NJC suspends two judges for misconduct

Two judges, Justice Gladys Olotu of the Abuja Federal High Court and Justice U. A. Inyang of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, have been suspended for gross misconduct after the National Judicial Council forwarded a recommendation for their dismissal to President Goodluck Jonathan.

The President is expected to approve the sacking of the two judicial officers.

A statement from the Acting Director of Information in the NJC, Soji Oye, explained that the council, headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, took the decision at a meeting on Wednesday, where the two judicial officers were suspended, pending the approval of their dismissal by the President.

Durojaiye leads Ogun state delegates to confab

Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state on Thursday in Abeokuta named six delegates that would represent the state at the forthcoming National Conference.

They are: Pastor Tunde Bakare of the Latter Rain Assembly, Mr Fola Adeola, Sen. Biyi Durojaiye, the Olu of Ilaro,Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Prof Titi Filani and Mr Bisi Adegbuyi.

Amosun said South-West states appointed, Sen. Iyabo Anisulowo, to represent the region’s senators, while the presidency appointed, Mr Olaniwun Ajayi, as one of the 37 elder statesmen.

Amosun explained that the delegates were appointed from the three senatorial districts of the state.

He said that the delegates, who would be led by Durojaiye, would among others focused on decentralisation of police, devolution of power and true fiscal federalism at the conference.

President Jonathan's Speech on “Human Security, Peace and Development: Agenda for the 21st Century”

Address by

His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR

On the

Occasion of the Centenary Conference on the Theme:

“Human Security, Peace and Development: Agenda for the 21st Century”

 Thursday, 27^th February, 2014

PROTOCOLS 
1.                        Today, as our Nation marks its first 100 years, we look back with gratitude to God and with pride in our citizens. We look forward also, to the future, with hope and confidence.

2. In this hall and beyond, I am delighted to welcome many of our past, current and future leaders, as well as our friends and partners, from near and far, persons and nations that have stood with us in times past, and whose friendship we will continue to cherish in the years to come.

3.                        It is my unique honour and privilege to welcome you all to this Conference, a shared moment, to celebrate the 100 years of the Nigerian nation; and for profound reflection on our challenges and opportunities as a continent.

Photos: President Jonathan hosts World Leaders on Nigeria's Centenary Celebrations

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (R) WELCOMING THE BRISTISH MINISTER OF FORIEGN

OFFICE , AFRICA AND COMMONWEALTH, MR MARK SIMMONDS IN ABUJA ON WEDNESDAY

(26/2/14)

BRITISH MINISTER OF FORIEGN OFFICE, AFRICA AND COMMONWEALTH, MR MARK

SIMMONDS (L) PRESENTING A LETTER FROM THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND TO PRESIDENT GOODLUCK

JONATHAN IN ABUJA ON WENESDAY (26/2/14)

BRITISH MINISTER OF FORIEGN OFFICE, AFRICA AND COMMONWEALTH, MR MARK

SIMMONDS (L) PRESENTING A LETTER FROM THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND TO PRESIDENT GOODLUCK

JONATHAN IN ABUJA ON WENESDAY (26/2/14)

England’s Queen congratulates Jonathan on Nigeria’s centenary

QUEEN ELIZABETH II CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT JONATHAN AND NIGERIANS ON CENTENARY, CONVEYS BEST WISHES FOR HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY OF PEOPLE OF NIGERIA

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain has written to congratulate President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the Federal Government and people of Nigeria on the occasion of Nigeria’s centenary celebrations.

In a written message delivered to President Jonathan late yesterday by Britain’s Minister for Africa, Mr. Mark Simmonds, Queen Elizabeth II conveyed her best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the people of Nigeria.

“On the occasion of the Republic of Nigeria celebrating 100 years since the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria, I send the people of Nigeria my warmest congratulations.

“I have fond memories of my first visit to Nigeria in 1956 and again in 2003 as Head of the Commonwealth.

“The links between our two countries have deepened over the past 100 years and I hope they will continue to do so.

“I would like to convey my best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the people of Nigeria,” the British monarch wrote.

Reuben Abati

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

February 27, 2014

President Jonathan’s Social Media Aide Reno Omokri Exposed As Author Of Fake Document Linking Ousted CBN Governor To Boko Haram

Reno Omokri, the outspoken Special Assistant on Social Media to President Goodluck Jonathan, was today unmasked as the brain behind a fraudulent attempt to link Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to the recent spike in Boko Haram violence in Borno and Yobe States. In one of the recent attacks, Boko Haram terrorists slaughtered some 60 secondary school students at their boarding house.

Posing as “Wendell Simlin,” Mr. Omokri circulated a Word document linking the former CBN Governor to the recent attacks. The ruse was however uncovered when some Internet-savvy Nigerians traced the IP address of the source document and it turned out that it had been authored and circulated by Mr. Omokri.

Centenary Anniversary Broadcast by President Jonathan

National Broadcast by

His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR

On the

Occasion of Nigeria’s Centenary Celebrations

 Wednesday, 26^th February, 2014

Dear Compatriots,

1.            I extend warm greetings and felicitations to all Nigerians as we celebrate our nation’s centenary; a significant milestone in our journey to Nationhood.

Lee Rigby murder: Adebolajo and Adebowale sentenced

One of the men who murdered soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich, south-east London, has been ordered to spend the rest of his life in prison.

Michael Adebolajo, 29, and Michael Adebowale, 22, drove into Fusilier Rigby with a car before hacking him to death in May last year.
Adebolajo was given a whole-life term; Adebowale was ordered to serve at least 45 years.

Rejoinder : How 45 Directors At The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Colluded With Nigeria’s Attorney General And Ministry To Reverse Their Retirement

We act as solicitors to Ambassador Gordon Bristol and 37 other Ambassadors/Directors employed in the Foreign Service of Nigeria and write you on their behalf on the above-captioned matter.

Your story on the said matter is fundamentally flawed and the sponsors of the mendacity have obviously chosen to use your highly esteemed online journal to pursue an agenda that clearly exceeded their traditional roles as public servants and entered the realm of impunity, executive lawlessness and personal vendetta.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDEMNS KILLING OF COLLEGE STUDENTS, SAYS FG WILL CONTINUE TO VIGOROUSLY PROSECUTE WAR AGAINST TERROR

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDEMNS KILLING OF COLLEGE STUDENTS, SAYS FG WILL CONTINUE TO VIGOROUSLY PROSECUTE WAR AGAINST TERROR

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has received with immense sadness and anguish, news of the callous and senseless murder by terrorists of scores of students at a college in Yobe State in the early hours of today.

On behalf of himself and the Federal Government, President Jonathan extends heartfelt condolences to the parents and relatives of the murdered students.

The President wholly condemns the heinous, brutal and mindless killing of the guiltless students by deranged terrorists and fanatics who have clearly lost all human morality and descended to bestiality.

He assures the nation that his administration will not relent in its ongoing efforts to end the scourge of terrorism in parts of the country which has sadly claimed more innocent lives today.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies will continue to prosecute the war against terror with full vigour, diligence and determination until the dark cloud of mass murder and destruction of lives and property is permanently removed from our horizon.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 25, 2014

Egypt's government resigns

Egypt's government resigns
Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi says government offered its resignation, without giving clear reason for the decision.

Egyptian Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi said his government is to resign, a step likely to pave the way for army chief Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to declare his candidacy for president.

"Today the cabinet took a decision to offer its resignation to the president of the republic," Beblawi said in a televised statement on Monday.

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN ATTENDS SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICE AT DUNAMIS INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL CENTRE

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (R) BEING RECEIVED BY THE SENIOR PASTOR,

DUNAMIS INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL CENTRE, AREA 1, ABUJA, DR PAUL ENENCHE ON SUNDAY

(23/2/14)

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (R) BEING RECEIVED BY THE SENIOR PASTOR,

DUNAMIS INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL CENTRE, AREA 1, ABUJA, DR PAUL ENENCHE & HIS WIFE BECKY ON SUNDAY 23/02/2014

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (R) BEING RECEIVED BY THE SENIOR PASTOR,

DUNAMIS INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL CENTRE, AREA 1, ABUJA, DR PAUL ENENCHE ON SUNDAY

(23/2/14)

FROM LEFT: CHIEF OF STAFF, BRIG.-GEN. JONES AROGBFA (RTD); PRESIDENT

GOODLUCK JONATHAN DURING SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICE AT

DUNAMIS INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL CENTRE, AREA 1, ABUJA ON SUNDAY (23/2/14)

FROM LEFT: CHIEF OF STAFF, BRIG.-GEN. JONES AROGBFA (RTD); PRESIDENT

GOODLUCK JONATHAN; SENIOR PASTOR, DUNAMIS INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL CENTRE, AREA 1,

ABUJA, DR PAUL ENENCHE AND HIS WIFE, BECKY DURING SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICE AT

DUNAMIS INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL CENTRE, AREA 1, ABUJA ON SUNDAY (23/2/14)

PRESIDENTIAL MEDIA CHAT TAKES PLACE TOMORROW

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENTIAL MEDIA CHAT TAKES PLACE TOMORROW

Another edition of the Presidential Media Chat will be broadcast live on the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and the Voice of Nigeria (VON) at 7pm tomorrow, Monday, February 24, 2014.

During the programme, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will, as usual, respond to questions from a panel of journalists and media executives on current national issues and developments.

All other radio and television stations in the country are urged to hook up to NTA and FRCN to relay the programme to their listeners and viewers.

Reuben Abati

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

February 23, 2014

Why Jonathan suspended Sanusi – Abati

The presidency has reiterated that it suspended the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, because he was indicted in a probe carried out by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria since May last year.

Presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, told State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, while dismissing speculations that Sanusi was removed because of the alleged billions of dollars that had not been remitted to the Federation Account by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

FG Is Not Aware Of Directive To Arrest Sanusi – Abati

Dr Reuben Abati, the Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity, on Thursday said he was not aware of any directive to arrest the suspended CBN governor.

Abati, who stated this in Abuja while fielding questions from State House correspondents, denied any knowledge on the purported arrest order by the Federal Government.

He, however, maintained that any person or organisation indicted under the enabling act of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria must face prosecution.

‘‘I’ m not aware of any directive that he (Sanusi Lamido Sanusi) should be arrested as of this moment, I’m not aware of that.

Why Jonathan ‘ignored’ Olubadan during Oyo visit- Abati

The Presidency has said it did not belittle the stool of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Samuel Odugade, by not paying homage to him during President Goodluck Jonathan’s recent trip to Oyo State.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, said this while briefing journalists on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He also gave reasons why the president did not visit the Ibadan monarch.
Mr. Abati was reacting to the statement by the Olubadan on Wednesday condemning Mr. Jonathan’s visit through Ibadan to Oyo to visit the Alaafin of Oyo, without visiting the Ibadan monarch.
Mr. Jonathan’s presidential jet had landed at the Ibadan airport on Saturday before he went by helicopter to Ile-Ife in Osun State to visit the Ooni of Ife and then to the Alaafn in Oyo.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE SECRETARY FOR PPPRA

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the appointment of Mr. Farouk A. Ahmed  as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) with immediate effect.
 
Mr. Ahmed will take over from the incumbent Executive Secretary, Mr. Reginald C. Stanley who is retiring after 35 years in service.   
 
The incoming Executive Secretary, who hails from Sokoto State, is the current Managing Director of Nidas Marine Ltd., a subsidiary of the NNPC.
 
He comes to his new job at the PPPRA with over 28 years' experience in the oil and gas industry and a sound commercial and trading background having held senior positions in the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry including Manager, Crude Oil Programming,  Nominations, and Shipping and Terminals. 
 
Mr. Ahmed has also served as Executive Director (Commercial), Pipelines and Products Marketing Company Limited (PPMC).
 
President Jonathan thanks the outgoing Executive Secretary of the PPPRA, Mr. Stanley for his meritorious service to the nation and wishes him well in his future endeavours.
 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 20, 2014

President Jonathan's Remarks at the Commissioning of Nigerian Turkish Nizamiye Hospital

Remarks by
His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
At the
Official Commissioning of the Nigeria - Turkish Nizamiye Hospital
Life Camp, Abuja
Thursday 20th February, 2014

1.            Today’s commissioning of the Nigeria-Turkish Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja, represents another important landmark in the existing cordial relations between Nigeria and Turkey. I am glad to note that our relationship is steadily growing into several facets of our national economy, including the education and health sectors.

Photos: President Jonathan commissions Nigerian Turkish Nizamiye Hospital

The Nigerian Turkish  Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan  right and the  Chairman  First Surat Group of Company Mr Hikmet Coban  at the Commissioning of Nigerian Turkish Nizamiye Hospital

The Nigeria Turkish  Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan  right and the  Chairman  First Surat Group of Company Mr Hikmet Coban  at the Commissioning of Nigerian Turkish Nizamiye Hospital 20th Feb, 2014

From left  Minister for Health  Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Chairman  First Surat Group of Company Mr Hikmet Coban, President Goodluck Jonathan  and FCT Minister Senator Bala Mohammed cutting the tape to commission the NIGERIA TURKISH NIZAMIYE HOSPITAL ABUJA 20th Feb., 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan  right and the  Chairman  First Surat Group of Company Mr Hikmet Coban  at the Commissioning of Nigerian Turkish Nizamiye Hospital 20th Feb, 2014

The Nigeria Turkish  Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja

From left  Minister for Health  Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Chairman  First Surat Group of Company Mr Hikmet Coban, President Goodluck Jonathan  and FCT Minister Senator Bala Mohammed cutting the tape to commission the NIGERIA TURKISH NIZAMIYE HOSPITAL ABUJA 20th Feb., 2014

PHOTOS: PRESIDENT JONATHAN COMMISSIONS NIPRD BUILDING ABUJA

President Goodluck Jonathan left and the NIPRD Chairman  Governing Council  Dr Stella Okoli Presenting a plaque to the President after the commissioning  of NIPRD Administrative and Laboratory at Idu Industral Estate Abuja, 20th February, 2014

From left Minister for Health Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, President Goodluck Jonathan   and the Director General   of the  National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) Prof. Karniyus Gamaniel and the FCT Minister Senator Bala Mohammed  inspecting Finish Product  at the Commissioning  of NIPRD Administrative and Laboratory at Idu Industral Estate Abuja 20th February, 2014

From left Show From left Minister for Health Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, the Director General   of the  National Institute for Pharmaceutical Reserch and Development NIPRD Prof. Karniyus Gamaniel, the NIPRD Chairman  Governing Council  Dr Stella Okoli, and the  FCT Minister Senator Bala Mohammed at the Commissioning  of NIPRD Administrative and Laboratory at Idu Industral Estate Abuja, 20th February, 2014

From left Show From left Minister for Health Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, the Director General   of the  National Institute for Pharmaceutical Reserch and Development NIPRD Prof. Karniyus Gamaniel, the NIPRD Chairman  Governing Council  Dr Stella Okoli, and the  FCT Minister Senator Bala Mohammed at the Commissioning  of NIPRD Administrative and Laboratory at Idu Industral Estate Abuja, 20th February, 2014

Jonathan Forwards Name Of Godwin Emefiele To Senate For Confirmation As CBN Governor

Senate Spokesperson Enyinnaya Abaribe has confirmed that President Jonathan forwarded the name of Godwin Emefiele, Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc, to the Senate for confirmation as CBN Governor.

Emefiele is to replace Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, whose tenure expires in June but was suspended earlier today by the president, on allegations of financial reckless and misconduct.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN SUSPENDS LAMIDO SANUSI AS CBN GOVERNOR, APPOINTS ACTING GOVERNOR

Having taken special notice of reports of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria and other investigating bodies, which indicate clearly that Mallam Sanusi Lamido  Sanusi’s tenure has been characterized by various acts of financial recklessness and misconduct which are inconsistent with the administration’s vision of a Central Bank propelled by the core values of focused economic management, prudence, transparency and financial discipline;

Being also deeply concerned about far-reaching irregularities  under Mallam Sanusi’s watch which have distracted the Central Bank away from the pursuit and achievement of its statutory mandate; and

Being determined to urgently re-position the Central Bank of Nigeria for greater efficiency, respect for due process and accountability, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has ordered the immediate suspension of Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi from the Office of Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

President's Remarks on the occasion of his investiture as the Grand Patron of Football Supporters Club

President Goodluck Jonathan Vice President
Arc. Namadi Sambo 5^th left Sport Minister Mallam Abdullahi
Mohammed 3^rd right with Members of the Super
Eagle Supporters Club at the State House Abuja 19th Feb., 2014

Remarks by
His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
On the
Occasion of His Investiture as the Grand Patron of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club
State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja
Wednessday 19th February, 2014

1.            I count it a great honour for this conferment and decoration as the Grand Patron of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club. I now consider myself as the Number One Supporter of Nigeria Football Supporters Club.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN SHOCKED BY BALAT’S DEATH, CONDOLES FAMILY

President Goodluck Jonathan received with great shock and sorrow this afternoon, news of the sudden death of Senator Isaiah Balat, the Special Adviser (Special Duties) to Vice President Namadi Sambo.

On behalf of himself and the Federal Government, President extends sincere condolences to the Vice President, his staff and all others who had the pleasure of working with Senator Balat at the Presidential Villa.

Photos: Brig-General Jones Arogbofa, new Chief of Staff to President Jonathan

Photos of Brigadier-Gen Jones Oladehinde Arogbofa  new Chief Of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan

Brigadier-Gen Jones Oladehinde Arogbofa  new Chief Of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan

Brigadier-Gen Jones Oladehinde Arogbofa  newChief Of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan

Ongoing Reforms in Customs Service will enhance Regional Trade and boost Security - President Jonathan

ONGOING REFORMS IN CUSTOMS SERVICE WILL ENHANCE REGIONAL TRADE AND BOOST SECURITY – PRESIDENT JONATHAN

President Goodluck Jonathan said Tuesday in Abuja that in addition to enhancing regional and continental trade, ongoing reforms in the Nigerian Customs Service will also boost security in the country by helping to curtail the influx of illegal small arms and light weapons.

Speaking at an audience with the visiting Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, Mr. Kunio Mikuriya, President Jonathan said that the reforms were necessitated by the need to re-define the core values and operations of the service.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPOINTS RETIRED GENERAL AS HIS NEW CHIEF OF STAFF

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPOINTS RETIRED GENERAL AS HIS NEW CHIEF OF STAFF

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has appointed Brig.-Gen Jones Oladehinde Arogbofa  as his new Chief Of Staff.

Brig-Gen. Arogbofa, a retired Officer of the Signals Corps of the Nigerian Army, takes over from Chief Mike Oghiadomhe who resigned last week.

The new Chief of Staff to the President was born on November 10, 1952. He hails from the Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

In addition to administrative capabilities and experience garnered from a distinguished career in the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen Arogbofa brings an impressive array of academic qualifications to his new job.

Trapped South African miners refuse to leave pit

The operation to rescue illegal gold miners trapped in an abandoned mine in South Africa has been halted overnight.

So far 11 miners have been rescued from the shaft near Johannesburg.

Other trapped miners refused to leave after discovering they faced arrest at the surface. It is unclear how many remain underground, with reports suggesting they could number 200.

A full rescue operation will not restart unless the miners request it, said an emergency services official.

Photos: President Jonathan visits RCCG Ikoyi

President Jonathan worshipped at RCCG Olive Tree Parish Ikoyi Lagos on 16th February, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan  and the General  Overseer  Redeemed Christian Church  of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye at the Olive Tree Parish Ikoyi  Lagos where the President worshipped in Lagos  16^th Feb 2014

From left  Wife of the General Overseer  Redeemed Christian Pastor Folu  Adeboye, The General Overseer  Redeemed Christian Church  Pastor Enoch Adeboye and President Goodluck Jonathan  at the Olive Tree Parish of the Church Ikoyi Lagos where the President  worshipped in Lagos 16^th Feb 2014

Photos: President Jonathan visits Traditional Rulers

President Jonathan on a tour visits to Traditional Rulers in Kano, Oyo, Osun and Lagos States

From left Nigeria Ambassador to China, Mallam Aminu Wali,President Goodluck Jonathan, hand to hand with the Emir of Kano Alhaji Ado Bayero, Deputy Governor of  Kano State  Former Governor of Kano State  Alhaji  Ibrahim  Shekarau, and the Central Bank Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi at the Emir of Kano Palace during the President Visit on 15th Feb., 2014

Father and Son  President Goodluck Jonathan  and  the Emir of Kano Alhaji Ado Bayero in Kano on 15th Feb., 2014

Father and Son  President Goodluck Jonathan  and  the Emir of Kano Alhaji Ado Bayero in Kano on 15th Feb., 2014

Super Eagles exhibited uncommon degree of resilience - President Jonathan

Remarks by
His Excellency President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
At the
Reception for the Super Eagles
Abuja. Thursday, February 13th, 2014
I am delighted to receive the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who did the nation proud with their brilliant performance at the recently concluded 2014 Orange Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa.
2.         The team's impressive performance adds to a memorable season for Nigerian football, starting with victories at both the 2013 African Cup of Nations and the FIFA Under-17 World Cup competitions.
3.         I am particularly proud of this Team, which, even though they placed 3rd at the Championship, exhibited an uncommon degree of resilience, discipline, commitment and patriotism throughout the competition.  This is even more noteworthy considering that this is the first time that Nigeria is qualifying for this particular championship.