware of netball), they are now trying to be a clog in the wheel of progress”, Ehimiaghe said.
He said the Naija Netball Stakeholders see the recent move by Aluko and her backers as a desperate attempt to further their personal interest of being relevant in the sports sector in Nigeria.
“We the stakeholders sent a petition letter to the Honourable Minister of Youths and Sport on January 26, 2023, complaining about the illegality that has been perpetuated in Nigeria’s netball in the past decade. Instead of investigating our allegation, the next thing we know is that Dr Henry Nzekwu who is a bosom friend of Mr Sunday Dare (the current Minister of Youth and Sports), is now the President of the Nigeria Netball Federation.
“More worrying is the fact that Dr Aluko who since October 2021 fooled Nigerians to believe that she is the General Secretary of an unregistered NNF, is now calling the shot at the NNF (Nigeria Netball Federation). This is the same Dr Esther Oluwatoyin Aluko who contested for the post of General Secretary of the NOC in December 2022, as a representative of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HNF)”, Ehimiaghe stated.
He added that “This is the same Dr Esther Aluko who lied to Nigerians that basketball stunted the growth and development of netball in Nigeria. But in December 2022, she used mercenaries from other sports to demonstrate netball at the NSF in Asaba. This is the same Dr Aluko who lied during a television interview on 2 April 2022, by misleading sports journalists to believe that AFFAN built the first netball court in Nigeria. This woman is so desperate to be relevant in Nigerian sports that she would not mind selling her country (Nigeria) for a bowl of porridge.”
Ehimiaghe noted further that Aluko keeps flaunting the fact that she played netball in the 1960 and 70s before she converted to handball. “If netball was that important to Dr Esther Aluko, what did she do to develop netball as a civil servant; where she spent more than 30 years and rose to the position of Director before she retired from service a few years ago?
“Funny enough, I was the person who brought the problem in netball to Dr Esther Aluko, as the president of AFFAN. I did so in 2019. If I am lying, you can ask her to confirm or deny this”, aggrieved Ehimiaghe said.
He said the current Sports Minister has given Nzekwu roles to play in the past in football and basketball. “Though we do not know if the current Minister is behind Dr Nzekwu’s current elevation to the position of President of NNF, we the Naija Netball Stakeholders are not going to accept this. Na only Dr Nzekwu be the competent sports administrator wey dey Nigeria?” Ehimiaghe stated.
“The one-million-dollar question that Naija Netball Stakeholders want to ask the principalities and powers of Nigerian sport is: is the role of sports developers at the national level only reserved for former Sports Ministry/NOC staff? If not, can any other citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, aspire to play a role in developing grassroots sports in Nigeria without being the bosom friend, girlfriend, and boot lickers of the principal staff of the Sports Ministry and NOC?”
Recall that CSED Initiative has been at the forefront of trying to revive netball in Nigeria. As stated earlier, in 2019, the Initiative challenged the authority of the former General-Secretary of the then-unregistered NNF, Hellen Manufor, who dribbled the NOC and Sports Ministry staff to believe that the NNF was a registered Federation.
While the principal officers of the Sports Ministry and NOC were asleep, Ehimiaghe brought Manufor’s activities to the attention of the former Nigeria Sports Minister, Barr. Solomon Dalung.
It was reported that Dalung ordered the NOC to investigate the grievances of the CSED Initiative in respect of how netball was being run in Nigeria. Instead of doing so, the then General Secretary of NOC only wrote an email to CSED Initiative. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, two members of the staff of the Youth and Sports Ministry and NOC were rewarded with a place in the illegal NNF Board that was handpicked by Manufor in May 2019.
“It is only in Nigeria that people are appointed into the Board of a Sports Federation that is not even registered with the regulatory corporate affairs regulator”, Ehimiaghe said.
Ehimiaghe, however, stated that since nobody seem to care about the development of netball in Nigeria, CSED Initiative took the bull by the horn and in February 2020 – they built the first netball court in Nigeria this millennium at the IDP Camp in Uhoghua, Edo State.
“In March 2020, CSED Initiative went further by training 24 Nigerians to be certified as Netball Africa Coaches. The first time this has happened in the history of Nigeria. To date, CSED Initiative has trained an additional 216 Nigerian P.E. Teachers/Youths to become Netball Coaches. These trainings were conducted in Utoka (Edo State), Mosogar (Delta State), Uyo (Akwa Ibom State), Enugu (Enugu State), Yenogoa (Bayelsa State) and Jalingo (Taraba State)”, he disclosed.
Ehimiaghe further disclosed that CSED Initiative does not only train teachers in netball but also embeds safeguarding in its training of these coaches. He lamented that the NOC/Sports Ministry in Nigeria do not even have a safeguarding protocol, not to talk of implementing one for Nigerian athletes.
“At the end of our two days of basic netball training, CSED Initiative usually provide free netball starter packs (netball balls, finger-held whistles, two sets of netball training bibs and two netball rims/nets) to participants of their training events. The attendees of these free training are also provided with a decent lunch”, he said.
One of the Naija Netball Stakeholders, Edward Edema said that: “I am aware that CSED Initiative delivered equipment for the training of 30 P.E. Teachers in FCT (Abuja) to Dr Esther Aluko. But Dr Esther Aluko diverted it to pursue her own personal/AFFAN interest, with a view of curry favouring her principal in NOC, Engineer Habib Gumel. This is a typical example of how the personal interest of an individual is greater than that of an entire community.
“It is an open secret that even with their access to public funds, the Ministry of Sports and the NOC have not trained one Netball Africa certified Coach. More laughable is Dr Esther Aluko’s recent claim that the target of the NNF is to participate in the 2024 All Africa Games in Accra”.
Concluding, Ehimiaghe advised Dr Esther Aluko and the NNF that they should learn how to crawl before they think of walking or even taking part in a race. “Dr Esther Aluko is supposed to be a PhD holder but some of the views she has expressed in respect of netball in the past year raise concerns about how she obtained her doctorate degree. Do she and her illegal president of the NNF think that other countries who have been playing netball regularly in the past few decades are just going to go into hiding because they are going to play Nigeria in future?
“Even with Dr Esther Aluko and Dr Henry Nzekwu being highly connected to the authorities in the Sports Ministry/NOC because of them being former staff, there is no guarantee that they are going to remain in their current position. This is because CSED Initiative and Naija Netball Stakeholders are currently in the process of consulting with their members and solicitors with a view to taking this matter to Court. You cannot build something on nothing”, Ehimiaghe maintained.
When contacted on the phone on Wednesday evening (April 5, 2023), Aluko told THE PARADISE NEWS that: “I represented Nigeria as an athlete and a coach and I served this nation and I was the Secretary-General of the 8th National Sports Federation before I retired from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, so, I’ve paid my dues.
“Somebody cannot come from anywhere…have you heard of netball, was anything happening in netball in Nigeria? I am over 60 and I’ve paid my dues for my nation – nobody from nowhere can come and mess up…they didn’t pay anything…we are serving and giving back to society doesn’t mean someone with an ulterior motive will come and mess things up”.
She said, “The Federation has a president, I am not supposed to talk to anybody because I’ve been told not to respond to anybody, so, the president is in the position to speak”.
Aluko further disclosed that the Federation will be unveiling a logo and a 5-year development plan which will be made available to the press soonest.
Giving a further explanation about netball and her experience in Nigeria, Aluko said: “I played netball in the 60s and 70s, so, I’m not a baby when you’re talking about sport. I am the President, Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN). Go and see our antecedents, we have joined with former athletes by bringing them out of retirement, to remain relevant in their various sports.
She disclosed further that: “Netball will be participating in the All African Games next year. The people writing all sorts of things [petitions], what have they done for netball in Nigeria? We took netball to the National Sports Festival, we gave netball prominence – we demonstrated netball at the National Sports Festival for the first time, where were they?
“God has done so much for me, so, I’m grateful to Him every day. What we are doing now is to give back to society, and serve as role models and that is why what Former Female Athletes are doing…we have them in all the chapters of the Federation…that we are in netball now to help netball develop…does netball have money? Is there anything for netball? Nothing! Just the passion. You can’t see anybody that has done sports in Nigeria that doesn’t have passion for sports to develop. What is netball? Even the current sports that are on, do they have funding? Not to talk of a sport that some people are coming to develop to ensure that it grows – we are trying to see that what happened in the 60s/70s when netball died will not happen again.
“We are building a proper structure, a federation has been recommended and registered by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. When a Federation is registered under the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)…who are the stakeholders? Netball was nowhere. They are supposed to develop all sports in their communities, why are they so interested in destroying the structure that the Government is trying to put in place?”
Nigerian model, Precious Okoye has emerged winner of the Miss Africa 2022 beauty pageant held in Calabar, Cross River State.
Precious took the crown on Tuesday, ahead of Poelano Mothisi from Lesotho, who emerged 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up, Tina Haimbala from Namibia.
The event, which was held on the 27th of December, 2022, had more than 20 contestants and many dignitaries across Africa and beyond.
Precious’s victory at Miss Africa Calabar makes her the first Nigerian to wear the crown.
In her remarks, Precious expressed overwhelming gratitude to everyone, supporters, her family, fellow contestants and organizers for playing a vital role in making her dreams come true.
She said, “I feel overwhelmed being crowned Miss Africa, as this has always been what I wanted for my modelling career. The platform will enable me to tell my story, empower the youths and fly my country’s flag with so much pride and I cannot wait to put in all my best to make you all proud.”
Calabar, Oct. 14, 2022 (NAN)
Calabar which literally means “come and live and be at peace,” has always been a society of serenity, peaceful people who take life easy and a home of culture and tourism.
Named one of the neatest cities in Nigeria, Calabar in the last 18 years has witnessed a rise in the number of visitors who come to catch a glimpse of the Calabar Carnival, Nigeria’s biggest street party.
However, in the last few years, this once serene environment has become a shadow of itself with huge refuse dumps and the rise of Vulnerable Children in Street Situations popularly known as “skolombo” for the boys.
“Skolombo” as they are popularly known in Calabar are boys from as young as 7 to as old as 21 years who live on the streets of Calabar, around Marian Road, Flour Mill, Cultural Centre and many other parts.
These homeless and vulnerable boys seen scavenging in the city’s refuse bins in rags also beg, gesturing to passersby by touching their tummies and their mouths, showing that they are hungry and in need of food.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) went to some of the spots where these boys are found and spoke to some of them about how they ended up on the streets, their challenges and aspirations.
Around Marian Road, one of them, Felix Henshaw, a 20-year-old young adult, with a terrible scar on one side of his face and a massive sore on the heel of his right foot said he has been on the streets for 12 years.
Henshaw said he left home in 2010 after writing his Common Entrance Examination but could not proceed to any secondary school or learn a trade because his father had no money.
“I scavenge for empty bottles and cartons that I sell to feed, that is how I got the wound on my leg, I stepped on a broken bottle in one of the refuse bins.
“The wound has refused to heal because it has not been treated, for the fresh scar on my face, I was stabbed with a broken bottle by a rival group from the Bogobri area that comes to forcefully collect money from us and I resisted.
“We are a small group here and I am their leader and try to protect them whenever we are threatened,” he said.
Similarly David Etim a member of the group who is 19 said he started living on the streets 8 years ago when he and his elder brother were driven from their home by their mother on the accusation that they were wizards according to her church.
“On the streets, my brother was hit by a vehicle and he died, since we have no one to help us we looked for somewhere dug the ground and buried him as we always did.
“The street is a hard place to survive in, we have no food, wear rags, nowhere to take our bath and we still have rival groups that attack us with weapons to collect proceeds of our scavenging and begging from us, he noted.
On his part Faith Sunday, a 13-year-old boy who begs on the premises of the Cultural Centre, said he had been living on the streets since 2018 after he was sent out of his aunt’s house for losing N500 given to him to keep.
The boys who all stank as they spoke to NAN because they had not taken their baths for days said all they needed was a place to live, sleep and something to do like a job or a skill.
The United Nations General Assembly in November 1989 adopted the convention on the rights of the child (CRC).
In July 1990, the Organisation of African Union, (OAU), Assembly of Heads of States and Government adopted the African Union Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
The member states of OAU now African Union (AU) believed that the CRC did not adequately reflect sociocultural and economic realities peculiar to Africa and relevant in articulating the rights of the child.
Nigeria in 2003 enacted the Child Right Act in drawing from the provisions of the CRC and ACRWC, this same law was domesticated in Cross River in 2009 as A Law to Protect the Rights of a Child and for Other Related Matters.
However, despite these bogus international and local frameworks, the protection of children in the state has been totally ineffective or almost non-existent.
In 2009, Mrs Obioma Imoke, wife of Sen. Liyel Imoke, the then governor of Cross River founded the Destiny’s Child Centre in Calabar to provide shelter for vulnerable children.
The centre enrolled 201 children out of which 153 acquired formal education and 36 were trained in vocational skills.
However, like most government interventions, it died as the tenure of that administration elapsed in 2015 and many of these children returned to the streets of Calabar.
The response of the present administration of the state was the setting up of a security outfit comprising all the security agencies and code-named “Operation Skolombo” in 2015 to carry out punitive actions against these boys.
While this enhanced society’s negative perception of these kids, it did not address the issue of how children who are God’s blessings became products of the streets and how they survive daily.
Similarly, in 2018, the government of Cross River announced plans to rehabilitate over 1000 street children and established The Child Protection Commission.
The agency visited locations where street children clustered and made promises but nothing came out of it afterwards.
Mr James Ibor, Principal Counsel of Basic Right Counsel Initiative (BRCI) said as the challenge of Street Children in Vulnerable Situations grew, residents of Calabar blamed them for the growing insecurity in the city.
Ibor said BRCI publicly condemned the accusations and recommended ways to solve the problem in Calabar and this gave birth to a pilot programme that was largely successful.
He said for the first time, in 2018, BRCI in collaboration with The United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Cross River’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Welfare and others did a census of these children and discovered 317 of them.
“50 of these children were successfully camped for three weeks during which, they were taught livelihood skills, we conducted family tracing, counselling and built a foster care network for those we could not reintegrate with their families.
We also started advocacy against people and religious organisations whose actions were drivers of the menace but the pilot project, though largely successful, was discontinued because government institutions whose efforts BRCI ought to complement were poorly funded.
Similarly, Mrs Victoria Emmah-Emmah, Executive Director of Neighborhood Carewell Foundation said they have been working with street children for the last 22 years with support from the American Embassy, Global Affairs Canada and others.
Emmah-Emmah said they have the records of over 5,000 children they have supported in school because education was a key way of dealing with the issue of “skolombo” in the state.
According to her, the lack of sincerity and will from the government was a major challenge as there were no available shelters and programmes for these boys to be effectively rehabilitated.
Mr Ken Henshaw, Executive Director of We The People, an NGO in Cross River said the menace of “skolombo” started becoming a problem in Calabar around the year 2000 as religious houses which branded children as witches and wizards grew.
He said even though it was criminal to brand any child a witch or wizard according to Cross River’s Child Right Law, implementation of this law was a problem.
“In 2020, we published a detailed report of six months of investigation titled ‘Left to Die’ the story of Cross River’s street children, a 10 minutes documentary with the same title and launched a petition that got 3,800 signatures calling on the state government to take action based on the recommendations we gave.
“But as I speak to you nothing has been done by the state government, the problem is getting worse, these children are growing on the streets, many of them who were kids five to seven years ago are now teenagers,” he said.
He asserted that from the available data of 2018 out of over 300 street children discovered on the streets of Calabar only about 10 to 15 per cent are girls the rest are boys who scavenge for food like animals, are exposed to all sorts of drugs and even bury their dead colleagues.
He added that if nothing was done, in the nearest future, not just crimes but violent crimes committed not out of hunger but anger will increase because that is the only thing the society has taught these boys.
A few months ago, one of the popular street kids in Calabar, known as John was mobbed to death on the accusation of stealing, nobody including the police did anything about it because according to the residents of Calabar, these boys are criminals.
As a society, we must stop and ask what happened to the “skolombos” of yesterday who were children and are now adults in relation to the increase of violent crimes in Calabar.
Pretending that these boys don’t exist won’t solve the problem, the government needs to wake up to its responsibility of implementing the Child Right Law it domesticated in 2009 and positively empowering the already existing street children.
While Civil Society Organisations and all well-meaning residents of Calabar should support in advocating for responsible parenting. The time to act is now.