Entertainment
Gombe United Storms Aba For Super League Play-Offs
Nigeria National League says Gombe United last Wednesday arrived in Aba for the Nigeria National League Super 8 play-offs which began yesterday.
This is coming as some other teams, who are scheduled to take part in the competition, were yet to leave their bases as at Wednesday afternoon.
Eight teams – Remo Stars, Kada City Stars, Kogi United, Delta Force, Insurance, Shooting Stars, Gombe United and Real Stars – finished first and second in the four groups of the lower league at the end of the season.
But the Super 8 has generated a lot of controversy after the NNL at its Annual General Assembly on November 24 agreed to promote eight teams to the Nigeria Professional Football League for the 2019 season but the League Management Company and the Nigeria Football Federation rejected the proposal, insisting that only four teams would join the 20 teams in the Nigerian topflight.
After the failure of five clubs to honour its previous instruction to participate in the play-offs last December, the NFF instructed the NNL to organise the play-offs among the teams and present four winners for promotion latest January 3.
However, since the NFF’s announcement, our correspondent learnt that the lower league body has failed to communicate with the eight clubs, who will play in the play-offs.
On Wednesday, the NNL in a letter to the Chairman of the NFF Football Committee requested for a shift in the commencement date of the play-offs from January 3 to 5.
“Sequel to our meeting of December 27th, 2018, held in Lagos, we hereby request for a shift of date of commencement of the Super 8 tournament from January 3 to 5, 2019. This is to enable the concerned clubs effect the resolutions of the meeting in good time,” the letter, signed by the Chief Operating Officer of the NNL, Lawrence Katken, read.
However, while awaiting the response of the NFF, Gombe said they have arrived at the venue of the competition and would be there till further instructions on the competition are communicated.
“Our players arrived in Aba on Wednesday and we are ready for the Super 8. We don’t know if there will be a change in the starting date but we followed the January 3 commencement date and any other information will be communicated to us there,” club spokesman Halilu Teli told our correspondent.
But some other clubs officials who spoke with our correspondent said they have yet to arrive in Aba.
Real Stars coach Garba Lawal said, “We are still in Kaduna – in fact the players trained today (Wednesday). We are waiting for the instruction from the club chairman before we leave for Aba.”
Also, 3SC Team Manager Dimeji Lawal said, “The resolution of all the clubs on the Super 8 is still unknown. Shooting Stars have not left for Aba. We are waiting for instructions on the competition.”
Remo Stars spokesman Dimeji Oshode said, “Remo Stars have not left for Aba.”
Meanwhile, Gombe and Real said they have yet to receive the N2m promised them by the NFF.
The NFF Emergency Committee promised to pay each of the three teams who were in Aba in December for the postponed play-offs N2m. Delta Force, Real and Gombe are the affected teams.
The Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising outstanding individuals.
The actress was honoured with the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine by Thomas Jefferson University in America in recognition of her outstanding contributions to social activism and impact through her work.
This remarkable achievement, they said, highlights her dedication to societal well-being and marks her as the first Black recipient of this distinguished award.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the medical field, promoting scientific discovery and advancements.
Named after Lennox K. Black, a Canadian manufacturing executive known for his philanthropic efforts and service on various boards, including Thomas Jefferson University, the prize celebrates excellence in medical innovation and global contribution to health and medicine.
The actress is renowned for her activism and impactful work in areas concerning women’s health and rights, including her efforts to combat issues like fistula and gender-based violence.
According to the award organisers she has been instrumental in bringing about social change through her films and campaigns. They added that her work extends beyond borders, affecting lives and policies internationally, embodying the spirit of the Lennox K. Black International Prize.
On receiving the award, Stephanie expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to using her platform for social good.
“This recognition goes beyond me; it is for all the women and girls fighting for a healthier, safer world. It amplifies our message and our work. It strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for gender equality, social justice, and improved maternal and reproductive health in Africa,” she said
Susan Aldunge, Interim President of Thomas Jefferson University, admired the actress, saying, ‘‘Your ability to educate while humbly addressing the cultural obstacles impeding progress for young women is commendable. Your intelligent, personal take on the necessary human rights changes has deeply impacted all lucky to encounter you. Congratulations once more on this well-deserved award and the acknowledgement of your efforts.’”
Ms Aldunge further said that Thomas Jefferson University, a leader in medical education and research, hosts the award to underscore its mission of improving lives through innovation in health care.
‘‘The university is proud to honour Stephanie Linus, whose work aligns with Jefferson’s values of creativity, collaboration, and compassion in pursuing excellence in medicine and beyond.
“Awarding the Lennox K. Black International Prize to Stephanie Linus celebrates her achievements and signals a broader recognition of the importance of social activism in medicine and health,” she added.
“Her pioneering efforts continue to inspire and effect change, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable world’’.
Stephanie, who was named Chairperson of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Best International Feature Film (IFF) category of the Oscars in August 2023, is best known for her 2015 advocacy movie ‘Dry’, which tells the story of a 13-year-old girl whose parents marry her off to a 60-year-old man, with devastating consequences.
Ilebaye’s revelation came just after Phyna had publicly called out the organizers for withholding some of her prizes.
Phyna, who revealed this to Newsmen insinuated that Ilebaye broke the gender code by announcing that she got her full prize money.
She also stressed that she would continue to demand for her balance, stating that she worked hard for the money during the show’s 72-day duration.
“I believe I should at least get what I worked so hard for 72 days. You all suddenly remembered your alert screenshots and IG Live………… Common……one among others is 1BTC which is over 80m in today’s market.
“To those who got their money in full
I’m happy for you. As a poor man’s child, let me ask for my money and other items remaining.,” She added.
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