The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Category: News

This is an optional category description

  • Suspected kidnappers reportedly abduct corpse, family members accompanying corpse in Enugu

    Suspected kidnappers reportedly abduct corpse, family members accompanying corpse in Enugu

    Suspected kidnappers have abducted a corpse identified as that of of late Ugwuanyi Israel from Ameze Owerre, Umabor community in Nsukka local government area of Enugu State.

    The deceased’s corpse was being conveyed from Lagos to Nsukka for funeral arrangements when the abduction occurred.

    The incident happened along 9th Mile Road in the Umuoka community in the Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    The gunmen reportedly not only took Ugwuanyi’s body but also abducted all family members accompanying it.

    The family members who were transporting Ugwuanyi’s body back home, fell victim to the kidnappers’ ambush.

    According to a family source: “His corpse was on its way from Lagos yesterday (Sunday) when the vehicle conveying his body was halted by kidnappers and people in the vehicle alongside the driver were all kidnapped at Umuoka Udi LGA of Enugu State.”

    It was reported that the kidnappers had since established contact with the family and demanded a N50 million ransom.

    The source said: “They called Monday morning to inform us to look for N50 million.

    “Our fear is that the corpse will decompose before they release them. We don’t know what to do because our community people in Lagos spent so much money on the sickness of Israel”.

    The Source called on the security agencies and the state government to come to the aid of the people to save those in captivity.

    A former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof Chidi Odinkalu, who also shared the report on his X, wrote:

    “Israel Ugwuanyi died in Lagos. Yesterday, family members were conveying his remains to Ameze Owerre, Umabor community in Nsukka LGA of Enugu State in SE #Nigeria when kidnappers andicted them & his dead body. They are demanding N50m in ransom.”

    The Enugu State Police Command is yet to confirm the incident as at the time of filing this report.

    Nation

  • Works Minister Gives Enugu-Port Harcourt Road Contractor 14-day Termination Notice

    Works Minister Gives Enugu-Port Harcourt Road Contractor 14-day Termination Notice

    Federal Government of Nigeria has issued 14 days termination notice to contractor handling Enugu-Port Harcourt highway, Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction (CCECC) over non-performance.

    The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, gave the directive yesterday when he inspected the progress of work at Ozuaku, after Imo bridge on Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.

    CCECC is the contractor handling the Abia Section of Enugu-Port Harcourt Highway currently undergoing rehabilitation.

    In a statement signed by the ministry’s director of information, Olusola Abiola, he said Umahi, however, lauded Arab Contractors, handling the rehabilitation of the 56km Abia State section of the Enugu -Port Harcourt Highway for the quality of work done.

    On the CCECC section of the road, Umahi said, “I have just directed that they should issue them 14 days termination notice using all due process on construction. After 14 days, if they fail to do what we have asked them to do, then we will have to do the termination notice.

    “We will no longer tolerate the situation where contractors will put blank ranks on site. And they will be escalating construction costs by delaying the completion of project date.”

    He continued “and we have reached an agreement in Ministry of Works that in the coming weeks, all non-performing contracts using due process will be terminated and re-awarded.”

    The minister called on contractors to demonstrate commitment saying “We let them know the suffering of Nigerians. We are here to help them and we will do everything to help them.”

    Umahi observed further that “the cost of non-completion of this project has a lot to do with contractors. Where contractors stay on projects over and over and be pretending, thereafter, they come to request for augmentation every year refusing to leave the site.”

    He however assured that “we will force them out of site either on the terms of completion or on the terms of termination. This is what we are going to do.”

    Stressing the imperative for the ministry to deliver quality and good highways to Nigerians, the minister averred that “ it is very important to appreciate all the efforts of Mr. President who has been providing funds for our road infrastructure projects; which is very, very good.”

    Umahi added that despite over 3,000 road projects inherited by this administration, President Tinubu must be commended for providing huge resources for road network stating, “so it’s kudos to Mr. President and it shows that Mr. President is very, very sensitive to our road infrastructure needs. And so we must do everything to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, irrespective of or notwithstanding any blackmail.”

    He lauded Arab Contractors, the contractor carrying out the ongoing rehabilitation of work on the 56km Abia State section of the Enugu-Port Harcourt highway for the quality of work done.
    He said “the moment a contractor is performing very well, then you are a friend and that’s the bottom line.”

    In the same vein, the minister has described as excellent the job performance of Messrs CGC Nig. Ltd handling Enugu State axis of the dual carriage after his inspection of the roads.

    While commending the contractor, consultant and the controller of works for job quality, Umahi praised the contractor for the quality of work and equipment, while requesting that the ongoing work on one section of the highway must be completed by middle of March as agreed.

    Leadership

  • Gov Mbah Bags Sun Award for an Impressive Start

    Gov Mbah Bags Sun Award for an Impressive Start

    …Says award imposes obligation to do more

    Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has been bestowed with the Sun Governor of the Year Award for an impressive start to his tenure, especially for breaking an over two-decade jinx of acute water scarcity in the state capital.

    The Sun also listed the administration’s war against insecurity, massive infrastructural projects in the state, including over 81 roads, the ongoing construction of 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centers as well as the education sector where it said the government had committed an unprecedented 33 per cent of the state’s 2024 budget and is equally building 260 smart schools across the electoral wards.

    The award was presented to Mbah at the weekend by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, supported by the management of the Sun Publishing Limited, led by the Managing Director, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, at a colourful event in Lagos.

    Responding, the governor said the award coming early in his administration was particularly significant and indicated that his government’s interventions in critical areas were gaining attention beyond Enugu State.

    “Let me, on behalf of the government and people of Enugu State, express our profound gratitude to the Board, Management, and Staff of The Sun for finding us worthy of the Governor of the Year Award.

    “For us, it simply means that we are greatly inspired and it is also a way of imposing obligations on us because it means that we have to do more.

    “We are very happy and it is significant to us that the modest effort we are making is gaining attention outside Enugu State – the work we have done in providing water for our people within 180 days of assumption of office; the massive infrastructure projects; the disruptive innovation deployed in our education sector; and then, of course, Enugu, as you may already know, has been referred to today as a construction site.

    “Therefore, we are indeed happy. I also want to take this opportunity to dedicate the award to my tireless and committed team and also the great members of the security agencies, who have helped us in our war against insecurity. The peace and security we are presently enjoying is on account of their efforts and sacrifices, day and night, to secure our state.”

    Meanwhile, Mbah, who was the only first term governor to be honoured with The Sun 2023 award, was also bestowed with Governor of the Year, Courage in Leadership Award, by the New Telegraph a fortnight ago for what the organisation described as his resolute war against insecurity and for ending illegal Monday sit-at-home in Enugu State.

  • Woman cries out, alleges plot to deny her access to her late husband’s property in popular Enugu market

    Woman cries out, alleges plot to deny her access to her late husband’s property in popular Enugu market

    Woman cries out, alleges plot to deny her access to her late husband's property in popular Enugu market
    Engr. Uchenwa Ujam, PhD

    An Enugu State woman, Lady Engr. Uchenwa Ujam, has cried out over delay in allowing her access to her late husband, Sir Ugwu Ujam’s property at Ogbete Main Market in Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    According to a report sent to Pacesetter by her, Ujam said she had made several trips to the office of the Chairman of the Enugu North Local Government Council to get possession of the property measured 50ft by 50ft but none had been successful.

    The former lecturer at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu also accused the leadership of Ogbete Main Market, Enugu and the immediate past administration of Enugu State of not helping the matter as no one was ready to show her the property at the market.

    Lady Ujam who holds a PhD in Engineering also recalled that her husband had in September 12, 2012, written to the Executive Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Council, requesting for removal of some traders who illegally occupied and refused to vacate the frontage area allocated to her husband.

    Prior to that, she said, an approval of demonstration base at the market dated December 17, 1987 and signed by Engr. T. N. Odenigbo, then Deputy Town Engineer, for the Sole Administrator for Enugu Local Government, was given to her husband.

    “I was deceived by the immediate-past administration of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi that the entire market will be developed only to find out that my husband’s 50ft by 50ft land will be no more.

    “We were asked to pay N5.2m per stall. I do not care about the number of stalls but what I am seeking is our own 50ft by 50ft land genuinely allocated to my husband in 1987. Show me my space since the lock up shops have been completed.

    “My question is, am I paying for the space of 50ft by 50ft or for a stall and how many stalls make up my space of land? Again, let the OMMATA chairman give me the dimension of what the N5.2m I’m expected to pay is for, that is the size of the stall.

    “It is our intention to erect a befitting edifice on that land to improve the environmental/sanitary condition of the area, and we do not intend to take laws into our hands”, she further stated.

    Displaying various documents which she said attested to the authenticity of the allocation and stating that the land was fenced and gated, Lady Ujam called on the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah and other relevant authorities to help her have access to her husband’s property at Ogbete market, Enugu.

    When contacted by a correspondent of Core News, the President of Ogbete Market, Stephen Aniagu, said it wasn’t true that Lady Uchenwa Ujam was denied access to her late husband’s property, stressing that the Lady had not complied with the agreement entered into with the Developer by paying the required fee of N5.2m per stall.

    “The Lady in question hails from my community and I hold her in high esteem. It behooves on me to protect my sister.

    “I have told her what to do. I even met one of her children and explained to him. I have the documents to support my claims”, Aniagu told the correspondent.

  • Enugu Donor Coordination Committee pledges to align projects with state’s priorities

    Enugu Donor Coordination Committee pledges to align projects with state’s priorities

    The newly inaugurated members of the Donor Coordination Committee in Enugu State have promised to align their key projects with the state’s priorities in an effort to optimize resource allocation, avoid overlaps and waste, underutilization of resources and enhance desired development outcomes set forth by each of the donor agencies.

    They gave the assurance at the Government House, Enugu, on Friday, during the inauguration of the committee set up to streamline the efforts and projects of the donor communities to prevent them from working at cross purposes.

    Speaking during the inauguration, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Chidiebere Onyia, who said the state had benefitted in the past from various donor-funded projects and initiatives, expressed concerns over the lack of centralized coordination of the bodies that could have brought them together for efficiency and cooperation.

    He explained that the committee would help to provide strategic guidance and oversight for donor-funded initiatives, ensure alignment of donor activities with state’s development priorities and plans, foster synergy and avoid duplication of efforts among donor agencies and partners, and assist in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness and impact of donor-funded projects.

    The SSG further noted that the coming together of all the donor agencies and partners in the state would also facilitate communication and promote exchange in information sharing among stakeholders. “This will, in fact, provide a mechanism and coordinating structures to foster dialogue, information sharing, engagement, funding and maximization of efforts for Enugu State’s development cooperation.”

    While stating that the Governor Peter Mbah administration has achieved visible and credible dividends of democracy across the state within a short period of time, Prof Onyia reiterated the government’s commitment to continue to work with all donor bodies and partners for a better society that will be of immense benefit to the people.

    “This administration is keen on building strong and responsible institutions that will meet and solve the needs of our people. As you already know, the governor is working day and night to eradicate poverty through the right infrastructure, human capacity development and other empowerment programmes. Only on November 25, 2023, the governor fulfilled his promise of giving clean and potable water to the people. We are not resting on all these achievements. We are taking development to the last mile in the state,” he added.

    Reacting, the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) Enugu Field Office led by Juliet Chiluwe, said the initiative by the state government was commendable as it would ensure accountability and transparency in the management of donor resources.

    Speaking on behalf of other donor bodies at the meeting, Chiluwe said they would continue to strive hard to deliver and add value to the state through their various interventions.

    She lauded the decisions the state had taken over the past few months, saying they had been milestone for the development of the state.

    The members of the committee include, the SSG who will act as the Chairman, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Donor Relations, the Commissioners for Agriculture, Budget and Planning, Health, Finance, Special Adviser on Agriculture, Senior Special Assistant on Policy and Project Management, Senior Special Assistant on Infrastructure and Climate Finance, Senior Special Assistant on Revenue, Special Assistant on Revenue Generation and Monitoring, and the Executive Chairman, Enugu State Economic Planning.

    Others are UNICEF Chief Field Office, Enugu, Water Aid Lead Team, World Health Organisation, Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, World Bank, Caritas Nigeria, Society for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (NEWSAN), New Sahara.

    Also included are ad hoc members such as the Commissioner for Water Resources, Commissioner for Education, Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Commissioner for Gender, Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Poverty Eradication and Senior Special Assistant on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.

  • Borno Governor Declares One-Day Fast Over Economic, Security Issues in State

    Borno Governor Declares One-Day Fast Over Economic, Security Issues in State

    Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has called on Borno residents to embark on a one-day fast over the economic hardship and security issues plaguing the state.

    Governor Zulum made this request in a state-wide broadcast on Friday where he said he was “deeply troubled by the recent hardships faced by our citizens, particularly the high cost of food items”.

    ”Fellow citizens, as people of faith and from our previous experience, I implore on his eminence, the Shehu of Borno, the Chief Imam, Imams, and the Christian brothers and the Citizens of Borno State to observe a one-day voluntary fast on Monday the 19th February 2024.”

    He also assured residents that his government were taking decisive steps to alleviate this issue.

    ”Our government is focusing on reviving agriculture in the state, intending to increase food production and reduce our reliance on food palliative. We are investing in modern farming techniques, providing support to local farmers, and creating incentives for agricultural innovation.

    ”It is for this reason, that I have extensively engaged with stakeholders particularly those in the business of essential commodities that include all forms of grains and building materials. We have taken far-reaching decisions to mitigate the rising cost of essential goods.”

    He also condemned what he described as cowardly acts of panting mines by miscreants to stall the movement of goods and services

    ”Furthermore, it is with great concern that I address the recent planting of mines on major roads by some miscreants. These cowardly acts have not only threatened the safety of our citizens but have also hindered the movement of goods and services essential for our state’s development.

    ”I want to assure you that we are working tirelessly with security forces to rid our roads of these deadly devices and to ensure the safety of all those who travel within our state. I believe there are forces behind sabotaging the gains recorded so far. However, we are working to ensure the perpetrators are fished out and dealt with accordingly.”

    Gov Zulum advised residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with the security forces.

    Channels TV

  • NLC declares 2-day national protest over hardship in Nigeria

    NLC declares 2-day national protest over hardship in Nigeria

    The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, on Friday, directed its members and affiliate unions to begin mobilisation for a two-day national protest expected to take place on February 27 and 28 if the federal government failed to implement all the agreements signed with it in October 2023.

    The two-day national protest will take place at the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum it had earlier issued.

    President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, who addressed newsmen at the end of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, asked his members to be on standby for an indefinite strike, which would commence seven days after the nationwide protest if the government still fails to meet its demands.

    Ajaero, who noted that Labour was no longer interested in empty talks from the government but in actions, urged the government to immediately implement the agreement and restore faith in the democratic process as Nigerians were struggling to survive.

    Vanguard

  • Gov. Mbah creating investment-friendly environment for our businesses – Nigerian Breweries

    Gov. Mbah creating investment-friendly environment for our businesses – Nigerian Breweries

    The Nigerian Breweries Plc (NB PLC) has commended Governor Peter Mbah for creating the right environment for businesses in the state through his recent intervention on the state of road and other infrastructure across the state.

    Mr. Peter Ani, the Brewery Manager of NB PLC, Ama, made the commendation when he led the top management team of the brewery company on a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Enugu, adding that the company had been enjoying the support of the government and other stakeholders since its establishment in the state in 1993.

    He expressed gratitude over the rehabilitation and reconstruction of road network at the 9th Mile, Udi-Ezeagu and Udi-Makurdi axis initiated by the government, pledging that they would continue to make positive impacts on their stakeholders.

    “We are grateful to Your Excellency for sustaining this cordial relationship between Nigerian Breweries Plc and Enugu State Government by maintaining an optimal business climate for us to operate in.

    “We greatly appreciate the recent rehabilitation of the road network at 9th Mile, the Udi – Makurdi road, and the many other such infrastructural improvements projects not only at the 9th Mile axis but indeed throughout Enugu State,” the manager stated.

    He further explained that since the establishment of NB PLC in the state in 1993, the company had been able to partner with the state government which led to the growth and expansion of its parent company, Heineken NV, investing the sum of €112 million to increase the Ama Brewery’s production capacity, making it the biggest brewery in West Africa.

    Responding, Governor Mbah said the steps taken by his administration to intervene in some of the critical infrastructure in the state were deliberate as they would enable the ease of doing business and further derisk investment.

    He stated that the government was keen about making Enugu the destination for investment and businesses, assuring that the state is open to welcome more investors.

    He said: “I have always made it known to the people out there that Enugu is the premier destination for investments. If we can do it for Nigeria Breweries here, we can also do it for other investors. This is very heart-warming for us as government. Because we know that private sector investors are not Father Christmas, they thrive on returns on investment, and what you are doing here today should send a very strong signal to the world out there that Enugu is not only ready for business; in Enugu, we go the extra mile to make sure we help you thrive, we shield you from the tension in terms of the provision of security. We want to make sure that you are secured operating your business and living here in Enugu State.

    “In terms of infrastructure, as you mentioned, what you see happening in the 9th Mile area is a good thing; we have to provide the key enablers to enable businesses to thrive, those burdens we should take off you. Our infrastructures, including roads, are receiving urgent attention”, Mbah said.

    The governor called on other potential investors to stop sitting on the fence as Enugu, under his administration, has received adequate security and other incentives that would ensure businesses thrive and have their returns on investment.

    “Ours is to make sure that you have a secured and peaceful environment to operate, and that you continue to enhance your profitability in the state,” he concluded.

  • NBS puts Nigeria’s inflation at 29.9% as food prices rise

    NBS puts Nigeria’s inflation at 29.9% as food prices rise

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said today that the headline inflation rate increased year-on-year (YoY) by 0.98 percentage points to 29.9 per cent in January 2024 from 28.92 per cent in December 2023.

    The Bureau disclosed this in its Consumer Price Index, CPI, report for January 2024, noting that food inflation also increased to 35.41 per cent during the period from 33.93 per cent in December 2023.

    NBS said: “In January 2024, the headline inflation rate increased to 29.9 per cent relative to the December 2023 headline inflation rate, which was 28.92%.

    “Looking at the movement, the January 2024 headline inflation rate showed an increase of 0.98 percentage points when compared to the December 2023 headline inflation rate.

    “Furthermore, on a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in January 2024 was 2.64 per cent, which was 0.35 percentage points higher than the rate recorded in December 2023 (2.29 percent).

    “This means that in January 2024, the rate of increase in the average price level is greater than the rate of increase in the average price level in December 2023.”

    On food inflation, NBS said: “The food inflation rate in January 2024 was 35.41 per cent on a year-on-year basis, which was 11.1 percentage points higher compared to the rate recorded in January 2023 (24.32%).

    “The rise in food inflation on a year-on-year basis was caused by increases in prices of bread and cereals, potatoes, yam and other tubers, oil and fat, fish, meat, fruit, coffee, tea, and cocoa.

    “On a month-on-month basis, the food inflation rate in January 2024 was 3.21%; this was 0.49 percentage points higher compared to the rate recorded in December 2023 (2.72 per cent).

    “The average annual rate of food inflation for the twelve months ending January 2024 over the previous twelve-month average was 28.91 per cent which was a 7.38 percentage point increase from the average annual rate of change recorded in January 2023 (21.53%).

    “In January 2024, food inflation on a year-on-year basis was highest in Kogi (44.18 per cent), Kwara (40.87 per cent), and Rivers (40.08 per cent), while Bauchi (28.83 per cent), Adamawa (29.8 per cent) and Kano (30.08 per cent) recorded the slowest rise in food inflation on a year-on-year basis.”

    Vanguard

  • Insecurity: President Tinubu, state govs discuss establishment of state police

    Insecurity: President Tinubu, state govs discuss establishment of state police

    President Bola Tinubu alongside the governors on Thursday agreed to establish state police in the country.

    Minister of Information and National Orientation disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of an emergency meeting summoned by the President at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The Minister said that there will be series of meetings to fine tune the modalities for setting up state police.

    He said, “But now, there is also a discussion around the issue of state police. The federal government and state governments are mulling the possibility of setting up state police.

    “Of course, this is still going to be further discussed, a lot of work still has to be done in that direction. But what the federal government and state governments are agreeing to the necessity of having state policy.

    “Now, this is a significant shift. But like I said, more works need to be done in that direction. A lot of meetings will have to happen between different government and sub nationals to see the modalities of achieving this”.

    Vanguard

  • Tinubu’s administration working fast to ensure Nigeria doesn’t sink – Minister

    Tinubu’s administration working fast to ensure Nigeria doesn’t sink – Minister

    The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is working assiduously to ensure that Nigeria does not sink in its myriads of challenges at this moment in the nation’s history.

    Chief Nnaji gave this assurance at the official launch of ‘TechAdvantage Nigeria’ a platform built to nurture Nigeria’s tech ecosystem for job creation and economic prosperity.

    The Minister while speaking on the pertinence of the platform at this time, noted that by harnessing the power of technology and innovations, the nation can drive economic growth and prosperity for all Nigerians.

    At the ceremony which held on Tuesday at the National Office of Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) in Abuja, Chief Nnaji asserted that the project is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

    According to him, the newly built ecosystem was meticulously crafted to unlock boundless potentials and to propel the nation towards a future powered by Technology.

    “Our dear president Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda points a clear vision: a nation where innovation fuels economic growth, empowers individuals, and brings about a brighter future for all.

    “TechAdvantage Nigeria is aligned with this vision and is more than just an online platform. It is an ecosystem where apprentices connect with business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs learn from seasoned experts, individuals can train and empower themselves through the academy, customers can contact and hire skilled individuals through the jobs platform, traders and startups can expand their reach through the online marketplace, and tech enthusiasts can come together to share knowledge, collaborate, and build a more robust tech ecosystem.

    “The computer village model, long recognized as a hub of ingenuity and
    entrepreneurship, inspires this project. We have translated the best of this model – the spirit of collaboration, the drive to succeed, and the constant adaptation to
    technology into an online ecosystem accessible to all,” the minister stated.

    He further explained that the idea behind TechAdvantage Nigeria is to technologically empower individuals and promote a culture of collaboration that transcends tribe, religion, and politics.

    The minister also stated that TechAdvantage Nigeria offers the space for interested Nigerians to take charge of their growth and empowerment.

    He, therefore, urged all Nigerians, particularly the young ones, young professionals, and artisans, to explore the TechAdvantage online academy and equip themselves with the skills of tomorrow, seek opportunities through the TechAdvantage jobs platform and build their careers in the tech sector.

    Nigerians are also encouraged to showcase their expertise and connect with potential customers in the TechAdvantage online marketplace, as well as join the online community and become part of a vibrant network of tech enthusiasts.

    Chief Nnaji said TechAdvantage is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s technological empowerment and innovative journey one that can help Nigeria become a force for economic and social inclusion, a project for the present generation and the future generations.

    Channels TV

  • President Tinubu Confers National Honours On Super Eagles, Managers, Gifts Lands

    President Tinubu Confers National Honours On Super Eagles, Managers, Gifts Lands

    Tinubu and the Super Eagles

    Nigeria’s President,  Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger MON, on all Super Eagles team members in appreciation of their performance at the just concluded CAF 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON).

    In further recognition of their achievement, the federal government, represented by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has granted each member of the team a plot of land as well as a block of flats with the location yet to be announced.

    President Tinubu, who received the national football team, expressed pride in the team, acknowledging their role in fostering unity in the country through their outstanding performance.

    Despite finishing second, the Nigerian Leader encouraged the team to hold their heads high and maintain their team spirit.

    Troost Ekong, the team’s Assistant Captain and recipient of the 2023 CAF AfCON Most Valuable Player, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support, expressing a desire to present a trophy rather than silver medals.

    The President also conferred on the President of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF, Ibrahim Gusau with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger MON.

    VON