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QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”
~ Thomas A. Edison
Obaseki-Shaibu feud gets messier as governor sacks deputy’s media aides
The feud between Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, appears to have gotten messier with the governor sacking all the deputy governor’s media aides.
In the beginning
Mr Shaibu had, earlier on Monday, staged a walk-out during a colloquium in the state after his media aides and security details were denied entry.
The colloquium was organised by the state government to mark the 60th anniversary of the Midwest Referendum at Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Soundstage in the state.
A video clip posted by Arise TV showed how Mr Shaibu’s aides were blocked from entering the venue.
In the clip, Mr Shaibu was seen walking into the venue in the company of the aides when they were stopped at an entrance by officials of the Edo State Government, who insisted that only the deputy would be allowed entry.
“They must go with me,” Mr Shaibu was heard telling the officials.
The event was ongoing at the time of the brawl at the entrance.
“Just hold on, let me get instruction,” one of the officials was heard telling the deputy governor.
The official was seen beckoning an unidentified chief security officer, before being filmed trying to make a phone call.
Apparently angered by the delay to allow them entry, Mr Shaibu led his aides to stage the walkout.
‘Forced entry’
In a statement on Monday, Chris Nehikhare, the commissioner for information in Edo State said the state government has “disbanded” the media crew of the deputy governor apparently because of the walk-out.
Mr Nehikhare said the government has directed that Mr Shaibu should henceforth request the Ministry of Communication and Orientation for media coverage of activities of his office.
The commissioner claimed that the deputy governor’s media crew attempted “to force their way into” the event venue where Governor Obaseki and other invited dignitaries were already seated.
“This act was contrary to the accreditation protocol that had been established for media coverage of the event,” he said.
He said the “orchestrated and stage-managed walkout and disruption” was “highly regrettable.”
Background
There has been a face-off between Messrs Obaseki and Shaibu after the deputy governor asked a court to stop an alleged plot by the governor to remove him from office.
Mr Obaseki has since denied the allegation and, subsequently accused Mr Shaibu of manipulating the youth council election in Edo State because of his (Shaibu’s) interest to contest for the 2024 governorship election in the state.
The governor and his deputy had been political allies for several years.
In their days in the All Progressives Congress (APC), during the intense political fights between Mr Obaseki and his erstwhile benefactor, Adams Oshiomhole, Mr Shaibu stood solidly behind Governor Obaseki.
Mr Oshiomhole, who was the APC national chairman then, blocked Mr Obaseki from getting the APC governorship ticket for his reelection bid, forcing him to move to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Mr Shaibu moved with the governor to the PDP, and both of them got a joint ticket and defeated the APC governorship candidate, Ize-Iyamu Osagie, to win the election.
But following the worsening feud between them, Governor Obaseki, earlier this month, toldMr Shaibu, that the “emilokan spirit” was unacceptable in the state’s politics and would not work in the 2024 governorship election in the state.
Emilokan, a Yoruba word that means “it is my turn,” was made popularby President Bola Tinubu during his campaign for the 2023 election.
The ideology behind the expression as used then by Mr Tinubu was that he had worked for President Muhammadu Buhari to become the first opposition leader to be elected Nigerian president, and therefore it was his (Tinubu’s) turn to be president after Mr Buhari.
By bringing up the emilokan, Governor Obaseki was apparently telling Mr Shaibu not to feel that he is entitled to succeed him because he (Shaibu) had worked and supported him (Obaseki) during his political battles.
Credit to: premiumtimesng.com
Lakers News: Official Kobe Bryant Statue Release Confirmed for 2023-2024 Season
The Los Angeles Lakers have had a long history of star players coming into their organization. It has been special to watch over the years and has turned the franchise into the most historic in the NBA.
The team likes to immortalize some of its stars in the form of a statue outside their arena. And this season, the Crypto.com Arena will be getting a new piece of history.
It has been announced that the team will be putting a bronze statue of the legendary Kobe Bryant outside the arena on February 8th, 2024. This will be a special day for all involved and has been a long time coming.
The news was announced on Kobe Bryant Day around the city of Los Angeles. It’s only fitting that the news dropped on this day, and it will be a bittersweet moment for everyone involved. He means the world to the city of Los Angeles, and it’s extremely unfortunate that he won’t be able to be around to see the unveiling of the statue.
Bryant is one of the most iconic Lakers of all time, and he deserves the statue. Outside maybe Magic Johnson, Bryant is the best Laker of all time. This statue will be a culmination of his Lakers accomplishments and will likely be an emotional day for the fans.
Bryant’s legacy will live on forever in the hearts of both Lakers and basketball fans all over the globe.
His mamba mentality still plays a crucial role in the game of basketball, and he is forever missed. Players today still talk about him as the person that they looked up to. His impact on the game of basketball is completely immeasurable, and this statue will only enhance that.
Kobe Bryant Day 2023: Remembering the NBA legend through photos
LOS ANGELES – They say a picture is worth a thousand words and when it comes to the legacy of Kobe Bryant, those pictures spark nostalgia for not only one of the greatest players to don the Purple and Gold, but also as one of the league’s most remarkable worldwide icons.
Aug. 24 (8/24) officially marks Kobe Bryant Day, also known as Mamba Day, in celebration of the two jersey numbers Bryant wore during his 20-year NBA career. All 20 seasons for the 18-time All-Star were spent with the Los Angeles Lakers, playing a crucial role in producing five championships for the franchise.
To celebrate his excellence on and off the court, Kobe Bryant Day was declared by the Los Angeles City Council following his retirement in 2016. In Aug. 2020, the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted in favor of declaring Aug. 24 as Kobe Bryant Day for the longtime OC resident. However, the day continues to be celebrated beyond Southern California as his legacy reached admirers worldwide.
Kobe Bryant Day also happens to follow his heavenly birthday. Mr. Bryant would have celebrated his 45th birthday this year.
While he is often remembered as being one of the greatest athletes around the globe, the Lakers legend is remembered beyond the world of sports for his “Mamba Mentality.”
(Getty Images)
It’s a mindset many have said not only helped them in high-pressure situations like having a game on the line but has also helped his fans overcome challenging times in their lives or has helped guide them into bettering themselves. With Bryant being the proud father of four daughters, others have used the mentality to become better parents.
To help commemorate the special day, below are just some pictures that tell his story.
Kobe Bryant Becomes a Laker
Can you believe Kobe Bryant was almost a Charlotte Hornet? At just 17 years old and weeks after winning the basketball state championship with his Lower Merion High School teammates, Bryant was the 13th overall pick of the 1996 NBA Draft by Charlotte. Bryant was then traded to Los Angeles in exchange for Vlade Divac.
Jerry West, GM, Kobe Bryant and Head Coach Del Harris (Photo by Steve Grayson/WireImage)
Capturing the Beginning Stages of a Superstar
It didn’t take long for Bryant to make an impression in the league and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year following the 1996-97 season.
In 2001, John W. McDonough took an astonishing aerial view of Bryant in action.
Kobe Bryant in action vs Dallas Mavericks in Los Angeles on Feb. 17, 2001. (Photo by John W. McDonough /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Getty Images)
The Kobe and Shaq Era
Coached by Phil Jackson, the Lakers went on to win three consecutive champions between 2000 and 2002. Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal are often regarded as one of the best duos in NBA history. The image below shows the dynamic duo following their first championship together when Bryant was 21 years old.
Kobe Bryant holds the Larry O’Brian trophy. (AFP/AFP via Getty Images)
Kobe Switches Jersey Numbers
As his own rebirth, Bryant switched his jersey number from No. 8 to No. 24 ahead of the 2006-07 season.
Kobe Bryant does a layup during game vs Detroit Pistons in Los Angeles in 2006 (Photo by John W. McDonough/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
Kobe Becomes a Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist
Born for greatness, Bryant shined on the worldwide stage. Bryant won gold medals with Team USA in 2008 and 2012.
USA’s Kobe Bryant celebrates with teammates at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008. (FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images)
The Rebirth of the Showtime Lakers
In 2008, the Lakers acquired big man Pau Gasol in a trade from Memphis. It was a roster move that certainly paid off as the Lakers went on to win back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010.
Perhaps the highlight of the Kobe and Pau Era was witnessing Kobe cement his legacy by winning his 5th NBA Championship in a 7-game series against Boston. The pictures of the purple and gold confetti falling down at Staples Center, also known as “The House Kobe Built,” are like a moment frozen in time.
Kobe Bryant victorious after winning championship vs Boston Celtics in Los Angeles on June 17, 2010. (Photo by John W. McDonough /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant celebrates after the Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals on June 17, 2010 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Getty Images)
Bryant named his four closest teammates as Gasol, Derek Fisher, Caron Butler and Ronnie Turiaf in a 2015 interview.
Kobe Bryant smiles as he holds two NBA Finals Larry O’Brien Championship trophies with teammates Pau Gasol and Derek Fisher on September 25, 2010. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) (Getty Images)
‘Mamba Out’
When fans think of who they consider “the greatest,” they often think of who left everything they had on the court every single night and Mamba certainly meets that criteria. Bryant often fought through his injuries to put on a show for the fans and at 37, he made the difficult decision to retire from the NBA.
In his final game, Bryant put on a 60-point spectacular in downtown LA.
Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 13, 2016 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Building A Media Empire
In 2013, Bryant founded his own multimedia company called Granity Studios. The company produces various projects including books, podcasts, and films.
SUGGESTED: Kobe Bryant legacy lives on through latest novel ‘Geese Are Never Swans’
In his final interview with FOX 11, Bryant said he used his projects as a way to connect with his daughters.
In 2018, he made history and became the first person to have won both an NBA Championship and an Academy Award. Bryant, along with Glen Keane, won an Oscar for the animated short film, “Dear Basketball.”
Filmmaker Kobe Bryant, winner of the Best Animated Short Film award for ‘Dear Basketball’ during the 90th Annual Academy Awards on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
#GirlDad
To recap, some of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team member’s accolades include 15-time All-NBA selection, 18 All-Star game appearances, five NBA championships and two Olympic gold medalists.
Following his retirement, Bryant showed a different side of himself as his interviews often focused on being a family man and his most significant life accomplishment as a father.
RELATED: Kobe Bryant Day: How the Lakers legend embraced being a girl dad
(Getty Images)
His daughter, Gigi, was determined to carry on her father’s basketball legacy and aspired to play college hoops at UConn before going to the WNBA. To support her dream, the girl dad continued to move the game forward as an advocate for women’s basketball.
In their last known public appearance, Kobe and Gigi were seen smiling courtside at Staples Center (now the Crypto.com Arena) bonding over the game they loved. In the photo, Kobe Bryant proudly wore an orange hoodie with the WNBA’s white silhouette logo printed on it.
Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant attend a basketball game between the LA Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks on December 29, 2019 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) (Getty Images)
Every year on Aug. 24, fans can reflect on his legacy and can realign their goals using their version of the “Mamba Mentality” to help make their dreams a reality – just like Kobe did.
Credit to: foxla.com
EPL: Jamie Carragher disagrees with Van Dijk’s red card
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has given his verdict on captain Virgil van Dijk’s red card during the Reds’ Premier League win over Newcastle United on Sunday.
Just minutes after Anthony Gordon gave the hosts the lead, Van Dijk was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Alexander Isak.
With Isak played through by Gordon’s excellent through ball, Van Dijk appeared to go through the Newcastle striker before getting a touch on the ball and being shown a straight red by referee John Brookes.
However, Carragher was left furious with the referee’s decision, insisting that it was not a red-card offence.
According to him, Van Dijk was ‘lazy’ in getting across to Isak but insisted the Newcastle player was not denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
“Virgil van Dijk does a lot wrong here,” Carragher told Sky Sports.
“He is lazy initially in terms of not getting across; the decision to then go in and make a challenge is probably ill-advised. But I still don’t think that is a red card. How do you know that is a goal-scoring opportunity? Initially, he is lazy and should get over it earlier and maybe not make the challenge, but that is not a red card.”
Credit to: dailypostng.com
Osimhen scores 100th goal as Napoli trump Sassuolo
Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, has reached a significant milestone, netting his 100th professional career goal from the penalty spot against Sassuolo today.
The 24-year-old, who had already secured a brace in his debut game of the season, confidently placed the ball into the net’s left side.
Captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo made sure Napoli would make it six points from six in the 64th minute.
Napoli, currently tie with AC Milan and Verona at the top of the table, will host Lazio next week. Lazio, who are still struggling to secure their first points of the season, suffered a 1-0 defeat against newly promoted Genoa.
Nigeria loses $4m daily to oil theft, says NSA
Ahigh-powered team dispatched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assess crude oil theft in the Niger Delta has uncovered illegal connections where Nigeria loses the product worth million of dollars monthly in Abia State.
The site in Owaza had many illegal connections to a major crude pipeline, a video of the finding made available to The Nation yesterday showed.
The team also carried out an aerial assessment of nine other Niger Delta oil-producing communities – Bille, Azuzuama, Ahoada, Rumuekepe Ebocha, Abacheke, Egbema, Ohaji, and Koko communities of Abia, Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo and Delta states.
Defence Minister Muhammed Badaru told reporters after a closed-door meeting with Rivers State Governor Similaye Fubara in Port Harcourt that the discovery was made on Saturday.
Service chiefs, Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri; and Gas, Ekperipe Ekpo; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and the Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited(NPCL) Mele Kyari are members of the delegation.
The delegation noted that clandestine refineries, illegal bunkering operations and environmental devastation collectively translated into severe economic losses for the nation.
“We are ready to do whatever it takes for a peaceful Niger Delta, give peace a chance, cease and desist crude from oil theft and economic sabotage,” Badaru said.
Ribadu, who led the team, said that Nigeria still loses 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily in spite of efforts to curb the trend.
He said: “It’s unfortunate that few individuals would steal our common resources, and in the process, cause unbelievable loss to both the nation, communities and the people.
“The value of 400,000 barrels of oil today is about $4 million and every day, we lose this amount because of this irresponsible behaviour.
“If you multiply $4 million dollars by 365 days (one year), you will see that it is a lot of money running into billions of dollars.
“Currently, the country is in desperate need of money as the Naira is continuously losing its value because we earn less money.
“If we earn more money, it will not only help strengthen our currency but reflect in everything, including the cost of living in the country.”
The NSA called for collaborative efforts by security agencies and host communities to end illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta.
He warned oil thieves and their co-conspirators that “enough is enough.”
“The environment is being destroyed, livelihoods are being destroyed and the Federation is deprived of revenue capable of shoring up the economy and strengthening the naira,” Ribadu said.
Ribadu’s predecessor, Maj.- Gen. Babagana Monguno, had in December, lamented that the Federal Government might lose $23 billion this year if crude oil theft was not tackled.
Credit to: thenationonlineng.net
Training for Chelsea return? Mikel Obi spotted taking ‘no days off’ to get in shape
The former Super Eagles and Chelsea star, Mikel Obi, has been spotted hitting the gym as he prepares for his return to Stamford Bridge, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Nigerian international is gearing up to don the Chelsea jersey once again, following the club’s announcement that he will be among the players from their historic 2012 Champions League victory participating in the Chelsea Legends vs. Bayern Munich Legends match at Stamford Bridge in September.
In light of this upcoming event, the former Stoke City player has shared videos of himself engaged in workouts, with one of the clips capturing a moment where former Chelsea captain John Terry playfully questioned Mikel about his training goals, accompanied by a blue heart emoji as a nod to the anticipated match.
Mikel shared his motivational perspective alongside the workout video: “Your body is your weapon, keep it strong. Have a great week ahead, guys.” Terry responded with intrigue: “What you training for Old Boy 💙👀⚽️ @mikel_john_obi.”
In a recent social media post, the 36-year-old Olympic Eagles alum showcased his intense preparation for the upcoming match with the caption, “No days off.”
Mikel’s journey to England began with his standout performance for Nigeria at the 2005 U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands, where his team reached the final but fell short against Argentina. His exceptional skills caught the attention of both Manchester United and Chelsea, with the latter eventually securing his signature for £16 million in June 2006.
Over the course of more than a decade, the then-19-year-old became an integral part of Chelsea’s success, securing accolades including two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, and victories in both the Champions League and Europa League, before departing the club in November 2016.
Now, Mikel is set to don the West London side’s jersey once more as he joins fellow players from Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League triumph in the Chelsea Legends vs. Bayern Munich Legends match.
Credit to: soccernet.ng
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