The Hood – Hearing from your neighborhood

The Super Eagles sealed qualification for the 2018 World Cup after beating Zambia 1-0 in their penultimate group game, while Algeria are rooted to the bottom of the group.

ALGERIA HAVE NOT BEATEN NIGERIA IN 27 YEARS

The last time that Nigeria lost to Algeria was way back 27 years ago.

It was in the final of the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Algeria which Nigeria lost 1-0.

The goal was scored by Cherif Oudjani in the 38th minute which secured Algeria their first and only AFCON title.

NIGERIA’S LAST AWAY LOSS TO ALGERIA WAS THE FINAL OF 1990 AFCON

The final of the 1990 AFCON in Algiers was the last time the Super Eagles lost away to Algeria.

Prior to the 1990 AFCON final, Nigeria had lost all four of their previous away games against Algeria.

Since then, Nigeria have secured one win and one draw in their last two visits.

The win was the 5-2 thrashing of Algeria during the qualifiers for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Oran. While the draw was the 1-1 scoreline in 1993 that secured Nigeria’s first qualification for the 1994 World Cup in USA.

NIGERIA BEAT ALGERIA TO WIN FIRST AFCON TITLE

After finishing third at the 1976 and 1978 AFCONs in Ethiopia and Ghana respectively, Nigeria were eventually crowned champions as hosts in 1980.

In the final played at the National Stadium, Lagos, Nigeria faced Algeria and spanked them 3-0.

A brace from Segun Odegbami and another goal from the late Muda Lawal secured Nigeria’s first ever AFCON title.

ALGERIA BEAT NIGERIA TO WIN FIRST AFCON TITLE

Algeria got their pound of flesh against Nigeria when they hosted and won the 1990 AFCON.

Just like in the 1980 AFCON final, Algeria met Nigeria in the final and won 1-0 in the 1990 edition.

The hero for Algeria was Cherif Oudjani whose 38th minute strike was enough to secure victory.

LAST TIME ALGERIA SCORED FIRST AGAINST NIGERIA WAS IN 1993

Nigeria last conceded first against Algeria in 1993 in the first leg group stage of the 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Lagos.

Abdelhafid Tasfaout put Algeria 1-0 ahead in the fifth minute before goals from the late Rashidi Yekini (brace), Austin Okocha and Daniel Amokachi gave Nigeria a 4-1 win.

Since then, Nigeria have gone ahead to score first in their last six clashes. In the return leg of the 1994 World Cup qualifier played in Algiers, in 1993, Finidi George put Nigeria 1-0 up before Sidi Ahmed Zerrouki equalised for Algeria.

At the 2002 AFCON group game, Julius Aghahowa’s goal gave Nigeria a 1-0 win, while in the first leg group stage 2006 World Cup qualifiers in Abuja, Joseph Yobo’s 84th minute goal gave Nigeria a 1-0 victory. Also, in the reverse fixture which Nigeria won 5-2, Obafemi Martins gave Nigeria the lead.

In the third place match at the 2010 AFCON, Nigeria won 1-0 thanks to Obinna Nsofor’s goal. And in the first leg group stage clash in the 2018 World Cup qualifier in Uyo, Victor Moses shot Nigeria in the lead in a game which the Eagles eventually won 3-1.

-ALGERIA HAVE RECORDED THE HIGHEST SCORE MARGIN BETWEEN THEM AND NIGERIA

The opening game of the 1990 AFCON saw Algeria thrash Nigeria 5-1.

It is the highest score margin recorded since both countries first met in the football event of the 1973 All Africa Games in Lagos.

However, Nigeria defeated Algeria 4-1 and 5-2 in the 1994 and 2006 World Cup qualifiers respectively.

NIGERIA HAVE WON THEIR LAST FIVE CONSECUTIVE GAMES AGAINST ALGERIA

Following the 1-1 draw against Algeria in the 1994 World Cup quallfier, Nigeria have gone on to beat Algeria in their last five meetings.

At the 2002 AFCON group stage, Nigeria triumphed 1-0, while the first leg of the 2006 World Cup qualifier in Abuja saw Nigeria win 1-0. In the reverse fixture in Oran, Nigeria walloped Algeria 5-2.

The third place match of the 2010 AFCON in Angola pitted Nigeria and Algeria against each other with Nigeria winning 1-0, while their last meeting in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup qualifier in Uyo also saw Nigeria win 3-1

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other patriotic organizations, social and religious, should pray fervently and consistently for the success of President Muhammadu Buhari – led administration.

With the appointment of another distinguished and devout Christian, Mr. Boss Gida Mustapher as the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), President Buhari has demonstrated his belief in the circularity of Nigeria and the determination to work with all patriotic citizens, based on merit, irrespective of their faith.

CAN now owes it both moral and spiritual obligation to get unconditionally committed to the success of the administration in which its members occupy the second and third positions in the Presidency.
President Buhari having so eloquently demonstrated his trust in Christians, has thrown the challenge to us Christians to  reciprocate his love for all.

Should the Christians continue to accuse the President of hatred or discrimination, the public might be persuaded to suspect that either the Christians do not trust Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo and Mr. Mustapher as their own or they have vowed not to see anything good in the President who has entrusted so much power to their brethren.

Let us therefore uphold the administration in prayer, guide and counsel Christians in the government against falling into temptation.

Rather than blaming the President for being too slow to punish our brothers, former SGF, Babachir David Lawal and former Director-General of National Inteligence Agency, (NIA) Ambassador Ayo Oke who allegedly betrayed public trust, let us be rational and remorseful enough to admit that those two Christians betrayed our faith.

The new SGF, Mr Mustapher is a former Deputy National Chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)

Leaders of the ACN legacy in APC should emulate President Buhari’s all-inclusive policy and stop alienating leaders of Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) legacy in states dominated by them.

APC National Leader, Asiwaji Bola Tinubu has shamed those who fan the ember of discord between him and the President with his response to journalists during his visit to the President yesterday.

May God continue to promote love and trust between them.

Cynics who are criticizing the appointment of Mr Mustapher on the ground that he is biologically related to the sacked SGF, Babachir, should realize that the extended family of Babachir was not indicted in the accusation that led to his sack.  

President Buhari should please remain focused to keep vindicating those of us who have consistently demonstrated unshaken faith in his leadership since 2003.

Comrade Godwin Erhahon
P A T R O N:
Buhari Youths Organization (BYO)
Buhari Friends’ Organization Network (BFON)
Edo State Chapters.

Former Lagos State Governor and one of Nigeria’s most respected politicians, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lost his son, Jide to the cold hands of death.

The death of his son was revealed by the Chairman of Lagos State faction of the All Progressives Congress, APC in a statement released.

“It’s with regrets that I inform you of the demise of Mr. Jide Tinubu, the Son of Our dear and esteemed Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The cause of Jide’s death is yet to be revealed as a top politician in Nigeria has lost a child again.

Recall that sometimes ago, it was reported that a top APC chieftain, Dapo Abiodun lost his son, DJ Olu who was found lifeless in his vehicle at his dad’s garage, alongside a friend who they both gave up the ghost together.

More Details on the death of the son of the APC leader will be revealed as soon as they are gotten.

The youths have been admonished to come together and foster a fight against corruption in Nigeria, in order to sustain a securing future for the upcoming generation and the nation as a whole.

Making this statement, was the Constitutional lawyer and anti-corruption crusader, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, during the Sustainable Development and Transparency Foundation (SDTF) round-table on ”Best strategies in engaging the youth in Nigeria’s anti-corruption war” held on Wednesday at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos.

Abayomi, said that the corruption issue has been a long time was that needs urgent solution in order to protect the future of the country and the upcoming generations.

“The greatest effect of corruption is underdevelopment and mal-development. The promises and possibilities for growth and advancement in every sector of the economy is diminished if not made impossible by corruption.

“The effect of corruption in Nigeria is apparent in the low standard of living, high unemployment, absence of public and societal access to health, road, water, education, as this is a country that has made trillions of dollars as the richest West African nation since independence”

He added “It is estimated that not less than 80% of National population live serious poverty, while the remaining 20% live in abnormal affluence and in some case embarrasing opulence”
 

On the strategies needed to engage youths in the war against corruption, Abayomi, advocated the step to move the war against corruption from the war of government by government and for government to war of the people for their interest.

“The war must be made a people’s war in the special interest of the people if it is ever going to succeed. If the war against corruption becomes the war of the people for their interest, then we must ask a follow-up question. How do we fight the war?

“In my view, we can learn from past experience. The most recent experience which I am most familiar with is the war against military dictatorship. Now, no war is fought by all the people nor is victory dependent on the number of believers” he added

In her remarks, the President, Nigerian Guild Of Editors and Editor-in-chief, The new Telegraph Newspaper, Mrs Funke Egbemode called on Nigerian youths to Fight corruption by making the right choices during elections.

According to her, people who will take care of Nigerians and ensure progress should be voted for, not those who will pay people to vote for them.

The Chairman, Nigerian Union Of Journalist (NUJ), Lagos State chapter, Dr. Qasim Akinreti who was also present at the event stressed that corruption is not all about stealing money, adding that examination malpractice is also a form of corruption.

He also urged Nigerian youths to restructure their minds and souls against corruption and stand for the right things in order to change Nigeria for the better.

Among other speakers at the event were: representative of former Inspector General of Police, IGP, Solomon Arase, co-founder of Tell magazine, Dare Babarinsa, former dean, faculty of law, University of Lagos, UNILAG, Professor Chioma Agomo and Deputy Managing Director and Deputy Editor-In-Chief, The Sun Newspaper, Steve Nwosu.

DKO FOUNDATION EMBARKS ON FREE MEDICAL CHECKS AND MEDICATIONS TAGGED HEALTH IS WEALTH

It is a known fact that many people at the grassroots lack basic  medical access due to either lack of monetary resources or inefficient  medical facilities.

Dada Kolawole Oduntan conducted research survey to know the level of how people within Abeokuta South Local Government are having access to medical care,  the result is worrisome.

With the result of the survey, in addition to different empowerment programmes, Dada Kolawole Oduntan Foundation  has decided to conduct free medical checks with free drugs to the people of Abeokuta South Local Government in order to help those who lack access to basic health facilities. The “Health is Wealth” programme will kick-start in November 2017 at different locations in Abeokuta South Local Government Area.

There is an adage that says “Health is Wealth” at DKO FOUNDATION development of grassroots is our target.

Death has occurred of Hajiya Yelwa Danjuma Goje, wife of the former Governor of Gombe State, Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje.

Hajiya Yelwa 55, died in a Hospital in the United States of America early hours of Monday 30th October, 2017 after a brief illness.

She is survived by her husband, Senator Danjuma Goje, six children, 10 grandchildren and many relatives. May Allah be please with her and grant patience to all those she left behind.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has condemned the Federal Government’s involvement in the school feeding programme, saying it is essentially a programme that the states should execute.

Obasanjo stated this in an exclusive interview at the venue of the World Food Prize in Iowa, USA, penultimate Friday.

The President, African Development Bank and a former Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, was on the occasion, awarded the 2017 laureate of the World Food Prize, where Obasanjo was in attendance.

The Federal Government had said in September that over N6.2bn had been paid to 14 states as part of efforts to meet its target of feeding three million primary school children in 2017 under the National Homegrown School Feeding Programme.

The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Vice-President, Laolu Akande, in a statement, listed Anambra, Enugu, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ebonyi, Zamfara, Delta, Abia, Benue, Plateau, Bauchi, Taraba and Kaduna as the benefitting states.

He added that the amount was expended during the school year ending August, 2017.

On Monday, Akande noted that one million schoolchildren had been added to the programme from three states — Cross River, Awka Ibom and Niger — bringing the total number of participating states to 17.

So far, 4,773,064 schoolchildren in 25,771 schools in 17 states are currently benefitting from the feeding programme.

Although Obasanjo commended the Federal Government for its initiative, he argued that school feeding programmes should be left to state governments to handle.

The ex-President stated, “Any programme that will enhance food intake, particularly of the youth, and we help them in their growth, vitality, and in giving them better nutrition, I would regard as a good programme. (As president) I encouraged it. It is not supposed to be a Federal Government programme.

“If I remember correctly, I think Nasarawa State had a similar programme which was good; Kano State had one which was good. I think one of the states in the South-West also had one. But it was not a federal programme. It was initially a state programme that was encouraged and assisted (by the Federal Government) as much as possible in the past.

“It’s not a Federal Government programme; it shouldn’t be. Any state that wants to go into it must be ready to go into it and any state that goes into it must make it a success, otherwise it’s not useful.

“I went to a mission school and in my third year, we had what they called ‘midday meal,’ which was tremendously appreciated and, I believe, helped because some of the children didn’t even have what they could call one square meal a day.

“The school provided one good meal, which was good for them. And that was only at the school level, not even at the community level. It was not at the city level, not to talk of district level. So, I would say that any state that wants to undertake such a programme should be encouraged.”

Although Obasanjo refused to assess the Muhammadu Buhari administration, he gave parameters for rating the government’s efforts in the school feeding programme.

“I don’t even know how many states are participating in it. Any programme that has not been covered in at least 50 per cent of the country, I don’t know how you will rate it; whether you would rate that as a success or a failure.

“Any programme must cover at least 50 per cent of the country for me to describe it as successful and if you can even take it to 90 per cent, I would say very good. You may not be able to get 100 per cent; but anything that covers between 80 and 90 per cent, I would regard as good,” he said.

The former President said Adesina, the World Food Prize laureate, deserved his presence at the award.

He said, “If he wasn’t well assessed by me, I won’t be here. The fact that I’m here is an indication that he’s performed well and I endorse the prize he was given, and he deserves it.”