DOHA OVER 300 Nigerian expatriates in Qatar registered to get their old machine-readable passports (MRP) replaced with new chip-based e-passports during the three-day exercise, which concluded at Al Aseef hotel on Sunday.
President of Nigeria in Diaspora, Qatar (NIDO), OJ Millar said that the turnout surpassed expectations.
“We had expected around 130 persons coming for the registration because only 100 people had initially shown interest before the officials from Nigeria came for the exercise.
The response on the first day made us readjust our plans in order to attend to all the applicants,” Millar said.
Those who could not register for e-passport in Doha would have to do it in Nigeria before December 31, the deadline set by the government, he said.
A team of officials from the Nigerian embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Nigeria Immigration Service from Abuja came to Doha to conduct the exercise in collaboration with NIDO, a community association of Nigerians in Qatar.
The team was led by Ken Okeh, minister/head of chancellery at the Nigerian embassy in the UAE.
Madara Wakili, financial attaché at the embassy, and Yankasai Abdul, Habibu Almu and Olowooye Oluwagbayi from the Nigeria Immigration Service headquarters in Abuja were the other members of the team.
The officials said the data collected during the exercise would be processed in Abuja after which e-passport would be issued to the applicants.
It would take three weeks for the e-passports to be brought to Doha for distribution, the officials said, adding that Qatar was the second country in the Middle East after the UAE where Nigerians got the opportunity of registering them for e-passport outside the country.
Millar said the preference given to Nigerian expats in Qatar for e-passport registration proved the importance of Qatar for the Nigerian government.
He hoped that both Qatar and the UAE would also be the first to get permanent machines for the processing and issuance of e-passport in the region.
Meanwhile, commenting on the exercise, Dr Sammani Abdullahi, a lecturer at Qatar University, said: “I am highly impressed by the level of coordination for the whole exercise.
I also observed that the officials came with the forms we filled earlier which showed that the forms were forwarded to Abuja for attention.
If they had not rendered this service to us in Doha, I would have had to travel to Nigeria with all my family members to register and get e-passport.” He thanked Nigerian Ambassador to the UAE and Qatar, HE Alhaji Bashir Yuguda for responding to the call of the community in Qatar.
Another Nigerian expat, Segun Obanoyen said the exercise saved many people the stress and cost of travelling back to Nigeria to meet the deadline.
He thanked the NIDO executives for coordinating with the Nigerian embassy in Abu Dhabi and making the exercise a success.
Itodo Peter, a Vodafone staff, said: “I am happy with the exercise and appreciate all those who contributed to make this programme a reality.”
Monday, September 27, 2010
SOYINKA’S PARTY IS A RAY OF HOPE FOR COMMON MAN, SAY EXPATS
Poet, playwright, philosopher & Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has launched a political party named the ‘Democratic Front for People’s Federation’ in Nigeria ahead of the upcoming presidential elections.
He said the new party is aimed at fighting corruption and giving hope to youngsters.
Excerpts: FIDELIS ODOGBO Writer & Education Consultant The formation of a political party by Wole Soyinka is a very good development for Nigerians.
It is really a step in the right direction.
There are many good people who want to change Nigeria for better, but do not have the right platform to do so.
Soyinka’s party will be of great help to such people.
I think his active participation in politics will force our corrupt politicians to think about the damage they have done to the country.
Even if the party does not make any serious impact on the coming elections, it will certainly come up with a manifesto on how to tackle problems in Nigeria.
I hope that corrupt politicians will not be allowed to enter Soyinka’s party.
MUSA ADENIYI Document Controller at Retaj I praise Soyinka for launching a new political party.
It will serve as a platform to challenge the corrupt political groups.
I hope sincere and like-minded people will work with him to save our great nation.
His Democratic Front for People’s Federation will surely make a political formation with only patriotic people as its members to represent respect, reputation, character, service to humanity and good governance.
I hope the wanton display of wealth in the face of abject poverty will soon be over in Nigeria.
I congratulate Soyinka for trying to cleanss our country’s dirty politics.
I know the task is difficult, but there is no harm in trying.
LAWAL OLUSHOLA Accountant The political scene in Nigeria is murky and I have doubt whether Soyinka’s party will be able to make much of a difference.
I think he should have remained what he is and wielded his pen with more vigour.
I fear that his hard-earned reputation as an activist and a critic will go for a toss in the dingy world of politics.
He should remain an elder statesman, activist and an objective commentator.
I don’t see him achieving any tangible result in the political arena.
We love him because of his literary prowess and oratory.
I want him to remain so.
He should also remember that when the late human right lawyer and activist, Gani Fawehinmi, tried the same thing during 2003 general elections, his party failed miserably.
FARAMADE BETHANY AKANNI Qatar Petroleum staff I believe Soyinka has taken the right step.
We should give him full support in order to strengthen the nation’s young democracy.
The politics of Nigeria needs people of his calibre and integrity to take the country forward.
So far, we have been suffering at the hands of dishonest and corrupt leaders.
Majority of the political parties are full of illiterates, who only fight to serve their interests.
UGOCHUKWU OGBONNA Chemist I think Prof Soyinka’s new political party is a step in the right direction.
I do not agree with those who think that the move will lead to whittling down of his activist prowess.
I congratulate Soyinka for registering a party that was denied registration in 2002.
Although the party is not expected to make much impact on the forthcoming elections, it will certainly go a long way in setting the political agenda in Nigeria.
The new party has said that its basic role is to make sure that things are done in the right way in Nigerian political system.
With Soyinka as its national chairman, I hope the party will ensure a free and fair election.
Its activists can play a major role in curbing election fraud.
CORDELIA BELLO Qatar Petroleum staff I think that Soyinka is capable of leading our country.
He has the aura to attract youngsters who can play a major role in reforming the country’s political system.
We must support the new party in order to ensure that we have a responsive and accountable leadership which can curb corruption.
The upcoming elections are a real test for us and we must not waste the opportunity .. KALU OKORE Political Analyst Soyinka’s entry in politics is a strong message for Nigerian politicians.
Now they must know that the political game will be no more played in old fashion.
They must now realise that they have to be on the side of the people, meaning that promises made during election campaigns must be fulfilled.
Prof Soyinka, Nigeria’s first and only Nobel laureate, has been a long-time activist.
He was detained by the government during the civil war in Nigeria.
It is interesting to see that he is now redirecting his energy into mainstream politics.
His party may not win the elections but his presence will surely keep the other players on their toes and force them to make realistic promises to the electorate and fulfil them later.
I believe he will continue to be a strong critic of unpopular moves and actions of the government.
Public affairs have suffered a serious setback in Nigeria because of lack of strong opposition.
I think Prof Soyinka will emerge as the voice of the people.
ABIDOGUN BIMBOLA Social Scientist I am surprised that Soyinka has decided to enter politics.
However, I think this move will be a wake-up call for our corrupt politicians and they will try to mend their ways.
I fear that the Nobel laureate may lose his sheen as politics is a field where it is very difficult to remain clean forever.
I wish him good luck.
ADEDAPO ALUKO Building Engineer Wole Soyinka’s party has provided a good platform to rightthinking and progressive Nigerians to join hands and save the nation.
It is really good to see that the most vocal social critic in Nigeria has opted to form a new party to help the struggling masses.
I think this is the only way to confront selfish and power-drunk leaders who are hell bent on ruining our nation.
KELECHI OKONKWO Planning Engineer I am happy with Soyinka’s decision to float a new party.
Though the new formation is not expected to do very well at the hustings, it will certainly be a formidable opposition.
We are tired of old politicians who have hardly anything new to offer.
Soyinka has always been in the forefront of fighting against corruption and knows Nigeria very well.
We must support him.
IDRIS OLA OLADEJI Safety Officer Soyinka’s party has provided a ray of hope for the common man in Nigeria.
We must support this group that, I think, will change the lives of the people.
It is synonymous with respect, reputation, character, service to humanity and good governance.
This is a welcome development and will change the political landscape of our country.
MORONTOUN BOLA Teacher We salute the effort of Soyinka to salvage the nation from the clutches of corrupt leaders.
We should support his party with all our might.
The Nobel Laureate is the right person to rule our country, as he has been our role model for long.
We know the task is difficult, but if we try we will surely make a difference in the lives of the struggling masses.
EFFIONG EBONG Qatar Gas staff I really believe in what Professor Soyinka said while launching the new party.
“The DFPF, for now, is disinterested in the overall national scene.
But after taking control in one state, one council, one ward, would begin to reach out through example to others, gradually evolving a civic rule that governs and performs through mutual collaboration,” he said.
He has really given us an opportunity to serve our country and we must not let the chance go by.
The political and economic scene in the country is dismal, and Soyinka is the only hope.
JOHNSON ADU Safety Officer This move was long overdue.
We needed a party that could represent the people.
I hope the DFPF will deliver the goods and groom leaders from the grassroots level to the local government, state and federal levels.
Nigeria is in dire need of good leaders and Soyinka has provided us a platform in this regard.
IROLE AUSTIN Architect I think Soyinka did the right thing by joining politics.
I salute him for his courage to form a new party.
He must lead us in the fight against corruption and political anarchy.
The task is difficult but not insurmountable.
He must move step by step and his dream of reforming the country will be fulfilled.
He said the new party is aimed at fighting corruption and giving hope to youngsters.
Excerpts: FIDELIS ODOGBO Writer & Education Consultant The formation of a political party by Wole Soyinka is a very good development for Nigerians.
It is really a step in the right direction.
There are many good people who want to change Nigeria for better, but do not have the right platform to do so.
Soyinka’s party will be of great help to such people.
I think his active participation in politics will force our corrupt politicians to think about the damage they have done to the country.
Even if the party does not make any serious impact on the coming elections, it will certainly come up with a manifesto on how to tackle problems in Nigeria.
I hope that corrupt politicians will not be allowed to enter Soyinka’s party.
MUSA ADENIYI Document Controller at Retaj I praise Soyinka for launching a new political party.
It will serve as a platform to challenge the corrupt political groups.
I hope sincere and like-minded people will work with him to save our great nation.
His Democratic Front for People’s Federation will surely make a political formation with only patriotic people as its members to represent respect, reputation, character, service to humanity and good governance.
I hope the wanton display of wealth in the face of abject poverty will soon be over in Nigeria.
I congratulate Soyinka for trying to cleanss our country’s dirty politics.
I know the task is difficult, but there is no harm in trying.
LAWAL OLUSHOLA Accountant The political scene in Nigeria is murky and I have doubt whether Soyinka’s party will be able to make much of a difference.
I think he should have remained what he is and wielded his pen with more vigour.
I fear that his hard-earned reputation as an activist and a critic will go for a toss in the dingy world of politics.
He should remain an elder statesman, activist and an objective commentator.
I don’t see him achieving any tangible result in the political arena.
We love him because of his literary prowess and oratory.
I want him to remain so.
He should also remember that when the late human right lawyer and activist, Gani Fawehinmi, tried the same thing during 2003 general elections, his party failed miserably.
FARAMADE BETHANY AKANNI Qatar Petroleum staff I believe Soyinka has taken the right step.
We should give him full support in order to strengthen the nation’s young democracy.
The politics of Nigeria needs people of his calibre and integrity to take the country forward.
So far, we have been suffering at the hands of dishonest and corrupt leaders.
Majority of the political parties are full of illiterates, who only fight to serve their interests.
UGOCHUKWU OGBONNA Chemist I think Prof Soyinka’s new political party is a step in the right direction.
I do not agree with those who think that the move will lead to whittling down of his activist prowess.
I congratulate Soyinka for registering a party that was denied registration in 2002.
Although the party is not expected to make much impact on the forthcoming elections, it will certainly go a long way in setting the political agenda in Nigeria.
The new party has said that its basic role is to make sure that things are done in the right way in Nigerian political system.
With Soyinka as its national chairman, I hope the party will ensure a free and fair election.
Its activists can play a major role in curbing election fraud.
CORDELIA BELLO Qatar Petroleum staff I think that Soyinka is capable of leading our country.
He has the aura to attract youngsters who can play a major role in reforming the country’s political system.
We must support the new party in order to ensure that we have a responsive and accountable leadership which can curb corruption.
The upcoming elections are a real test for us and we must not waste the opportunity .. KALU OKORE Political Analyst Soyinka’s entry in politics is a strong message for Nigerian politicians.
Now they must know that the political game will be no more played in old fashion.
They must now realise that they have to be on the side of the people, meaning that promises made during election campaigns must be fulfilled.
Prof Soyinka, Nigeria’s first and only Nobel laureate, has been a long-time activist.
He was detained by the government during the civil war in Nigeria.
It is interesting to see that he is now redirecting his energy into mainstream politics.
His party may not win the elections but his presence will surely keep the other players on their toes and force them to make realistic promises to the electorate and fulfil them later.
I believe he will continue to be a strong critic of unpopular moves and actions of the government.
Public affairs have suffered a serious setback in Nigeria because of lack of strong opposition.
I think Prof Soyinka will emerge as the voice of the people.
ABIDOGUN BIMBOLA Social Scientist I am surprised that Soyinka has decided to enter politics.
However, I think this move will be a wake-up call for our corrupt politicians and they will try to mend their ways.
I fear that the Nobel laureate may lose his sheen as politics is a field where it is very difficult to remain clean forever.
I wish him good luck.
ADEDAPO ALUKO Building Engineer Wole Soyinka’s party has provided a good platform to rightthinking and progressive Nigerians to join hands and save the nation.
It is really good to see that the most vocal social critic in Nigeria has opted to form a new party to help the struggling masses.
I think this is the only way to confront selfish and power-drunk leaders who are hell bent on ruining our nation.
KELECHI OKONKWO Planning Engineer I am happy with Soyinka’s decision to float a new party.
Though the new formation is not expected to do very well at the hustings, it will certainly be a formidable opposition.
We are tired of old politicians who have hardly anything new to offer.
Soyinka has always been in the forefront of fighting against corruption and knows Nigeria very well.
We must support him.
IDRIS OLA OLADEJI Safety Officer Soyinka’s party has provided a ray of hope for the common man in Nigeria.
We must support this group that, I think, will change the lives of the people.
It is synonymous with respect, reputation, character, service to humanity and good governance.
This is a welcome development and will change the political landscape of our country.
MORONTOUN BOLA Teacher We salute the effort of Soyinka to salvage the nation from the clutches of corrupt leaders.
We should support his party with all our might.
The Nobel Laureate is the right person to rule our country, as he has been our role model for long.
We know the task is difficult, but if we try we will surely make a difference in the lives of the struggling masses.
EFFIONG EBONG Qatar Gas staff I really believe in what Professor Soyinka said while launching the new party.
“The DFPF, for now, is disinterested in the overall national scene.
But after taking control in one state, one council, one ward, would begin to reach out through example to others, gradually evolving a civic rule that governs and performs through mutual collaboration,” he said.
He has really given us an opportunity to serve our country and we must not let the chance go by.
The political and economic scene in the country is dismal, and Soyinka is the only hope.
JOHNSON ADU Safety Officer This move was long overdue.
We needed a party that could represent the people.
I hope the DFPF will deliver the goods and groom leaders from the grassroots level to the local government, state and federal levels.
Nigeria is in dire need of good leaders and Soyinka has provided us a platform in this regard.
IROLE AUSTIN Architect I think Soyinka did the right thing by joining politics.
I salute him for his courage to form a new party.
He must lead us in the fight against corruption and political anarchy.
The task is difficult but not insurmountable.
He must move step by step and his dream of reforming the country will be fulfilled.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Gharaffa faces uphill task against KSA's al Hilal
AL GHARAFFA Sports Club despite going down 0-3 to Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia in first leg quarterfinal of the AFC Champions League in Riyadh last week, is in an upbeat mood as it takes on the Saudi club in the return leg on home turf on Wednesday.
Gharaffa coach Caio Junior, well aware of the fact that his players have a mountain to climb, put up a brave front on eve of the match.
He said, “In football the approach is either theoretic or practical.
Hilal will come all out to play and maintain its lead.
We will, however, be at an advantage because my players are in good shape and will enjoy the support of home crowd.” Ciao emphasised the value of fans’ support and said that his players greatly value them.
He urged them to pack the stadium on Wednesday and make the atmosphere ‘an intimidating one’ for the opponent.
Gharaffa, however, will miss the services of star Brazilian midfielder Juninho in the match.
Coach Caio Junior exhorted his players to prove that theirs is not a one-man team.
Caio said he has got capable player to replace him in the squad and the replacement had proven himself in the Qatar Stars League encounter against Lekhwiya.
“Juninho will not be playing for us and it gives me a chance to evaluate the team’s performance without him,” said Junior, adding, “This won’t do us any harm as I believe rest of my players can compensate for his absence.
We played without him against Lekhwiya and won comfortably.” The Qatar Stars League champion club comes to the match high on confidence after beating a strong Lekhwiya side in its opening QSL match, with Iraqi striker Younes Mahmoud and Clemerson de Araujo producing some magic.
Younis Mahmud, though not underestimating his opponent, is optimistic of Gharafffa advancing to semifinal of the prestigious tournament.
“Hilal players are used to playing such matches.
They have a lot of experience.
But we are Qatar champion and will make it crystal clear that we are capable of progressing beyond this stage.” Hilal, who has been consistently impressive under Belgian great Eric Gerets, is positive of a good outing in Doha.
They are expected to welcome back Christian Wilhelmsson to the starting line-up after the Swedish winger missed the first leg through suspension.
Gerets, said, “Naturally in any competition, matches become tougher in the later stages.
Ghaffara is a strong team and many good players play in the team.
“We will take things seriously and search for goals.
We will try not to concede goals as we are eager to maintain our 3 goals advantage.” Defender Osama Hawsawi knows it is vital for Al Hilal not to slip against Al Gharaffa in the second leg.
He said his teammates were determined to put up a stellar performance against them.
“We are prepared and confident of progressing,” he said.
“I know Gharafa will come all out to attack.
They will be fearless in their approach as they have nothing to lose.
We will, however, search for goals as attack is the best form of defence.” The match will be officiated by officials from Singapore.
The referee is Abdul Malik, who will be assisted by Jeffrey Goh Gek Pheng and Mohammed Mousa Abu.
The final of Asia’s top club competition will be staged at Tokyo’s National Stadium on November 13.
Winner of the tournament will qualify for the lucrative FIFA Club World Cup in December 2010.
Gharaffa coach Caio Junior, well aware of the fact that his players have a mountain to climb, put up a brave front on eve of the match.
He said, “In football the approach is either theoretic or practical.
Hilal will come all out to play and maintain its lead.
We will, however, be at an advantage because my players are in good shape and will enjoy the support of home crowd.” Ciao emphasised the value of fans’ support and said that his players greatly value them.
He urged them to pack the stadium on Wednesday and make the atmosphere ‘an intimidating one’ for the opponent.
Gharaffa, however, will miss the services of star Brazilian midfielder Juninho in the match.
Coach Caio Junior exhorted his players to prove that theirs is not a one-man team.
Caio said he has got capable player to replace him in the squad and the replacement had proven himself in the Qatar Stars League encounter against Lekhwiya.
“Juninho will not be playing for us and it gives me a chance to evaluate the team’s performance without him,” said Junior, adding, “This won’t do us any harm as I believe rest of my players can compensate for his absence.
We played without him against Lekhwiya and won comfortably.” The Qatar Stars League champion club comes to the match high on confidence after beating a strong Lekhwiya side in its opening QSL match, with Iraqi striker Younes Mahmoud and Clemerson de Araujo producing some magic.
Younis Mahmud, though not underestimating his opponent, is optimistic of Gharafffa advancing to semifinal of the prestigious tournament.
“Hilal players are used to playing such matches.
They have a lot of experience.
But we are Qatar champion and will make it crystal clear that we are capable of progressing beyond this stage.” Hilal, who has been consistently impressive under Belgian great Eric Gerets, is positive of a good outing in Doha.
They are expected to welcome back Christian Wilhelmsson to the starting line-up after the Swedish winger missed the first leg through suspension.
Gerets, said, “Naturally in any competition, matches become tougher in the later stages.
Ghaffara is a strong team and many good players play in the team.
“We will take things seriously and search for goals.
We will try not to concede goals as we are eager to maintain our 3 goals advantage.” Defender Osama Hawsawi knows it is vital for Al Hilal not to slip against Al Gharaffa in the second leg.
He said his teammates were determined to put up a stellar performance against them.
“We are prepared and confident of progressing,” he said.
“I know Gharafa will come all out to attack.
They will be fearless in their approach as they have nothing to lose.
We will, however, search for goals as attack is the best form of defence.” The match will be officiated by officials from Singapore.
The referee is Abdul Malik, who will be assisted by Jeffrey Goh Gek Pheng and Mohammed Mousa Abu.
The final of Asia’s top club competition will be staged at Tokyo’s National Stadium on November 13.
Winner of the tournament will qualify for the lucrative FIFA Club World Cup in December 2010.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Nigeria's Onyekach Okonkwo debuts for new club
Nigeria's Onyekachi Okonkwo made his league debut for top division Qatari club al Kharaitiyat, spotting jersey (10) and he played the entire ninety minutes.
SECOND-HALF goals from Sebastian Soria and Marcio Jose de Oliviera gave Qatar Sports Club a deserved victory 3-2 over Al Kharaitiyat and put them among table toppers of the Qatar Stars League, presented by Masraf Al Rayan, in the opening week.
Mercurial Soria earlier struck first in the 10th minute when he neatly finished a sublime, low cross with a powerful shot inside 18 yards.
Kharaitiyat, who rallied strongly after the reverse, was handed a chance to equalise in the 12th minute when Abdullah Alawi brought down Alaa Abdul Zahra.
The free-kick was from 25 yards but Yahia Kebe’s effort was saved by the goalkeeper to the delight of the home fans.
With 20 minutes into the game, Kebe could not be stopped from getting a goal.
Kharaitiyat equalised after a clever pass from left winger Abdulla al Battat freed its top striker Kebe who calmly slotted the ball home.
Nigerian international Tico Okonkwo, making his league debut for Kharaitiyat, had a good first-half with his ball distribution and dribbling abilities, which resulted in a free-kick from 25 yards after he was pulled down when racing his way into the danger area.
The resultant freekick was brilliantly converted by Kebe for his second goal of the match.
The pressure was apparently on Qatar Sports Club as its lost concentration might have seen it concede another goal in the 35th minute by Zahra.
He needed just a simple touch to increase the goal tally but as he chose to crash the ball into the net, the shot went too high.
Trailing 1-2 at the break, QSC decided to pull all stops in the second session.
Its slick play helped it to dominate the early exchanges.
Enterprising de Oliviera dribbled his way into Kharaitiyat box which created a goal-mouth scramble in which Soria struck the equaliser in the 55th minute.
The tight match took a toll on the nerves of QSC coach Sebastiao Lazaroni, who was challenging the decisions by referee Khamis al Kuwari frequently.
But in the 63rd minute, the referee finally gave marching orders to the coach when he showed resentment over the booking of Fadel Omar Said.
QSC was fired up after this and laid a siege on the Kharaitiyat’s goal.
In the 77th minute, Soria could have struck again but he slammed the ball wide.
But de Oliviera was not the one to spurn the chance when he got it after beating the off-side trap in the 81st minute.
He darted inside and put the ball over from a close range to give QSC the maximum points and claim the $1,500.
SECOND-HALF goals from Sebastian Soria and Marcio Jose de Oliviera gave Qatar Sports Club a deserved victory 3-2 over Al Kharaitiyat and put them among table toppers of the Qatar Stars League, presented by Masraf Al Rayan, in the opening week.
Mercurial Soria earlier struck first in the 10th minute when he neatly finished a sublime, low cross with a powerful shot inside 18 yards.
Kharaitiyat, who rallied strongly after the reverse, was handed a chance to equalise in the 12th minute when Abdullah Alawi brought down Alaa Abdul Zahra.
The free-kick was from 25 yards but Yahia Kebe’s effort was saved by the goalkeeper to the delight of the home fans.
With 20 minutes into the game, Kebe could not be stopped from getting a goal.
Kharaitiyat equalised after a clever pass from left winger Abdulla al Battat freed its top striker Kebe who calmly slotted the ball home.
Nigerian international Tico Okonkwo, making his league debut for Kharaitiyat, had a good first-half with his ball distribution and dribbling abilities, which resulted in a free-kick from 25 yards after he was pulled down when racing his way into the danger area.
The resultant freekick was brilliantly converted by Kebe for his second goal of the match.
The pressure was apparently on Qatar Sports Club as its lost concentration might have seen it concede another goal in the 35th minute by Zahra.
He needed just a simple touch to increase the goal tally but as he chose to crash the ball into the net, the shot went too high.
Trailing 1-2 at the break, QSC decided to pull all stops in the second session.
Its slick play helped it to dominate the early exchanges.
Enterprising de Oliviera dribbled his way into Kharaitiyat box which created a goal-mouth scramble in which Soria struck the equaliser in the 55th minute.
The tight match took a toll on the nerves of QSC coach Sebastiao Lazaroni, who was challenging the decisions by referee Khamis al Kuwari frequently.
But in the 63rd minute, the referee finally gave marching orders to the coach when he showed resentment over the booking of Fadel Omar Said.
QSC was fired up after this and laid a siege on the Kharaitiyat’s goal.
In the 77th minute, Soria could have struck again but he slammed the ball wide.
But de Oliviera was not the one to spurn the chance when he got it after beating the off-side trap in the 81st minute.
He darted inside and put the ball over from a close range to give QSC the maximum points and claim the $1,500.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
e-passport facility for Nigerians in Doha soon
DOHA NIGERIAN expatriates in Qatar could acquire electronic passports in Doha itself in mid-September.
However, the opportunity to get the new passport in Doha will be available for a limited period of just three days.
Thereafter, it can be obtained only from the Nigerian embassy in the UAE.
The initiative for this comes from the Nigerian embassy in the UAE and the Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDO Qatar).
OJ Millar, president of NIDOQatar said, “As the December 31, 2010 deadline for phasing out the old machine readable passport (MRP) approaches, all hands must be on deck to ensure that all e l i g i b l e Nigerians, outside the country who wish to have the chip-based e-passports are issued the same.” “As a measure of our commitment and diligence in serving the community, we have liaised with the Nigerian Embassy in the UAE for a three-day exercise to issue the epassport to residents who have not acquired theirs saving them the trouble of travelling to Abuja or Lagos for that purpose,” he said.
December 31, is the deadline set by the Federal Government of Nigeria after which (from January 1, 2011) only those Nigerians who hold e-passport would be allowed to enter or go out of Nigeria.
In order to check the growing cases of forgery, duplication, identity theft and other related crimes, which continue to dent the country’s image, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), in 2007, introduced the e-passport.
OJ Millar also pointed to the implication that if you have residential status, you need a new passport, given that travelling with your old passport with a Qatar ID to Nigeria automatically nullifies it if it is not embedded in the e-passport.” The harmonised ECOWAS smart electronic passport issued by the Nigerian Immigrations Service is powered by biometric technology in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) specifications for international travels.
The e-passport is supported by a powerful data base that ensures verification of data claims from any point of entry or departure; the traveller’s identity can be ascertained and any ambiguity arising from identity problems addressed.
Nigeria is the first country in Africa to acquire the e-passport technology and among the first five nations of the world to adopt the biometric technology to the delight of International Migration Experts and security agents worldwide.
Welcoming the move for issuing of e-passport at Doha, Frank Idozie, a Nigerian resident said, “I’m happy with the idea of getting my e-passport here without having to travel all the way to Abuja.
It will save me not only the pain of a long journey to the country and back, but also lots of money.” “This is a welcome development and we appreciate the efforts of government.
I enjoin Nigerians in Diaspora to sustain the enlightenment campaign so that everybody gets the new passport before the deadline expires,” said Florence Ijachie, a resident.
However, the opportunity to get the new passport in Doha will be available for a limited period of just three days.
Thereafter, it can be obtained only from the Nigerian embassy in the UAE.
The initiative for this comes from the Nigerian embassy in the UAE and the Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDO Qatar).
OJ Millar, president of NIDOQatar said, “As the December 31, 2010 deadline for phasing out the old machine readable passport (MRP) approaches, all hands must be on deck to ensure that all e l i g i b l e Nigerians, outside the country who wish to have the chip-based e-passports are issued the same.” “As a measure of our commitment and diligence in serving the community, we have liaised with the Nigerian Embassy in the UAE for a three-day exercise to issue the epassport to residents who have not acquired theirs saving them the trouble of travelling to Abuja or Lagos for that purpose,” he said.
December 31, is the deadline set by the Federal Government of Nigeria after which (from January 1, 2011) only those Nigerians who hold e-passport would be allowed to enter or go out of Nigeria.
In order to check the growing cases of forgery, duplication, identity theft and other related crimes, which continue to dent the country’s image, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), in 2007, introduced the e-passport.
OJ Millar also pointed to the implication that if you have residential status, you need a new passport, given that travelling with your old passport with a Qatar ID to Nigeria automatically nullifies it if it is not embedded in the e-passport.” The harmonised ECOWAS smart electronic passport issued by the Nigerian Immigrations Service is powered by biometric technology in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) specifications for international travels.
The e-passport is supported by a powerful data base that ensures verification of data claims from any point of entry or departure; the traveller’s identity can be ascertained and any ambiguity arising from identity problems addressed.
Nigeria is the first country in Africa to acquire the e-passport technology and among the first five nations of the world to adopt the biometric technology to the delight of International Migration Experts and security agents worldwide.
Welcoming the move for issuing of e-passport at Doha, Frank Idozie, a Nigerian resident said, “I’m happy with the idea of getting my e-passport here without having to travel all the way to Abuja.
It will save me not only the pain of a long journey to the country and back, but also lots of money.” “This is a welcome development and we appreciate the efforts of government.
I enjoin Nigerians in Diaspora to sustain the enlightenment campaign so that everybody gets the new passport before the deadline expires,” said Florence Ijachie, a resident.
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