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General Sani Abacha: A Legacy Of Sporting Excellence
Late General Sani Abacha, Nigeria’s 10th Head of State, left an indelible mark on the nation’s sporting landscape during his reign from November 17th, 1993, to his passing on June 8, 1998.
While his leadership was marked by a mix of opinions, there’s no denying that he played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s sporting glory.
General Abacha, the first Nigerian Army Officer to attain the rank of a full military General without skipping a single rank, recognized the power of sports.
He enlisted Chief Jim Nwobodo as the Sports Minister, a man known for his innate passion for sports.
Jim’s track record with Enugu Rangers International in the late ’70s and early ’80s made him a natural choice.
Under Abacha’s directive, Jim Nwobodo was entrusted with replicating the success of Enugu Rangers on a national stage.
General Abacha’s tenure saw Nigeria break a 14-year jinx, winning the African Nations Cup in Tunisia in 1994.
Nigeria demonstrated class and style, announcing its readiness to compete on the world stage.
This success paved the way for Nigeria’s remarkable performance in the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA.
At the 1994 World Cup, Nigeria’s Super Eagles, under the guidance of Clemence Westerhof and Johannes Bonfrere, showcased their best football ever.
Players like Rashidi Yekini, Jay Jay Okocha, and Peter Rufai demonstrated Nigeria’s emergence as a global football powerhouse.
Despite being edged out by Italy in the second round, the Super Eagles finished as the 5th best football nation, according to FIFA rankings.
General Abacha’s commitment to sports excellence extended to the Olympics.
Nigeria sent a team of 65 athletes to Atlanta, Georgia, and achieved a historic victory by winning gold in football, a first for any African nation.
This triumph displayed determination and unwavering belief in the face of adversity.
What made General Abacha’s era stand out in sports was the unique combination of motivation, discipline, and unwavering support.
His right-hand man, Major Al Mustapha, played a significant role in motivating the athletes.
He established a strong connection with the players, offering encouragement and personal chats, instilling a sense of belonging.
In contrast, successive governments have struggled to maintain the sporting excellence witnessed during General Abacha’s tenure.
The lack of willpower, discipline, and motivation has hindered Nigeria’s sports development.
Despite having officials with sporting knowledge, the inability to take decisive measures against those undermining sports remains a challenge.
The sports community calls for a change in Nigeria’s sports management.
It is essential to appoint individuals who are passionate, committed, and grounded in the ethos of sports to strategic positions within the sector.
General Abacha’s model of motivation, discipline, and adequate training should serve as a blueprint for the government to rekindle Nigeria’s sporting glory.
As we mourn the retrogression of Nigerian sports, let’s celebrate the man who brought us joy with his sporting acumen – General Sani Abacha.
The Oyo State Police Command on Tuesday said that the video of the alleged invasion of the state by suspected Boko Haram currently circulating on social media was recycled.
The command’s spokesman, CSP Adewale Osifeso, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Ibadan, the state capital.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a video clip is currently being circulated on social media alleging the arrest of suspected Boko Haram members who invaded the state along the Ibadan Expressway.
“The Police Command in Oyo wishes to address the recent circulation of misleading information on social media regarding a video that purportedly shows an attempted invasion of the state by Boko Haram elements intercepted along the Ibadan Express road.
“The video, which allegedly depicts articulated trucks filled with motorcycles and weapons, has been verified as a recycled clip from 2022,” he said.
Osifeso said the re-emergence of the video, particularly during a period of enhanced security in the state, suggests a deliberate attempt by certain individuals with malicious intent, seeking to spread falsehoods and incite fear and unrest.
“The command urges the public to remain vigilant and disregard such antics; we assure that this does not pose any current threat to the safety and security of the state.
“To further substantiate our claim regarding the video’s outdated nature, we note that the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) at the Ilero Divisional Police Headquarters, DSP. Segun Adeyemo, who appeared briefly in the video, retired from the Nigeria Police Force in August 2024 after a long period of meritorious service,” he added.
Osifeso reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding all residents in the state.
He urged the public to avoid circulating outdated video content pertaining to issues that had been previously resolved and encouraged them to thoroughly verify any information before sharing on social media.
NAN
It was an evening of glamour, prestige, and fine living as the crème de la crème of society gathered for the Falcon Aero Jet Night, hosted in collaboration with Glenfiddich Grand Cru. The event, which took place amidst an atmosphere of refined luxury, marked the announcement of a major partnership: Glenfiddich Grand Cru is now the official in-flight spirit and drinks partner for Viva Jets, catering to both local and intercontinental long-haul flights.
The gathering attracted industry heavyweights, top executives, and celebrated Nigerian celebrities, all of whom came out in full support of the union between the two premium brands. Guests and business leaders at the event expressed strong optimism that the partnership would set new standards for luxury travel and sophisticated experiences, aligning with the shared values of excellence and class that both brands embody.
Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Eddie Madaki, the Glenfiddich Grand Cru representative, emphasized that the collaboration with Viva Jets is a testament to the brand’s commitment to offering memorable, world-class experiences. “This partnership with Aero Jet will continue to create unforgettable memories for our patrons. Glenfiddich Grand Cru stands for elegance, tradition, and innovation, and we are excited to bring this spirit of excellence to the skies,” he said.
A representative from Aero Jet also shared insights into their vision for the collaboration, highlighting the importance of selecting Glenfiddich Grand Cru as their official in-flight partner. According to the representative, the choice was driven by Glenfiddich’s reputation for quality and luxury, which perfectly complements the bespoke flying experience Aero Jet is renowned for providing to its discerning clientele.
Glenfiddich Grand Cru is a unique expression from the Glenfiddich distillery, renowned globally for its pioneering spirit and craftsmanship. Aged for 23 years and finished in rare French cuvée casks, Glenfiddich Grand Cru fuses the finest flavours from Scotland and France, delivering an extraordinary drinking experience designed to celebrate life’s most special moments. This latest partnership further cements Glenfiddich’s standing as a beacon of luxury and sophistication.
The Falcon Aero Jet Night was not just a celebration of a new venture, but a true testament to the power of vision, craftsmanship, and shared values, ushering in a new era of premium experiences in aviation and luxury lifestyle.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Comrade Jerry Adams, has commended the growing commitment of political leaders to the development of Southern Kaduna, describing it as unprecedented.
Speaking at the Southern Kaduna Solemn Assembly for Restoration held in Bara, Jema’a Local Government Area, Adams attributed the progress to the inclusive governance style of Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing several ongoing developmental projects as evidence of their dedication.
The meeting, convened at the instance of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political figures to strategize on advancing the region’s growth.
Adams noted that Southern Kaduna is witnessing an unparalleled drive for development under the current leadership, and he urged residents to remain politically united ahead of the 2027 elections to consolidate these gains.
“Since the return of democracy, this is the first time we are seeing leaders who are truly passionate about the development of Southern Kaduna,” he said.
“We must learn to love ourselves so that others can love and respect us.”
Highlighting some of the projects the Governor played a pivotal role, Adams mentioned the military barracks under construction in Samaru Kataf, the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, and the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia.
He emphasized that the governor had to reclaim some state-owned properties to facilitate these developments.
“Southern Kaduna is not there yet, but we are firmly on the path to progress,” Adams asserted.
He further called on the people of the region to unite politically and vote strategically in the 2027 elections, stressing that coordinated political action is crucial for attracting greater development.
“We must bring our votes together and negotiate a better deal for our people, rather than voting indiscriminately, which in the past has led to misfortune for the region,” he added.