Headlines
‘We’ve worked hard to be champions,’ D’Tigress says, pleading with the FG to lift the basketball ban.
By Derrick Bangura
D’Tigress have called on the federal government to reverse its decision to withdraw Nigeria from international basketball competitions for two years.
Last week, Sunday Dare, minister of sports and youth development, announced the ban, adding that it was part of efforts by the government to revamp the sport from the grassroots.
The development came amid the ongoing power tussle within the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
TheCable had reported in January that two different presidents were elected to oversee the affairs of the basketball federation.
Reacting to the FG’s resolution on basketball via a Twitter thread on Friday, D’Tigress said they “do not agree with this ban.”
The team also said it would take “away all our future competitions, accomplishments and goals to elevate, inspire, and make Nigeria proud!”
The African champions added that they have worked hard to be “Afrobasket Champions” and will “passionately love to represent in this upcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup competition.”
“We, as the Women’s national team of Nigeria, would like to speak on the government’s recently placed two-year ban on all Nigerian Basketball International competitions,” D’Tigress wrote.
“The D’Tigress team would like to state that we do not agree with this ban. This ban is taking away all our future competitions, accomplishments and goals to elevate, inspire, and make Nigeria proud!
“We would like to be given the opportunity to play for our country that we passionately love to represent in this upcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup competition.
“We have worked very hard to be 3x Afrobasket Champions, Olympians, and now we are blessed with another opportunity to continue that representation for Nigeria.
“We want Nigerian basketball to continue to grow and succeed on every level, from the local leagues, grassroots and even on the international stage!
“We believe that all levels of Nigerian basketball can excel with the proper attention, togetherness, and organization. Our team is a testament to how successful Nigerian basketball can be and how we have been an inspiration to all Nigerian athletes across the globe.
“We wish to express our gratitude to all the coaches, medical staff, organizers, and fans. This ban not only penalizes us but you all as well. Your commitment and loyalty to our team will never go unnoticed.
“Our goal is to play and represent Nigeria proudly! We, as the Nigerian Women’s National team, plea for the reversal of the International Basketball ban for Nigeria. We hope to be heard! Thank you.”
Before the ban, D’Tigress were billed to represent Nigeria at the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Australia from September 22 to October 1, 2022.
The team had been drawn into Group B alongside Australia, Japan, France, Canada, and Serbia.
Agriculture
Borno establishes Ministry of Livestock, Fishery Development
The Borno Government has announced the creation of Ministry of Livestock and Fishery Development to align its
Development strategy with Federal Government initiatives, and boost the state’s economic potential.
Gov. Babagana Zulum made the announcement on Tuesday during the swearing in of two commissioners at the council chambers of the Government House.
Zulum underscored the importance of livestock and fisheries as vital sectors with untapped revenue potential.
He emphasised that the new ministry would focus on high-yield livestock breeds, milk production and fisheries, targeting both domestic consumption and export opportunities.
The governor said that “no state government can make substantial money in livestock alone, but we believe with the right investment and political will, the sector can generate significant revenue.”
He said that the growing demand for milk by yogurt companies and the proximity of Maiduguri to Asian and Arab markets, are great opportunities for dairy exportation.
The governor, therefore, assigned the Deputy Governor, Dr Umar Kadafur, to oversee the activities of the new ministry, citing his practical experience and passion for livestock development.
He said “livestock development is not just about academic qualifications, it is about practice and the deputy governor has demonstrated capability in that regard.”
According to him, the ministry will prioritise procuring high-yielding livestock varieties, enhancing milk production and creating sustainable rural projects to support
Local communities.
He said that projects in Mafa, Gajiram and in Southern Borno will soon be launched under the new ministry’s purview.
The governor urged civil servants and ministry personnel to take ownership of the new initiative, adding that the ministry’s success would contribute to the states
Long-term economic stability and self-reliance.
Headlines
British High Commissioner seeks military, civilian efforts in tackling insecurity
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Richard Montgomery, has called for the combination of military and civilian efforts in tackling the complexity of security challenges in Nigeria and globally.
Montgomery made the call at a two-day Security and Justice Symposium organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Collaboration with the British High Commission, on Tuesday in Abuja.
He commended the efforts of the Nigerian military in promoting civil-military collaboration and adoption of kinetic and non-kinetic action in addressing the menace of terrorism and insurgency in the country.
“At the heart of all this is recognition of the importance of upholding the rule of law, human rights, humanitarian law and international humanitarian law.
“We need to consider the different legal principles and frameworks that apply to criminal violence or to violent conflicts and how we deal with them in protracted conflict zones.
“We had a legal frameworks roundtable with the Nigerian military officers earlier this year, and a really good debate about how we adapt to different situations.
“I am hoping today we will help progress that dialogue on which Nigerian legal frameworks are appropriate in which circumstances,’’ he said.
Montgomery highlighted the positive and open relationship between the UK and Nigeria, noting that both countries were learning from each other’s experiences in tackling security challenges.
He expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to continue this productive dialogue and hoped that the symposium would result in actionable insights and further strengthen the partnership.
Headlines
Zulum swears in 2 new commissioners
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno on Tuesday presided over the swearing-in of two new commissioners to replace those who died while in active service.
The State Chief Judge, Justice Kashim Zannah, administered the oath of office at the ceremony held at the Government House in Maiduguri.
The new commissioners are Muhammad Lawan-Dalorima for the Ministry of Finance and Isa Haladu for the Ministry of Reconstruction, Resettlement and Rehabilitation (RRR).
In his speech, Zulum expressed gratitude to the Borno House of Assembly for their prompt scrutiny and confirmation of the nominees.
He urged the commissioners to uphold the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability in their new roles, while emphasising the administration’s strategy of periodically rotating commissioners to different ministries to promote fresh ideas and effective governance.
“You have been chosen for your exceptional qualities and expertise. I have no doubt you will make valuable contributions to our administration,” he said.
The governor also paid tribute to the late commissioners who previously held the portfolios, reflecting on their contributions to the development of the state.
Responding on behalf of the commissioners, Haladu thanked the governor for finding them worthy of the appointment, and promised him of diligent service delivery.
-
Business3 years ago
Facebook, Instagram Temporarily Allow Posts on Ukraine War Calling for Violence Against Invading Russians or Putin’s Death
-
Headlines3 years ago
Nigeria, Other West African Countries Facing Worst Food Crisis in 10 Years, Aid Groups Say
-
Foreign3 years ago
New York Consulate installs machines for 10-year passport
-
Technology2 months ago
Zero Trust Architecture in a Remote World: Securing the New Normal
-
Entertainment2 years ago
Phyna emerges winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7
-
Business6 months ago
Nigeria Customs modernisation project to check extortion of traders
-
Business8 months ago
We generated N30.2 bn revenue in three months – Kano NCS Comptroller
-
Headlines5 months ago
Philippines’ Vice President Sara Duterte resigns from Cabinet