PREVIEW OF THE UPCOMING EPL SEASON: IT WILL BE ANOTHER ROLLER-COASTER RIDE

The 2024/25 English Premier League season is shaping up to be an intriguing battle, with many teams aiming to challenge the dominance of Manchester City, the defending champions. City's quiet summer in the transfer market has raised eyebrows, but given their depth and squad quality, they might not need any major additions to maintain their stronghold on the title. With players like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden still in their ranks, City remains the team to beat. 

 

However, they will face stiff competition from several other clubs. Arsenal, who have come close to clinching the title in the last two seasons, are expected to mount another serious challenge. The Gunners have shown resilience and consistency under Mikel Arteta, and with a few strategic signings, they could be the team to watch.

 

Liverpool is another team that could threaten City's reign. If new manager Arne Slot can quickly settle into life at Anfield and reinvigorate the squad, the Reds have the potential to be a force once again. Their attack, led by Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez, could pose significant problems for opponents if they find their rhythm early on.

 

Chelsea also has the talent to be in the mix, but much will depend on how well they can harness the potential within their squad. The Blues have been inconsistent in recent seasons, but with the right tactical adjustments and squad management, they could surprise many.

 

On the other hand, Manchester United, despite their lucrative summer signings aimed at solidifying their defense, seem unlikely to mount a serious title challenge this season. While they have addressed their defensive frailties, lacking a potent striker and a dynamic holding midfielder to replace the aging Casemiro could prove significant obstacles. Until United can find a consistent goal-scorer capable of netting 25 goals a season and a midfielder with the energy to control games, they may struggle to keep pace with the leading pack.

 

Tottenham, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa will still push for a top-four finish, based on their productive business in the transfer market, I will expect West Ham United to be in that mix, especially if Niclas Fullkrug can quickly acclimatise to the English atmosphere. 

 

Newcomers to the EPL, Leicester, Ipswich, and Southampton will surely struggle to keep up with the pace. But I can see one of Nottingham Forest, Everton, and Brentford vying for the relegation slots. 

TEAM NIGERIA: ANOTHER DISAPPOINTING OUTING

Nigeria's participation in the 2024 Olympics has ended in a tragic anti-climax, reminiscent of the country's abysmal performance in London 2012. Once again, the so-called "Giant of Africa" has returned home without a single medal, a stark contrast to the achievements of smaller nations like Saint Lucia, the Dominican Republic, Botswana, and Guatemala, all of whom clinched gold medals. Even the Refugee Olympic Team managed to secure a bronze, highlighting the depth of Nigeria's failure on the world stage.

This dismal outcome is more than just a sports story; it is a reflection of the broader issues plaguing Nigeria. The nation's repeated failures in global competitions are emblematic of the disarray that has permeated every sector of society, from politics to economics, and now, tragically, to sports. The once-glorious days of Nigerian athletes dominating in various disciplines, from track and field to boxing, now seem like a distant memory.

The Roots of the Problem

At the core of Nigeria's Olympic failures lies the systemic mismanagement and lack of investment in sports. In the years leading up to the 2024 Games, Nigeria's sports infrastructure has been neglected, with insufficient funding, poor training facilities, and inadequate support for athletes. The country has consistently failed to develop young talent, with grassroots programs either underfunded or non-existent.

Corruption has further compounded these issues. Funds meant for athletes and sports development are often siphoned off by officials, leaving the athletes to fend for themselves. Without the necessary resources, Nigerian athletes are often ill-prepared for the rigorous demands of international competition. The result is predictable: a nation that once stood tall in global sports now finds itself floundering at the bottom of the medals table.

Comparative Successes: A Stark Contrast

The 2024 Olympics have showcased the achievements of nations that, despite their smaller size and limited resources, have managed to punch above their weight. Saint Lucia, the Dominican Republic, Botswana, and Guatemala have all secured gold medals, a testament to their commitment to sports development and their athletes' hard work. These countries have invested in their sports programs, nurturing young talent, and providing the necessary infrastructure for success.

The success of these nations underscores the magnitude of Nigeria's failure. The fact that a country with Nigeria's population, resources, and history of sporting excellence could not even secure a single medal is a national embarrassment. It raises serious questions about the leadership and vision—or lack thereof—in Nigeria's sports administration.

The Broader Implications

Nigeria’s poor showing at the 2024 Olympics is not just a sports issue; it is a symptom of a broader national crisis. The same issues that have led to the decline of Nigeria’s sports sector-corruption, mismanagement, and a lack of investment-are evident in other areas of national life. From the economy to education, the same problems persist, leading to widespread disillusionment and a loss of national pride.

For many Nigerians, the Olympics represent more than just a sporting event. They are a symbol of national identity and pride. The country’s consistent failures on this global stage reflect the erosion of that pride and the sense of helplessness that has taken hold of the nation. It is a reminder of how far Nigeria has fallen from the heights of its past glory, not just in sports, but in many other aspects of national life.

The Way Forward

Nigeria’s sports sector, like many other areas of national life, is in dire need of reform. The country must invest in grassroots sports development right from early school periods, ensuring that young athletes have the facilities, training, and support they need to compete on the global stage. This will require not just financial investment, but also a commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring that funds meant for sports development are used for their intended purpose.

The government must also work to create a culture of excellence in sports, where athletes are supported and celebrated, and where success is rewarded. This will involve not just the government, but also private sector investment and the active participation of communities across the country.

In addition, Nigeria must learn from the successes of smaller nations. The achievements of Saint Lucia, the Dominican Republic, Botswana, and Guatemala show that with the right approach, it is possible to achieve greatness, regardless of size or resources. Nigeria must study these examples and adopt best practices in sports development, tailoring them to the country’s unique needs and circumstances.

GoHealth LGA Offices: A Paradigm Shift in Provision of Health Services in Grassroots

In a groundbreaking move, the Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (GoHealth) has set a precedent by establishing a formal structure for healthcare management in all local government areas within the state. This initiative marks a significant leap toward enhancing health services at the grassroots level.

The Agency has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first state contributory healthcare agency in Nigeria to establish a formal structure in every local government area. This strategic move is aimed at ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage across the entire state. A recent approval by the Gombe State government has paved the way for the inclusion of local government workers in the contributory healthcare scheme. This decision has resulted in the enrolment of workers in the local governments (the enrolment of their dependants is now on the front burner), thereby expanding the reach and impact of the contributory health scheme.

The newly commissioned area offices are poised to serve multiple functions, acting as call and contact centers, centers for enrolment, monitoring, and evaluation (M&E) centers, as well as centers for quality assurance services. This holistic approach ensures a streamlined and efficient administration of the contributory health scheme.

The commissioning of call centers in local government areas is a strategic move to decentralize healthcare services from the state headquarters. This shift will bring contact and call centers closer to the beneficiaries, facilitating improved communication, administration, and monitoring of the contributory health scheme in Gombe State.

To ensure the seamless functioning of the area offices, all required basic facilities have been provided. This commitment to infrastructure ensures that the local government area offices are well-equipped to deliver quality healthcare services to the community. Enrolees from the various local areas need not to travel to the state capital, they now have an office at the doorsteps where they can lay out their complaints, enroll their family members, and demand information. The offices will also serve to enroll people within the informal sector space. Farmers, artisans, and everyone not in formal employment by the government or an organized private sector fall into this category.

The establishment of these local government area offices by GoHealth deserves commendation and praise. This innovative approach not only signifies a paradigm shift in healthcare provision but also reinforces the Gombe State government’s unwavering commitment to the health sector. The efforts invested in setting up these offices add significant impetus to the state’s overarching goal of enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality.

GoHealth’s strategic initiatives in Gombe State exemplify a forward-thinking approach to healthcare administration, setting a benchmark for other regions to follow. The establishment of local government area offices signifies a paradigm shift in the provision of health services at the grassroots, underscoring the importance of accessible and quality healthcare for all.

I would like to extol the forward-thinking acumen of His Excellency, Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya for not only establishing Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency but for his immutable support to the scheme. The same accolade goes to the indefatigable staff under the able leadership of the Executive Secretary. For GoHealth, the commissioning of these local government area offices will serve as a springboard toward the ultimate aim of attaining Universal Health Coverage. In his remarks during the commissioning of one of the offices, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Gombe State Coordinator, “Gombe State is likely to attain Universal Health Coverage before the deadline set by WHO”.

Tanimu Umar is the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at GoHealth

MASON GREENWOOD: AN ARCHITECT OF HIS OWN MISFORTUNE

It is apparent Mason Greenwood's days at Manchester United are over since the publication of the recorded expletive conversation that culminated into the assault went viral.

Mason Greenwood, a talented player with a prospective future ahead of him, was charged late in 2022 with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. That led to his arrest. Following the apprehension, Nike ended its sponsorship deal with the player, and Electronic Arts removed him from active squads in its FIFA 22 game. Those were clear signals that the player was losing his reputation.

In the broader context of societal values, it can be argued that no ethical and morally conscious society should take rape and assault lightly, regardless of race or ethnicity. Generally, the issue of sexual assault and misconduct is viewed seriously by societies worldwide, and this extends to English and Caucasian communities.

The allegations against Greenwood were ultimately dropped, after the Crown Prosecution Service said key witnesses had withdrawn and new material had come to light, meaning there was "no longer a realistic prospect of conviction".

Manchester went on with an internal investigation, and a club statement today revealed that Greenwood will leave the club by mutual agreement. United fans worldwide have anticipated that Greenwood will be reinstated to help the club, which began the season in unfashionable circumstances. It is glaring that the 21-year-old homegrown forward is better than the current forwards, but the club has to take this hard decision in order to safeguard its reputation. The club also has to avoid backlash, especially from feminists and human rights advocates.

In the final analysis, I am in support of Manchester United’s decision. According to a popular Hausa aphorism, ‘Idan ba rami me ya kawo rami" (literally "there’s no smoke without fire"). The case against Mason Greewood, just like that of former Manchester City player Benjamin Mendy, was dismissed by the courts, but you cannot rule out an inkling of wrongdoing by the alleged offender. United will not want what transpired in Lorient over the weekend rekindled in Old Trafford or elsewhere in England. Mendy was booed by fans brandishing banners saying "no rapist in our stadium".

In whatever contest you choose to conclude on this, Mason Greenwood, in my opinion, is the architect of his own misfortune. He might go on to play elsewhere, but I doubt if he could revive his hitherto promising career.  

 

2023/24 ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: TUSSLE OF THE HEAVYWEIGHTS

On Friday, August 11, 2023, the 32^nd season of the English Premier League and the 125^th season of the top-flight overall kick off in grandeur and razzmatazz. Last season presented an intriguing scrimmage that brought a smashing of the so-called Big Six, with the status quo scattered up and down the table as the unusual suspects put a stake in the ground. The 2023–24 season will likely revert to type, with the heavyweights aiming to rise to the top.

Following their triple triumph, Manchester City will be chasing an unlikely record: in 130 years, nobody has seen a team storm to four English top-flight titles on the trot. However, it won’t be as easy as some pundits predicted.

Sunday’s Community Shield match-up signified Arsenal is really up for it. Their summer signings were crafty, with one sole intention: to tie up the loose ends that saw them bullied at the end of the season. Several managers, including the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, hypothesise that league titles are won with a strong defensive line. Others give credence to how prolific the attacking line is; a recent example is the signing of Robin van Persie by Manchester United in 2012, and his goals invariably clinched the league title.

I differ slightly from these two lines of thought. My belief hinges on a strong midfield, and a viable linkage between the defence and attack plays the most significant role in title wins. That will be where Arsenal will fare most in the coming season. The acquisition of Declan Rice will surely add vigour to the team. Obviously, Mikel Arteta intends to use two holding midfielders, Declan Rice and Thomas Partey. With Martin Odegaard in front of them, Arsenal will have a formidable midfield and will surely be one of the favourites for the title, despite the fact that the club seems to have a jinx with consistency.

BBC Sports recently published predictions from 26 pundits. 25 of these pundits predicted Manchester City would end up retaining the league title, thereby winning an unprecedented fourth title. City should be the overwhelming favourites; they have squad strength and depth that are unmatched by the other teams. Man United has been in the market, and Eric Ten Hag has done well in offloading inconsequential players. The signing of the seemingly untested 20-year-old striker, Rasmund Hojlund, and the acquisition of Mason Mount will not be enough to overturn City’s firm grip.

Liverpool only picked up form at the tail end of last season, they put up a yeoman effort to get themselves into Europe. Despite having six senior players, including captain Henderson, they are still a force to reckon with. Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai can add some value to the team, but I don’t see them upsetting City. The fate of Chelsea last season was deplorable, to say the least. Chelsea has gone to show that money doesn’t always fetch you titles, the right players do.

I expect Brighton and Newcastle to play the role of dark horses. In Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, and Tino Livramento, the magpies have done well in the transfer market. If Brighton can hold on to Moises Caicedo, I can see either of these two teams (Newcastle being the other) pushing for a place in Europe at the end of the coming season. With Harry Kane departing Tottenham, I see Spurs struggling unless they can dig in and get another prolific striker to replace the England captain.

Of the three promoted teams, Burnley, Sheffield United, and Luton Town, the last two will most likely return to the Championship. Burnley has the potential to pull off surprises and stay up.

The season will be a tussle between the heavyweights, surely. However, it will take a gargantuan task to prevent them from winning another league title, especially if Erling Haaland can avoid a second-season whammy and continue with the scoring spree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GOMBE STATE AND THE ADVENT OF A VIABLE CONTRIBUTORY HEALTH SCHEME

The first thing he focussed his attention on, just after being sworn in as the Executive Governor of Gombe State in May 2019, is healthcare, and the need to prioritise healthcare delivery in the state. Discerning the deplorable health indices from the state, he promptly declared state of emergency on health. With the assurance that improving healthcare is equivalent to improving the livelihood of the people, Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya set out modalities to boost healthcare infrastructures throughout the state and went beyond that by championing the creation of an agency, and with it a scheme, that will offer financial risk protection and leads to the attainment of Universal Health Coverage. 

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a health system consists of all organisations, people, and actions whose primary intent is to promote, restore or maintain health. This includes efforts to influence determinants of health as well as more direct health-improving activities. A functional health system responds in a balanced way to a population’s needs and expectations by:

1.      Improving the health status of individuals, families, and communities 

2.      Defending the population against what threatens its health

3.      Protecting people against the financial consequences of ill-health

4.      Providing equitable access to people-cantered care

5.      Making it possible for people to participate in decisions affecting their health and health system. 

The main goal of Universal Health Coverage is to protect people from the financial consequences of paying for health services out of their own pockets, thereby reducing the risk that those people will be pushed into poverty because unexpected illness requires them to use up their life savings, sell assets, or borrow-destroying their futures and often those of their children, leading to financial catastrophe. It includes the full spectrum of essential, quality health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care across the life course. It requires removing barriers to health and improving affordability, accessibility, and quality of health systems. 

To actualize this, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya initiated a Bill for the establishment of the Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (GoHealth). The Bill gained a passage into the state legislature and was signed into law by His Excellency on 30th December 2019. This leads to the creation of the Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (GoHealth) and the Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Scheme. The scheme aims to provide Universal Health Coverage to all Gombe State residents through an equitable and transparent mechanism for pooling resources to finance quality healthcare via several pre-payment systems. 

GoHealth started with a Technical Working Group which drafted most of the initial documents used in setting up the agency. After the inauguration of the Governing Board, the agency went to work. With strong executive backing and dedicated staff, GoHealth, in just over a year after its establishment, has gone on to achieve a monumental feat and with it transcended its peers from other states. 

The viability of any organisation depends on its clearly defined vision and mission, and of course, how these are effectively implemented. The commencement of the scheme came with attendant teething challenges, acceptability and ownership of the various programmes were stumbling blocks. However, robust advocacy, sensitisation, and mobilisation tremendously helped in considerably abating these challenges. There were doubting Thomases who were sceptical of the overall impact of the scheme. After a few months of commencement, these same people became the agency’s informal ambassadors. Testimonies from these beneficiaries added colour and acceptance, and largely gives the much-needed impetus to the agency and the scheme. 

The scheme brought on board state civil servants whose monthly contributions give them access to qualitative and affordable healthcare within their reach and significantly reduce out-of-pocket spending. That premium covers not only the principal enrolee but his/her spouse and four biological children who are under the age of 18. Government employees could also enrol extra defendants with a token annual payment. 

Civil servants formed a meagre percentage of the population in Gombe State, to cover those not under formal employment by the state, the informal sector was set up to give access to farmers, artisans, etc, who pay a nominal annual premium. But then, not all these could afford to pay, no matter how little it is. For that, the government pays for the poor and vulnerable through the Basic Health Care Provision/Equity Funds. These funds are released from the Federal and State consolidated revenues.

In 2021, 25,565 poor and vulnerable people in the state were enrolled and they gained access to quality healthcare without paying for the services. In 2022, over 40,000 of such were enrolled into the scheme and the agency populated a Vulnerable Register which has over 100,000 entrants becoming the first, and so far, the only, state in the federation to have such documented register. 

The major thrust of the Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency is the utilisation of an indigenous ICT firm to institutionalise a vigorous ICT platform. This stout ICT becomes a reference point to the entire country and the pride of the agency. The agency also developed a mobile app, the first of its kind in the country, through which enrolment and other processes could be done in real-time. 

In the areas of Quality Assurance and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), the agency is not resting on its oars: A Quarterly Quality Assessment is carried out in all the accredited Health Care Facilities; quarterly Joint Integrated Supportive Supervision is conducted to improve the quality of care; monthly reports are collected from the health care facilities and transmitted appropriately promptly to the NHIA for the BHCPF/Equity programme. Timely transmission of data leads to the nomination of the agency for an award as the contributory healthcare agency with the best M&E structure in the country. 

Aside from sustained political support from the State Government, the agency’s other strongholds include a conducive working environment, experienced and dedicated Governing Board members and staff, availability of community structures, existing strong collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and other health-related agencies, and availability of public and private HCPs with basic requirements for service.   

The agency is on the verge of signing a memorandum of understanding with the state transport agency for the landmark Travellers Accident and Emergency Contributory Health Scheme. When this commenced, the state will be the first in the country to implement the programme. Other programmes in the pipeline include the formal sector programme for LGA employees, the pensioners' programme, and the tertiary institutions' programme, among others. 

Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency is here to stay and is well poised to actualise the attainment of Universal Health Coverage in Gombe State. This cannot be achieved at the moment, but with the strong political will, and the prioritisation of health by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, this will certainly materialise soon. 

 

U. Tanimu Umar 

Director Planning, Research and Statistics.

GoHealth

CRISTIANO RONALDO: END OF AN ERA

I could recall the 2003 friendly in Lisbon between Sporting Lisbon and Manchester United, the match was an exhibition match for the opening of Sporting’s new stadium, Estadio Jose Alvalade. Sporting was triumphant in the match, but the key highlight was the mesmerising skills shown by the home side’s 18-year-old prodigious winger from the island of Madeira, Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro. The nimbleness he demonstrated motivated Sir Alex Ferguson to immediately seek his signature, and he was signed for £12 million. Before the formal signing, Sir Alex declared him "one of the most exciting young players" he had ever seen. Cristiano was promptly handed the historic No. 7 shirt won by legends such as George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, and David Beckham.

Cristiano flourished at United, where Sir Alex Ferguson revived him to be a goal-scoring forward in the mold of Sir Bobby Charlton. He was also taught to make himself more unpredictable and improve his teamwork. In 2008, Cristiano became United's first Ballon d’Or winner since George Best in 1968, and the first Premier League player to be named the FIFA World Player of the Year. In his four-year stint at Old Trafford, he won three Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a Champions League trophy.

In 2009, Cristiano joined Real Madrid for a then world record fee of £80 million. At Real Madrid, Cristiano became a phenomenon. He became the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, notching an incredible 451 goals in 438 competitive appearances. He also helped Real Madrid win 4 Champions League trophies, 3 Club World Cups, 3 UEFA Super Cups, 2 LaLiga titles, 2 Copas del Rey, and 2 Spanish Super Cups. At the individual level, he won five further "World's Best Player" titles.

He spent just three years at Juventus, but scored 81 goals in 98 appearances for the Old Lady. He won a couple of Serie A titles and a Copa Italia before returning to Manchester United, where Edinson Cavani agreed to switch to the number 21 shirt in order to allow Cristiano to regain his famous No. 7. The first 24 hours of Cristiano's shirt sales were reported to have broken the all-time record following a transfer, overtaking Messi after his move to PSG. In his second debut at Old Trafford, he scored the opening two goals in a 4–1 league victory against Newcastle. In the 2021/22 season, he ended up being United’s top scorer with 19 goals in 40 appearances.

In February 2022, Cristiano reached the age of 37, an advanced age for a football player. That age and his disappointment at not playing in the Champions League, a competition in which he was most prolific and holds the record for overall goal scorer with 140 goals, somewhat tarnished his mentality and athleticism. He also clashed with United's new manager, Erik ten Hag, when he refused to participate in the pre-season tour and twice sat on the bench before the final whistle. At the beginning of the 2022–2023 season, his form significantly ebbed, and he had to be dropped. His goal-scoring ability deteriorated, and his overall performance suffered, not just for United. During the 2022 World Cup, Manuel Santos, the Portuguese head coach, had to be dropped to the subs' bench based on his low performance. 

Cristiano plunged the final straw in the back of the camel when, just before the World Cup, he had an interview with one of United’s fiercest antagonists, Piers Morgan. He astonishingly detailed his spat with Erik ten Hag, claiming he was "provoked" by ten Hag, whom he accused of lacking empathy and referring to Manchester United as a "marketing club," among other ridiculous terms. That explosive interview invariably ended Cristiano’s time at United, and during the World Cup, he had an interview with one of United's fiercest antagonists, Piers Morgan. He astonishingly detailed his spat with Erik ten Hag, claiming he was "provoked" by ten Hag, whom he accused of lacking empathy and referring to Manchester United as a "marketing club," among other ridiculous terms. That explosive interview invariably ended Cristiano's time at United, and on November 22, 2022, it was announced that Cristiano’s contract was terminated by mutual consent.

After failing to get any European club to sign him, most probably due to his high wage (at United, he is paid £515,000 every week),  he finally agreed to move to an unknown Saudi Arabian League, undoubtedly due to the value of the contract and the chance to keep on banging in goals, even in an ineffectual league, in order to maintain his goal-scoring record. According to various reports, Cristiano will receive the highest football salary in history, worth €200 million per year at Al-Nassr. This includes an annual guaranteed football salary of €90 million, with commercial and sponsorship deals, included, bringing his total annual salary to €200 million. He was reportedly paid a signing-on bonus in the region of €100 million.

Despite the gargantuan contract, by moving to the Saudi League, I could be bold and say that Cristiano’s era has come to an end. Prominent players, at the end of their careers, move to places like the USA, Japan, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Cristiano is now one of them. Unlike his peers, he seemingly refused to acknowledge that his time was almost up. He will be 38 next month, and he is yet to accept that he won’t be playing forever. The 2022 World Cup has proved that he can never be at the top list of football's all-time greats of World Cup winners. Lionel Messi, his perennial rival, has won the World Cup, and with it, the debate on who is the best among them.

Cristiano has missed the chance to be an ambassador at Manchester United, a club that cherishes and gratifies its ex-players. If he will listen to me, I’ll advise him to hang up his boots at the end of this year and become a fashion icon, an actor, or a model.