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Odegbami Appeals for Aide for Stricken Ex- Nigeria Goalkeeper Fregene
Odegbami Appeals for Aide for Stricken Ex- Nigeria Goalkeeper Fregene
By Tobouke JEMINE
Segun Odegbami, a Nigerian football legend, is seeking financial help for Peter Fregene, a former Nigerian goalkeeper struggling with severe health issues.
Fregene, who played for the Nigerian national team for over two decades, is currently hospitalized in Sapele, Delta State, and urgently needs medical attention and financial support.
Odegbami revealed that Fregene is waiting for help to be transferred by ambulance to the Ohara Teaching Hospital, but more funds are required despite Tony Ojesina covering the ambulance costs .
This situation highlights the need for a comprehensive welfare scheme for Nigerian athletes, both active and retired, to ensure their well-being in old age and ill health.
Fregene’s plight has sparked concerns about the lack of support for retired athletes in Nigeria, with Odegbami emphasizing the importance of establishing a functional welfare system
This is not the first time Fregene has faced health challenges; in 2001, he was critically ill, and billionaire Femi Otedola covered his medical bills.
The statement reads in full;
I am frustrated because I am publishing this ‘horror’ picture (a picture of Fregene in a hospital bed), wishing I could do what needs to be done for a colleague without having to resort to yet another public appeal to the same few Nigerians that have, through the years, intervened in the matter of ill-health of a few retired, suffering Nigerian football heroes.
By now, we must have exhausted any remnant of ‘goodwill’ we have with Femi Otedola, Mike Adenuga, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Babatunde Fashola, Benson Ejindu, Allen Onyema, and a few other Nigerians who often came to the aid of a few lucky sports heroes several times in the past.
Even if they have not complained, we are ashamed to go back to them again.
Why don’t we have, or why can’t we set up, even on our own, a simple welfare scheme for active and retired athletes across all sports in the country, to take care of our declining health in old age, long after our sports careers?
Doing so does not require knowledge of rocket science. What is needed are the will, hard work and a few good and committed people of integrity.
The danger now is that the number of retired ageing sports heroes languishing in poverty, neglect and ill health is legion already, and growing. Their stories are ugly and shameful.
The government has demonstrated time and again that sport is not a priority. 64 years after Independence they cannot and will not see it differently, period.
So, Peter Fregene is a reminder to us all again. As I look at him lying comatose on a hospital bed in Sapele and experiencing the suffering he must be going through, my frustration is mounting.
It appears doing something for, and beyond, Peter is a responsibility that ‘fate and metaphysical aid’ seem to have put around my neck. So, we shall see, as our people would say when they do not know what’s coming next.
So, what is the situation with ‘Apo’ now? He is still waiting for help to come in order to be moved by ambulance to the Ohara Teaching Hospital, Ohara, Delta State. He has been waiting since yesterday.
I hope Globacom that have been taking care of his every need in the past year would respond once again and come to his aid.
A friend sitting next to me yesterday as I discussed Peter with his wife on the telephone last night, Tony Ojesina, immediately paid for the cost of the ambulance that would convey him there. But he still has other bills to pay before he can be moved.
Fregene was the first-choice goalkeeper for the Nigeria national football team from 1968 to 1971. He was then recalled for the 1982 African Cup of Nations finals. He also represented Nigeria at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico.
By Favour Bibaikefie
Abuja – The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State has summoned the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), to appear before it on Thursday for an interactive session concerning developments in the state.
This was revealed in a statement released on Wednesday by the House Spokesperson, Akin Rotimi (Jnr), who disclosed that the 21-member committee, chaired by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, was officially inaugurated by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
The committee’s formation follows the National Assembly’s resolution endorsing the President’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State.
According to Rotimi, the invitation to the Sole Administrator was among the resolutions reached during the committee’s inaugural meeting on Wednesday. The meeting focused on initial reports and unfolding situations in the state since Vice Admiral Ibas took over administrative duties.
Rotimi stated, “Pursuant to its constitutional mandate to exercise full legislative oversight in accordance with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Committee resolved, among other matters, to invite Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, to appear before it for a comprehensive interactive session.”
In his remarks, Prof. Ihonvbere emphasized the importance of the engagement, stating, “This engagement is necessary to ascertain the true state of affairs in Rivers State and ensure that the House remains properly guided in the discharge of its oversight responsibilities in the public interest.”
The Sole Administrator is expected to appear before the committee on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM in Room 414 of the House of Representatives New Building at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
By Favour Bibaikefie
In a significant development from Port Harcourt, the Federal High Court has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to unseat 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who were accused of switching party allegiance.
The suit, filed by the Labour Party, called for the removal of the lawmakers from office over their alleged defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Presiding over the matter, Justice Emmanuel A. Obile issued the ruling on Tuesday, effectively ending the legal challenge.
The decision was confirmed by Martins Nwachukwu, a media aide to Speaker Martins Amaewhule—one of the lawmakers at the center of the controversy—through a social media announcement.
During court proceedings, lawyers representing the lawmakers urged the court to strike out the case, referencing a recent ruling by the Supreme Court. They presented a Certified True Copy of the apex court’s judgment, which they argued validated Amaewhule’s leadership of the Assembly. The defense also pointed out that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had already withdrawn similar allegations in a related case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
However, Clifford Chukwu, counsel for the Labour Party, maintained that the matter of defection was still a valid legal concern. He described it as a “collateral matter” and insisted the court should proceed, citing evidence already submitted in the case.
As of now, this remains a developing story, with political observers closely watching the implications for the ongoing power struggle in Rivers State.
By Divine Perezide
The Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Paul Bebenimibo as the institution’s new Registrar, along with two other individuals filling vital administrative roles.
The appointments were made during the university’s 21st Governing Council meeting held on April 15, 2025, in Warri, Delta State.
Joining Dr. Bebenimibo in these new leadership positions are Abduldayan Fatimah Jibril, who has been named University Librarian, and Gbe Tamaraudebaemi Justin, who takes up the role of Bursar.
Before this appointment, Dr. Bebenimibo was the Head of the Department of Broadcasting, Journalism and Media Studies at Delta State University, Abraka. He is widely respected as a seasoned academic and administrator, bringing a wealth of experience in managing higher education institutions.
He also previously served as the Commissioner representing the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC). His reputation for integrity, commitment, and academic excellence played a pivotal role in his selection.
The process leading to the appointments was described as competitive and transparent, overseen by an eight-member interview panel established by the university.
In an official statement, the Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council, Abdullahi Bardi, emphasized that the selections were carried out in line with the university’s statutory guidelines.
Bardi noted his optimism about the future of the university under the leadership of the new appointees, stating: “Their wealth of experience and professionalism would significantly bolster the continued growth and development of the Nigeria Maritime University.”
The appointments mark a significant step in the university’s efforts to strengthen its administrative leadership and academic direction.