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Joshua to Fury ” Bring it on” after defeating Pulev

Nnenna Okoronkwo
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Anthony Joshua says he welcomes “the challenge” of facing Tyson Fury after comfortably beating Kubrat Pulev in London’s Wembley Arena on Saturday.

 

The heavyweight champion produced a devastating knockout in the ninth round to retain his IBF, WBO and WBA belts but attention quickly turned to the possibility of a unification bout with Fury.
Joshua seemed reluctant to talk about his rival at first but fans roared with approval when asked if they’d like to see the two face off.
“I started this game in 2013. I’ve been chasing all the belts. I’ve been dealing with mandatories,” Joshua said when asked about a potential fight.
“Of course I want the challenge. It’s not about the opponent, it’s about the legacy and the belt.
“Whoever has got the belt, I would love to compete with them. If that is Tyson Fury, let it be Tyson Fury. It’s no big deal.
“It’s one fight at a time, picking them off one by one. That’s all it’s about for me. I’ve got to stay focused.”
Anthony Joshua reacts to victory over Kubrat Pulev on Saturday.

Anthony Joshua reacts to victory over Kubrat Pulev on Saturday.

‘The biggest fight in boxing’

Fury is the current WBC champion and took to social media to call out Joshua after the fight, predicting he’d stop the 31-year-old within three rounds.
“I want the fight. I want the fight next. I will knock him out inside three rounds,” he said in a video posted to Twitter.
The reaction from the 1,000 spectators allowed into Wembley Arena on Saturday showed there is a huge appetite for the fight.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, assured it would happen next year.
“Starting from tomorrow, we make the Tyson Fury fight straight away,” he told Sky Sports.
“It’s the only fight to be made in boxing. It’s the biggest fight in boxing. It’s the biggest fight in British boxing history.”
In June, Hearn had said that both fighters had agreed terms, though specific dates and venues were still to be decided.
A limited number of fans (1,000) watched on as Joshua beat Pulev.

A limited number of fans (1,000) watched on as Joshua beat Pulev.

Devastating finish

Joshua shook off the lockdown rust with a comfortable victory over his resilient opponent on Saturday.
After a cagey start, Pulev faced the count twice in the third round as Joshua connected with a barrage of shots.
The Bulgarian, who has now lost just twice in his career, continued to smile at Joshua despite being pummeled by the champion and deserves credit for taking the fight as far as he did.
But Joshua, who deployed his trademark uppercut to good effect throughout, eventually wore his opponent down and knocked him out in the ninth round with a devastating straight right hand.
Joshua has now won 24 out of his 25 fights, with his only loss coming against Andy Ruiz in 2019.

Director-General PGF urges APC members to embrace reform

Zainab Sa'id
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Members of Nigeria’s governing party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, have been called on to embrace political reform in the party and shun the prevailing conventional political behaviour in Nigeria.

The Director-General of the Progressives Governors Forum, PGF, Mr Salihu Lukman who made the call in a press statement released in Abuja said reform would strengthen the APC.

According to Lukman, the prevailing conventional political behaviour in Nigeria is when political office holders control structures of the party. He said reforms will return control of party structure back to the members.

“The conventional approach in Nigeria is that individual politicians aspiring for political offices recruit party members who are their loyalists. Party leaders at different levels emerge from the members who are loyal to the politician, who will, in turn, become the candidate of the party for election.

“Being in control of the structures of the party, the politician, who is the candidate of the party and eventually elected representative or leader of the party will be responsible for funding the party, as well as party administration, including recruitment of party personnel.

“From all indications, the seductiveness of conventional politics creates a strong opposition to reforms within parties. It is the determinant of success or failure in capacities of political parties to produce the desired change citizens expect,” he said.

The PGF DG also advised the APC Caretaker Committee led by Governor Mai Mala Buni to shun exchanging words with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and rather focus on communicating its activities on party building to the public.

Mr Lukman further urged APC members to support the Caretaker Committee in its efforts at building the party through membership registration and revalidation amongst others.

“Instead of some of the dry press releases throwing banters at PDP leaders who are struggling to bounce back to pollical reckoning, the messages from the Caretaker Committee and the party should be about rebuilding the party.

“There is the need to take every step necessary to ensure that the reform going on in APC strengthen internal democracy within the party. This will require that all activities of membership registration/revalidation, congresses and national convention are carefully planned.

“To achieve this will require that members of His Excellency Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Committee are taking the necessary steps to strengthen the capacity of the APC National Secretariat to implement all decisions. This is largely about taking responsibility and communicating decisions to party members and the public.

“Although considerable progress has been achieved, it is important to appeal for more consultations, coordination and better communications of initiatives and all the internal reform process,” Lukman said.

Kano State Government to build 5000 houses for teachers

Zainab Sa'id
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The Kano State government has concluded plans to construct about 5000 housing units for teachers in public primary and secondary schools in the state, under the first phase of a scheme aimed at providing decent accommodation for teachers and their families.

The scheme, tagged Teachers Reserved Areas (TRA), will be implemented jointly by the state government, Family Homes Funds and the Federal Mortgage Bank, according to the state governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The governor announced this during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Kano on the proposed project, explaining that each of the 36 rural local governments will have 100 housing units while the remaining eight metropolitan local governments will have 150 housing units each.

“The state government would provide the land, auxiliary facilities such as water, electricity and roads while other aspects would be handled by the partners.” Governor Ganduje said.

The governor, however, pointed out that participation in the scheme, which would commence next year, is optional and the beneficiaries would pay for the houses in easy instalments.

Dr Ganduje stated that his administration is concerned about ensuring affordability of and access to houses for the teachers so that they do not become destitute when they retire from active service.

He said a technical committee under the Executive Chairman of the State Policy Coordination and Policy Implementation Directorate, Alh. Rabi’u Sulaiman Bichi has been set up to fashion out modalities for smooth implementation of the project.

In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the State Policy Coordination and Policy Implementation Directorate, Alh. Rabi’u Sulaiman Bichi maintained that the teachers housing initiative was to complement the state Free and Compulsory Education Policy.

“The last time houses were built for teachers in Kano was during the days of the Native Authority. The government would tap into available resources at Federal financial institutions, to make the dream a reality.” Bichi said.

On his part, the representative of Family Homes Funds, Engr. Musa Shu’aibu Mukhtar explained that his agency was willing to work with the government of Kano state to provide decent and affordable accommodation for teachers, adding that the project would create thousands of jobs in the state.

Lagos monarch pledges to secure property rights of allottees

Zainab Sa'id
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The Oniru of Iru land Lagos, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II, says the focus of his kingship is on the security of the property rights of allottees in the kingdom.

Oba Lawal who was speaking at the commissioning of the Oniru Chieftaincy Family Estate Office located on Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos, noted that adequate security of the property rights of allottees is one of the indicators of a friendly investment planet.

He explained that the commissioning of the Office was to assure all sons and daughters of Iru land that their landed properties would never be devalued under his reign.

The Oniru noted that the chieftaincy family estate office would see to the progress and challenges of the allottees on issues relating to real estate, buying of lands as well as environmental concerns across Iru Land.

“We have come here today to officially commission the Oniru Chieftaincy Family Estate Office. This is in compliance with the family’s authority in place.

“It is important to also note that the family used to have a property company but it dissolved and the power of attorney of the company has been revoked by the Kabiyesi and the family head of the three ruling houses- Abisogun, Akiogun and Ogunyemi ruling houses.

“This is the office that will now see to the challenges, issues and progress of the allottees. As a matter of fact, security of property rights which is one of the indicators of a friendly investment planet is what this office will focus on.

“Instead of us using another company, we resolved that the family should run its affairs by sons and daughters of Iru land,” he said.

More comfort

According to Oba Lawal, the chieftaincy estate office would grant investors an unrivalled convenience as well as letting investors, both present and prospective to know that Iru Land was customer-centric.

He also mentioned that the office would put all issues related to allottees first by giving them a conducive environment to conduct their businesses and transactions.

The Oniru who acknowledged that the infrastructure in Iru Land needed to be up-scaled while the existing ones are regenerated, however, noted that the office was already in discussion with the Lagos State Government to ensure that all the 3,043 residents under the watch of Iru Estate have access to potable water.

Oniru said: “The benefit of this place generally is investors’ convenience. It is important to let our allottees know that we are customer-centric. In this case, our allottees are our customers, we gave the title, we made agreements with them and so, they are our customers.

“We want to assure them that we have not come to devalue their properties or hijack their properties. We want to make them know that under my watch, I will never do anything to reduce the value of their properties at any point in time.

“You must have seen the level of infrastructures on ground, we need to upscale the infrastructure and regenerate the existing infrastructure.

He assured all allottees, Lagosians and Nigerians in general as well as sons and daughters of Iru land that it is a new beginning that would be beneficial to all, including residents, indigenes and non-indigenes.

Experience counts

Also speaking at the occasion was the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Urban Development, Mr Ganiyu Ayuba who appreciated the passion, expertise and experience that the Monarch will bring to bear for the development of the kingdom.

According to him “Security, infrastructure and environment are the focal points of governance; If the Kabiyesi can assist in coordinating his kingdom like this, then we are excited and we enjoin all other traditional rulers to emulate him.”

Increasing confidence

The Managing Director, Oniru Chieftaincy Family Estate Office, Prince Musiliu Ajasa also stated that office was created solely with the residents and investors in mind.

Ajasa stated that the essence of the office was to increase stakeholders’ confidence in the affairs of the estate, particularly on issues such as security, infrastructure, environment and sanitation, among others.

He said that Iru Land had a working vision and as such had commenced the implementation of some policies and projects such as rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads within the estate, construction of a well-equipped health centre of international standard.

Another member of the Oniru ruling houses, Prince Olumide Oniru, said that the idea behind the office was to speed up development adding that the office would be technologically driven and well-mannered.

He noted that the affairs of the office would transcend beyond the present as it would be about future prosperity and development of Iru kingdom.

Progressive Governors, APC mourn Nda-Isaiah

Zainab Sa'id
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The chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, PGF and Kebbi state governor, Atiku Bagudu, has described the death of the Chairman of Leadership Newspaper, Samuel Nda-Isaiah as a loss to the global media world.

The chairman stated this in a condolence message on behalf of the PGF.

It would be recalled that Mr Nda-Isaiah was a former Presidential aspirant in the All Progressives Congress, APC. Governor Bagudu said his death is a loss to the APC.

“We join the family, members of All Progressives Congress in Niger State and the nation, to pray for the repose of the soul of our dear and beloved Chairman of Leadership Newspapers Group and former presidential aspirant on the platform of our party, APC. His death is a loss to the nation, the Nigerian progressive community and the global media world.

“We pray to God Almighty to grant his family the fortitude to bear this heavy loss. May Allah reward all the good work of Pharmacist Samuel Nda-Isaiah, forgive his limitations and bless what he left behind” he said.

An Icon

In the same vein, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the late Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah as an icon who was full of ideas and solutions.

In a tribute message by the APC National Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee signed by one of its members Ismaeel Ahmed, the APC said it mourns the loss of Mr Nda-Isaiah who was a former Presidential Aspirant for the party.

“In fact, he took the great leap to affirm the ideals he believed in by seeking to be the party’s Presidential flag bearer in our 2014 Presidential primary. He was part and parcel of the journey that brought our party to its formation, and ultimately the growth we have achieved in the last 6 years.

“Whenever the party gave tasks to Dr Sam, they were carried out dutifully and with the highest sense of responsibility; this indeed was the classic Sam. A hard worker who was passionate about the growth and development of his community, party and his country” the APC said.

The APC said Nigeria has been better because of Mr Nda-Isaiah because he set a standard in the media industry.

Bandits’ attack: Katsina State government orders closure of boarding schools

Zainab Sa'id
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Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State has ordered the immediate closure of all boarding secondary schools in the state.

The governor gave the directive in a statement by his Director-General on Media, Mr Abdu Labaran, on Saturday in Katsina.

According to Labaran, the Governor’s directive follows the alleged abduction of some students of the Government Science Secondary School (GSSS) Kankara by bandits on Friday night.

Governor Masari visited the school in the company of his Deputy, Mannir Yakubu, other government officials, some parents, traditional and religious leaders as well as security officials.

The governor met with the school officials, parents, traditional and religious leaders as well as security officials.

Masari pleaded with the people to be patient, assuring them that the government would do every necessary thing to ensure the release of all the abducted students.

“Already, the military, the police and the Department of State Security have swung into action and are on the trail of the bandits.

“The government is very firm in its resolve to be ruthless in any engagement with the bandits.” Governor Masari said.

Masari further gave assurances that both the Federal and state governments were doing their bests to bring an end to banditry and other debilitating criminal activities in the state.

President Buhari hails Anthony Joshua’s victory

Zainab Sa'id
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President Muhammadu Buhari has celebrated the decisive victory of Nigerian-born boxer, Anthony Joshua over Kubrat Pulev on Saturday night.

The President says by retaining his IBF, WBA, and WBO titles, Joshua has given boxing lovers round the world, and particularly in Nigeria, something to cheer.

Anthony Joshua floored Pulev heavily on three occasions, twice in the final round, and ended the fight with a vicious right hand to retain his IBF, WBA and WBO titles.

He recalls his meeting with the heavyweight champion in London earlier in the year, describing Anthony Joshua as a humble, well brought up young man, “who will still go places.”

President Buhari wishes Joshua all the best in his dream fight against Tyson Fury, saying he has the prayers and goodwill of Nigerians going with him

NDDC gets new administrator

Zainab Sa'id
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President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of an interim administrator to oversee the affairs of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)

He is Mr Effiong Okon Akwa, the Ag. Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Commission, who is to assume headship till completion of the forensic audit.

Mr Akwa is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Demi Adesina, who revealed in a statement, said:

“The development became necessary as a result of a plethora of litigation and a restraining order issued recently against the Interim Management Committee of the NDDC by a Federal High Court in Abuja.”

After fires, Australia gets ready for floods

Mosunmola Ore
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Just days after bushfires threatened an Australian World Heritage site, authorities have  urged people to brace up for the floods on the subtropical east coast on Sunday by sandbaging their homes.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a “severe weather warning” for the border area between New South Wales and Queensland states, a heavily populated area that includes the Queensland state capital Brisbane.

A week earlier, nearby Fraser Island was evacuated due to bushfires, dashing hopes that wetter weather would make seasonal fires less catastrophic than last year.

Scientists attribute the erratic weather in the early Australian summer to a La Nina pattern – which typically features strong rain – combined with climate change.

Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island, is now under the flood warning, which includes urging drivers to avoid roads where waters were already rising.

“These are dynamic weather systems and you should always expect the unexpected,” bureau senior flood hydrologist Justin Robinson told a news conference.

The warning came soon after Queensland opened its border to the neighbouring state after months of closure due to COVID-19. The authorities urged people travelling for end-of-year holidays to exercise caution since they may not be familiar with flood-prone areas.

“It isn’t a time to take a chance and drive through those floodwaters,” said New South Wales emergency services commissioner Carlene York. “Be aware of your surroundings and where you might be parking your caravan or you may be driving.”

Emergency services had rescued four people, including some from cars trapped on flooded roads, and received about 700 calls for help, she said.

At the heavily populated Gold Coast, south of Brisbane, the authorities closed beaches due to dangerous surf, while the emergency services set up several locations where people could stock up on sandbags.

High food prices to persist for months – AFAN

Mosunmola Ore
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The high cost of food items across the country to persist for months as a result of insecurity and the COVID-19 pandemic on food production.

This was stated by Mr Kabir Ibrahim, the National President of All Farmers Association of Nigeria.

According to him, the production of food had dropped and this has further escalated the prices of agricultural commodities nationwide.

The food producer said the hike in prices of agricultural produce, as confirmed by the National Bureau of Statistics, would persist for a while.

The NBS had confirmed the high cost of food in its Selected Food Prices Watch report, where it stated that the price of rice appreciated in September.

“The average price of 1kg of rice (imported high quality sold loose) increased year-on-year by 39.07 per cent and month-on-month by 2.87 per cent to N516.13 in September 2020 from N501.71 in August 2020,” the bureau stated.

He said, “It is normal to have escalating prices when there is slight shortage. The effect of COVID-19, flooding and insecurity on food production is bringing up its head and that is why we are having this concern.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is global. Even in the US, there is an article that revealed that there is currently cases of shoplifting and about 54 million people are going to be hungry.”

Ibrahim added, “So in Nigeria, we believe that the high food prices will be there for some months, except if security is enhanced and our people are able to do dry season farming.

“The dry season farming will be to augment the raining season farming that we have done. Without that, we will still have soaring prices.”

The AFAN president further noted that the harsh economy would not support the purchase of farm produce by government for storage in national silos, in case the government intended to buy agricultural commodities.

He explained that any move to make such purchase would further worsen inflation, adding that this had made the situation more precarious.

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