Ancelloti bags Coah of the Year Award

By James Ojo, UNN

credits: sports.ndtv.com

Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelloti has bagged the best coach of 2014
at the Globe Soccer Awards, held in Dubai on Monday night, after
enjoying a successful campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu.

After ending the year in a tip-top form currently sitting on top of La
Liga and clear favourites of more titles to come, the ace football
manager saw off Madrid to a 4-1 victory in Libson over one of their
arch-rivals; Atletico Madrid to claim the long awaited La Decima and
also won the Copa Del Rey in his first season in charge of the club.

Carlo Ancelloti has enjoined a good coaching career winning many
domestic league titles in Italy with AC Milan, England with Chelsea
and France with Paris Saint- German.

Ancelloti parades a host of best players in the world with Cristiano
Ronaldo and Gareth Bale making the team more formidable for other
European clubs. New signings James Rodriguez and Kroos have also added
strenght to his team.

Speaking in an interview after the award, Ancelloti said: "Life is
because we have many great players and wonderful staff which makes it
a lot easier to coach Real Madrid than other clubs".

Marriage on Campus: Prospects, Challenges, Expectations

From time immemorial, marriage has been a respected institution in the
in the nooks and crannies of the world. Apart from ensuring the
continuity of life, it is also an avowal of loveb- the proof of true
love.

In an African context, marriage is held in high esteem. To Africans,
a married man is a complete man. Thus marriage goes as far as
determining a man's integrity, prestige, office among others in the
society. This stems out of Afican beliefs and cultures.

Thus when a man or lady has come of age to get married, families,
friends and and the entire community come together to celebrate in
high spirit their about to married child.

However, with our world fast becoming a global village, it has left
behind some attendant effects as  changes are being afooted. Today,
our society is making nonsense of this noble institution due to an
acclaimed 'civilisation'.

This as we all no has gone viral among the youths of today, especially
those in the universities.

Among these group of youths, there exists different kinds of
relationships. While some are bent on co-existience; the process
whereby a male and a female live under the same roof, others opt for
boyfriend and girlfriend relationships.

Wothy of note in the university and other institutions of learning is
students marrying while still on campus. As the popular dictum goes:
"one man's food is another man's poison" Marriage on campus means
different thing to different people. As the case may,
both side have its own strenghts and weakenesses.

To a lady who marries while still on campus, she have to battle with
the responsibility of pursuing her academics as well as seeing to the
well being of her family. Undoubtedly, such would be a daunting task
to her.

Apart from this, she might also endure isolation from her friends  who
may see her as out-of-date.

In the same vein, the stress of combining pregnancy with academic
stress might be challenging.

On the other hand, marriage on campus could afford a lady the sense of
maturity when compared to other spinsters on campus.

Similarly, marriage on campus could earn the lady more respect both from
her mates and lectuers.

Defying the challenge of combining academics with marriage, Hope
Chinweoke Omeje, a 200-level student of mass communication took to
alter recently.

The atmosphere was high at New St. Paul Catheral Church, Nsukka
on Saturday, 27th December, 2014, as the world gathered to celebrate with
the families of Mr. Asogwa Emmanuel and Elder Apollos Omeje for the
wedding ceremony of their children; Hope Chinwoke Omeje a 200-level
student of mass communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Gospel
Sunday Ezinwa.

Before this very August day, the traditional marriage had taken place
at Mr. Appolos Omeje's (the bride's father) compound in Ogbu-Eke village,
Alor-Ulo, Nsukka 5:18pm on Friday. On that faithful day, the
atmosphere was calm and high with irresistible aromas coming from well
prepared meals, the trees waved , the sun sparkled, camera men
struggled for a shot of the gorgeously dressed couple, men and women
trooped and out of the compound at the epoch-making event.

Indeed, it was a celebration of love. A day that would linger in
the history of Ogbu-Eke village.

On her wedding gown, sparkling as light, the bride together with the groom
marched onto the altar to recieve their marriage certificate officially.
Shortly after this, they danced to tunes booming from the bands.

In this interview with our correspondent after the wedding, Hope, who
could not hide her joy expressed their feelings, challenges and
expectations of their marriage, had this to say.
Excerpts:

How do you feel celeberating your wedding today?

Am so happy and more than happy. What makes me happy is that I
amleaving the stage of a Miss to a Mrs. I am leaving my family
to establish my own.

What qualities do you see in him that made you fall in love with him?

He is a man of vision, goal and he is also a man that fears God. That
is number one thing.

Pandemonium in Indonesia over missing Air Plane

By James Ojo, UNN

credits: nypost.com

Pandemonium broke out when an Indonesia AirAsia flight with
162 people aboard, most of them Indonesians, disappeared in the
early hours of Sunday over the Java Sea, triggering a search involving
several Southeast Asian nations.

According to an Associated Press(AP) report, Contact with Flight 8501
was lost about 42 minutes after the single-aisle, twin-engine A320-200
jet took off from Surabaya airport in Indonesia for Singapore.

It was not immediately clear whether it had any satellite tracking
devices on board.

Malaysia-based AirAsia, owned by Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes,
has dominated cheap travel in the region for years. AirAsia Malaysia
owns 49 percent of its subsidiary, AirAsia Indonesia. It said the
plane was on the submitted flight plan route when the pilots requested
deviation due to weather before communication was lost.

AirAsia, which has a presence in most of Southeast Asia and recently
in India, has never lost a plane before and has a good safety track
record.

The missing flight is the third malaysia-linked inccident in 2014
after two has been repotedly  missing in the year.

EPL: Harvest of Goals on a Drammatic Boxing Day

By James Ojo, UNN

credits: wallpicshd.com

There was an harvest of goals in the Barclays Premier League
matches played on Friday, boxing day, with Chelsea, Manchester City,
Manchester United, among others recording victories.

Chelsea continue their stunning form this season under Jose Mourinho
after nailing West Ham United 2-0 to maintain their three ponits lead
over their fiercest rival, Manchester City. Though the Chelsea boss
has noted in their last match that they have the toughest fixtures
ahead this festive period; the Blues are taking no chances to extend
their dominance on top of the League.

Similarly, Manchester City hammered West Brom 3-1 to  mount more
pressure on league leaders Chelsea.

In another cracker, Manchester United continue their scintillating run
of the season and also revive their title hope after they white-washed
Newcastle United 3-1 thanks to Wayne Rooney's brace and another
strike by Robin Vanpersie to make it seven wins out of eight games for
the reds. A late consolation goal from Cisse was not enough to earn a
point for the helpless Magpies.

However, Louis Vangaal remains in the dark over the inury of United's
talisman, Angel Dimaria who suffered an injury on christmas day during
a trainning session.

Arsene Wenger's ten-man team also recorded a deserved victory after
defeating QPR 2-1 with Oliver Giround earning a red card. Goals from
skipper Alexis Sanchez and Rosicky was enough to earn the Gunners the
needed three points.

Liverpool aslo returned to winning ways after defeating struggling
Burnley 1-0; while Southampton humbled  Crystal Palace 3-1

Tottenham  also defeated Leceister city 2-1 while Stoke City made
light of Everton by defeating them 1-0

A detailed  Barclay's Premier League results on Boxing are as follows:

Full time Chelsea 2 - 0 West Ham United
Full time Burnley 0 - 1 Liverpool

Full time Crystal Palace 1 - 3 Southampton

Full time Everton 0 - 1 Stoke City

Full time Leicester 1 - 2 Tottenham

Full timeManchester United 3 - 1 Newcastle United

Full timeSunderland 1 - 3 Hull

Full timeSwansea City 1 - 0 Aston Villa

Full timeWest Brom 1 - 3 Man City

Full timeArsenal 2 - 1 QPR

More to follow

China: Christains celebrate Christmas amidst fear

...Worship under a cross-less roof.

By James Ojo, UNN

Credits: pressherald.com

Christains in the city of Wenzhou in Beijing, China, have expressed fear
over this year's Christmas celebration with many of them worshipping under
a cross-less roof.

According to an Associated Press (AP) report, members of a rural
christain congregation in the eastern city of Wenzhou wielded some
pieces of metal into a cross and hoisted it onto the top of their
worship hall to replace the one that was forcibly removed in October.

However, some township officials and uniformed men trooped onto the
church ground and brought down the cross.

In an interview with AP correspondent on Tuesday, a church official
who spoke on condition of anonimity because of fear of government
retaliation said: "They keep a very close watch on us, and there is
nothing we can do".

"The situation is not good as any attempt to re-erect the cross will
be stopped," he added.

Many Christians in the eastern Chinese province of Zhejiang, will
worship this Christmas under a cross-less roof. Provincial authorities
have toppled crosses from more than 400 churches, and even razed some
worship halls in a province-wide crackdown on building code
violations.

Many Christians say their faith has been singled out because
authorities, wary of its rapid growth, are seeking to curb its spread
in a campaign that has targeted China's most thriving Christian
communities.

Estimates of the number of Christians in China range from the
conservative official figure of 23 million to as many as 100 million
by independent scholars, raising the possibility that Christians may
rival in size the 85 million members of the ruling Communist Party.

In August, Beijing rounded up Christian pastors and religious scholars
in a national seminar with the edict that the Christian faith must be
free of foreign influence but "adapt to China," a euphemism for
obeying the Communist Party's rule.

This week, authorities in Wenzhou — known as China's Jerusalem because
it has half of the province's 4,000 churches — have banned all
Christmas celebrations or related activities in the city's
kindergartens and grade schools.

"We had guidance on foreign holidays such as Christmas in the past,
but this year marks the first time we issued a clearer notice," an
education official was quoted as saying in a local, government-run
newspaper on Wednesday.

Churches in Wenzhou and elsewhere in Zhejiang were first told last
year to turn off any spotlights shining on their crosses at night. A
few months later, the congregations were ordered to remove the crosses
or face forced demolitions.

Resistance by local Christians has led to violent protests, bloody
clashes and arrests of pastors and church goers. At least two people —
one pastor and one church goer — remain in police custody for their
acts to defend the cross, said Zhang Kai, a Christian rights lawyer.

When one rural village re-erected a cross in the summer, authorities
put it under a 24-hour watch, which has now gone on for nearly five
months.

"This year's Christmas has been exceptional, as a group of uniformed
men have been helping us move tables, direct traffic, and guard
holiday decorations as well as the front door, the back door, the
warehouse and the sanctuary," church pastor Tao Chongyin wrote on a
social media site.

Hike in Prices of commodities over Christmas Celebration

By James Ojo, UNN

With celebration of Christmas at it's peak, prices of some commodities have
gone through the roof, making things difficult for average Nigerians in their
bid to buy food items for their families.

Our correspondent, who visited Ogige market in Nsukka Local Government Area
of Enugu State in the early hours of Thursday discoverd that the prices food
items like rice, crayfish, onions and tomatoes among others  have increased
drastically.

Speaking with our correspondent in an interview, Mr. Clement, a resident of
Nsukka, disclosed that the prices of some commodities have truly increased due
to the Christmas period. According to him, food items like Broiler which
are being sold for #1,000 before is now #3,000.

He however noted that only the prices of onions and meat remained
constant as at the time of the filling of this report.

When asked what could be responsible for the  increase in prices of
commodities, Mr. Clement said: " Nothing is responsible but christmas.
The demand is very high than supply".

He however noted that the increase in prices of commodities would not
affect Nigerians because it is a matter of time when every parents are
eager to satisfy their children.

"I don't think it would affect people because it a question of time,
and parents are very to satisfy their children," he added.

On her part, Mrs. Sharon attributed the hike to the high cost of fuel
in the country. "I think it is because of high cost of fuel," she
said. According to her, Royal rice which is sold for #2,300 is
now #2,700.

In the same vein, Mrs. Blessing opined that Tomatoes which sells for
#1,000 before is  now #1,250.

Another person who pleaded anonimity noted that the hike in prices of
commodities would make things difficult for average Nigerians who
could not afford such price.

Today, the 25th of Decembet, Nigerian Christian faithfuls join other Christians
 in the world to mark the birth of Jesus Christ their Saviour.

Blazing Chelsea dismantles Stoke

...As Terry and Fabregas strikes ensure three points clear of title rivals.

By James Ojo, UNN

credits: santabay.com

Chelsea continues their dominance at the top of the Barclays Premier
League after defeating Stoke City 2-0 on Monday to stay three points
clear of their fiercest title rivals, Manchester City.

Goals from Chelsea's skipper John Terry, and Cesc Fabregas ensured a  a
deserved win over the Potters.

Manchester City had levelled points with Chelsea after wipping Crystal
Palace 3-0 on Saturday, but the League leaders maintained their lead
on Monday night till  Christmas.

Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho has admitted they had the toughest
fixtures ahead this December when compared to that of their title
rival, Manchester City.

However, the Chelsea boss refused to be carried away by their vicory
over Stoke.

"In my opinion we were the best team until this day - that's why we
are top of the league.

"We start this period of Christmas knowing that our fixtures are more
difficult than any other ones - three matches away: Stoke, Southampton
and Tottenham.

"One match at home against big West Ham, because big West Ham - Big
Sam - they are doing amazingly well this season.

"We know our opponents, they have different kind of fixtures, so for
us it was very important to win tonight." he told Goal.

AFCON exit:Stephen Keshi on Fire

By James Ojo, UNN

credits: bbc.co.uk

Call him the 'BIG BOSS', he is Stephen Keshi - the out-of-favour,
out-of-contract and most controversial Nigerian Super Eagles Coach.

He is best Known for two major exploits- winning the African Cup of
Nations and and taking Nigeria's Team B to a third place at CHAN for
the first time in Nigeria's history. A  feat achieved only  by Clemens
Westerhof, whom many believed to be Nigeria's most prolific football
manager.

Born on May 3, 1940, in Beek, Gelderland, Westerhof took
Nigeria to African Cup of Nations glory in 1994 and qualified Nigeria
for the second round of the FIFA world Cup that same year. He also
worked in various football positions on the African Continent since
1989.

Undoubtedly, his sprit has reincarnated into Stepnen Keshi, the
Westerhof of our time.

However, those are past glories. A refined and complete man should
never live on past glories. Many have lashed out at Stephen Keshi
particularly after failing to qualify the defending champions for the
most prestigious football showpiece in the continent.

After taking Nigeria to an enduring Brazil 2014, Nigerians trust in
the Eagles handler suffered a big blow.

If there is something to know about football fans in Nigeria, then it
is nothing more than getting results. Nigerian  football fans are
pragmatists who believes in the dictum - "the end justifies the means".

They believe not just in theories but workable theories. Perhaps, it
is because Nigerians are no failures. Should they lash out at Keshi's
incompetency to qualify Nigeria for AFCON, it means  Keshi has proved
'a failure' in that regard.

While Keshi seems unperturbed  by these criticisms, Nigerians  never
mind expressing their dissapointments in him.

Former Super Eagles Coach, Shaibu Amodu has advised Keshi following
his shortfallings to stop begging for the job like a 'beggar'.

According to him:
"Stephen Keshi alone will decide if he has a reputation or not. If he
has a reputation he will walk out of the job, if he does not have, he
should stay like a beggar."

Similarly, Ex-Nigerian forward, Victor Ikpeba has  rubbished Keshi's
ideology of escaping blames and "building-the- team-mentality".

“For how long will Keshi build the Eagles?,” Ikpeba who won the
African Player of the Year award in 1997 asked in a Vanguard
interview.

“He has been building this team since 2012 and still wants to continue
building in 2014. No. What type of builder is he? His success in South
Africa where he won the Nations Cup was a collective effort.

“He has placed us on the hard corner of qualification for the Nations
Cup in Morocco. While Nigerians are gritting about their chances, he
has invited rookies for the must win matches against Sudan. Keshi
needs to ask himself questions. He should be a critic unto himself.

“He is either blaming the players or attacking even ex-internationals
who criticize him.

"He has invited rookies to the national team. He is busy excluding the
best players because of his personal interest. My brother, Keshi has
lost it,” Ikpeba said.

Among his greatest critics was a former Nigerian international and
Super Eagles Team Coordinator, Garbal Lawal. The list continues to
infinity. Has Keshi really lost it? Should he call time on his career
as the Super Eagles handler? What is  next for Stephen Keshi?...?

These are questions in search of answers. As the case may be, the
out-of-contract and out-of-favour coach should not only  reignite his
lost tactics should he continues as the Super Eagles manager but also
restore Nigerians trust and confidence he was once awashed with.

2015: Two-Horse Race, Two Parties

By James Ojo, UNN

credits: vanguardngr.com

After many have described the 2011 general elections as the best in
Nigeria's history, the countdown to 2015 poll continues as the stage
gets set for the make or mar presidential election.

 On radio, television, newspapers, magazines, internet... Its all about 2015.

This time around, it is a two way process involving two parties - INEC
and Nigerians, two major contenders - Buhari and Jonathan.

In any democratic setting, it is believed that the electorate wields
the highest power. In other words, power resides in the electorate.
The electorate are to determine who gets to power and the collective
future of a nation. Nigeria is not an exception. And the time is
now when we are expected to determine who wields Nigeria's
political power for the next four years. To achieve this, Nigerians
must vote right. Not votes inluenced by ethnicity, religion,
propaganda, bribery, political sentiments, stereotype and impunity of
any sort, but a vote from the heart which is motivated by
efficiency, charisma and goodwill of their preferred candidates.

On the other hand, the Inedependent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) has a daunting task to execute if truly Nigeria would conduct a
credible election. The efficiency of INEC would again be put to test.

To do this the security agencies have to be on their foot. How would
the electorate vote willingly when there is anxiety and tension in the
air? Impossible!

From the foregoing, INEC and Nigerian security agencies must work hand
in hand to make Nigeria proud at the forthcoming poll.

Furthermore, politicians must do away with the existing do-or-die
syndrome of our politicians. True legitimacy in democracy is never
obtained by force. To this end, there must be a violence free
atmosphere if we are to to conduct a free and fair election.

Speaking on this, the Chief  Press Secetary to the INEC Chairman, Mr.
Kayode Idowu said: "...politicians should ensure that 2015 elections are devoid of
violence. If they do, we are coasting home with the desired results.”

Nigeria has practised almost fifteen years of interrupted democracy
since the military-democracy transition in 1999 which brought Chief
Olusegun Obasanjo to power. Since then it has been democracy all the
way, and Nigerians hope to extend that come 2015.

The forthcoming election appears to be a two-horse race with General Muhammadu
Buhari (rtd) of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and  President Goodluck
Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Road to Olympiastadion

...As Europe's elite clubs eye victory.

By James Ojo, UNN

credits: sportskeeda.com

As the Champions League gets to the round of 16, hopes and aspirations
of clubs are going though the roof to win the prestigious  European
elite league- The UEFA Champions League Cup.

At this stage of the competiton, war, rivalry, celebration, victory,
depression, defeats... are its hallmark. Real Madrid emerged winners
of the competiton last season after a  pulsating encounter with their
city rivals, Atletico Madrid, and look favourites this season after
ending this year with another World Club Cup.

As usual one would have tipped teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid,
Bayern Munich, among others to emerge possible winners. However, in
football, you can't take anything away from any team, anytime, anyday.

Lets  take a look at the Round of 16 draw and the toughest so far.

PSG vs Chelsea

Basel vs Porto

Schalke vs Real Madrid

Manchester City vs Bercelona

Juventus vs Dortmund

Bayern Leverkusen vs Atletico Madrid

Arsenal vs Monaco

From the pairing above, Manhester City-Barcelona and
Juventus-Dortmund  appears the toughest. Who shall be crowned
winners this season? The battle continues...
The round of 16 kicks off from 17-25 February, 2011.

Education: our hope, our future...

By James Ojo, UNN

Credit: myschoolgist.com

If there is anything worth fighting for, it could be nothing more than

education. Education is life. Education is everything. It is the
driving force of any development. Talk of humanity and development! Talk
of technology! Talk of freedom from oppression! Talk of equity - talk
education. It is basic, encompassing and a prerequisite to man's
mental and physical growth.

Men, women and government invest in education for the power it gives
them. Today, research powers are vested in the educated ones to find
lasting solutions to the various challenges and disasters facing man.

How come Nigeria's educational sector is falling down the pecking
order? Why do we have endless strikes in our institutions? Why
classes without roofs? Why do we have shortage of facilities in our
laboratories? Why and why...?

Nigeria flaunts many scholars that are celebrated home and abroad; but
our future seemed unclear with our pace towards improving education in
Nigeria. No Nigerian university can pen down her name in the league of  top
three best universities in Africa despite Nigeria being Africa's biggest
economy. We must improve or else we would be left behind!

Perhaps our problems lies in the grassroots. That reminds me of that
powerful biblical injunction, "If the foundation be destroyed, what
can a righteous man do?"  We must borrow a leaf from Lucky Dube's
hit track - "Back to my root"

It is a fact that most Nigerian primary schools cannot boast of competent
teachers, infrastructures and a whole lot of other factors which aid the
growth of education. The situation is even worst with the so-called
 "private school" cropping up like mushrooms.  Little  wonder why our
labour market is flooded with half-baked graduates.

In the recently released WASSCE Nov/Dec result, statistics shows
that out of the 246, 853 who sat for the examination, only 72,522
candidates, representing 29.37 percent, got credits in five subjects,
including Mathematics and English Language. This shows that about
70.63 percent of the candidates failed the exam.

On his part, the Head, National office, the West African Examinations
Council, Mr.Charles Eguridu, said there was an improvement when
compared with last year's  26.97 percent - averaging 80,135 candidates
who obtained five credits in five subjects including Mathematics and
English Language.

Improvement indeed! Success can never be hidden, because it is
worth celebrating. If what we call improvement is  mere 2.4 percent,
then we are still far from it.

What do we need at this point in time? We need education! Not just a
quasi and a dwimdled educational system but a functional, effective
and efficient educational system.

With hike in tuition fees, lack of competent teachers and
infrastructures in our schools, the Goodluck Jonathan's administration
must turn more attention to taking education in Nigeria to the next
level - a move that would evoke a turning point in Nigeria's quest for
development.

Why Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is the right running mate for Buhari

By James Ojo, UNN

Considering the current turbulence of insecurity across the country which
many Nigerians linked to be a religious-cum-political crises; the
emergence of a Muslim-Muslim ticket for APC's presidential
candidates would have flagged off  an earthquake of reactions from
many Nigerians, especially the Christian counterparts.

Nigeria being a secular state where religion constitutes one of the
greatest factor for determining political offices, employment
opportunities, business transactions among other things - a bane to
our "one Nigeria" mentality; the nomination of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo  as
Buhari's running mate is a laudable development.

Firstly, his nomination ensured equal representation of the two
dominant religions in Nigeria. This would help curtail the frequent
religious crises in some parts of the country.

Also, his nomination would help foster mutual relationship between the
North and South which would bring about, growth and overall
transformation of Nigeria.

Describing Osinbajo, Buhari said,

"I have chosen a man of unimpeachable integrity, an excellent professional,
a man of faith, a devoted family man and a role model to our fellow
countrymen and women.

“He is a professor of Law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. An alumnus
of the University of Lagos and the London School of Economics. He is a
prodigious author who has to his credit several books on civil
procedure in Nigerian superior courts.

“The vice-presidential candidate is a friend of the less privileged,
compassionate and zealous in service.

“A man of uncommon humility, a loyal, dependable and selfless patriot.
He is Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who by the grace of God and the vote of
Nigerians, will be the next vice-president of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria.”

Indeed, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is the right man considering his wealth of
experiences as an advocate, commissioner and  as a man of God.

While pledging his committment to the development of Nigeria, Osinbajo
said: “The task of rebuilding this nation is one to which I am fully
committed. There can be no other President, Leader and commander that
can lead that common sense revolution Nigeria urgently needs than Gen.
Buhari.

“I will proudly serve this country with him. Gen. Buhari’s uprightness
and fierce commitment to good governance are well known. It will be a
privilege to work with him.

“I come to this assignment with a lot of hope and a resolve to be a
part of this movement to bring Nigeria back to its lost glory. With
the support of all Nigerians and the help of God, we shall make
Nigeria work again.

“I will work with him and the party to restore hope and confidence in
millions of our youths and provide comfort and security for millions
of our countrymen and women.”

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo was nominated ahead of River state Governor,
Rotimi Amaechi; Edo state's Adam Oshiomole; ex-Governor of Ekiti
State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi among others as Buhari's running mate to
challenge President Goodluck Jonathan for the presidential seat come
2015 election.

WAR, RIVALRY

...As Ronaldo, Messi, Neuer battle for battle for Ballon d'Or.

By James Ojo

Credits: bbc.co.uk

Again, the rivalry in football continues between the two most
influential players in the world: Ronaldo and Messi, having being
shortlisted alongside Bayern Munich and German international
Goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, as the final three nominees for the FIFA
Ballon d'Or award of which the winner will be announced in January.

Ronaldo and Messi have won the prestigious award a total of seven
times, with Messi winning it four times on a spin while Portugal and
Real Madrid ace strike , Cristiano Ronaldo having bagged the award two
times, appears the favourite for this year's award after a
scintillating display this year for Real Madrid and Portugal.

However, Manuel Neuer could take the world stage by becoming the first
goal keeper to win the award after a prolific season at both his club
and country - winning the domestic double and the World cup.

Having battled with an early injury towards the start of the 2014-2015
season, four-times Ballon d'Or winner, Lionel Messi, has also regained
form, scoring many hat-tricks and also reaching the World Cup finals
in Brazil.

Many football pundits had however predicted that as ever, the duo will
go head-to-head for the prize and it is a particularly close contest
this year.

According to Goal's Brendon Netto "The duo are neck and neck in the
race for the Ballon d'Or and it promises to be a close finish".

However, former Real Madrid ace defender, Roberto Carlos has tipped
Ronaldo to win the award noting that "Ronaldo is more decisive than
Messi".

According to him, "Cristiano Ronaldo remains the best in the world and
Messi is doing what others have failed to".

He added that, "He (Messi) is breaking records, but Cristiano Ronaldo
is more decisive than him".

Indeed, it promises to be another make or mar showdown come January as
Ronaldo, Messi and Neuer battle for the most prestigious award in
football.

Back and Better

...As United return to winning ways.

By: James Ojo,UNN

After a convincing 3-0 victory over Liverpool, one of their fiercest
rivals in the Barclay's Premier League, Manchester United extended
their unbeaten run to six games, winning six matches on a spin after a
lacklustre Star of the 2014-2015 season.

Louis Vangaal's men came under fire after failing to impress their
fans on several occasions; considering the huge amount splashed in the
summer window.

However, their scintillating display in their last six games had
silenced every doubt that they are indeed back to winning ways.

Newstrack takes a look at their chances of winning the EPL title and
what the season has to offer.

Last season, Manchester City emerged winner of the prestigious title;
capitalizing on Liverpool's failure to take their chances of winning
the title.

Earlier this season, Jose Mourinho's rampant Chelsea had proved to be
the only strong contenders for the title with Manchester City, Arsenal
, Liverpool and Manchester United falling down the pecking order.

However, their unbeaten run was ended by a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle.
With Manchester City closing the gap on Chelsea to three points and
Manchester United regaining form, the 2014-2015 BPL promises to put up
many surprises as the battle for the title continues.

UNN Sandwich Students decry Resumption Date

...call for improved programme.

By: James Ojo,UNN.

With few days to Christmas, some students running
Sandwich programme at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
have cried out over school's resumption date; urging the
the management of the institution to improve the quality of
Sandwich programmes in the University.

They made this known in a cross-section of interviews with our correspondent
in the early hours of Wednesday.

Mr.Emmanuel Akinola, a 300-level student of Education/French,
described the inconveniences created by the resumption date.

According to him, "As a family man, it is tedious, it not convenient
during this festive period. Coming to Nsukka during December period is
not encouraging and it makes the programme boring," he said.

While explaining some challenges by faced Students running the
programme, Akinola said, "we are facing many challenges. One of them
is academic challenge. Most Lecturers hardly come to class and we find
it difficult to understand some of our courses. They make us feel as
if we are not students. Coming twice a year is not encouraging and
many has dropped out," he added.

Speaking on ways of improving the quality of the Sandwich programme,
Akinola said, "They should make the programme standard. There should
also be student unionism who will serve as a link between the students
and the management of the institution".

In the same vein, Mr. Emeka Chukwueze, a student of Igbo/Linguistics
noted that another challenge facing them is lack of infrastructural
facilities."We don't have a nice building, no water, no electricity for reading," he said.

He therefore enjoined the school's administration to renovate the
building (Zik flat) allocated to them and also supply water for them.
On her own part, Mrs. Idoko N.K tasked the administration of the
institution to give more attention to  the Sandwich programme of the
institution.

Sandwich students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka officially
resumed school today(Wednesday) as the regular students go on break.

2015 Poll: UNN Students predict tense Atmosphere

...tip Jonathan for victory.

by James Ojo

credit: sahara reporters

Few minutes after the declaration of former military leader, Muhammadu Buhari, as APC's presidential candidate, the major oppostion to challenge President Goodluck Jonathan for the presidential seat in the make or mar 2015 poll; Nigerians set their gaze on February 14th, 2015 - a day that would determine who wields Nigeria political power in the next four years.

BBC's Will Ross had in Lagos said: "This election is likely to be a tight race, especially if the opposition manages to stay united behind one candidate".

Reacting to this, some students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in an interview with Newstrack, predicted a tense atmosphere in the 2015, tipping preisdent Goodluck Jonathan as the possible winner of the election.

According to Orji Sylvester, a 200-level student of mass communication,"I think that even before this two men were elected as flagbearers for their respective parties, we know that they are most likely to get the position. Placing this two people side by side, it is the most heated candidates. It is going to be a fearsome election and the victory would be marginal".

Speaking on Jonathan's chances of winning the election, Orji said: "I think Jonathan would still emerge, not because of efficiency but because of the existing ideology".

While predicting the political atmosphere of 2015, "we may not have a violent free election... If we are not careful, 2015 may be the beginning of Nigeria's disintegration. Most people would be disenfranchised in the 2015 election. We may have majority winning the election which does not exist in the actual sense; and this would give rise to grievances from various fanctions of Nigeria. We may have a very bloody election come 2015," he added.

Suggesting the way forward, "It boils down to what INEC can give us. Can we really rely on Jega? INEC have to do a very good work to ensure efficiency. This time around the effiency of INEC would be tested," he said.

Berepamo Bofamene, a student of political science said, "Although Buhari is not a saint, he is credible; but being the incumbent president, Jonathan stands a good chance of winning the election". As for the political atmosphere,"it is going to be very thick," she added.

In the same vein, Eric Agbo, a student of English and Literary studies noted that despite the insecurity problems facing Nigeria, the Goodluck Jonathan's administration has remained the best in the history of Nigeria. "I think Jonathan has to be re-elected for some reasons. It has been the best administration in Nigeria. He is a president that listen to the masses. It is the complete democracy we have ever seen," he said.

Eze Victor, a student of public administration and local administration on his own predicted Jonathan winning "90% of the election".

Having defeated Mr. Atiku Abubakar his closest rival in the APC's primaries ,Buhari is now set to challenge President Goodluck Jonathan - a repeat of 2011 poll. In the previous election, Jonathan recorded a landslide victory over Buhari, winning with almost 59% of the vote against 32%, sparking widespread unrest in Northern areas which backed Mr. Buhari. More than 500 people were killed and thousands of people were forced from their homes.

Capitalizing on the Goodluck Jonathan's administration inability to tackle insecurity, the APC's chosen candidate, Buhari has vowed to leave no stone unturned in tackling the country's insecurity saga if elected.

War Against Corruption

...As Nigeria ranks 136th in latest global corruption index.

By James Ojo, UNN

It is no gainsaying that corruption is one of the chief problems facing Nigeria apart from insecurity. And in spite of measures intensified by the federal government in combating this menace, the frequent cases of embezzlement in the court seems to have made nonsense of this crusade.

While most Nigerians could not afford the basic needs of man like food and shelter; statistics showed that Nigeria is Africa's biggest economy. In the latest global corruption index released by Transparency International, Nigeria ranks 136th most corrupt country in the world and 3rd most corrupt in West Africa after Guinea and Bissau.

This record is Nigeria's best ranking on Transparency International's corruption perception index(CPI) under president Goodluck Jonathan. Nigeria was ranked 144th in 2013, 139th in 2012 and 143rd in 2011 with the 2014 position bettering that of 2013 by eight places. The 2014 report shows that the least corrupt country in the world is Denmark as it ranked 1 of 175 nation's surveyed, with Somalia and North Korea both ranked as the most corrupt nations of the world.

Reacting to Jonathan's effort at combating corruption in Nigeria, the Senior Special Assistant to the president on public affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe; revealed in Abuja that the President Goodluck's administration is leaving no stone unturned to stop corruption in Nigeria.

According to him, "There is no doubt that Nigeria is winning the war on corruption. It may not be immediately apparent to those who do not understand the dynamics of applying creative techniques in upturning an age-long habit that has cost this country a lot in terms of financial resources; but to those like the officials in Transparency International knowledgeable in the nuances of fighting corruption, a lot of grounds have been covered," he said.

Speaking on specific areas where the Jonathan's administration has achieved some landmark achievement; Dr. Okupe said,

"one major area this fight has been visible is the agricultural sector where the administration's carefully articulated and executed Agricultural Transformation Agenda ended 40 years of corruption in the distribution of fertilizers to farmers".

"The same thing applies to the reforms in ports where we have successfully plugged many loopholes which some corrupt officials had exploited to delay genuine business transactions and harm the Nigeria economy," he said.

"The old corrupt system of government direct procurement and distribution of fertilizer as well as the operations in the various parts and government agencies contribution in no small to the negative rating of Nigeria by the Transparency International and other global watchdog," he added.

While explaining the various strategies explored to achieve this feat, Okupe said "While it was important for suspects involved in corruption cases to be tried, and if found guilty, sent to jail. What is more important is for the development of mechanisms, the institution of structures and enactment of policies that would plug loopholes and foster transparency, such that at the propensity for corruption os ,are more difficult and eliminated completely".

Indeed, the Jonathan's administration is fighting corruption but considering the rich historical, natural, and mineral resources we are awashed with; more is demanded of us. From the foregoing, more effort must be geared towards fighting corruption in Nigeria. This will help maximize our resources to generating more employment, bring development to all sectors of the economy and collectively achieve Nigeria's Vision 2020.

Fragile United Soars past Saints.

...Continues five match unbeaten run.

By James Ojo

Manchester United continue their five match unbeaten run on Monday night after defeating Southampton 2-1 in a pulsating encounter.

Southampton looked more organised than the visitors but an early mistake puts the reds 1-0 up in the 15th minute. Pelle's 32th strike levelled up the score as united defense looked porous and uncordinated after Smelling was substituted in the early ten minutes of the game with signs of distress.

The reds looked wasteful in the midfield as Fellami's deadly error cost united a lot but Robin Van Persie's second half strike gave Louis Vangaal's men three points which saw them clinch third spot on the table.

Speaking on the outcome of the encounter, Manchester United ace striker, Robin Van Persie said:

"I don't think we played our best football today. At times we were a bit sloppy here but we fought hard we gave absolutely everything.

"In the end, we nickel it. It was a tough game, they have a good team. We knew what to expect but in the end it's a fifth straight victory so we're on the up," he added.

Manchester United Vs Southampton: Clash of the Titans

...As the reds hope to extend their four match winning streak; battle for third spot

By James Ojo

Manchester United hope to extend their four match winning streak on Monday when they battle Southampton for three points in a make or mar showdown; as both side fight to cement third spot on the league table.

After what might be considered as a lacklustre start of the season, the reds had fired a warning that they are still in for the EPl after a scintillating four match unbeaten run. United, who saw-off Hull city 3-0 currently sit fourth on the table with 24 points, with 9 points adrift of league leaders Chelsea.

Southampton has proven a strong side so far this season but their defeats to Manchester City and Arsenal has seen Ronald Koeman's slide slip down to third and united are on their heels with only one point behind. Indeed, the clash of the two sides will no doubt be a mouthwatering encounter as United are desperate to leapfrog Southampton to clinch a third spot on the table.

Louis Vangal's team injury list is gradually decreasing with Radamel Falcao and Wayne Rooney expected to be fit for the game. Although United talisman, Angel Dimaria,Luke Shaw and Dainley Blind remained unavailable. Similarly, Southampton manager,Ronald Koeman would be without Belgian midfielder, Toby Alderweireld who suffered a harmstring injury against Arsenal.

The two Dutch managers will face each other in the Premier League for the first time. In their last 5 premier league meetings, Southampton have scored the first goal in 4 of them but lost 3 and won 0 of those 4 matches. Manchester united have won nine and lost just one of the last 12 premier league games against saints. The match kicks-off by 8pm on Monday

Chelsea, Arsenal suffer defeats as Man City wins in a dramatic EPL weekend

By James Ojo, UNN

Newcastle ended Chelsea's unbeaten run this season as Papiss Cisse's strike earned the homeside a deserved Victory.

Cisse who came off the bench netted twice to take the Magpies 2-0 up, but Didier Drogba's goal was not enough to earn the visitors a point. Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho had however blamed the ball boys for his side's defeat.

"We wanted to play more football, but that was not possible because a few things that I thought didn't belong anymore to a top level football but still belongs - the ball disappears, the ball doesn't come, another ball comes, the ball boys, they run away." Mourinho told BT sport.

In another showdown, Stoke wiped off fragile Arsenal 3-2 in a pulsating encounter. The visitor fought hard for a comeback scoring two goals after the potters had taken a 3-0 lead in the first half of the game but Stoke's fighting spirit was enough to hand them a victory.

Manchester city also continues their five match unbeaten run after beating Everton 1-0 in a match that saw City's ace striker Sergio Aguero limped off the field due to injury in the early hours of the game. Yaya Toure converted a penalty to hand the homeside a crucial win as they close in on league leaders Chelsea who are three points clear on top of the table.

The champions now go into Tuesdays make or mar clash with Roma without their talisman, Aguero who single handedly handed them a win with a superb hat-trick against Bayern Munich. However, Pallegrini remained resolute that is team can make it to the round of 16 of the champions league as city is more than just Aguero. David Silva and Jovetic also remained a doubt for the clash after failing to recover from injuries.

This weekend's Epl results are as follows:
Man city 1- Everton 0
Newcastle 2- Chelsea 1
Stoke City 3- Arsenal 2
Liverpool 0- Sunderland 0
Tottenham 0- Crystal Palace 0
Hull city 0- Westbrom 0
Qpr 2- Burnley 0

Oritsejafor's Five Conditions: The way forward for Nigeria

By James Ojo, UNN

From Kano to Gombe, the wave of terrorism continues on Nigeria's soil. Where do we go from here? This evil must stop!

Just of recent, it happened again on that faithful sunny Friday, in Kano, a Jumat service it was but the sporadic gunshots, bombs that went off made nonsense of this sacred place of worship. Blood of Islam faithfuls, splashed on the wall, human flesh torn beyond recognition; men and women struggling for a gasp. What a day! a horrible day. Indeed, another historic event albeit, a sad one has gone into the anals of Nigerian history.

And then in a quick succession, in Bajoga,the headquarters of the Funakaye Local Government Area of Gombe State, the Boko Haram islamic sect launched another devastating attack on Thursday, 4th of December,2014. From all indications, it is glaring that attempts aimed at curbing insecurity in Nigeria by the federal government had proved futile.

True are the words of our elders that:"it is only a mad man that sleeps with his roof on fire". Are we going to fold our arms while this evil continues? No! Nigerians must take action. Nigerians must now speak with their minds.

It was amidst these challenges that Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, the president, Christain Association of Nigeria(CAN) has given "five conditions for finding a lasting solution to our intractable security challenges posed by the present Boko Haram insecurity". According to him the "five conditions" are:

 "As a nation we must stop pretending that the present Boko Haram insurgency is not a product of religion, because it is.

"The millitary campaign must continue and forcefully so.But for it to be effective the security agencies must search and boldly look inwards to fish out and expel from amongst them those who are Boko Haram sympathizers. If this is not done, the millitary option must continue to suffer set-backs.

"Muslim Clerics, Muslim traditional leaders and Muslim political leaders must as a matter of urgency come together and jointly face the facts of the grave dangers posed by the ideology being propagated by Boko Haram, which is inimical to the tenets of traditional Islam as much as it does to christainity. You can't fight an ideology with anything short of a superior ideology.

"Our respective Muslim Clerics must help us go to the grassroots to build into the heart of the average Muslim the fact that Nigeria as it stands today has no option but to reman united as one people with diverse ethnic and religious leanings. They should therefore encourage them, even at the risk of their lives, to expose the members of Boko Haram in their midst and subsequently give credible intelligence reports to the security agencies.

"Finally, government must seriously tackle the problem of our porous borders- not just land but both air and sea. And one important means of acheiving this objectives is to screen those whose duty is to man these borders," he said.

What an insightful speech! It might appear short, but it is encompassing. Indeed, our current insecurity saga would be a thing of the past in no distant time if these measures are properly looked into.

BRAZIL 2014: HOW ARE THE MIGHTY FALLEN
It is no gainsaying that the Brazil 2014 edition of FIFA world cup has witnessed earthquake of emotions; some-emotions of joy, hope, aspirations and others of sadness and defeat. The reason for this is not far fetched as it can be summarized this way, one, the rising of the 'underdogs', two, the fall of the 'heroes', in the history of the of the prestigious showpiece.
Going down the memory lane, the defeat of Goliath, the great Philistine warrior, who had been a threat to the Israelites for many years as given by the biblical account, reminds me of something special. Guess what! -heroes are always prone to depreciation in strength if not fall entirely.
In this case, many would easily attribute the defeat to the popular trend; 'The hand of God'. This is as a result of the general belief that the universe is created, ordered and controlled by a supreme being or force otherwise known as 'God'. Yet, one might be prompted to ask, has Spain, Italy, England, Portugal and others fallen short of God's hand? Well the simple answer is that, God is not man and as such, he is not partial in dealing with human beings. Indeed, the Brazil 2014 World Cup has buttressed or better still, justified the assertion that 'All human are equal' regardless of their race, color, sex, religion ethnic groups and nationalities.
However, there was a global outrage when Spain, holders and champions of the last edition, Italy, England and others were eliminated at the early group stage of the competition. Similarly, African power-house like: Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory coast were all shown the way out to the competition. Were they in any way better than other countries? definitely, they are not. Perhaps, out of shock or suprise, many questioned, has Spain dominance in football come to an end? Well, the answer may vary based on individual ideologies and level of reasoning.
As the case may be, it obvious that there has been a catabolic meltdown in Spain's dominance in world football. Their 3-0 defeat last year to Brazil in the confederations cup final might not have accurately answered the question, but this year's world cup had proven beyond all doubts that they are in need of able-legs if they were to shake the world again. Interestingly, some countries portrayed as 'underdogs' by history have indeed done exploits- an attempt to dispelled the claim that 'history counts at any given time'. The likes of Costa Rica, Greece, Iran and their African counterpart, Algeria to mention a few took the world centre stage, with a display of doggedness, ressilence spirit and ability to compete for the world glory. Netherland and Chile's 'killer spirit' against Spain clearly indicates that man can always do the impossible.
The twist and turn of this year's edition of the world cup, is a wake up call to other 'weaker nations' to do away with inferiority complex and be battle ready for the next edition in Russia, 2018, a move that is sine-qua non to the growth of other spheres of life.