GANUX, Author at SocietyGazette.com

I think he wants to stay, Amorim hopeful on Fernandes future

Ruben Amorim said Friday he believes captain Bruno Fernandes wants to stay at Manchester United amid speculation about a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.

Fernandes started United’s match against Hong Kong as they came from behind to win 3-1, with teenage substitute Chido Obi scoring twice.

Manager Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag during the season but led United to a dismal 15th-placed finish in the Premier League, has plenty to ponder during the post-season break.

Foremost among his concerns is the future of key man Fernandes, who is reportedly weighing up a big-money move to Al Hilal.

Asked after the victory if that was the 30-year-old Fernandes’s last appearance in a United shirt, Amorim replied: “I don’t think so, I don’t know for sure, but I don’t think so.

“He sees us taking some actions and to change all the things … I think he wants to stay.”

Amorim added of his fellow Portuguese: “I talk with him, I explained some things and I just have that feeling when you talk to someone, I think you have that feeling if he wants to stay.”

Beaten and booed off in Malaysia on Wednesday, United were underwhelming in the first half of their second post-season friendly as they brought the curtain down on a poor campaign.

Having fallen behind to a soft Hong Kong goal, Obi struck with a smart turn and finish five minutes after the break and again with a glancing header on 82 minutes.

Ayden Heaven scored with a late header as United ended their Asia trip on a winning note.

Portugal international Fernandes had a bright first half at the 40,000-capacity Hong Kong Stadium, which was about 85 percent full, before going off.

Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho also started despite appearing to be heading towards the Old Trafford exit.

Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund were the other regulars to feature from the off in southern China, where light rain all afternoon and evening made for a slick surface.

Fernandes and Garnacho caught the eye in the first half against a Hong Kong team ranked 153rd in the world, but it was the hosts who took the lead in the 19th minute with their first attack.

It was a mistake from United’s stand-in goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who allowed a decent but saveable effort from Brazil-born Juninho to fly off him into the net.

Amorim stood with his hands on his hips.

As the rain came down and the wind picked up, Fernandes should have scored when clean through but opted for a Hollywood finish and was denied.

Winger Amad Diallo, who made an obscene gesture to fans in Kuala Lumpur after suffering personal abuse, came on with Obi for the second half as Amorim made wholesale changes.

AFP

Liverpool sign Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen

Liverpool FC have announced the signing of Dutch international, Jeremie Frimpong, from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.

The 24-year-old right-sided player completed his move to Anfield on Friday after passing a medical and signing a long-term contract at the AXA Training Centre.

Speaking to Liverpool media following the completion of the deal, Frimpong expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Reds.

He said, “It went quite easy. Liverpool came and said they had interest, and obviously for me it was a no-brainer.

“For me, it was like, ‘Whatever you guys do, just get this done’, [speaking to] my agents: ‘Just get this done.’

“Liverpool fans, I’m going to give my all, my energy, my work-rate and hopefully we can win together, we celebrate together, get everything together,” he added. “I’m just excited to be here.

“Thank you guys for accepting me and I won’t let you guys down and I’ll give you the energy that you guys want.”

Frimpong joins Liverpool after four-and-a-half seasons with Bayer Leverkusen, during which he made 190 appearances, scoring 30 goals and providing 44 assists.

He was instrumental in the club’s historic 2023-24 campaign that saw them win both the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, going unbeaten in domestic competitions and setting a record 51-match unbeaten run that ended in the Europa League final.

Individually, Frimpong was named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season for two consecutive years – 2022-23 and 2023-24.

Born in Amsterdam, Frimpong began his football journey in Manchester City’s youth academy before moving to Celtic in 2019. During his 18-month stint in Scotland, he won three major honours before transferring to Leverkusen.

On the international stage, he made his debut for the Netherlands in October 2023 and has earned 12 caps, scoring once.

Frimpong also shared his excitement about playing under Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot.

“I spoke to the manager a few times. He sounds very positive. He says I can bring a lot of energy and my qualities, my speed.

“Especially when a manager is talking positively about you, it gives you very good confidence that he believes in you. I’ve had good conversations with him.

“I’m really excited [to work with Arne Slot]. Even when I was at [the] national team, some of the Feyenoord boys would tell me about him and be like, ‘He’s the best coach I’ve ever had.’ Things like this. So, I’ve always heard good things about the coach. Now he’s going to be my coach, so I’m excited for that,” he revealed.

Frimpong’s official squad number at Liverpool will be announced later this summer.

Oyo pensioners highest earners in Nigeria – Commissioner

The Oyo State Government said it pays more than ₦1 billion every month on pensioners’ gratuities.

The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, revealed this in a statement on Friday.

Oyelade also said that pensioners in the state earn more than in any other state in the federation, saying the state governor, Seyi Makinde, has been paying pension and gratuity without default since 2019.

“Pensioners in Oyo State are the envy of their colleagues in all other states of the federation, not only because they get equal welfare attention as active civil servants do from the Governor, but also because their pension and wages rise commensurately with those of active government workers,” Oyelade said.

The Commissioner said that Makinde has factored into their pension the 33 per cent increment that was supposed to have been implemented since 2010, adding that he has also added the 2019 consequential adjustment which excluded pensioners at the time.

“As of today, no pensioner in Oyo State earns less than ₦25,000.

“Some of them were earning as little as ₦1,000 or less during the past administrations.

“What is more, their salaries are not delayed for months as was the tradition before 2019; indeed, they are paid on the same day with over 130,000 government workers,” the Commissioner said.

Oyelade recalled that in September last year, the Federal Bureau of Statistics, NBC, a Federal Government agency, categorised Oyo State as the most worker-friendly state.

“As we speak, Governor Makinde has committed up to ₦1 billion monthly to offset the backlog of gratuities and has reduced the deficit of previous administrations from 2008 to 2016.

“The Governor earmarked ₦500 million on a monthly basis to settle the gratuities owed by the previous administration and another ₦500 million for the gratuity of those who retired during his own administration, starting from 2019.

“As a matter of fact, Governor Makinde’s era brought a total end to the payment of 30 per cent pension which pensioners have had to endure under the previous administration,” Oyelade added.

The commissioner added that all things being equal, the Governor will clear the backlog of gratuity of previous administrations, which he said, ran into over ₦200 billion before the end of his tenure.

Senate didn’t embarrass Senator Sani over ‘harmonised’ definition — Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has debunked reports suggesting that the upper legislative chamber embarrassed Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) during a recent plenary session.

In a statement he personally signed on Friday in Abuja and titled “Clarification on Misleading Reports Regarding Senate Proceedings,” Akpabio described the online claims as false and misleading.

“My attention has been drawn to reports circulating on social media and blogs, especially Linda Ikeji’s Blog, alleging that Senator Sani Musa was ‘rubbished’ on the Senate floor for allegedly failing to define the word ‘harmonised.’

“This is completely untrue,” the Senate President said.

According to him, the incident being referenced was misrepresented and taken out of context.

He explained that when Senator Musa was called upon, Senator Abdul Ningi had raised a point of order that required immediate procedural attention in line with Senate rules.

“The session continued without any breach of decorum. Senator Musa was neither embarrassed nor unable to respond,” he clarified.

Akpabio further praised Musa’s contributions to the Senate, noting his leadership as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Finance and the Conference Committee that successfully harmonized the Tax Reform Bills — a legislative milestone acknowledged by both chambers and stakeholders.

“The Nigerian Senate operates on principles of respect, order, and integrity. While we welcome public engagement, we urge all media platforms to ensure their commentary is rooted in facts and not sensationalism,” he added.

The Senate President concluded by calling on media outlets to adhere to the ethics of responsible journalism in their coverage of National Assembly proceedings.

Eagles goalkeeper Nwabali’s parents for burial June 7 30th May 2025

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has announced the burial arrangements for his late parents, Chief Nwabali Godspower Onyekamu and Mrs. Grace Nwabali (née Mmai), describing the moment as one of unimaginable grief.

In a message shared alongside the burial poster on his Instagram on Friday, Nwabali expressed the depth of his pain.

“About time to put my dad and mom to rest. Something I never imagined doing so soon at this point of my life. Difficult to believe I will never set my eyes on you again.

“It’s a different kind of pain I never wish for my enemy. Thank you for everything,” he wrote.

According to the family announcement, the funeral activities will span three days, starting from Thursday, June 5, 2025, with a Service of Songs at 5pm at the late Chief’s residence on Osafu Lane, Okwuzi Egbema, Rivers State.

On Friday, June 6, the body of Late Mrs. Grace Nwabali will leave Gbegbe Hospital Mortuary, Omoku, to her father’s compound and then to her husband’s residence, where she will lie in state from 11am.

The final burial rites will be held on Saturday, June 7.

At 9am, the remains of Chief Nwabali Godpower will depart Gbegbe Hospital Mortuary to his maternal home, before being received by the Okwuzi Council of Chiefs at 10am.

By 11am, the body will lie in state at his residence, followed by internment and other funeral activities at 12 noon.

Reception and entertainment of guests will follow at CPS Okwuzi Egbema.

Nwabali passed away at the age of 72, while Mrs. Grace Nwabali was 63.

The family expressed gratitude to all well-wishers and invited friends and loved ones to honour their parents’ memory on June 6 and 7.

Meet Romanian ref István Kovács officiating PSG-Inter showdown

The UEFA Referees Committee named Romania’s István Kovács as the referee for the 2025 UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan, set for Saturday at the Munich Football Arena.

The match, kicking off at 21:00 CET, pits PSG’s quest for their first Champions League title against Inter’s bid for a fourth, and Kovács’ appointment brings both experience and scrutiny to the spotlight.

The 40-year-old, an international referee since 2010, will officiate his third UEFA club competition final, having previously taken charge of the 2024 UEFA Europa League final between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin and the 2022 UEFA Europa Conference League final between Roma and Feyenoord in Tirana.

István Kovács has officiated seven Champions League matches this season, including the round of 16 second leg between Liverpool and PSG, where his performance was praised for its control.

The refereeing team for the final on Saturday includes an all-Romanian trio on the field, with Kovács joined by assistants Mihai Marica and Ferencz Tunyogi.

Portugal’s Joao Pedro Silva Pinheiro will serve as the fourth official, with Bruno Miguel Alves Jesus as the reserve assistant referee.

The video assistant referee team features Dennis Johan Higler from the Netherlands, supported by Romania’s Catalin Sorin Popa and Paulus van Boekel, also from the Netherlands.

Kovács’ selection has stirred some discussion due to past controversies.

During UEFA Euro 2024, his handling of the Czechia-Turkey match drew criticism, with some fans’ posts on X noting disputes over few of his decisions.

Additionally, his appointment over Polish referee Szymon Marciniak, who was a frontrunner but sidelined after a contentious performance in the Inter-Barcelona semifinal, has fuelled debate.

Barcelona’s complaints, including a formal request by midfielder Pedri for an investigation into Marciniak’s calls, led UEFA to prioritise Kovács to maintain the competition’s integrity, according to Tribuna.com.

Bolt driver shot dead in Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State Police Command has commenced investigations into the death of a Bolt driver at Samphino Junction in the Kpansia axis of Yenagoa, the state capital.

Punch Metro gathered that passersby discovered the lifeless body of the middle-aged driver on Friday morning inside his vehicle and alerted the police, who cordoned off the area.

This came barely a week after a 27-year-old graduate of the Federal University, Otuoke, Daniel Ayama, was killed by some assailants less than a kilometre away.

It is believed that the deceased was shot at a close range in a case of suspected assassination, as nothing is said to have been removed from his vehicle.

Reacting to the incident, the police spokesman in the state, Musa Mohammed, said a full-scale investigation was underway.

“We are working to gather all necessary intelligence. Forensic teams have been deployed to the scene and we are also liaising with the Bolt company to retrieve trip data that may help in tracking down the culprits,” Mohammed stated.

Meanwhile, members of the drivers’ union and other stakeholders have called on the police to expedite their investigations and ensure that those behind the murder are brought to justice.

Zulum offers scholarships to children of CJTF members killed in IED blast

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has promised scholarship for the children of eight Civilian Joint Task Force members who lost their lives when an improvised explosive device exploded along Dikwa-Marte Road in the state

Zulum announced this on Thursday, during a condolence visit to the families of the fallen heroes in Fezzan ward of the metropolis.

The eight members of the force were killed in an Improvised Explosive Device attack along the road on Tuesday.

While on the visit, the governor also announced an immediate assistance of N5 million to each of the bereaved families to cater to their basic needs.

“I want to announce an initial assistance of N5 million to be given to each of the family to take care of their immediate needs.

“Government of Borno State will also provide full scholarship to children of the deceased members of the CJTF.

“For those without children, we will extend support to other family members,” he said.

He described them as martyrs who made ultimate sacrifices in defence of their communities, assuring all that their bravery would never be forgotten.

Zulum prayed for the repose of their souls and urged their families to bear the loss with strength and fortitude.

The governor was accompanied on the sympathy visit by the deputy speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Askira; the APC state chairman, Bello Ayuba; Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mustapha Ali Busuguma, among other government officials.

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking Conferred with First-Ever “Knight of Faith” Title by CAN South West Nigeria

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking Conferred with First-Ever “Knight of Faith” Title by CAN South West Nigeri

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South West Nigeria, on Thursday, 22nd May 2025, officially conferred its first-ever “Knight of Faith” title upon renowned business mogul and philanthropist, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, in recognition of his dedication to the Christian faith, nation-building, and exemplary leadership in business and community development.

The historic investiture, themed “Celebrating Distinction and Faithful Stewardship,” was held at the Garden of Faith, Abeokuta. The occasion also featured the induction of several eminent Nigerians as Distinguished Patrons of the association, including the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun; the Deputy Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs, Barr. Olaniyi Alajogun; and legendary gospel music icon, Sir Evangelist Prof. Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi (MFR).

The event was chaired by the CAN South West Chairman, Bishop Tunde Akin-Akinsanya, and graced by His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, Executive Governor of Ogun State, who serves as the Grand Patron of the association. The Governor was ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tokunbo Talabi.

Also present were top dignitaries, including the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ola Oresanya; Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Olanrewaju Ogunlowo; Royal Fathers, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, His Grace Most Rev’d (Dr.) Daniel Chukwudumebi Okoh; several CAN State Chairmen, and other influential figures from across the country.

The spiritually charged event featured soul-lifting gospel music performances, intercessory prayers, official decoration of all awardees, and a special empowerment program. In a remarkable gesture of generosity, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking donated a plot of land in one of Adron Homes’ prestigious estates to the winner of the empowerment program, emphasizing his longstanding commitment to economic empowerment and community transformation.

In his acceptance speech, Aare Emmanuelking expressed profound humility and gratitude for the honour, dedicating it to God and the entire body of Christ. He emphasized that the conferment was a divine mandate to do more.

“This is a divine call, not just to me but to every Christian in leadership,” he said. “I charge every believer to uphold the values of our faith, integrity, love, excellence, and service. In these trying times, the world needs more light-bearers. Let us not shrink our influence, but shine boldly for Christ.”

He further urged fellow Christian brethren to remain unshaken in their commitment to godly principles and to be intentional in advancing the cause of the Kingdom in every sector of society.

The “Knight of Faith” sash, unveiled during the ceremony, now stands as a lasting symbol of spiritual distinction and kingdom stewardship. This momentous event marks a significant chapter in faith-based leadership recognition and affirms CAN South West’s mission to celebrate lives that embody Christ-like values and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Alexander-Arnold joins Real Madrid on six-year deal

Real Madrid have officially announced the signing of England international Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool on a six-year contract.

The agreement, reached between both clubs, will see the 26-year-old defender remain with the Spanish side from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2031.

In an official statement released by the club on Frivia via its site, Real Madrid confirmed, “Real Madrid C.F. and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will be linked to our club for the next six seasons.”

Alexander-Arnold arrives at the Santiago Bernabéu after a highly successful spell with Liverpool, where he won nine major trophies. His honours with the Reds include one UEFA Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two EFL Cups, and one FA Community Shield.

A product of Liverpool’s academy, Alexander-Arnold has spent his entire professional career at Anfield. He made his senior debut for the England national team in 2018 and has represented the Three Lions at the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, as well as the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament.

On the individual front, he has been recognised globally for his performances. He was named in the FIFA FIFPro World 11 in 2020, included twice in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season (2018/19 and 2021/22), and selected three times in the Premier League Team of the Season (2018/19, 2019/20, and 2021/22).

In addition, he was voted the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season for 2019/20.

Alexander-Arnold is expected to feature for Real Madrid in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States beginning June 14.