Tanzania, Zambia, Others mourn Keshi

CAF condoles NFF, Nigerians on Keshi ‘ s death.
The president of the Confederation of African Football, Issa Hayatou, was one of the first senior citizens in world football to commiserate with the NFF and the Nigeria football family over the death of Nigeria legend, Stephen Keshi on Wednesday.

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations –winning Coach died early Wednesday after complaining of irregular heartbeats and pain in his legs. He passed on before reaching the hospital.

In his letter addressed to the NFF president, Amaju Pinnick, Hayatou wrote: “We have learned with great dismay and immense sadness the passing away of African and Nigerian football legend Stephen Okechukwu Keshi today.

“Even if Stephen Keshi left us too early, he achieved an incredible career, both as a player and as a coach, being one of only two people in African football history, along with Egypt’s Mahmoud El-Gohary, to have won the Africa Cup of Nations as both a player, in Tunisia in 1994, and as a coach, in South Africa in 2013.

“After having played mostly with French and Belgian clubs, Stephen Keshi became a tremendous professional coach, coaching the Togo national football team between 2004 and 2006, and incredibly achieving the dream of any nation by making the West African nation to qualify to its first ever World Cup in 2006 in Germany.”

In his own tribute, also addressed to Pinnick, president of the Tanzania Football Federation, Jamal Malinzi wrote: “I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of Nigeria and Africa’s football legend Stephen Keshi. In this sorrowful time, I would like on behalf of the football community in Tanzania to extend to you our heartfelt condolences…

“Though he is gone, his service to football has not lasted with his passing as he will always have an everlasting legacy in the game of football.”

The president of the Football Association of Zambia, Andrew Kamanga, wrote: “It is with deep sense of sorrow to learn of the passing on of your former coach of Nigeria, Mr. Steven Keshi. On behalf of the Executive Committee of the FAZ, the Secretariat staff, the Zambian football fraternity and indeed on my own behalf, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Nigeria football family and indeed Mr. Keshi’s family on the passing on of our beloved colleague.”

On Wednesday, Pinnick, NFF’s first vice president, Seyi Akinwunmi, and the general secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, were the first to sign the condolence register opened for the departed legend at the Glass House in Abuja.

The group sports editor of THISDAY newspapers, Duro Ikhazuagbe, was among those who called at the NFF secretariat to sign the condolence register.

Also at the Glass House was a delegation of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, led by the President –General, Rafiu Oladipo.


CAF President, Issa Hayatou, on Wednesday condoled with the president of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, and Nigerians on the death of former Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi.

This is contained in a statement on the association’s website.

Hayatou expressed his “dismay” and “immense sadness” at the sudden death of the former Nigeria international.

He paid glowing tribute to the deceased, who emerged as the only African coach to have qualified two African teams to the World Cup – Togo in 2006 and Nigeria in 2014.

“’His other enviable record is being the only African trainer to have steered a team to the Second Round of the FIFA World Cup, with Nigeria at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

“He had achieved the same feat as a player with the Super Eagles at their maiden participation at the Mundial in 1994, in USA.

“’The CAF President conveyed the condolences on his own behalf, the CAF Executive Committee and African football family on the demise of Keshi, who was a jewel to his family, friends and the Nigerian football family, who are badly affected.

“This is a man, who was twice winner of the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria; in 1994 as captain and in 2013 as a coach, with the latter earning him the distinction of Coach of the Year at the Glo-CAF Awards,” the statement read.

Remembering Nigerian Coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi (23 January 1962 – 8 June 2016), A Nigerian Sports Icon.

Nigeria football legend Stephen Keshi has died suddenly at the age of 54.

Stephen Okechukwu Keshi was a Nigerian football defender. He was also a football manager of the Nigeria national team.

Born: January 23, 1962, Azare

Died: June 8, 2016, Benin City

Height: 1.85 m

Spouse: Kate Keshi (m. ?–2015)

Teams coached: Togo national football team (Head coach, 2011–2011),

Awards: CAF Coach of the Year, CAF Legend award

The Chairman of the Edo State Football Association (EFA), Frank Ilaboya, confirmed on Wednesday that the remains of former Super Eagle’s coach, Stephen Keshi, had been moved to a mortuary in Benin.

The privately-owned mortuary, Faith Mediplex, is located on the Benin Airport road in the Edo State capital.

Mr. Ilaboya quoted Mr. Keshi’s faimily member, Ricky Aburimen, as saying the Eagle’s former coach only complained of a leg ailment while holidaying at his Airport road home in Benin before he passed away.

He said Mr. Keshi died on the way to hospital at about 3 am.

The ex- international lost his wife , Nkem Kate Keshi only last December. They had been married for more than 30 years. She died after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Mr. Keshi is survived by four children and his mother.

Meanwhile, a statement on the coaches death had been released by Emmanuel Ado, brother and aide to the late Mr. Keshi, said: “With thanksgiving to God, the Ogbuenyi Fredrick Keshi family of Illah in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, announces the death of Mr. Stephen Okechukwu Chinedu Keshi’.

“Our son, brother, father, father-in-law, brother-in-law, has gone to be with his wife of 35 years (Nkem ), Mrs. Kate Keshi, who passed on on the 9th December 2015.

Former Super Eagles’ Coach, Stephen Keshi, died before he arrived Faith Mediplex, the hospital he was rushed to on Tuesday night, his brother in-law, Richard Aburime, has said.

The former captain and coach of the senior national died at the age of 54 on Tuesday.

Narrating Mr. Keshi’s last days on earth to journalists in Benin, the Edo State capital on Wednesday, Mr. Aburime said the late coach had a history of leg pains following years of successful professional football, which was usually managed with massaging.

He said following his last complains and subsequent massaging, Mr. Keshi’s body system and health suddenly degenerated as a result of which he was at about 11.30pm rushed to the hospital, which is about 20 minutes’ drive from his residence at Giwa Amu area of Government Reserved Area in Benin City.

“He had complained of pains in his leg for some days and they kept massaging it for him. When he complained of it yesterday, they massaged it for him again,” Mr. Aburime recounted.

“About one and half hours after the massaging, he was in serious distress and was gasping for breath. That was how we rushed him to the hospital, a distance of about 20 minutes.”

“But by the time he arrived at the hospital, the doctor certified him dead on arrival. That was between 11:30 and 11:45 pm.”

“It was the nurse that first came out. She checked for pulse‎ and said there was no more pulse in him. Doctors later came and do all the stuffs they do; but nothing came out of it.”

Reacting to reports that Mr. Keshi died of cardiac arrest, Mr. Aburime cautioned the media against speculating on what killed the coach.

He said only a proper toxicological autopsy to be conducted would determine the actual cause of the death of the late skipper of Super Eagles.

Mr. Aburime said after the doctors confirmed Mr. Keshi dead, they could not issue any report or present any death certificate because the late coach was not a patient of the hospital.

He said, “After the confirmation, as he was not a patient of the hospital, they could not write any report or present any death certificate. They said we must bring the police. So, the police came to inspect the body.

“I am about to take the corpse to Stella Obasanjo Hospital now, pending the autopsy the family wants to do. Dr. Wilson Akhiwu will conduct the autopsy.”

“There is no official statement as to the cause of his death. There will be no embalming. It was sudden and we don’t want anybody to speculate.

“That massage on his leg had taken one hour before the distress. There was no sign of ill-health (before) and Keshi had not complained recently.”

He assured that the autopsy report from qualified doctors would be made public at a press conference befitting Mr. Keshi’s status.

Meanwhile, family sources said the late footballer was scheduled to travel to the United States of America on Wednesday to visit his children, a plan which has now been aborted by his sudden death.

A cousin of the late coach, Ebuka Ofuoni, who is said to have lived with him from his childhood, said Mr. Keshi’s death is not only shocking but also a great loss to the family, his community and his country and the entire football world.

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, described Mr. Keshi’s death as a great loss

In a tribute, the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, described Mr. Keshi’s death as a great loss to the nation and to Edo State, where he was resident.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Peter Okhiria, the governor described the late coach as a thoroughbred professional, complete gentleman, and a good citizen who impacted positively on his immediate environment where he lived a quiet life.

“On behalf of the Government and People of Edo State, I join millions of Nigerians and other sports lovers worldwide to condole with my brother, the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on the sudden death of this illustrious son of the state,” the statement said.

“He was a thoroughbred professional, a complete gentleman and a good citizen of Edo State where he lived quietly and peaceably with his neighbours before he gave in to the cold hands of death. His death is most painful not only to football lovers but to those whose lives he impacted positively.”

“While we mourn Keshi, we celebrate his many contributions in bringing joy to millions of homes across the nation and the world with his football skills which were honed during his days as a player with the defunct New Nigerian Bank (NNB) of Benin.”

“His name will undoubtedly be written in gold as a great Nigerian Ambassador who brought glory to the country and left an indelible mark in the sands of time.”

“I pray that the Almighty God will grant his soul eternal rest and his family the fortitude to bear this great loss.”

The Edo State Football Association, Gives Tribute

The Edo State Football Association, in its tribute, described Mr. Keshi’s death as a devastating blow to the entire football community in Nigeria.

“It is so devastating. At about 2am today (Wednesday),” its chairman, Frank Ilaboya, said.

“Keshi is someone that we all love. We all know him as the ‘Big Boss’. He is one player and a coach that is respected and will be missed.”

“As a person, he was very unique. As a captain, he was very exceptional. As a coach, he was the only one that has won the Nations Cup as a player and as a coach. His death is a big ‎vacuum in Nigeria, especially Delta and Edo States.”

“It is a vacuum in the football community. We thought that he was going to do more for Nigeria. But we cannot question God. What do we do? We pray that his soul rests in perfect peace.”

The EFA boss also narrated how he got the news about the demise of the coach.

He said, “I got a call from a US-based coach Dr. Terry Eguaoje that I should confirm what was happening to Keshi‎.

“At that time, I didn’t know what was happening. So, I quickly established contact with the in-law, Richard Aburimen, who told me that it was true. I was shocked.”

“He said that he (Keshi) was having a leg pain. They needed to do a massage. At a point, he said that his eyes were turning. By the time they took him to the hospital, he was dead before he got to the hospital.”

“To the best of my knowledge, I never knew that he was sick. That was why I said that it was so shocking. I know that he used to having this leg pain; may be, because of his playing days‎. But that is all I know,” Mr Ilaboya recalled.

Keshi’s former teammate and bosom friend, Augustine Eguavoen, described the late coach as “an achiever and a go-getter”.

“Aside being my team mate in the national team, Keshi and I have remained close brothers for years,” Mr. Eguavoen, who was Captain of Super Eagles, said in tears.

In his tribute, a former member of the Super Eagles, Edema Fuludu said, “We all know him as a good leader. He goes for what he believes in. He was very enthusiastic about Nigeria and football and he was never negatively minded. I am shocked and yet to come to term with this sad news.”

“He made us to believe that we can achieve whatever we want to achieve only if we set our mind on it. It is a sad loss to us all.”

The Edo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Kassim Afegbua, called for a national burial for Mr. Keshi, saying he deserved the honour as “a patriotic citizen.”

NFF president Says

One of African football's best-known figures, the ex-Super Eagles captain is one of only two men to win the Africa Cup of Nations as a player and a coach.

NFF president Amaju Pinnick: "This is devastating. We have lost a superhero."

Keshi, who is reported to have suffered a heart attack by local media. also managed Togo and Mali, while his playing career included a spell with Belgian club side Anderlecht.

Sunday Oliseh, a former team-mate and Keshi's successor as Nigeria coach, tweeted his shock at the "horrible news" and called Keshi "an iconic hero".

Other tributes are being paid from around the world.

Keshi skippered the Nigeria team that won the Nations Cup in 1994 before narrowly missing out on a World Cup quarter-final place the same year.

He coached the Super Eagles on three occasions, leading them to the 2013 Nations Cup title in South Africa and the last 16 at the 2014 World Cup.

His contract was not renewed after the Brazil tournament but he returned on a match-by-match deal following the team's failure to reach the 2015 Nations Cup finals.

He was then sacked as caretaker coach but reinstated after intervention from then Nigeria president Goodluck Jonathan.

Keshi, who lost his wife to cancer late last year, was then sacked for a final time last July.

Ubah mourns Keshi, says Nigeria lost a football iconThe Managing Director, Capital Oil Plc and Founder/President FC Ifeanyi Ubah. 

Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, has commiserated with the family of late former Super Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi, who passed on Wednesday morning. Keshi Ubah, who said, his heart brimmed with grief when he heard the heartbreaking news of Keshi’s demise, however, described him as a man who lived an exemplary life, adding that Nigeria has lost a football icon. The oil magnate in a statement said: “My heart brimmed with grief when the heartbreaking news of the Big Boss’ demise filtered through my ears. Words failed me and still fail me as I struggle to express the sadness I felt when I received the news Stephen Keshi’s glorious exit. The cold hands of death just served us a distasteful meal! “Today, I mourn a man who lived a fulfilled and exemplary life; and as a key member of the football family, I mourn the departure of one of us, an icon in Nigerian football. I mourn a friend and a man that I always related with and looked up to with respect to issues on growth and development of football in Nigeria. “We have lost a man we needed so much in a time where all efforts are geared towards repositioning Nigeria football. The Big Boss has left us when his wealth of experience was needed the most in the football sector of this country. It will be hard to talk about Nigerian football without a mention of “Stephen Keshi”, a man we had expected to remain here with us for a long time to come so that we could continue to tap from his wealth of experience. Nigeria will miss you! Anambra state football family will miss you! “In this time of bereft, I wish to offer my sincere condolences to the Keshis. It must be a very agonizing period for his children and other members of his family who are still in excruciating pains over the demise of their mother and wife who passed onto higher glory just a few months ago. I sincerely sympathize with every one of you. My earnest prayer is that the memories of all the happy times shared with him, will in the fullness of time, ease the hurt and grief that you all feel as a result of the bereavement. I also pray that the good Lord in his infinite mercies, grants every one of you the peace and fortitude to bear the immeasurable loss. “To fellow Nigerians and fans of Keshi worldwide who feel must feel aggrieved at this irreparable loss, may the promise contained in the “8 Beatitudes of Christ” which bestows blessings of comfort on all those who mourn as stated in Mathew 5:4 be true to us all in Jesus name…Amen! “To my brother and friend, Stephen Keshi, may the good Lord grant your beautiful soul a peaceful repose in his bosom. Adieu, THE BIG BOSS! Rest in peace!”

Stephen Okechukwu Keshi (23 January 1962 – 8 June 2016)

Former Super Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi was born in 23 January 1962 and died on the 8th of June 2016. Keshi was married to his wife Kate (née Abureme) for 33 years. She died on 10 December 2015, after battling cancer for three years. They had four children. Kesh’s playing career started at ACB Football Club, and later played for New Nigeria Bank, Stade d’Abidjan, Africa Sports, Lokeren, Anderlecht, RC Strasbourg. He was also a football manager of the Nigeria national team and also coached in Togo and Mali. Late Keshi He was one of only two people, along with Egypt’s Mahmoud El-Gohary, to have won the Africa Cup of Nations as both a player and a coach Keshi became coach of the Nigerian National Team in 2011. In 2013 Keshi led Super Eagles Nigeria to qualification for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, which they won by defeating Burkina Faso 1–0 in the final. Also Keshi led Super Eagles Nigeria to the 2013 Confederations Cup, were they defeated Tahiti 6–1, and lost 1–2 to Uruguay in the second game, and also lost 0–3 to World Cup winners, Spain in their final group game. On 16 November 2013, Keshi’s Super Eagles secured qualification for the 2014 World Cup by beating Ethiopia 4–1 on aggregate in a play-off. On 18 November 2013, Stephen keshi set a record in African football by being the first African coach to successfully qualify two African nations (Nigeria and Togo) to the World Cup Finals. He also helped Nigeria become the first country to achieve an African Cup of Nations trophy and World Cup qualification, both in 2013. On 25 June 2014, Keshi’s Super Eagles progressed to the knockout stage of 2014 World Cup. They started the tournament with a 0-0 draw against Iran, followed by a controversial 1-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. They lost the final group stage match 2-3 against Argentina, but progressed to the knockout stage, courtesy of a 3-1 win by Bosnia and Herzegovina over Iran. Keshi, went to Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Lagos, He represented Nigeria from 1982, at age 20, till 1994, most of the time captaining the Super Eagles and scoring vital goals from his position as a central defender.

Keshi has gone to meet his wife – Emma Ado

Following the shocking news of the death of Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, one time coach of Super Eagles of Nigeria, Emmanuel Ado his brother and manager in Nigeria has said that the Big Boss, which was Keshi’s nickname, has gone to meet his wife. Keshi died at the early hours of Wednesday in Benin at an undisclosed hospital. Keshi with his late wife Kate. Emma Ado said that Keshi who was in Nigeria to attend to the grave side of his wife never recovered form the death Kate Keshi. It will be recalled that Kate (née Abureme) died of cancer in December 2015, and they were married for 33 years. Keshi with his late wife Kate. Ado said ‘Keshi never recovered from the death of Kate they were inseparateable. He has gone to meet Kate’ ‘Since the wife died Keshi has kept on mourning and has been in sorrow. All these time Keshi has been acting, giving the impression that he was fine and man enough to bear the sorrow but the truth actually is that he was down and in pain over the death of his wife. ‘From companionship to cooking and other domestic matters nobody could be like his wife to him they were irreplaceable. The man just went to join her’ According to reports the wife, Kate made Keshi a responsible man and Keshi was always talking about her. Also Sunday Oliseh, Keshi’s for teammate and ‏former coach of the Super Eagles, who took over after Keshi was axed as the Super Eagles coach, has described the news of the death of Keshi as horrible and sad. Oliseh ‏on his twitter handle @SundayOOliseh said ‘Horrible news & Sad day as Our legendary Captain & brother Stephen Keshi dies.May his blessed soul rest in peace.we lost an iconic Hero today. Another of Keshi’sfriend who spoke on condition of anonymity said “He was not ill at all, never showed any signs of illness, but we suspect he never got over the death of his wife,”.

The world mourns Keshi as Ghana fly flag at half mast

GHANA Football Association has paid tributes to the late Nigerian coach and footballer, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi. Late Keshi GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi sent a message of condolence to the Nigeria Football Federation and its President, Amaju Pinnick. He describes Keshi a great man and a noble spirit, whose shining example of dedication to football and to footballers was not only to dedicated Nigeria but to several countries including Ghana. He says the flags at the GFA headquarters will be flying at half-mast as a token of the Ghana football fraternity’s deepest respect for Stephen Keshi. We lost an icon – Amanze Uchegbulam former Vice President, NFF “Big shock that Keshi is gone. Keshi was an icon of Nigerian football. Nobody can talk about Nigerian football without talking about Keshi. He died too early. It’s unfortunate we lost him. “Keshi played his part, both as player and coach; won trophies for this country.” Keshi was a Pillar of Nigerian football —Paul Bassey, Chairman Akwa United “We spoke last week and he never gave an indication of a man who had just one week to live. Keshi was a true Pillar of Nigerian football, a big loss indeed. Although he was no longer the coach of the national team, Nigeria will surely miss Keshi”. It’s unfortunate – Kojo Former chairman of the defunct Nigeria Football Association Kojo Williams has described the death of Stephen Keshi as unfortunate. “It’s unfortunate. It’s a sad day for Nigerian football. I can’t comprehend. Too bad. Keshi did his best for Nigerian football. It’s sad the country is losing him now. Too bad. This world is absolutely nothing – Barrister Obienu One time member of the Nigeria Football Association, Nwabufor Obienu was so crestfallen when he heard of the sudden demise of Nigeria’s iconic football personality Stephen Keshi that he exclaimed, “this world is nothing”. He said it was hard to believe that Keshi was dead. “I cried when I first heard the news. He shouldn’t have died now. This world is absolutely nothing. It is vanity.” Keshi called me last week – Okpala Former Super Eagles assistant coach under Keshi, Sylvanus Okpala has revealed his last moment with his former boss, saying, “what shocked me most was that we spoke last week when he called me to ask after my family and how we were doing. “We discussed very well and he sounded very happy. He said he was happy now that he was living a quiet life as he entered the country without much noise. He joked about his new life. “I still can’t get over the shock,” Okpala said.

Do you mean that Keshi is dead? – Chukwu

Lagos – Some Nigerian former football players have expressed shock over the death of ex-Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, 54, who died in the early hours of Wednesday. The ex-international, who had captained the national team, died in Benin while being taken to hospital after he complained of an illness. Late Keshi Christian Chukwu, who captained the Green Eagles to win Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations in 1980, shockingly said that “I can’t believe this news; do you mean that Keshi is dead? Recollecting himself, Chukwu said that “Keshi is a legend whose foresight placed him ahead of his peers. “This is terrible news. We have lost a legend who contributed a lot to the growth of the game in the country. “As a player, he started so early and captained the junior and senior teams. “Keshi was one of the first Nigerian exports to play in Europe from where he opened the way for other players,’’ he said. Chukwu recalled with nostalgia what he called the memorable days of the late football icon when in 1994 he led the Super Eagles to win the African Cup of Nations for the second time. “He repeated the same feat after 19 years when in 2013, as a coach, he led the Eagles to lift the Nation’s Cup, a feat that has been achieved by only two Africans. “Keshi deserves a befitting burial and his death should not be linked to the controversy at the Glass House,’’ Chukwu said. Keshi’s former backroom staff and teammate, Sylvanus Okpala said that he has yet to believe the news until he hears from Keshi’s brother. “I don’t believe this news, when I get through to his brother, then I will believe this,’’ he said Also, former teammate, Mutiu Adepoju, described his demise as very sad. “Not long ago he lost his wife, it’s very sad news; it’s not palatable at all, he left his mark which will be with us forever,’’ he said. Nduka Ugbade, a former Super Eagles defender, sais that he assumed it was a wicked rumour. “Its very strange, when I first heard the news, I thought it was a rumour, but this is not April, it is not the first day in April when you can say April fool. “I’m confused, I don’t know what to say, that a vibrant young man is gone so sudden places a great burden upon our hearts. “I can’t say rest in peace; it’s a great shock. I’m in Brilla FM hoping this news will turn out to be a lie,’’ he said. Ndubuisi Okosieme, a former player, also said he was shocked by the news. “Are you serious, I’m just hearing this; I can’t believe this; is he dead? Never heard of any ailment, this is sad,’’ he said.

Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on Keshi

FORMER President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, under whom former Super Eagles skipper and manager won the 2013 Nations Cup for Nigeria, has described the late football star as an inspirational figure, great patriot and worthy ambassador for Nigeria. Jonathan who stated this in a tribute to the football icon also described Keshi as a dedicated and inspirational sportsman who led his nation to win the prestigious continental football trophy at great moments, both as captain and coach. The statement signed by Ikechukwu Eze, the former President’s media adviser said further: “Keshi was driven by a high sense of patriotism and dedication which motivated him to always ply his craft from the front, leading his nation to win the prestigious continental football trophy at pivotal moments, both as captain and coach. I still keep a personal recollection of the time I received the 2013 Nation’s Cup from victorious Keshi and his team on behalf of all Nigerians. It was a moment of pride and strength for the entire country. Keshi was, in deed, a trail blazer who brought glory and honour to his country, nurtured the beautiful game of football to its full potentials in Nigeria, and mentored many professionals to become national and international idols.”

Keshi helped Nigerians with his talent -NOC

President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, Engr. Habu Gumel and Secretary General, Hon Tunde Popoola were gutted by the news of the untimely death of former Super Eagles Captain and coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi yesterday. Stephen Okechukwu Keshi The flamboyant coach who was the longest captain of the Super Eagles and also one of two Africans to win the African Cup of Nations as player and coach died early morning Wednesday. Gumel described Keshi as a hero who left an incredible mark on the sands of time in Nigeria, Africa and World. Quoting Fred Rogers, Gumel said; ‘’anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero’’. ‘’He did much more to help Nigerians with his God-given talent. He united Nigerians with his leadership in the Eagles and achieved what most people older could not. We’re devastated but pray for the well being of his children and family he left behind’’, Gumel grasping to come to terms with the death of the 54-year old said. Secretary General, Hon Tunde Popoola could not hold his emotions. ‘’What do you mean? How can Keshi die? Why?’’, Popoola, a long time friend of the Big Boss repeatedly asked as tears welled in his eyes. The secretariat of the NOC at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos was like a graveyard as the staff gathered in groups discussing the death the icon.

Keshi`s sack, ill thought out move – Danagogo

Port Harcourt – Tammy Danagogo, former Minister of Sports, on Thursday said that the sack of former Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, was a wrong move. Danagogo said, in Port Harcourt, that the death of Keshi, was a pathetic loss to Nigeria. He said as minister, those who wanted Keshi sacked, had no better alternative. Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi “I worked with Keshi as minister when he was the coach of Super Eagles. To me, his commitment and patriotism is unequal,” he said. Danagogo said he supported Keshi because of the sincerity he exuded. “Keshi was a regular player, captain and later coach of the national team. He was enthusiastic to deliver but he had challenges. “I know the odds he faced. As minister then, those who wanted him out were asking me why I was always supporting Keshi. “I supported him because he was ready to work for Nigeria even when he was owed arrears of salaries,” he said. According to Danagogo, as Minister of Sports, he refused Keshi’s sack because those who wanted him out as coach had no better alternative. “I realised that those who were clamouring to change Keshi, at the point they were clamouring for it, we did not have any local alternative that was better than him. “He was an exceptional case of talent, commitment and patriotism to the development of Nigerian football even when he was owed three to five months salary arrears,” he said. Danagogo said he disagreed with those who wanted Keshi out because they did not have solution on who to replace him. “I asked them, look, who is the local alternative that is better than Keshi. If you convince me, you can change him. “Now, if you are going for a foreign alternative, can you pay the person when you are not able to pay a local coach,” he said. “I believe Nigeria has lost one its best in terms of talent, commitment and sacrifice to the development of sports, especially football in the country,” The former minister said.

President Muhammadu Buhari commiserates with Keshi's Family

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday commiserated with the family of the late former Super Eagles Captain and Coach, Stephen Keshi, and the entire country over his untimely death.

Mr. Buhari, in a twitter message, described the late Keshi as a great sportsman, football player and coach.

The twitter message read: “Nigeria today lost a great sportsman, football player, coach and a citizen.

“President Muhammadu Buhari commiserates with the family of late Stephen Keshi, and with the entire country on his untimely passing (away).’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo had also issued a statement commiserating with the family of the late soccer star who died at the age of 54 years on Wednesday.

(NAN).

Breaking: War In The Creeks: Buhari, Nigerian military panic as Avengers unveil their missile!

THE  Nigerian Air Force said on Friday that it has deployed additional fighter jets, helicopter gunships to join the ''Operation Pulo Shield'' in Nigeria's  Niger Delta region.
This is to curtail what it described as militancy, economic sabotage and other forms of criminality in the embattled region.
The disclosure was made by the Nigerian Air Force Director of Public Relations, Capt. Ayodele Famuyiwa in a statement made available to journalists on Friday in Abuja. The aim , he said , is to guard critical infrastructures in the region.
This deployment was made to support ground forces already in the area with a view to halting attacks on oil installations by the  Niger Delta Avengers.
The air operations will be covering four states namely Delta, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, Ondo States.  Additional deployments would be made if considered absolutely  necessary, he said. 
His words:  “The Nigerian Air Force has deployed additional aircraft to the Niger Delta in support of the military operations code named “OPERATION PULO SHIELD” against militancy, economic sabotage and all forms of criminalities in the South-South region of the Country.
“The deployment was necessitated by the recent spate of attacks on the Nation’s oil and gas installations by the new militant group, Niger Delta Avengers.
“The additional platforms, comprising fighter aircraft, helicopter gunship, and surveillance aircraft, are intended to enhance the capability of the NAF to undertake offensive air operations and intelligence gathering in support of the surfaces forces. Since the recent deployment, the NAF has increased air operations around critical infrastructure in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States.
“These include but not limited to Escravos, Forcados in Delta State; Bonga oil field, Agbami offshore and Brass in Bayelsa; Bony in Rivers; Qua Iboe Terminal in Akwa Ibom State, and Opuekeba in Ondo State.”
Recall the Niger Delta Avengers had earlier warned that it would launch missiles which are capable of bringing down any military aircraft.  Hence, many see the successful military campaign in the region by the Nigerian military in the lap of the gods. 

Ulom Di na'eligwe Mara Mma (Igbo Christian Song)

Biafran-Igbo Christian Song being Performed by a Gorgeous USA Choir. The way these whites sang the song would wow you. You just cant help but love the performance. A must watch!! (via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZzS3XUhqVw) 

ECOWAS: Parliament urges member-states to step-up integration process

The ECOWAS Parliament has called on member-states to step-up efforts to ensure the realisation of the integration of the sub-region. Speaker of the Parliament, Moustapha Cissé Lo, made the call in an interview with newsmen at the end of the 2016 First Ordinary Session of the Fourth Legislature of the Parliament in Abuja on Saturday. Cissé Lo, who spoke through an interpreter, said member-states needed to make more efforts to speed up the integration process in order to promote social and economic development in the sub-region. `Today is ECOWAS Day which is a happy day for us, and ECOWAS as a bloc should strive for more integration in different areas like security, infrastructure and health. “When the founding fathers decided to set up ECOWAS, it was because they wanted integration, knowing fully that it would lead to economic and social development. “ All we have noticed is that the integration process is very slow probably because of lack of political will. `What we will like the Heads of State to do is to speed-up the integration process. “We believe that if we really have free movement of goods and persons, a single currency, a free trade zone then we will nearly be there.” The speaker reiterated the call for enhanced legislative powers of the parliament; adding that the enhancement would enable the bloc to “truly respond to the demands of our populations”. He commended the level of collaboration and cooperation between the ECOWAS institutions and reassured that the cooperation would put in place measures that would facilitate the realisation of the ECOWAS vision. ECOWAS was founded on 28 May 1975 with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos and was established with a mission to promote economic integration across the sub-region.

Military Invasion of Gbaramatu Kingdom Unacceptable- NDYF

 ABUJA-YOUTH under the auspices of Niger Delta Youth Development, NDYF, yesterday, said military invasion of Gbaramatu Kingdom was unacceptable. This was contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, NDYF, Comr. Zinami Iwariso, where he described the action as gross violation of the fundamental human rights of the people in the area. Iwariso also described the situation as pure harassment and sheer oppression of the Niger Delta people despite the military’s reason to search for members of the new militant group, Niger Delta Avengers and former militant leader, Government Ekpemopolo. The statement reads in part: “Today being the 28th day of May 2016 the people of Gbaranmatu woke up to the invasion of their community by the Nigerian Military. The Nigerian Military through the Nigerian Army invaded the peaceful Kingdom of Gbaramantu sometime in the early hours of the day between 8 a.m and 9 a.m. “The Niger Delta Youth Forum (NDYF) has called the invasion of Gbaramatu Kingdom as an act of impunity. The use of a blitzkrieg in the Kingdom and indeed in the Niger Delta is against the rules of engagement of the Nigerian Military, and thus must be abolished. “The concocted reason given for this invasion is the alleged search for Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo and the Niger Delta Avengers however the Nigerian Army in their usual style when it comes to the Niger Delta, resorted to harassment, intimidation and brutalisation of innocent people of the Community. “Brutalising and humiliating the good people of the Niger Delta will not solve the challenges of Nigeria but rather culminate in further crippling the Nation’s economy and generate fathomless problems. The military ought to protect lives and properties, not to kill innocent civilians. “We unequivocally state here that the ugly method and tactics employed by the Military is against all ethics and rules of engagement of any sort of Military operation. We further state that the act of the Nigerian Military is against the 1999 Constitution and Africa Charter on Human and People’s Rights that guarantees inalienable rights to all persons.” According to the group Tompolo remains an individual and the Niger Delta Avengers are out at sea, and it will a form of cluelessness, whereby a particularly Gbaramatu Kingdom has been brought under unnecessary victimisation, which innocent persons were abused of their legitimate rights and also maltreated in some cases in the name of the military’s “supposed search”. “Therefore, we call on the Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, to call the military to order and stop the endless harassment, intimidation, invasion, massacre and destroying of properties worth billions of Naira in search of Tompolo and the so-called Niger Delta Avengers in Gbaranmatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, and indeed within and around the environs of the Niger Delta Region or face petitions for war crimes against Humanity. “Also we wish to remind the Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces that when the Leaders of Boko Haram (Shekau and Kabiru Sokoto) were been hunted by previous administration, they never resorted to harassing and assaulting members of their communities. On this note, we urge that precedent be followed”, the statement added.

Russia to establish nuclear centre in Nigeria

Lagos – The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Nikolay Udovichenko, on Saturday announced that the Nigerian and Russian Governments plan to sign an agreement for the establishment of a multifunctional scientific research nuclear centre in Nigeria. Udovichenko, who disclosed this in Lagos at this year’s Alumni Congress of the Soyuznik Alumni Association in Nigeria, said that the Nigerian and Russian governments had been negotiating for the centre’s establishment. The theme of the congress was “Harnessing The Potentials of the Nigerian Graduates of Higher Institutions of former USSR States”. “Bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Russia is blessed with huge potential in every avenue. “Nuclear energy development is another area with good prospects for our two countries’ cooperation. “This June, we expect to sign a bilateral agreement for the establishment of a multifunctional scientific centre in Nigeria,’’ he said. The Envoy also said that his government was working at reactivating its Trade Representation in Nigeria, to further promote trade and economic relations between the two countries. Udovichenko, who said that thousands of Nigerians had over the years benefited from quality education in Russia, also announced his government’s plan to sustain the scholarship programme for more Nigerians. The Envoy said that it was imperative for such Nigerians to use their knowledge for the development of their country, as well as strengthening ties with the Russians. President of Soyuznik and Chairman of the ceremony, Otunba Henry Ajomale, said that the association was made up of academicians, medical doctors, engineers, diplomats, political administrators and heads of professional organizations trained by the Russian government. Ajomale expressed the gratitude of the beneficiaries to the countries that formed the former Soviet Union for bequeathing a lasting legacy, with which they could contribute to the development of Nigeria. “We should not forget to celebrate our common heritage as beneficiaries of a unique programme by the former Soviet Government that gave us the opportunity to become what we are today,’’ he said. The Soyunik Alumni Association of Nigeria, is the association of Nigerian graduates trained by the the Former Soviet Union and Commonwealth of Independent States(CIS).

Chromebook Tips

So you own a Chromebook — but do you know how to use it like a pro? 

Just like Windows and Mac OS X, Chrome OS supports a variety of keyboard shortcuts. Some of these reveal extra functionality, some simply speed up repetitive tasks.

In the rundown below you’ll find ten shortcuts we think are worth knowing about. If you like what you see do give this article a share!

How to Take a Screenshot on a Chromebook

Let’s say you need to take a snap of your entire screen. To do this you press the ‘Ctrl’ and ‘Window Switcher’ keys at the same time:

If you just want to capture a specific area of the screen just add shift to the key combo, like so:

If you’re on the Dev Channel of Chrome OS you’ll also find a new “Take screenshot” option is available from the “More tools” drop-down in the Chrome Menu.

After hitting the shortcut the screen will briefly flash white and a notification to confirm its success (or failure) will follow. Just need a bit of the screen? Pressing the above keyboard combo will allow you to select a section of the screen to snap:

9. Open File Manager

Opening the file manager in Chrome OS is easy using a trackpad or mouse (especially if you pin it to the app shelf) but keyboard aficionados aren’t left out: just tap the following pairing.

8. Open Task Manager

Is Chrome suddenly running slow? it could be a rogue extension or webpage sucking up your resources.  Identify the culprit using the task manager.

7. Launch Apps on the Shelf

Applications pinned to the Shelf (the bar at the bottom of the screen in Chrome OS) can be opened using a keyboard shortcut.

The first app in from the left – count the Chrome icon as 0 – is 1, the next 2, and so on until you reach 8.

6. Lock the Screen

If you’re going to leave your computer unattended for a short period (say, whilst you go grab a coffee refill) you may wish to lock your screen to prevent anyone else meddling with your session.

To do this just press the following key combo:

5. Open the Hotdog

Opening the Hotdog menu in Chrome isn’t exactly hard, but if you’ve hooked your device up to a huge monitor it can be a fair ol’ scroll up. Save some time and open it with the following command/

4. Toggle Caps Lock On/Off

Most Chromebooks don’t come with a dedicated Caps Lock key. So how do you turn it on when you need to rant in the internet type in capital letters?

Just hit the following key combo to turn it on, and turn it back off when you’re done.

3. Logout

In a rush to quit your session? Some finger gymnastics will have you out in a snap.

2. Mirror Monitor

If you plan on connecting your Chromebook to an external monitor (or TV) at some point then the ‘Mirror Monitor’ shortcut is a neat one. Rather than add an additional workspace it simply mirrors the Chromebook’s screen.

1. Show Keyboard Shortcut Overlay

It’s a little bit meta, but the ultimate keyboard shortcut is the one that reveals all keyboard shortcuts!

Buy Airtime Directly From Your Bank With Ussd Code without the Internet

How to Buy Airtime Directly From Your Bank With Ussd Code
==> Access Bank: For access bank users, simply dial *901*amount#.
Example: To recharge N500, dial *901*500# . You will be credited with N500 airtime while N500 will be automatically deducted from your access bank account.
The minimum recharge is N50 while the maximum is N5,000. For Mtn users you must have at least N1 on your phone to use this service while other network can use it with zero naira.

==> EcoBank: For Ecobank users, simply dial *326*amount#.
Example: To recharge N1,000, dial *326*1000# and you will be credited with N1,000 airtime while N1,000 will be deducted from your account.

==> Fidelity bank: Fidelity bank allows you to recharge for both yourself and others. To recharge your line dial *770*amount# and to recharge other lines dial *770*phone no*amount#.
Example: To top up your line with N500, simply dial *770*500# and you will be credited with N500 airtime while N500 will be deducted from your account.
The minimum recharge is N100 while the maximum is N5,000.

==> First City Monument Bank(FCMB): For all FCMB users, simply dial *389*214*1*amount#.
Example: To recharge N1,500 Dial *389*214*1*1500#. You will be credited with N1500 while N1500 will be debited from your account.

==> First Bank: Just dial *894*amount#.
Example: *894*1000#. Your line will be credited with N1000 airtime and N1000 will be debited from your bank account.
Minimum recharge is N50 while the maximum is N3,000

==> Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB): Just like fidelity bank, Gtbank let's you topup both your line and also top up for others.
To recharge your line from your gtbank account, simply dial *737*amount#. E.g *737*1500#. And to top up another phone no, dial *737*amount*person’s no#.
Example: *737*2000*08055522212#.
Note that the minimum recharge allowed is #100 while the maximum allowed in a day is #5000.
Aside letting you recharge your line, gtbank also allows you transfer money from your bank to another bank account directly from your mobile phone by just dialing the respective ussd code. You can read more on that here.

==> Heritage Bank: For those using heritage bank, dial *322*030*Amount#.
Example: To Recharge N1,000 simply dial *322*030*1000# and your line will be credited with N1000.

==> KeyStone Bank: For keystone bank users, dial *322*082*Amount#.
Example: To top up your line with N500 dial *322*082*500#. You will be credited with N500 airtime while N500 will be deducted from your account.
The minimum is N100 while the maximum is N3,000.

==> Skye Bank: Just dial *389*076*1*amount# on your phone.
Example: To recharge N1,000 dial *389*076*1*1000#, you will be credited with N1000 airtime and N1,000 will be deducted from your bank account.

==> Stanbic IBTC Bank: For Stanbic bank users, simply dial *909*amount#.
Example: To recharge N1000, simply dial *909*1000# and you will be credited with N1000 airtime while N1000 will be deducted from your bank account.
Note that the minimum recharge is N200 while the maximum is N5,000 and you must have at least N5 on your phone to perform this transaction.

==> Sterling Bank: For sterling bank users, Just dial *822*Amount#.
Example: To recharge N1,000 l, Just dial *822*1000#, you will be credited with N1,000 airtime and N1,000 will be deducted from your bank account.
The minimum recharge is N50.

==> United Bank Of Africa: For those of you using UBA simply dial *389*033*1*amount#.
Example: To recharge N500 on your line dial *389*033*1*500# your line will be credited with N500 airtime and N500 will be deducted from your bank account.

==> Unity Bank: For those using Unity Bank dial *322*215*amount# to recharge.
Example: To recharge N1,000 dial *322*215*1000# and you will be credited with N1,000 airtime and N1,000 will be deducted from your account.

==> Wema Bank: For Wema bank customers, dial *322*035*Amount#.
Example: To recharge a sum of N1,500 dial *322*035*1500# and your line will be topped up with N1,500 airtime while N1,500 will also be debited from your bank account.

==> Zenith Bank: Zenith bank users can top up their line by dialing *966*amount# or *302*amount# for Mtn users.
Example: To recharge a sum of N500, simply dial *966*500# and your line will be credited with N500 airtime.

Note: *You can only perform any of this transaction on the no you registered with your bank.
*It is completely free and there is no hidden charges.
*If your bank is not listed above, then maybe your bank does not support this feature yet.
*If you think I omitted any one, just drop it in the comment box below.

Nigeria to sign visa-free pact with 8 countries

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, says plans have been concluded to sign visa-free pacts with a bloc of eight African countries to promote economic partnership on the continent. Onyeama announced this in Abuja on Tuesday at a news confernce to mark one year of President Mohammadu Buhari’s Administration. The minister, who did not disclose the names of the countries making up the bloc, noted with concern that trading among African countries had been very low. He, however, said that with the new idea by the President Mohammadu Buhari led administration, “it is expected that there will be upsurge in economic activities. “ Africa is the centrepiece of our foreign policy but it is a paradox that as a Nigerian, you cannot go to an African country without a visa unlike what is obtainable in Western Europe. “To address this as a leader in the continent, the country is at a point of introducing an initiative to promote African trade as part of the country’s foreign policy of Africa as the centrepiece”, he said. Onyeama said Nigeria was trying to come up with an initiative, like the one in Western Europe where one could enter any sister country without a visa. According to him, what we are trying to do at the ministry is to promote visa-free, free movement of business people. “We want to start with about eight countries or see if they come up as a group of eight countries. At the presidential level, they agreed to that, and signed up to free movement. “If we can achieve that within a year, then other countries may want to join and we believe this is a better way to go than institutional ECOWAS etc, as countries take so long to ratify agreements. “We believe we can just start off, eight countries and they agree among themselves, then others will come in,” he said. Onyeama also added that it would not help if the continent continued to export just raw materials to developed nations. He said the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment was working towards enhancing doing business with ease in Nigeria. Onyeama said the ministry was working with the immigration to see rise in the number of visa issued to businessmen and investors “It is one of the cardinal strategies for the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to facilitate investors doing business in Nigeria”, he said. Onyeama said the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment had been mandated to ensure that there was reduction in the time it took to register companies.

What is the longest a person has ever lived for?

Meet Li Ching Yuen, a man who lived an astonishing 256 years! And no, this is not a myth or a fictional tale.

According to a 1930 New York Times article, Wu Chung-chieh, a professor of the Chengdu University, discovered Imperial Chinese government records from 1827 congratulating Li Ching-Yuen on his 150th birthday, and further documents later congratulating him on his 200th birthday in 1877. In 1928, a New York Times correspondent wrote that many of the old men in Li’s neighborhood asserted that their grandfathers knew him when they were boys, and that he at that time was a grown man.

Li Ching Yuen reportedly began his herbalist career at the age of 10, where he gathered herbs in mountain ranges and learned of their potency for longevity. For almost 40 years, he survived on a diet of herbs such as lingzhi, goji berry, wild ginseng, he shoo wu and gotu kola and rice wine. In 1749, at the age of 71, he joined the Chinese armies as teacher of martial arts. Li was said to be a much-loved figure in his community, marrying 23 times and fathering over 200 children.

According to the generally accepted tales told in his province, Li was able to read and write as a child, and by his tenth birthday had traveled in Kansu, Shansi, Tibet, Annam, Siam and Manchuria gathering herbs. For the first hundred years he continued at this occupation. Then he switched to selling herbs gathered by others. He sold lingzhi, goji berry, wild ginseng, he shou wu and gotu kola along with other Chinese herbs, and lived off a diet of these herbs and rice wine

He Wasn’t The Only One

According to one of Li’s disciples, he had once encountered an even older 500-year-old man, who taught him Qigong exercises and dietary recommendations that would help him extend his lifespan to superhuman proportions. Apart from Qigong and a herb-rich diet, what else can we learn from this Master of Longevity?

How about this: On his death bed, Li famously said, “I have done all that I have to do in this world”. Could his peaceful last words also hint at one of the biggest secrets to a long and prosperous life? It’s interesting to note that in the West, we’re often taught to believe that aging is something that must be “beaten” with high tech infrared devices and state of the art medication.
His Secret To Long Health:

Li was asked what his secret was to longevity. This was his reply: “Keep a quiet heart, sit like a tortoise, walk sprightly like a pigeon and sleep like a dog.” These were the words of advice Li gave to Wu Pei-fu, the warlord, who took Li into his house to learn the secret of extremely long life.

Li maintained that inward calm and peace of mind combined with breathing techniques were the secrets to incredible longevity. Obviously, his diet would have played a large role. But its fascinating that the old living person in recorded history attributes his long life to his state of mind.
Why Is This So Hard To Believe?

With the average lifespan for the Western world currently sitting between 70-85 years, the thought of someone living over 100 years old seems like quite the stretch. The thought of someone living over 200 years old seems extremely suspicious. But why don’t we believe that people can live this long?

We have to keep in mind that some people in this world don’t live a grueling 9-5 lifestyle, they don’t have to deal with the stresses of debt, they aren’t breathing polluted city air, and they exercise regularly. They don’t eat refined sugars or flour, or any foods that have had pesticides sprayed on them. They aren’t living off of the standard American diet.



They aren’t eating fatty meats, sugary deserts, and genetically modified foods. No antibiotics. No alcohol and no tobacco. Their diets not only exclude junk foods that we so often indulge in, they also include superfoods and herbs which are like steroids for our organs and immune system.

They also spend their spare time in nature practicing breathing techniques and meditating which have been proven to improve mental, physical, and emotional health. They keep things simple, get proper sleep, and spend a great deal of time in nature under the sun. When we get a chance to relax in the sun, we feel instantly rejuvenated and call this a “vacation”. Imagine spending a lifetime doing that in the mountains, and combining that with perfect mental, spiritual, and physical well-being.

I do not doubt for a minute that if we all did the things we knew we were supposed to do, that living to be 100 years old would be commonplace. When we treat our bodies right, who knows how long we can live for?

About the author: My name is Steven Bancarz, and I am the creator of ‘Spirit Science and Metaphysics’. I am working on a new social platform is being built called ‘The Conscious Forum‘ to provide the best place online for open-minded people to discuss, engage, and connect with one another in a way never offered before.