Naomi Osaka ended Victoria Azarenka’s dream run to claim her second U.S. Open title in three years with a 1-6 6-3 6-3 comeback win on Saturday. The win cemented her status as the sport’s leading light both on and off the court. Unlike the 22-year-old Japanese’s first U.S. Open win in 2018 over Serena Williams, which was played in a frothing Arthur Ashe Stadium, Saturday’s drama unfolded in a strangely quiet arena. COVID-19 health and safety protocols had prevented fans from entering the Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre. But the lack of buzz around the stands did not stop…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
The Niger state government, has allocated 50 hectares of land to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, for the establishment of a training school in Kontagora. The Chairman of North Central Governors’ Forum and Governor of Niger, Abubakar Sani-Bello who handed over the land to the management of NSCDC, said it is in a bid to provide security to citizens. Sani-Bello explained that in the interim, the state government had signed a lease agreement with the Bako Ranch Limited, to ensure a smooth take-off of the NSCDC training school, adding that some facilities were made available…
On Friday, 11th September 2020, I accompanied the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, who happens to be my mentor and role model to Adamawa state, for the inauguration of the National Cooking Gas Project. She was in the state to flag off the distribution of cooking gas among women and girls, who are the main beneficiaries of the project. Adamawa is one of the 11 states hit by desertification, so the Minister was also there for tree planting in order to mitigate deforestation. This of course, is in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s palliatives programme, aimed at alleviating…
The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday, condoled Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, on the death of his 23-year old daughter, Sadiya. Tinubu, a former Governor of Lagos State said: “We are here to thank God for you . In everything, He has taught us to bring grateful and faithful. “Whatever He allows to happen to us, we must should thank Him . Bereavement is not easy , particularly of a daughter, but that is the way God wants it. “If we lament more than this we will be sinning, hence, we must…
President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged that the Federal government will support victims of flood disaster in Kebbi state. Buhari dispatched a high powered delegation, led by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Sabo Nanono to commiserate with flood victims across the state. Nanono, accompanied by Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and top Government officials from federal and state government, told the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammdu Mera in his palace that the president was deeply concerned with the massive flood disasters in the state, as well as other parts of Nigeria. Nanono also said that, he was in…
Sequel to the invitation by the Department of State Services, DSS, to the former Deputy Governor of Central Bank, CBN, Dr Mailafiya Obadiah that he appears at the Jos headquarters of the Service, the National Consultative Front, NCFront, has warned the Federal government to stop harassing the former CBN chief. Led by former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba and Prof. Pat Utomi, the NCFront also threatened “a major mass action” if anything happens to its leaders, including Mailafia. This is contained in a statement by the group’s Head of Public Affairs Bureau, Mr Tanko…
By Tina George, Minna A violence-ridden political atmosphere on Saturday, led to the postponement of the state congress of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Niger. The cancellation of the political event, was as a result of thugs allegedly loyal to two state chairmanship aspirants, who engaged in a fight, making the process stalled. A former member of House of Representatives, Alhaji Baba Agaie was allegedly manhandled by some party faithful from his own Agaie local government area for supporting the former governor of the state, Dr Babangida Aliyu. Following the tensed political atmosphere, members of the electoral committee led…
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has observed that Nigeria has state is failing and became badly divided due to mismanagement of the country by Buhari administration. Obasanjo, while delivering a speech titled ‘Moving Nigeria Away from Tipping Over’ on Thursday, also said that Nigeria was fast drifting to a failed and badly divided state. The Punch Newspaper reports that the consultative dialogue was attended by members of various groups, including Afenifere, Middle Belt Forum, Northern Elders Forum, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo and Pan Niger Delta Forum. “I do appreciate that you all feel sad and embarrassed as most of us feel as…
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has expressed deep shock and grief over the death of the daughter of the former Governor of Sokoto state, Senator Aliyu Wamakko. This is contained in a statement by the Spokesperson of the Deputy President of the Senate, Yomi Odunuga and made available to Ashenewsonline on Friday. Wammako, who is currently Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, lost his daughter, Sadiya at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, UDUTH, Sokoto on Thursday following complications associated with childbirth. Senator Omo-Agege expressed sadness over the development and prayed for God Almighty to comfort his grieving…
The co-founder of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr Bill Gates has called on Nigerian government to sustain the polio-free status declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO), continuing with its campaign against the virus. Gates made the call in a statement issued by Ameen Yassar, Director-General, Media and Public Relations, Kano Government House, on Saturday in Kano. The statement said Gates made the call during the virtual meeting of the Kano State Health System Strengthening Programme. It disclosed that the meeting was attended by Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje; the Chairman, Dangote Foundation, Aliko Dangote; Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire…