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FIJ Confirms The Release Of Fisayo Soyombo

Published

2 weeks ago

November 30, 2024

Sahara Weekly

FIJ Confirms The Release Of Fisayo Soyombo

The Nigerian Army has released investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo.

The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) confirmed his release on its social media handles on Friday night.

“We can confirm that our founder ‘Fisayo Soyombo has now been released by the Nigerian army, following the intense media campaign you all mounted.

“FIJ acknowledges the Nigerian Army’s deliberate mischaracterisation to suggest an involvement in “illegal oil bunkering”. FIJ will also address this statement appropriately.

“Our immediate concern is regarding the safety of ‘Fisayo Soyombo in view of extensive information sharing with the Army on his fieldwork during the period of his detention. We are assessing the situation and hoping that his safety will not be jeopardised after release,” the statement explained.

The Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, had earlier confirmed Soyombo’s arrest, saying that he was apprehended at an illegal oil bunkering site.

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MLAILPKC, UNDP Graduate Participants of Leadership and National Cohesion Course in Abuja

Published

7 hours ago

December 14, 2024

Sahara Weekly

MLAILPKC, UNDP Graduate Participants of Leadership and National Cohesion Course in Abuja

…As Lt Gen Buratai (Rtd) Urges Participants to Inspire Collective Leadership Efforts

The former Chief of Army Staff, HE Amb Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (Rtd), has emphasized the need for collective and effective leadership to foster national cohesion in a diverse and multicultural society like Nigeria. Buratai made this statement during the graduation ceremony of the one-week Leadership and National Cohesion Course held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Asokoro, Abuja.

The course was organized by the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

As the Special Guest of Honour, Lt Gen Buratai stressed the importance of leadership virtues such as integrity, honesty, and patriotism in building a united nation. Addressing the participants, he said, “You are ambassadors of hope, beacons of positive change, and champions of national cohesion. The contemporary society requires quality leaders equipped with knowledge and competencies to navigate complex challenges, bridge divides, and inspire collective action.”

Highlighting the essence of the training, Buratai noted that national cohesion is not merely a concept but a necessity for peace, development, and unity in multicultural nations. He encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the training to enhance leadership capacity and drive positive change in their communities and organizations.

In his remarks, the Commandant of MLAILPKC, Major General Ademola Adedoja, expressed optimism about the successful realization of the course objectives. He applauded the participants’ dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment throughout the program, stating that they are now better positioned to understand the vital connection between leadership and national cohesion.

“This graduation is a testament to the Centre’s commitment to training competent leaders, particularly in peace support operations, in line with United Nations standards,” Adedoja added.

The Commandant also extended his gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, for his unwavering support in ensuring the smooth conduct of the Centre’s activities throughout 2024. He acknowledged the collaboration with UNDP and the government of Japan, which, he noted, has significantly contributed to human capacity development. Adedoja assured that this partnership would be sustained and further enhanced in the coming year.

The event’s highlight was the presentation of certificates to participants by the Special Guest of Honour and the exchange of souvenirs with dignitaries.

The ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including former Chief of Policy and Plans, Lt Gen LO Adeosun (Rtd); former GOC 7 Division, Maj Gen Bulama Biu (Rtd); DG NARC, Maj Gen GA Wahab (Rtd); Deputy Chief of Training Army, Maj Gen Etsu-Ndagi; representatives from the Embassy of Japan, and UNDP officials, among others.

MLAILPKC, UNDP Graduate Participants of Leadership and National Cohesion Course in Abuja

...As Lt Gen Buratai (Rtd) Urges Participants to Inspire Collective Leadership Efforts

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Ofadaboy Marks 15th Anniversary with Spectacular Ofada Rice Day Festival

Published

12 hours ago

December 14, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Ofadaboy Marks 15th Anniversary with Spectacular Ofada Rice Day Festival

Lagos, Nigeria – Ofadaboy, a trailblazer in Nigerian cuisine and cultural promotion, celebrated 15 years of culinary excellence with the 6th edition of its signature event, the Ofada Rice Day Festival, themed “Ofadabration 2.0.” Drawing a crowd of over 9,000 attendees, the festival showcased the richness of Nigerian culture, food, and entertainment.

Dignitaries from the Canadian Deputy High Commission, the American Consulate, and the British High Commission graced the event, which featured electrifying performances by top Nigerian artistes, including Abass Obesere, Reminisce, Reekado Banks, and Brymo, among others. Food vendors from across states such as Ikene, Itoko, Iperu, and Igbokoda showcased their culinary expertise, offering diverse delicacies that highlighted the versatility of Ofada rice.

A significant highlight of the festival was the launch of the Ofadaboy Charity Foundation, a philanthropic initiative aimed at providing healthy meals for Nigerians and supporting underserved communities across the Southwest and beyond.

The event received accolades from key stakeholders. Ms. Abisola Olusanya, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, lauded Ofadaboy for its dedication to promoting Ofada rice and preserving Nigerian food traditions. Similarly, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, Director-General of the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism, praised the brand’s commitment to showcasing Nigerian cuisine on a global stage.

Speaking at the festival, Tobi Fletcher, Creative Director of Ofadaboy, and Oyinda Fletcher, Chief Operating Officer, expressed their gratitude to attendees and partners. “This milestone is a testament to our passion for promoting Nigerian cuisine and culture. We are excited about the future and look forward to continuing this journey,” said Tobi Fletcher.

In an ambitious move, Ofadaboy announced plans to take the Ofada Rice Day Festival to three international destinations next year, in collaboration with foreign embassies. This initiative aligns with the company’s vision of sharing Nigeria’s culinary heritage with the world.

As a leading name in food and hospitality, Ofadaboy operates a thriving restaurant, offers top-notch catering services, and produces a range of premium food products, including packaged Ofada rice and spices. Over the past 15 years, the brand has solidified its reputation as a champion of Nigerian food and culture, earning widespread recognition for its innovative efforts in showcasing the richness of local cuisine.

The Ofada Rice Day Festival not only celebrated Ofadaboy’s legacy but also reinforced its commitment to taking Nigerian culture to greater heights.

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Lookman and Nnadozie Headline Nigeria’s Finalists for CAF Awards

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Lookman and Nnadozie Headline Nigeria’s Finalists for CAF Awards

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman and Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie are at the forefront of Nigeria’s bid for glory at the upcoming CAF Awards. The prestigious event is set to take place on Monday, December 16, at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.

Nnadozie, the Paris FC goalkeeper, is in contention for two significant accolades. She has been shortlisted for the Women’s Player of the Year award alongside Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy and Zambia’s Babra Banda. Additionally, Nnadozie is a strong favorite to retain her title as Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, further cementing her reputation as one of Africa’s finest in the position.

In the men’s category, Lookman faces stiff competition for the Men’s Player of the Year award. The 27-year-old Nigerian international is up against Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy, and South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Both Lookman and Nnadozie aim to follow in the footsteps of compatriots Victor Osimhen, the reigning Men’s Player of the Year, and Asisat Oshoala, the record six-time Women’s Player of the Year winner.

Nigeria’s national teams also feature prominently in the awards. The Super Eagles have been nominated for the CAF National Team of the Year award, alongside AFCON 2023 champions Ivory Coast and South Africa. Their nomination stems from their impressive AFCON campaign in Ivory Coast, where they progressed through the group stages, defeated Cameroon, Angola, and South Africa, and narrowly lost to the hosts in the final. The team also topped their group during the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.

Similarly, the Super Falcons are vying for the Women’s National Team of the Year award. They are up against Morocco and South Africa’s Banyana Banyana. Despite a relatively quiet 2024, the Falcons represented Africa at the Olympics, where they faced tough opposition from Brazil, Spain, and Japan in the group stages. They later recorded a double-header victory over Algeria and concluded the year with a narrow 2-1 loss to France.

The spotlight on Nigerian women’s football extends beyond Nnadozie and the Falcons. Falconets and Rivers Angels forward Chiamaka Okwuchukwu has been named among the final three for the Women’s Young Player of the Year award. She is competing with FC Masar’s Habiba Sabry and Asfar’s Doha El Madani. Okwuchukwu shone brightly at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, scoring two goals and providing an assist to help Nigeria reach the Round of 16.

Adding to the impressive nominations, Nigeria Women Football League champions Edo Queens are in the running for the Women’s Club of the Year award. They face competition from CAF Women’s Champions League winners TP Mazembe and Asfar.

As the CAF Awards approach, the stage is set for a night of celebration and recognition of African football excellence. Nigerian football fans eagerly await the outcomes, hoping for a clean sweep by their representatives in various categories.