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Former England Rugby star Will Greenwood takes on gruelling 70km Sierra Leone bike ride for education charity
‘We felt like we’d been on 180 in a fan assisted oven’, said England’s third-highest try scorer of all time
Around 800 runners took part in the 10th Sierra Leone marathon at the weekend, organised by UK charity Street Child, which helps children globally get back into education.
Dubbed the “craziest and most worthwhile marathon” in the world, the arduous race started in the early hours of Sunday in the northern town of Makeni.
For the first time nine cyclists aged 24 to around 60 – many of them “hobby cyclists” – undertook a 70km bike ride alongside the marathon, half-marathon, and other running events.
Among them was former World Cup and grand slam rugby star Greenwood.
The mercury rose to 30C, as the race took cyclists along dirt tracks, through jungle and rural villages, beneath the fierce African sun.
“It felt like being cooked,” Greenwood told the Standard from Sierra Leone. “We felt like we’d been on 180 in a fan assisted oven from about 11.30am.
“The last 10k was really tough, getting hot. But the group kept each other going.
“As someone who’s reasonably fit…the first three or four hours were ‘let’s stop and take photos, isn’t it amazing?’ The last two hours it was ‘how far? how long?’”
But he said the group “felt safe all the time” as they were accompanied by local escorts, as well as a medic and and a mechanic. They finished the 70km route in just under six hours.
Greenwood was accompanied on ride by several colleagues from AI firm Afiniti, where he is Chief Customer Officer, and described the experience as “bonding” and deeply satisfying.
Earlier in the week, he and the other athletes visited a school and small businesses in Sierra Leone that are helped by Street Child.
“They are working to try and maintain what so many of us take for granted – a child’s right to education,” Greenwood, who has 55 international caps and is England’s third-highest try scorer of all time, said of the charity.
“They are working with local communities to make educational establishments independent ecosystems of education.
“I get to go home now and see my kids. They’re at school and they’ve got a roof over their head and they’re well-fed, and they don’t have to walk seven miles to school and back in 35C heat.
“To see the work that Street Child are doing just in this location is one that just, makes you want to be like ‘how can I help?’”
Greenwood, who lives near Maidenhead, has worked as a presenter for Sky Sports and a sports journalist for The Telegraph since retiring from rugby in 2006.
He has previously led fundraising expeditions to summit Kilimanjaro and walked to the North Pole urged anyone keen for a fundraising challenge to consider taking part in the Sierra Leone events.
For more information about Street Child and how to sign up for next year’s marathon or bike ride, visit www.street-child.org.
US EXPLAINS REASONS FOR EXPELLING 4 GAMBIAN DIPLOMATS
The US Department of State has explained the decision behind the expulsion of four Gambian diplomats at the embassy in Washington.
The diplomats Abdu Cham, Pa Sako Darboe, Mustapha Sosseh and Alhagie Babou Joof were given until 17 July to leave the United States. The US State Department explains each diplomat’s situation as follows:
Abdu Cham
According to the Department of State, Abdu Cham, a counsellor at the Gambian Embassy in Washington, DC, is found wanting by the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) of striking his daughter, with a mop.
“The mop left markings on the daughter’s arms. The MCPD further reported that based on the victims’ injuries and evidence at the scene, had it not been for his diplomatic immunity, Mr Cham would have been arrested under state law and charged with second degree child abuse,” the State Department said.
Mr Cham’s case was referred to Child Protective Services (CPS) who provides recommendations and access to resources to assist families.
“The Department expects that the embassy help ensure the safety and wellbeing of its members and their dependents, including all the children who are residing in a principal’s household. The Department reminds the embassy that members of a foreign mission are expected to respect the laws of the United States. The Department takes this matter very seriously and considers such alleged behavior unacceptable for a member of a foreign mission,” the statement added.
The Department said it will continue to monitor the situation and will be in contact with the embassy as new information becomes available.
Pa Sako Darboe
On the case of Pa Sako Darboe, a first secretary, the Department of State said he is found wanting of taking into custody transfer documents for a thirteen-year-old girl, and a fourteen-year-old boy.
“A subsequent investigation by the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) determined that the custody transfer documents were fraudulent, and that Mr Darboe used these fraudulent documents to enroll the two children in school in Montgomery County, Maryland,” it added.
Alhagie Babou Joof
The DSS also found that, separately, Mr Alhagie Babou Joof, a finance attaché, had participated in visa fraud.
Mustapha Sosseh
“Finally, DSS found that Mustapha Sosseh, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the embassy, had been associated with visa applications with fraudulent indicators and that the illicit schemes described above took place under his leadership.
Accordingly, pursuant to Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on
Diplomatic Relations, the above-named individuals and their dependents are required to depart the United States no later than July 17, 2023, at which point they will cease to enjoy any privileges and immunities,” the statement said.
The DSS also requested the Gambian Embassy to return all Department-issued documents for the above-named individuals, including their driver’s licenses, tax exemption cards, and identification cards, to the Department’s Office of Foreign Missions immediately.
“Further, the Department informs the embassy that the above-named individuals are unacceptable for future accreditation as members of The Gambia’s Mission to the United States,” it added.
The State Department documents were obtained from The Fatu Network.
Tinubu writes Senate, seeks confirmation of Service Chiefs
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking for the screening and subsequent confirmation of the new Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs.
Recall that President Tinubu had, last month, appointed Major General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Major General bTaoreed Lagbaja as the chief of Army Staff.
Tinubu also appointed Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla as the Chief of Naval Staff and Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar as the Chief of Air Staff and Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye appointed the Chief of Defence Intelligence.
He urged the Red Chamber to consider his request expeditiously.
Akpabio, after reading the letter, referred the request to the Committee of the Whole as there was no Standing Committee on Armed Forces, just as this means
that the Service Chiefs would be screened on the floor of the Senate, not at the Committee level
Embarking on a journey into the new week
Monday arrives, and we step foot into the week with enthusiasm. The destination may be familiar, but the journey is unique. Each day presents a chance to explore new paths, encounter different experiences, and meet fascinating people. Just as travelers immerse themselves in the culture of a foreign land, we dive into the rich tapestry of opportunities that the week offers.
Burna Boy becomes first African to sell out stadium show in US
Grammy award-winning singer Burna Boy has become the first African musician to sell out a stadium show in the United States of America. The ‘Love Damini’ crooner sold out the 41,000-capacity Citi Field Stadium in NYC, USA, on Saturday.
The self-acclaimed ‘African Giant’ also brought out British rapper, Dave to perform their collaborative song ‘Location.’ Burna Boy performed ‘Ye’ and songs from his last four albums; ‘Outside’, ‘African Giant’, ‘Twice As Tall’, and ‘Love Damini’.
Credit to: thenationonlline.net
Chelsea Reject €25M Inter Milan Offer For Star Striker – Holding Out For €40M
Chelsea have rejected an initial bid of €25 million from Inter Milan for Romelu Lukaku, and are holding out for €40 million.
This according to Sky Sport Italia transfer market expert Gianluca Di Marzio, via FCInterNews, who also report that Juventus are interested in signing the Belgian international but that the player only wants Inter.
Inter are now ready to make a straight cash offer for Lukaku.
The Nerazzurri’s previous bids have all faced swift rejection because they’d previously only offered a loan deal. Chelsea are only interested in selling Lukaku on a permanent basis, by contrast.
However, Di Marzio reports, Inter have made a formal offer of €25 million for the Belgian.
However, this is not yet high enough for the Blues. According to Di Marzio, Chelsea have rejected Inter’s offer and countered with an asking price of €40 million.
Whilst the Premier League side hardly expect to recoup anything close to what they paid for Lukaku, they still aren’t ready to accept any low-ball bids.
Chelsea Striker Romelu Lukaku Only Wants Inter – No Interest In Juventus
Lukaku has always made his will clear – he wants to go back to Inter.
However, he is still waiting for the Nerazzurri to make a deal with Chelsea.
That still hasn’t happened, and as Di Marzio reports, Inter’s latest attempt has once again been unsuccessful.
Some reports suggest that Inter’s failure to complete a deal for Lukaku has left the door open for Juventus to make a shock move for the striker.
However, Di Marzio reports, this is not remotely a serious consideration for Lukaku.
Rather, the 30-year-old is fully prioritizing going back to the Nerazzurri. Di Marzio confirms that the Bianconeri have mulled over the idea of moving for Lukaku. But on the player’s side, there is no interest.
Meanwhile, Lukaku would reportedly be willing to reduce his wages to go back to Inter. He is fully committed to making the move happen.
Credit to: sempreinte
Rise against coup, terrorism, Tinubu tells West Africa
Tinubu was unanimously elected as chair of the 16-nation Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of States/Governments of the sub-region, the first he attended as Nigerian leader.
He unfolded his agenda for elaborate socio-economic plans for the sub-region and encouraged trade and investment among member-states.
He said Nigeria will organise a trade and investment summit in October to drum home the importance of private sector-led economic growth in the sub-region.
Opening the meeting, the immediate past ECOWAS Chairman and President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo, saluted his fellow leaders for sustaining the vision of the organisation despite the global economic headwinds and trouble spots within the region.
He cited Mali, Burkina Faso and the Republic of Guinea as countries where the constitutional order had been distorted, and praised Nigeria and Sierra Leone for sustaining constitutional order through the democratic process with successful elections.
The meeting was attended by leaders from the sub-region.
A statement by Tinubu’s spokesman, Mr Dele Alake, quoted the President as saying: “In furtherance of my vision for our region’s economic recovery and growth, Nigeria intends to convene an ECOWAS Extra-Ordinary Summit on Trade and Investment in October 2023.
“The event will provide an opportunity for member states to showcase their potentials and encourage match-making, in order to evolve business cooperation among the various organised private sector within the region.”
He called for the strengthening of the institutions of the body.
“In the area of strengthening our organisation’s institutions and ensuring effective performance, we underscore the need for the conclusion of the ongoing institutional reforms of the organisation.
“Given that community levy remained the biggest source of generating funds to run our organisation, we must ensure that our citizens being taxed must be positively impacted by the programmes and projects of ECOWAS. This is in line with the shift of the ECOWAS slogan from ‘ECOWAS of State’ to ‘ECOWAS of People,’” the Nigerian President emphasised.
The ECOWAS Chairman called for improved private sector participation in the effort towards the economic development of member states as well as their social integration.
“We would work collectively to pursue an inclusive economic integration, which will be significantly private-sector driven, in order to unlock the vast economic potentials of our region.
“We would actively promote trade, investment, and business cooperation among member states by addressing the barriers impeding intra-regional trade, as well as creating a conducive business environment.
“We must encourage economic partnerships to raise the level of trade and investments in our region, hence facilitating employment creation and sustainable development and prosperity for our citizens.
“To this end, we must look inward and work with our regional economic facilitation platforms such as the Federation of West of West Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI) as well as ECOWAS Trade Organisation Network to attain our desired goals,” he said further.
The Nigerian leader, however, warned that the threat to peace in the sub-region had reached an alarming proportion with terrorism and the emerging pattern of military takeover that now demand urgent and concerted actions.
He said insecurity and creeping terrorism were stunting the progress and development of the region.
President Tinubu called for collective action from member-states, pledging that under his leadership, frameworks would be harmonised to actualise the dreams of ECOWAS.
“On peace and security, the threat has reached an alarming level and needs urgent actions in addressing the challenges.
“Indeed, without a peaceful environment, progress and development in the region will continue to remain elusive.
“In this regard, we must remain committed to the utilisation of all regional frameworks at our disposal to address the menace of insecurity,” he declared.
President Tinubu noted that ECOWAS had developed a security architecture, which he noted, “covers a wide range of areas that involved kinetic and non-kinetic operations, including preventive diplomacy”.
He added: “There is also the Regional Plan of Action on Fight against Terrorism 2020-2024 as well as the operationalization of the ECOWAS Standby Force on Fight Against Terrorism.
“I will ensure that we immediately harmonize these plans and mobilise resources as well as the political will towards the actualisation of the initiatives.
“As terrorists do not respect boundaries, we must work collectively to have an effective regional counterterrorism measure.”
On his emergence as Chairman on his first participation at the summit, having just started as the elected leader of Nigeria, President Tinubu stated that he was humbled and honoured by the trust to assume the leadership of the regional body, pledging his commitment to serve the interest of the community.
He said: “Indeed, I’m humbled and honoured by this trust, and want to assure you of my unalloyed commitment to provide the necessary leadership with dedication to serve the interest of the community.”
To underscore his commitment towards regional integration, the Nigerian President declared that he would prioritise political stability, peace and security, regional economic integration and strengthening of the ECOWAS institutions, declaring that democracy and good governance remain the abiding cornerstone of peace and sustainable development.
While decrying the emerging pattern of coup d’etat in West Africa where soldiers have toppled the popular mandate of the people through the barrel of guns, President Tinubu charged ECOWAS to stand firm in defence of democracy.
“We must stand firm on democracy. There is no governance, freedom and rule of law without Democracy. We will not accept coup after coup in West Africa again. Democracy is very difficult to manage but it is the best form of government.
“There is no one here among us who did not campaign to be a leader. We didn’t give our soldiers resources. We didn’t invest in them, in their boots, in their training to violate the freedom of the people.
“To turn their guns against civil authorities is a violation of the principles upon which they were hired which is to defend the sovereignty of their nations. We must not sit in ECOWAS as toothless bulldogs,” the President warned.
On political stability, he said: “You will all agree with me that democracy and good governance are the cornerstones of peace and sustainable development of every society. I’m fully committed to deepening democracy and good governance in the region.
“We must strengthen our democratic institutions and ensure the respect for human rights and the rule of law. I will enhance engagements with the countries in transition to ensure their quick return to democratic rule,” he said.
He appreciated the Authority of Heads of State and citizens of the Community for trusting him to lead the West African body.
President Tinubu said: “Your Excellencies, let me conclude by once again deeply appreciating the Authority of Heads of State and the citizens of the Community for your trust in me. Together, we can shape a brighter future of shared values of peace, democracy, and economic prosperity in our region.”
Credit to: Thenationonlineng.net
Watch: Jay Jay Okocha shines as Morocco beat Egypt for title in U23 AFCON
Austin Jay-Jay Okocha represented his country Nigeria at the continental stage despite the Olympic Eagles not qualifying for the tournament
Super Eagles legend, Austin Jay Jay Okocha graced the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium as he proudly brought out the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations trophy ahead of the final showdown, Soccernet.ng reports.
The iconic figure of the Nigerian took centre stage as the highly anticipated U-23 AFCON final between Morocco and Egypt unfolded in Rabat.
With his illustrious career leaving an indelible mark on football fans worldwide, Okocha had the honour of presenting the coveted trophy on the pitch before the commencement of the thrilling match.
Watch the video here:
The clash between the host nation and the defending champions was filled with excitement and tension, requiring extra time to determine the ultimate victor.
Egypt drew first blood with a goal from Mahmoud Saber Abdelmohsen Hassan just ten minutes into the contest, giving his team an early advantage.
However, Egypian’s joy was short-lived, as Hassan received a card and was sent off just eight minutes after scoring.
Undeterred by their red card disadvantage, Egypt managed to hold onto their lead. However, the resilient Moroccan side equalized in the 37th minute through Yanis Begraoui, leading to a deadlock that persisted until the end of regulation time and forcing the match into extra time.
It was in the extra time that Moroccan midfielder Oussama Targhalline emerged as the hero, securing the decisive goal from a free kick. With the home crowd erupting in jubilation, the hosts celebrated their triumph by lifting the AFCON trophy.
Aissam Charai’s determined troops emerged as the AFCON title winners, clinching a hard-fought victory over defending champions Egypt with a scoreline of 2-1 in extra time.
Credit to: soccernet.ng
BUSINESSNigerian stock market attracts N145.40bn investments from FBN Holding, others
After five days of trading, the Nigerian stock market saw investors exchange 9.831 billion shares in 54,478 deals, worth N145.408 billion, between Monday to Friday.
Investments into the Nigerian bourse significantly topped that of the week before, when 3.369 billion shares were traded by investors in 39,764 deals, valued at N41.986 billion.
Top NGX performing sector
The Financial Services Industry topped the list by volume of shares traded, after recording 8.349 billion shares, valued at N127.944 billion, traded in 27,291 deals.
The Conglomerates Industry took the second spot with 420.770 million shares worth N1.683 billion in 2,840 deals.
Occupying the third spot is the ICT Industry, which reported investors traded 220.121 million shares, worth N2.198 billion, in 3,237 deals.
Top three equities
The top three equities, FBN Holding Plc, FCMB Group Plc and United Bank for Africa accounted for 6.071 billion shares worth N102.488 billion in 7,505 deals.
FBN Holding, FCMB Group and UBA were rated as the top three equities by volume, with the firms contributing 61.75 per cent and 70.48 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.
Top five gainers of the week
Japaul Gold stock gained N0.41 kobo, ending the week with N1.11 kobo per share, higher than the N0.70 kobo it started with.
Consolidated Hallmark Insurance’s share rose to N1.29 kobo per share, from N0.82 kobo per share, gaining N0.47 kobo.
Chams Holding saw its stock price rise by N0.42 kobo, to end the week with N1.16 kobo, in contrast to the opening price of N0.74 kobo.
Omatek’s share value grew to N0.55 kobo per share, increasing by N0.19 kobo, from N0.36 kobo.
Veritas Kapital’s share closed the week at N0.34 kobo per share from N0.23 kobo per share, appreciating by N0.11 kobo.
Coronation Insurance’s share lost N0.22 kobo, to settle at N0.61 kobo, below the N0.83 kobo it opened the week with.
Tripple Gee’s share lost N0.99 kobo, to close at N2.76 kobo per share, against the opening price of N3.75 kobo per share.
Ikeja Hotel also reported a loss of N0.84 kobo, dropping the share to N3.15 kobo per share, from N3.99 kobo per share.
Lasaco’s share dropped to N2.16 kobo, losing N0.44 kobo, from the N2.60 kobo per share it started trading with.
Champion Brew’s share fell from N5.38 kobo to N4.60 kobo per share, losing N0.78 kobo.
Credit to: ripplesnigeria.com
D5 Creation