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positive

Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk tests positive for banned substance

by admin December 17, 2024

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has tested positive for a banned substance, the club confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.

The “adverse finding,” detected during a routine urine test, has reportedly revealed traces of meldonium, a drug banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Meldonium, often used to treat heart conditions, can enhance endurance and recovery, making it prohibited for athletes at all times.

Mudryk, 22, denied any intentional wrongdoing, stating: “I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules. I am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.”

Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk tests positive for banned substance — Mudryk tests positive for – Getty image

The test reportedly took place after the Ukrainian international returned from national team duty in November.

Meldonium, not approved for use in the United States, is prescribed in parts of Eastern Europe.

Chelsea reiterated their support for the player, stating that he has categorically denied knowingly taking any banned substances.

The club has begun cooperating with authorities to determine the circumstances behind the test result.

Mudryk’s case is among high-profile incidents involving meldonium since it was added to WADA’s banned list in 2016.

If found guilty of doping, Mudryk could face a suspension, which would deal a blow to Chelsea amid their Premier League and European campaigns.

The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as both the club and the player await clarity on the situation.

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December 17, 2024 0 comment 9 views

Sports

Chelsea Confirm Mykhailo Mudryk Provisionally Suspended After Positive Drugs Test

by admin December 17, 2024

Chelsea Football Club have confirmed that winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended from football after the Football Association (FA) notified him of a positive drugs test.

In a statement released by the club, Chelsea revealed that the FA recently contacted Mudryk following “an adverse finding” in a routine urine test. The Ukrainian international, who has been a key part of Chelsea’s squad since his arrival, is now working closely with the club and authorities to determine the cause of the result.

Chelsea’s statement read:

“Chelsea Football Club can confirm that the Football Association recently contacted our player Mykhailo Mudryk concerning an adverse finding in a routine urine test.

“Both the club and Mykhailo fully support The FA’s testing programme and all our players, including Mykhailo, are regularly tested.

“Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances.

“Both Mykhailo and the club will now work with the relevant authorities to establish what has caused the adverse finding.

“The club will not be commenting any further.”

Mudryk’s suspension comes as a significant blow to both the player and Chelsea, as they navigate a crucial part of their season. The 23-year-old has firmly denied knowingly using any banned substances, a sentiment echoed in the club’s support of the FA’s anti-doping protocols.

The Football Association’s investigation will now seek to determine the full details surrounding the adverse finding, including whether any severe factors could have influenced the result.

Until then, the winger remains provisionally sidelined from all football-related activities.

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December 17, 2024 0 comment 13 views

Nigeria

Matawalle commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for positive economic reforms

by admin December 13, 2024

…Matawalle urges critics to be positive in their narratives

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle MON, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his robust economic policies and reforms, which are yielding significant positive results for the nation. According to Matawalle, these initiatives are contributing to a turnaround in the economy that will benefit all Nigerians.

In the light of ongoing criticism, particularly from some quarters in Northern Nigeria, Matawalle urged critics to be positive in their narratives and called on citizens to remain steadfast in their support for the President and to reject divisive narratives. “It is crucial for Nigerians to stand united behind Mr. President, who is diligently working hard to revitalize our economy through a series of effective policies, programs, and reforms,” he stated.

Matawalle specifically highlighted President Tinubu’s tax reforms as a pivotal element in the country’s economic turnaround. He explained that these reforms are designed to create a more equitable tax system, which will enhance revenue generation for the government while easing the financial burden on ordinary citizens and small businesses.

“By broadening the tax base and ensuring that everyone pays their fair share, President Tinubu is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth. These reforms will not only increase government revenues but also stimulate investment and job creation across various sectors,” Matawalle elaborated.

He further noted that the tax reforms aim to simplify the tax administration process, making it easier for individuals and businesses to comply. This will foster a more business-friendly environment, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, which are essential for driving economic progress.

Matawalle also highlighted several key achievements across various sectors, particularly noting improvements in national security. He emphasized that President Tinubu has made substantial strides in enhancing the capabilities of the Nigerian military through the provision of modern hardware and equipment. Additionally, he assured that military personnel have received timely payment of their allowances and salary increases, which has significantly boosted their morale.

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing a renewed commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, and I encourage everyone to recognize the positive changes taking place,” Matawalle concluded.

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December 13, 2024 0 comment 13 views

Sports

NPFL: Coach Yemi Wants To Positive Result Against Sunshine Stars

by admin December 10, 2024

Yemi Olanrewaju, head coach of Enyimba, has called the People’s Elephants’ run in the CAF Confederation Cup, Africa’s second-tier interclub competition, a “failure.”

He wants a successful response in their upcoming NPFL game against Sunshine Stars on Wednesday at Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.

In a Group D Matchday 2 match on Sunday, December 8, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Olanrewaju made the statement after the two-time African champions overcame a two-goal deficit to hold Egypt’s Zamalek to a 2-2 draw.

Prior to this, Enyimba had lost their Group D opener to Al Masry, another Egyptian team, 2-0. A clearly upset Olanrewaju bemoaned his team’s lost opportunities during the intense match.

“Yes, you’ve just said it. If you’re in school and score one out of six, you’ve definitely failed. So, for me, we’ve failed.

” Just a single point from a possible six is an absolute failure,” the young tactician admitted candidly.

“Even though everyone keeps saying we played very well, I don’t want that commendation anymore.

“I want maximum three points – that’s all I’m interested in.

“Honestly, today, we had the chance to kill off this game.

“At worst, it could have ended 4-2 in our favour. We had all the chances but couldn’t convert them. It’s crazy.

“This has been our story all season. I can boldly say we’re the best team in terms of organisation and overall play in Nigeria.

“We’ve played all the top clubs, yet we’ve been suffering from a lack of goals, especially in the last three games. It’s been giving me sleepless nights.”

In the fierce match against Zamalek, Enyimba was missing two important players. Clinton Jephta was ruled out mere hours before the game owing to an unidentified ailment, while Eze Ekwutoziam has been out for weeks due to injury.

As Enyimba get ready for their rescheduled NPFL Matchday 13 matchup against Sunshine Stars, Olanrewaju lamented their absence but found comfort in the performances of other players who grasped the chance to stand up.

“It was a real problem when I realised Jephta wasn’t going to play. I was furious. But it gave Austine Onyemachi a chance, and I think he did brilliantly, to be honest,” he said.

“To some extent, he did very well, and I’m impressed.

” However, I’m not happy about missing both of them for weeks.

“We need them. That said, their absence allowed others to step in, which fosters a sense of belonging for everyone.”

After their lacklustre international efforts, Enyimba will now turn their attention to their NPFL matchup against Sunshine Stars in Aba.

The match is a “must-win” for the nine-time league champions, according to Olanrewaju.

“We have to win—it’s a must-win game for us.

” I don’t know how, but we must win against Sunshine Stars, honestly,” he enthused.

“Our backs are against the wall, and we have to push back.

“Since the Rangers game, which we deserved to win but had a goal shockingly disallowed, I don’t think I’ve slept more than five hours.

“A lot of people don’t care about the effort we’ve put in; they only care about results, which, for me, is the most important thing.

“So we must go all out against Sunshine Stars and get the win.

“It’s very important for the team and everyone involved.

“It’s especially important for the players’ efforts to be rewarded.”

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December 10, 2024 0 comment 15 views

Sports

Banyana coach Ellis stays positive despite defeats against Jamaica

by admin December 4, 2024

Banyana Banyana lost their second international friendly match against Jamaica 2-3 in a five-goal thriller in Montego Bay on Monday night.

The two away matches against the Jamaicans were the last of the year for coach Desiree Ellis’ team as they continue preparing for their defense of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) next year.

The Sasol-sponsored South African Senior Women’s National Team took the lead after Linda Motlhalo converted a team effort goal in the 19th minute of the match. The visitors, who had a great first half, went into the break with a 1-0 lead.

The South Africans’ defence managed to contain Jamaican superstar Khadija Shaw throughout the match as the Reggae Girlz only managed to score the equalizer in the 58th minute after she was taken off. Vyan Sampson found the back of net after commotion in the Banyana Banyana area led to the equalizer. Jamaica got their second goal in the 63rd minute when Drew Spence found the back of the net.

The Reggae Girlz went 3-1 up in the 76th minute when McKenna converted after a defensive error by the visitors’ defence. Amogelang Motau benefited from an error by the Jamaican goalkeeper in the referee’s optional time to pull one back for the visitors.

“We played the way we wanted to play and although we did not have a striker, because of late changes, I believe the players did very well today. We knew that Jamaica would be physical and come at us, but we changed to play our tactics to suite this match. Our players kept the shape of the team, dominated the play upfront and our defenders did really well despite us conceding,” said Dr Ellis.

Banyana Banyana will make their long journey back to South Africa Tuesday and are expected to arrive back in the country on Thursday evening, 5 December 2024.

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December 4, 2024 0 comment 19 views

World

Pregnant Gisele Bündchen Pens Message About Having a Positive Mindset

by admin November 21, 2024

Gisele Bündchen is strutting with a peaceful perspective.

As the Victoria’s Secret model enjoys her road to becoming a mom of three, she reflected on the importance of self-care in every aspect.

“There’s no guide to life, no perfect roadmap to follow,” Gisele wrote on Instagram Nov. 21. “But remember everything you are, is a choice! To feel good, to be healthy, and to cultivate a positive mindset are daily choices that only you can commit to. Each day presents the opportunity to choose habits that nourish your body, uplift your spirit, and guide you toward the life you truly want to live.”

Alongside her caption, the 44-year-old, who is expecting her first baby with her boyfriend Joaquim Valente, shared a snap of herself basking in the sun on a pier with a mug in hand and another of her reading a book.

Despite still navigating life as a single mom following her 2022 divorce from ex-husband Tom Brady—with whom she shares kids Benjamin, 14, and Vivian, 11, and is also stepmom to the former quarterback’s son Jack, 16, with ex Bridget Moynahan—Gisele is taking the task in stride.

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November 21, 2024 0 comment 20 views

Crypto

Ethereum ETFs surge after US election, approaching positive net flows

by admin November 12, 2024

Spot Ethereum (ETH) exchange-traded funds (ETF) amassed $295.5 million in inflows on Nov. 11, their highest daily positive net flow since launch — bringing them $29 million away from positive net flows.

According to Farside Investors data, Fidelity’s FETH led the inflows, registering $115.5 million, while BlackRock’s ETHA recorded the second highest inflows at $101.1 million.

Grayscale’s Ethereum Mini Trust saw the third highest inflows, with $63.3 million captured over the trading day.

Sunny days ahead

Bloomberg senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas highlighted that Grayscale’s Ethereum Trust (ETHE) did not register any outflows for the past six days, which he considered a sign that ETHE’s unlocks are over.

He added:

“Sunny days ahead, altho still several country miles behind BTC ETFs..”

Balchunas added that while Ethereum ETFs still lag behind Bitcoin (BTC) ETFs, their individual performance is noteworthy. ETHA, for instance, ranks as the sixth-largest ETF launch by inflows in 2024 out of more than 600 new ETFs.

Institutional support fuels growth

The ETF Store CEO Nate Geraci pointed to a remarkable trend in Ethereum ETFs post-US election results, with over $500 million in inflows over just four days. One key factor behind this surge is increasing institutional adoption, such as the Michigan Retirement System’s recent allocation.

In its latest 13-F filing, the Michigan State pension fund revealed an $11 million investment in Grayscale Ethereum ETFs during the third quarter, making it the first public pension fund to add Ethereum to its portfolio. Notably, the Michigan fund now holds more Ether than Bitcoin, with $7 million in Bitcoin exposure as of September 30.

Balchunas also suggested that introducing options trading for Ethereum ETFs could accelerate inflows, attracting larger institutional investors. However, progress on this front may be slow.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently delayed its decision on this matter, with some analysts, including Bloomberg’s James Seyffart, predicting a final decision could take until April 2025.

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November 12, 2024 0 comment 28 views

Sports

GFA Focuses on “Positive Mindset” Ahead of Ghana’s Crucial AFCON Qualifiers Against Angola and Niger

by admin November 12, 2024

As Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars, prepare for their crucial AFCON qualifying matches, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With only two games left, the team’s fate is on the line, and their qualification hopes hinge not only on their own performances but also on other outcomes in the group. Speaking to the media ahead of these decisive encounters, Ghana Football Association (GFA) spokesperson Henry Asante Twum shared insight into the team’s mindset and strategy as they face Angola and Niger.

“Unfortunately, we do not have time on our hands,” Twum began, acknowledging the urgency of the situation. “We are very much focused on the game and we want to go into it with a positive mindset. That has always been the driving force for this team. We go into games with a plan to win, but unfortunately, we haven’t had the results in the last four games.”

The Black Stars have indeed faced a difficult journey through the qualifiers so far, struggling to find their rhythm and consistency. The team’s chances of qualification are currently out of their control, dependent not only on their results but also on the outcomes of other matches in the group.

“While our chances of qualifying are not in our hands,” Twum added, “we have to remain positive. We will try as much as possible to go to Angola and fight very hard. We will give it our 100% energy and go for the points. If it works for us, we’ll be happy, and then we will come back home and face Niger with the same attitude. That is the mentality we are going into the games with.”

The Black Stars will travel to Luanda to face Angola on Friday, 15th November, 2024. This away game promises to be a tough challenge, as Angola is also vying for qualification. Three days later, on 18th November, the team will return to Accra to face Niger in their final match of the group stage, hoping to secure the win they need to keep their hopes alive.

With a clear objective and a fighting spirit, the Black Stars are ready to give their all in these decisive games, carrying with them the hopes and aspirations of an entire nation.

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November 12, 2024 0 comment 26 views

Nigeria

Naira appreciates slightly to end week on positive note

by admin October 25, 2024

The naira appreciated consecutively against the dollar at the official foreign exchange market to close the week on a good note.

FMDQ Data showed that the naira gained slightly at N1600 per dollar on Friday from N1601.20 exchanged on Thursday.

Friday’s gain is the second time the naira has appreciated in the week under review.

However, the naira shed its value three times against the dollar this week.

In comparison with the exchange rate of N1600.78 per dollar last Friday, the country’s currency gained N0.78 at the close of the week under review.

Meanwhile, at the black market, the naira lost N15 to close at N1740 per dollar after starting the week with N1725.

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October 25, 2024 0 comment 32 views

Nigeria

Times hard but Tinubu’s economic reforms yielding positive results – Presidency

by admin October 22, 2024

The presidency has insisted that President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms are yielding positive results.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this via a post on X.

Onanuga, however, admitted that the times are tough but there is a brighter future ahead.

He wrote: “The economic reforms of the PBAT administration are yielding dividends. The road is rough, the times are tough, let us persevere for a brighter future. Surely, there is a beam of light at the end of the tunnel.”

Onanuga churned out some statistics that said: “In the first quarter of 2024, Nigeria recorded trade super plus of N65.527 trillion. But by the second quarter, that number rose to N65.945 trillion, a 6.5 percent increase.

“By half year 2024, we had exported enough to cover half of Nigeria’s N28.77 trillion budget.”

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October 22, 2024 0 comment 29 views

Nigeria

Oloyede as living expression of positive force

by admin October 14, 2024

BY the time the strong-willed, former Education Minister in the President Olusegun Obasanjo government, Oby Ezekwesili, lent her voice to the controversial JAMB result forgery saga involving a minor from Anambra State, I concluded that Nigeria was in for a most interesting time. The ‘steely’ character had argued that JAMB, rather than the minor involved, fell short of her expectations. Apparently on account of her respectable profile, including being a pastor of the renowned Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, many Nigerians seemed to believe Ezekwesili. Meanwhile, not many of the former minister’s adherents realized that the far tougher element in JAMB Registrar Oloyede would make Ezekwesili bend or make a full turnaround having failed to access the truth readily available to her from JAMB. Oloyede earned the credit of upping the ante at the board to clearly make it the most technologically trendy Federal Government board in the education sector. The former Vice-Chancellor of the better by far University of Ilorin damned the landlocked location of his university to emerge as the most digitech friendly of all times in Nigeria. The visionary was precocious in spotting possible opportunities that should accompany the rather nascent deregulated telecommunication sector. Promptly, he sought to use it to buoy, at least, the testing capacity of the university. Consequently, UNILORIN, under ProfOloyede perfected the unprecedentedly massive deployment of computer based tests in the early years of undergraduates in that university.

The story of what had been perfected at UNILORIN not only became the talk of the town but one that also emerged as a worthy study for test and evaluation scholars and experts from far and near. JAMB moved into UNILORIN for a comprehensive learning of the details. Thus evolved CBT test for JAMB even as it had to combine that with the paper-based test for a few years. Fate eventually did it. Fate did it for JAMB, literally the entire nation. The experiment that began from Better By Far University bourgeoned and later yielded heavily for the nation at large. In 2017, the CBT maestro was appointed as the registrar of JAMB. No time to feel complacent at JAMB in spite of the fulfilling trajectory. For Oloyede, like many scholars of digitech would wish to postulate and demonstrate, internet as a strand of it should be technology of freedom with limitless capacity to disrupt age-old traditions and practice. Indeed, enthroning new experiences serially is the vision of the new sheriff in town. Even as IT experts at JAMB and others he keeps attracting to the self-conceived tasks with no less adventurous spirit may be trying to perfect some contraptions, relentless Oloyede would soon throw up another and even another such that even the ultra-talented ones among the IT folks have always wondered on how best to earn Oloyede’s full marks. Right in Oloyede’s first year JAMB, he raised the bar. Mock exam would commence but would be optional. All eyes were therefore on JAMB as the news hit the town. Unknown to the leader with uncommon carrying capacity, saboteurs had been insistent on marring the novel layer of exam. It was time to test run the facility for the proposed CBT mock exam and it was discovered that it was far from possible. Naysayers had dug so deeply into the IT facility that the only option was to postpone the exam.

Oloyede that had extracted and re-extracted what seemed like sincere and infallible assurances suddenly became taciturn! However, like Prof AttahiruJega, the ultra-credible, firebrand, former ASUU leader who later became the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Oloyede had to settle for a humble pie in the face of insurmountable situation. Jega had postponed a national election against all expectation of the electorate and the international community and heaven did not fall. Why not an Oloyede? Oloyede therefore announced the mock exam would be shifted without boring the public with unnecessary details. But there was no sparing any energy again. He extended his overture to the best IT folks in town, including some hired to service some World Bank projects. He wanted the best available. Eventually, both the mock exam and the main exam held successfully. Yet, the JAMB chief examiner was no one to be caught napping in relation to the rule of law. He carried over the transparency campaign he had initiated at the University of Ilorin. Like UNILORIN, JAMB being a public institution, Prof Oloyede believed, must be subjected to surrender value by promptly rendering reports of its activities, including financials, every blessed week. Then came a big story which ended up being echoed by virtually all worthy news platforms in the country. JAMB returned N5 billion being the excess of the earnings from the sales of forms and allied services. It was unprecedented.

Indeed, it exceeded all of the returns ever turned in since the inception of the board. Transparency at JAMB had, under the inimitable Oloyede, come to set a new standard for the country. Tongues wagged ceaselessly. Salutations by the young and old patriots went viral across social media platforms. Many began to wonder loudly on the need to query past JAMB leadership. For Oloyede, it was not about personal pride but simply expressive of his life as a responsible academic with towering standing who is also a Muslim, if you like a responsible family man and community leader. Oloyede till date is the Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. It should also interest us to note here that, together with Bishop Father Kukah representing the Christian community, Oloyede was co-secretary of the National Conference set up by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014. Participating in the conference for Oloyede was obviously neither mere jaw jaw nor some cheap opportunity for self-enrichment. Everyone should be able to walk their talk. Rather than allow himself to get soaked in the eulogies resultant from the N5 billion returns, Oloyede forged ahead to strengthen JAMB as institution that should be able to weather unpredictable failings such as had undermined the maiden mock exam and some other processes of the Board.

Interestingly, Oloyede’s consistent insistence on either the best or nothing mantra has never taken away anything from his team-player compliance even as he makes efforts to fulfil diverse civilizational aspirations. Beginning with the very first examination he conducted in 2017, he democratized the entire process ensuring gender balancing as well with invigilators and other exam officials duly recruited from all relevant spheres.

Not given to playing any petty god in any context, he literally elevated yours sincerely and others to the level of ‘Registrar-in-Council’. Membership of my team (subject to annual rejig on merit) was to avail him standby back-up for the entire duration of exam annually. A team of tested scholars and highly experienced administrators, no fewer than six of that team had served or currently serving as Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Registrars, Deputy Registrars of Nigeria’s leading universities around the country. My team, till date (most delighted to have been signed on for the 2024 exam as I write) is always saddled with the responsibility of maintaining minute-by-minute contact with all centres nationwide and expected to update the registrar on the wellness or otherwise of the conduct of the examination. And we’re always delightfully equipped to achieve that.

The said Registrar-in-Council, like the boss of the board, has no closing time, especially on challenging days and day one and day two of exams must be deemed so annually even as we are often pleasantly surprised. No year again has presented any extremely tasking experience as that of of 2017 when we had to work all night! Although all efforts are often mustered to ensure zero hitch, my team routinely lives the Boys Scout motto of “Be Prepared” to stall any eventuality that may result from the Shakespearian proclamation that “Since the hope of man hangs in the balance, let’s reason with the worst”.

For JAMB however, the sturdy Septuagenarian with the energy of a young groom, Professor Is’haqOlanrewajuOloyede, has been leading his team from glory to greater glory. Best wishes always sir.

Akanni, PhD, is an academic.

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October 14, 2024 0 comment 35 views

Uncategorized

COVID-19 Looms In Paris Olympics, Many Athletes Testing Positive

by admin July 31, 2024

Three years after the Tokyo Olympics were held amid strict precautions and with no fans because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the virus has forced athletes to withdraw from events at the Paris Games and has others donning masks again. This time the impact is much more limited though.

Several athletes have tested positive, including Australian swimmer Lani Pallister who was a medal hope in the women’s 1,500 metres freestyle but had to withdraw from the event.

A team spokesperson said, however, that the decision was made to save Pallister’s energy for the 4x200m freestyle relay which starts on Thursday. Likewise, British swimmer Adam Peaty, who tested positive a day after he just missed out on 100m breaststroke gold, sharing silver with American Nic Fink, said he would focus on a “fast, full recovery” to give his best in relays later in the week.

“Adam’s okay, he’s not dying. He’s alright, just a bit of a cold,” Peaty’s British teammate Matt Richards said after his 100m freestyle heat on Tuesday.

“We’ll avoid it (COVID) as best we can,” Richards said. But “we’re here to race. If we get a little bit ill whilst we’re racing we’ll keep racing. It’s how we do it.”

Several Australian women’s water polo players tested positive for COVID-19 in the days leading up to the opening ceremony, forcing them to isolate from other team members.

However the team played on Tuesday, smashing Serbia 8-3…

July 31, 2024 0 comment 29 views

Uncategorized

How Tinubu Tasked Nigerians In Diaspora On Positive Contributions

by admin July 28, 2024

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged Nigerians in the Diaspora to make more positive contributions by bringing their skills and expertise to develop the economy of Nigeria.

The President said this at the opening session of 2024 National Diáspora Day celebration and National Diáspora Merit Award in Abuja on Thursday, stressing that Nigeria is among the top 10 countries with the most international migrants in the World.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume in the event with the theme “Japa Phenomena and its Implications for National Development” President Tinubu admitted the complexity and scale of migration of Nigerians globally and advised them to always use proper channels to seek greener pasture elsewhere.

Citing data, the President noted that 169 million international migrant workers left their countries of origin primarily to seek work, with Nigeria having a significant diaspora population.

He lamented that the current trend where the youth now embark on migration, many of them irregular, has the implications for collective growth and urged citizens not to forget their homeland.

He noted that through initiatives such as the Nigerian Diaspora Commission and presidential town hall meetings with diaspora communities, engagement with Nigerians in the diaspora is being harnessed for national development.

He lauded the Nigerians in the Diaspora for their positive contributions such as remittances of funds, adding that Nigeria received huge remittances of over $21 billion last year from Nigerians in the Diaspora.

In his remarks the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas urged cooperation between the government and the Diasporans, citing the positive results achieved so far.

The Speaker who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon Benjamin Kalu said the government acknowledged the significant contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora to the country’s development, particularly in areas such as education, agriculture, ICT, transportation, and healthcare.

He also announced plans to explore ways to grant voting rights to Nigerians in the diaspora, recognizing their relevance to nation-building.

“A constitutional amendment bill has been presented to the House of Representatives, and the government is committed to making progress on this issue.”

“The diaspora community is in safe hands and I encourage you to continue contributing to the country’s growth.”

“The government is committed to investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to retain skilled workers and attract those who have ventured abroad.”

“The National Assembly stands ready to enact necessary laws to support the return of skilled professionals and contribute to the country’s growth and implore those in the diaspora to remain committed to Nigeria’s progress and invest in local initiatives,” he added.

…Nigeria Rakes In $99 Billion In Five Years From Diaspora Remittances

Meanwhile, Nigeria reportedly raked in nearly $99 billion from Diaspora remittances in the last five years.

Chairman of NiDCOM, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa said this in her address, adding that that the National Diaspora Day Celebrations prescribed by the National Diaspora Policy is set aside to recognize, acknowledge and celebrate the over 20 million Nigerians in the Diaspora (both the modern and historic Diaspora) who are contributing immensely to national development.

“Let me also state that the contributions of the Diaspora community to national development cannot be over-emphasized. According to the World Bank statistics recently, Nigerian Diaspora has remitted over 99 billion US dollars into the system in the last five years. This is huge and highly commendable.

“Our Diaspora are known to be hard working, highly productive, patriotic, and resilient. They are also pace setters in their different fields of endeavors. It therefore falls on us to celebrate our very best, not minding that a few do fall below standard.

“Since its establishment five years ago, the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) have had so much to celebrate. This is because the passion and consistency that saw to the establishment of the Commission has been well sustained by the legacy team that built it,” she said.

The National Diaspora Day 2024 provided a platform for Nigerians in the diaspora to engage with the government and discuss ways to drive national development. The event underscored the government’s commitment to diaspora engagement and its recognition of the community’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s growth.

July 28, 2024 0 comment 25 views