Ivory Coast Are 2015 AFCON Champions

With both sides battling to a stalemate in the final, spot kicks were needed to decide the clash and Black Stars goalkeeper Brimah saw his decisive effort saved

Cote d'Ivoire goalkeeper Boubacar Barry was the hero for his side as they defeated Ghana 9-8 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a goalless 120 minutes in the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Barry - who appeared to be struck down by cramp on two occasions during the shootout - was only selected because Sylvain Gbohouo picked up an injury in Cote d'Ivoire's semi-final.

He saved the spot-kick of opposite number Brimah Razak, before stepping up himself to convert the winning kick as the Ivorians lifted the trophy for the second time.

Cote d'Ivoire's only previous triumph in this tournament also came against the Black Stars, courtesy of an epic 11-10 shootout success in Senegal in 1992, and history was to repeat itself at the Estadio de Bata on Sunday.

It was also a repeat success for their coach Herve Renard, who lifted the trophy in 2012 when his Zambia side defeated his current employers, also on penalties.

All three of Cote d'Ivoire's previous final appearances had ended goalless, and it was the same story in Bata as the two sides could not separated after two hours of scoreless action.

For Ghana coach Avram Grant, it was yet more penalty heartache after his Chelsea side lost out to Manchester United in the 2008 Champions League final.

Ghana looked the more likely to find a winner throughout normal time, both Christian Atsu and Andre Ayew striking the woodwork, but otherwise goalmouth action was scarce.

Both sides were fortunate to finish the game with 11 men on the field. Serey Die was booked for a dangerous studs-up challenge on Wakaso Mubarak - which could have resulted in a red - before the Stuttgart midfielder escaped unpunished for a subsequent cynical foul on Atsu.

Returning Ghana forward Asamoah Gyan trod on the foot of Eric Bailly off the ball in the first half in an incident that went unseen, before his team-mate John Boye was lucky to get away with a headbutt on the same opponent after the interval.

Both sides made one change following their semi-final victories as Barry replaced Gbohouo, while Ghana welcomed back Gyan in place of Jordan Ayew.

The first effort of note saw Yaya Toure bring a simple save out of Razak with a free kick in the 14th minute, before Die was perhaps fortunate to receive only a yellow card for a high boot which caught Mubarak in a sensitive area.

Max Gradel fired off target from a difficult angle in the 16th minute, and Gyan was lucky that referee Bakary Gassama did not spot an off-the-ball stamp on Bailly.

Atsu went agonisingly close to an opener when his thumping drive got the better of Barry but rebounded off the right-hand upright and away to safety 25 minutes in.

Die, having already been cautioned for his earlier transgression, was extremely lucky not to be shown a second yellow card when he scythed down Atsu a minute later.

Ghana hit the woodwork again nine minutes prior to the interval, as Andre Ayew sliced his attempted cut-back off the left-hand post.

There was little let-up in the feisty nature of the encounter after the break when Boye appeared to headbutt Bailly after the pair grappled while waiting for a free kick, but once again there was no action from Gassama.

Boye headed wide of the target midway through the second half as Ghana continued to look the most likely to make a breakthrough.

In the final minute of normal time, Serge Aurier broke free down the right and saw his dangerous cross parried by Razak, but Jonathan Mensah was on hand to hack the ball away before substitute Seydou Doumbia could provide the finish.

After extra-time proved uneventful, Ghana looked in control of the shootout when Wilfried Bony and Junior Tallo missed the first two kicks for Cote d'Ivoire.

However, Afriyie Acquah and Frank Acheampong also erred for Ghana, and as the shootout reached its 11th round, Barry saved from Razak.

The Cote d'Ivoire shot-stopper, who had gone down with cramp earlier during the kicks, fell to the ground again but, after receiving treatment, picked himself up and successfully converted the winning penalty to spark scenes of jubilation among his team-mates.


Reported by Goal.com

Press Release: Welfare Report For The Month Of January, 2015

CENTRAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Office of the Welfare Officer
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Date: 7th February, 2015.
____________________________________________________________________

WELFARE REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY, 2015.

“Man becomes great exactly in the degree in which he works for the welfare of his fellow-men”
Mahatma Gandhi

The ever active and vigilant members of the welfare arm of Great Ife students’ union have been and are still on the move as regards the wellbeing of every student and in this context, we are obliged to bring you reports on the improvement in every sphere as well as any new development that has occurred or is yet to take place.

WATER SUPPLY

The usual challenge associated with supply of water on OAU campus has been corrected to a reasonable extent. The reason for this correction the lack of water supply that was experienced on the 25th of January, 2015 which was as a result of power outage experienced in the early hours of the same day which caught the authority of the dam unawares (as claimed). This was resolved at the timely intervention of the leadership of the students’ union.
Also, the shortage of water supply experienced on Monday, 19th January, 2015 was as a result of a bursted pipe along road 1 and has been addressed immediately. It is however worthy of note that the colourful water being supplied from OAU Dam has improved, as it is now colourless but not satisfactorily as there is always room for improvement.
However, through the intervention of the welfare committee, tankers are being used to transport water to halls of residence (Angola, Mozambique, Awolowo Annex and Alumni) when needed as supplement against what was experienced in the early period of this semester in these mentioned areas.
Note: Any supply of colourful water should be reported immediately to any member of welfare committee necessary action to be taken.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

It is quite commendable that the supply of electricity on OAU campus has been constant in recent times except instances of flash interruption and routine maintenance work been undertaken by PHCN.
The rooms that were affected due to the fire incident in Moremi (Block A 1-6) now have their power supply back after experiencing complete black out for more than 2weeks this semester. This was made possible by the intervention of the welfare committee in collaboration with the power house personnel.
Other minor electrical issues have been attended to as soon as the welfare committee has been abridged.
The power outage in ODLT I & II have been reported to the appropriate quarters and would soon be resolved.

QUALITY AND QUANTITY ASSURANCE

The welfare committee made certain corrections concerning consumables that are being sold on campus and on some occasions had to take drastic actions to see that these corrections are not wiped aside. The welfare committee has however been to the main market in Lagere to get the price of goods in other to regulate the price for students on campus to avoid cheating. Price lists will soon be pasted at various selling points and butteries on campus. Therefore, non-compliance of the regulation should either be reported to the hall executives or the number on the list can be called for necessary actions.
The welfare committee also went for an impromptu campus gate invasion to check for goods and consumables which are being transported into campus. This was done to eradicate bad foods and other items detrimental to the health of the students and or consumers.
The welfare committee called a meeting with all buttery operators and retail outlets on the 27th of January, 2015 which took place at the SUB Conference room and every issue pertaining to them and the welfare of students was addressed.

OTHER ISSUES

On 3rd January, 2015, students who reside in maintenance (B’vers Hostel) were denied entry to the hostel because their rents were expired and they were required to pay before they are granted entry. The Welfare officer (Ojogbon) and the P.R.O. (Bamidele) intervened over the matter to allow the students stay with the assurance that they will pay afterwards.

“He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything” – Thomas Carlyle

On Sunday, 25th January, 2015, the attention of the welfare officer was drawn (by Omonijo Abiodun) to the challenge been faced by students who (in large number) needed medical attention and the health centre was short of doctors on call. The welfare officer intervened over the matter by calling the Director of Health services who apparently made provisions for two more doctors to attend to the patients.

The women selling at the entrance of Awolowo hall adjacent to the health centre have been moved to a reasonable distance as they have been an obstruction to the entrance.

Two agent-tenant issues have been resolved in favour of our students (in town).
Two phone issues were also resolved in favour of our students (in town).

N.B.: 1. If any student has any complaint whatsoever as regards any issue pertaining to welfare of students on OAU campus and even in town, please refer to the Welfare Office of the Students’ Union @ SUB or call 08062463612 rather than posting it Facebook; because we deal with facts and evidences.
2. Beware of the people you give alms to because most of them are fake people as there are evidences to this effect.


Ajewole, Martins O. (Ojogbon) Abimbola, Adenike. (Concept)
Welfare Officer 08062463612 Secretary 08162540512
Facebook: Ojogbon Alex Martins
Twitter: @MOjogbon

OAU Wins Bamidele Aturu’s Inaugural Debate Competition

The Academic Unit of the Students' Union of the Obafemi Awolowo University on Saturday 7th February held the maiden edition of the Bamidele Aturu’s Inaugural Debate in celebration of the life and times of the great icon.

The Program which was supposed to start around 10am did not start until around 11:30am with opening prayer from one of the students. The Opening speech which was given by Barrister Femi Aborisade whom was later given an honorary professorship by the students of OAU was based on the exemplary life and values of the late Barrister Dele Aturu. Barr. Aborisade then spoke on the forthcoming elections describing the candidates of the two most prominent political parties as calamities.

The Debate kicked off proper with the Chief Speaker of the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta taking the podium first. The Debate however seemed to get hotter with every speaker giving the Judges a hard time making their decisions. The Debaters of the Obafemi Awolowo University however beat their competition to the prize with 161 out of 200 points; the Premier University came in second with 154 points and the Lagos State University third with 145 points. EKSU, FUNAAB and FC E Abeokuta then filled the remaining spots.

Awards were presented to the various dignitaries present and members of the Academic Unit of the Students' Union by the President of the Union and the representative of the Aturu Chambers who also represented  Mrs. Aturu; the widow of the Barr. Dele Aturu, also appreciated the Union for the initiative and efficient coordination of the program.

Some of the other Dignitaries who also spoke at the event was Professor Sola Olorunyomi of the University of Ibadan, The ASUU President OAU chapter; Dr. Caleb Aborisade, Adunni Oluwawa of SWAG and MINDS and other Comrades. There were also presentations from Kunle Ajayi who recited a poem dedicated to the Late Barrister and OAU’s own Arole who gave the audience a reason to show their teeth.


PS- The fresher’s package distribution was announced to have commenced to today at the level of the Students Union Building and continues on Monday within the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.

Full Text Of Professor Jega’s Statement On Election Postponement

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We invited you here today to make known the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the timetable for the 2015 general elections. Let me state from the outset that the Commission’s position was reached after carefully weighing the suggestions from briefings held with different stakeholders in the electoral process.

The conduct of elections in a country like Nigeria is invariably a collective venture that involves not just the Election Management Body (EMB), but also a diverse range of stakeholders, notably security agencies, political parties and their candidates, voters, as well as interest groups, such as the civil society organizations and the media. To guarantee successful conduct of elections, there are things that are wholly the responsibility of the EMB. But there are other things critical for the success of elections, which fall outside the control of the EMB.

In other words, while INEC must work hard to perfect its systems and processes for conducting elections, and take responsibility for any imperfections thereof, whatever the Commission does may not by itself be sufficient to guarantee the success of elections. There are a number of issues in the preparation and conduct of an election, the most critical of which is security, which is not under the control of INEC.

Current State of INEC’s Preparedness

On Thursday, February 5, 2015, I was invited to brief the National Council of State, which is the highest advisory to the President comprising past and present leaders in Nigeria, on the level of preparedness of INEC to conduct the 2015 general elections. I made a presentation to the Council titled ‘Preparations for the 2015 General Elections: Progress Report,’ in which I gave a detailed account of what the Commission has been doing in readiness for the national elections (National Assembly and Presidential) scheduled for February 14th, and the state elections (Governorship and State Assembly) scheduled for February 28th, 2015.

The summary of my presentation to the National Council of State meeting is that, for matters under its control, INEC is substantially ready for the general elections as scheduled, despite discernible challenges being encountered with some of its processes like the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by registered members of the public.

In addition, INEC has been doing everything it can to facilitate the collection of the PVCs by registered members of the public. As at 5th February 2015, the total number of PVCs collected was 45, 829, 808, representing 66.58% of the total number of registered voters.

In the delivery and deployment of electoral materials, INEC is also at a comfort level in its readiness for the general elections as scheduled (see the presentation to the Council of State). The Commission’s preparations are not yet perfect or fully accomplished. But our level of preparedness, despite a few challenges, is sufficient to conduct free, fair and credible elections as scheduled on February 14th and February 28th. Compared with 2011 when, within a short time, we conducted general elections that were universally adjudged free, fair and credible and the best in Nigeria’s recent electoral history, our processes are today better refined, more robust and therefore capable of delivering even better elections.

Other Variables

But as I mentioned earlier, there are some other variables equally crucial for successful conduct of the 2015 general elections that are outside the control of INEC. One important variable is security for the elections.

While the Commission has a very good working relationship with all security agencies, especially on the platform of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) since its inception in 2010, it has become pertinent for it to seriously consider the security advisory presented to it by the Security and Intelligence Services. I would like to reiterate here that INEC is an EMB and not a security agency. It relies on the security services to provide a safe environment for personnel, voters, election observers and election materials to conduct elections wherever it deploys. Where the security services strongly advise otherwise, it would be unconscionable of the Commission to deploy personnel and call voters out in such a situation.

Last Wednesday, which was a day before the Council of State meeting, the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) wrote a letter to the Commission, drawing attention to recent developments in four Northeast states of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe currently experiencing the challenge of insurgency. The letter stated that security could not be guaranteed during the proposed period in February for the general elections.

This advisory was reinforced at the Council of State meeting on Thursday where the NSA and all the Armed Services and Intelligence Chiefs unanimously reiterated that the safety and security of our operations cannot be guaranteed, and that the Security Services needed at least six weeks within which to conclude a major military operation against the insurgency in the Northeast; and that during this operation, the military will be concentrating its attention in the theatre of operations such that they may not be able to provide the traditional support they render to the Police and other agencies during elections.

INEC’s Decision

We have done wide ranging consultation to enable us have as much input as is necessary before taking an informed decision. In the series of consultations that we held with stakeholders, the questions consistently posed to them for consideration are:

(i) In view of the latest development, should INEC proceed with the conduct of the general elections as scheduled in spite of this strong advice; and if so, what alternative security arrangements are available to be put in place?

(ii) Or, should INEC take the advice and adjust the schedules of the general elections within the framework of Constitutional provisions?

The Commission held a meeting after the consultations, and decided to take the advice of the Security Chiefs and adjust the dates of the elections. We have done this relying on Section 26(1) of the Electoral 2010 (As Amended), which states thus: “Where a date has been appointed for the holding of an election, and there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace is likely to occur if the election is proceeded with on that date or it is impossible to conduct the elections as a result of natural disasters or other emergencies, the Commission may postpone the election and shall in respect of the area, or areas concerned, appoint another date for the holding of the postponed election, provided that such reason for the postponement is cogent and verifiable”.

INEC not being a security agency that could by itself guarantee protection for personnel and materials, as well as voters during elections, the Commission cannot lightly wave off the advice by the nation’s Security Chiefs. The Commission is specifically concerned about the security of our ad hoc staff who constitute at least 600,000 young men and women, together with our regular staff, voters, election observers as well as election materials painstakingly acquired over the last one and half years. This concern is limited not just to the areas in the North-eastern part of Nigeria experiencing insurgency; the risk of deploying young men and women and calling people to exercise their democratic rights in a situation where their security cannot be guaranteed is a most onerous responsibility. Under such circumstances, few EMBs across the world, if any, would contemplate proceeding with the elections as scheduled. No matter the extent of INEC’s preparedness, therefore, if the security of personnel, voters, election observers and election materials cannot be guaranteed, the life of innocent young men and women as well the prospects of free, fair, credible and peaceful elections would be greatly jeopardised.

Consequently, the Commission has decided to reschedule the 2015 general elections thus: the national elections (i.e. Presidential and National Assembly) are now to hold on March 28th, 2015; while the state elections (Governorship and State Assembly) are to hold on April 11th, 2015. It should be noted that this rescheduling falls within the constitutional framework for the conduct of the elections, notably, Sections 76(2), 116(2), 132(2) and 178(2). See also Section 25 of the Electoral Act 2010 (As Amended).

For the avoidance of doubt, we will under no circumstances approve an arrangement that is not in line with the provisions of our laws. Our hope is that with this rescheduling, the security services will do their best to ensure that the security environment needed for safe and peaceful conduct of the 2015 elections is rapidly put in place.

We in INEC reassure all Nigerians and indeed the international community of our commitment to do everything within the law and to conduct free, fair, credible and peaceful elections. We call on the security agencies to honour their commitment to restore sufficient normalcy for elections to take place within the period of extension. We also call on Nigerians, political parties, candidates and all other stakeholders to accept this decision in good faith and ensure the maintenance of peace.

As for us in INEC we’ll endeavour to use the period of the extension to keep on perfecting our systems and processes for conducting the best elections in Nigeria’s history. In particular, we believe that we would resolve all outstanding issues related to non-collection of PVCs, which agitate the minds of many Nigerians.

Finally, we wish to call on all Nigerians to accept our decision, which is taken in good faith and the best interest of deepening democracy ion our country.

Thank you.


Professor Attahiru M. Jega, OFR
Chairman, INEC

Pastor Poju Oyemade Ties The Knot

Pastor Poju Oyemade of the Covenant Christian Centre tied the knot with his beau, Toyin Fajusigbe on Saturday 7th February in Lagos. The wedding which was officiated by the Bishop David Oyedepo of Winners chapel was well attended by many popular faces.

We wish them a happy married life!!!

Its Official, Elections Have Been Postponed

INEC chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega just briefed the media on the outcome of their meeting today. He said the 2015 general elections has been postponed by 6 weeks. Jega said the decision was made after briefings with various stakeholders notably political parties, security agencies, civil society and the media. He said 26 out of the 28 registered parties were at the meeting. Jega blamed the postponement mostly on lack of security and collection of PVC.

 

New dates:

Presidential - March 28th

Governorship - April 11th.

Dear Guys, I'm sorry but Valentine is back on!

Jonathan And Buhari Are Disasters –Aborisade

An academician and activist Mr Femi Aborisade veered towards another direction regarding the forthcoming presidential election by tagging the two leading presidential candidates as disasters and calamities if viewed from the supposed perspective of the late legal luminary Barr. Bamidele Aturu if he were alive.

The two presidential candidates are President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) and Gen. Mohammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress(APC) he advised students not to entrust with their votes. Mr Aborisade made this assertion at the first Barr. Bamidele Aturu’s Debate organised by Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Students’ Union while delivering his speech as the chairman of the occasion, on a theme he tagged: Who is Bamidele Aturu.



According to Aborisade “the disaster of this country is that we have two disasters in the two presidential candidates of the APC and the PDP. If late Aturu were to be alive this would have been his view about the two front runners in the imminent presidential election." He premised his argument on the fact that the incumbent president has not been able to meet the welfare needs of the people has enshrined in the constitution. Gen. Buhari on the other hand he said in any decent and normal setting should not contest after he truncated a democratic setting".

He further stressed that endorsing any of these two candidates to become the president of this nation is not necessary. "They are not worth risking your votes or lifes for".  Aborisade however charged Nigerians not to render their votes to any candidate who is not committed to the development of education in the country as Bamidele Aturu would have done if he were alive.

The event featured a debate competition which has 'Nigerian students’ and the challenges of leadership' as the topic. The debate was keenly contested by six ivory towers. They include: Lagos State University(LASU), Ekiti State University(EKSU), Federal College Of Education Osiele, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta(FUNAAB), and the host school Obafemi Awolowo University(OAU). At the end of the intellectual duel, OAU came first with 161 points, UI came second with154 points, LASU came third with 145 points while the FUNNAB and FCABEO came forth and fifth with122 and121 respectively.


Reported by OAU Glitz