Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Author: B.O.B Echoload

  • Former First Lady Amosun, Other Indigenes of Osogbo celebrates 10yr anniversary of Ataoja, Oba Olanipekun

    Former First Lady Amosun, Other Indigenes of Osogbo celebrates 10yr anniversary of Ataoja, Oba Olanipekun

    Sons and daughters of Osogbo on Saturday paid homage to the Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun as he celebrates 10 years coronation anniversary.

    Among many illustrious indigenes, who attended the ceremony in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, was the former First Lady of Ogun State, Dr. Olufunso Amosun.

    At the ceremony, Mrs Amosun, who is the founder of UPLIFT Development Foundation, announced a financial donation towards development projects in the area.

    Also, the Muslim Political Awareness Front (MUPAF) said it is satisfied with the reign of the Ataoja so far.

    The group expressed this In a congratulatory message signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Arakunrin Ajelogbon De-Moon and made available to journalists on Saturday in Osogbo.

    MUFAP described the 10 years of Ataoja Larooye II on the throne as peaceful and accommodating to both indigenes and residents of the ancient city.

    “Kabiesi, your reign has brought tremendous development to both indigenes and residents of Osogbo, may your reign be long on the throne of your forefathers. We are proud of you kabiesi”, MUFAP said in the statement.

    Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun ascended the throne of his forbearers as the 18th Ataoja of Osogbo ìn 2010 after the demise of Oba Dr. Iyiola Oyewole Matanmi, who reigned for 34 years.

    Dignitaries who graced the occasion include Osun State Deputy Governor, Gboyega Alabi; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III; Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal and Orangun of Ila Orangun, Oba Abdul Wahab Olukayode Oyedotun Bibiire I.

    Others are lawmaker representing Osun Central in the Senate and current Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Suraju Ajibola Basiru, members of the Osun State House of Assembly and Chairman, Osogbo Local Government (LGA), Hon. Musa Adegoke.

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  • Lagos Police Decline Further Comments on Abiola’s Sons’ Detention

    Lagos Police Decline Further Comments on Abiola’s Sons’ Detention

    Lagos State Police Command Friday declined any further comments on the alleged illegal detention of late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola’s two sons, Kassim and Aliyu, who were arrested and detained over the September 2 robbery incident which took place at the residence of late politician in Ikeja.

    They were said to have been detained, following a complaint that was lodged by their step-mother, Adebisi Abiola, after the robbery incident.

    But, reacting to the suit instituted by Abiola’s sons, Public Relations Officer of Lagos State Police Command, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said: “On MKO Abiola’s Sons’ Arrest: We will be silent for now because the matter is subject of litigation. We will react as when due.”

    Robbery: Abiola’s Sons Sue Lagos Police Commissioner over Detention

    In another development, Chairman of the Police Trust Fund (PTF) and former Inspector General of Police, Sulaiman Abba, has inspected some of the dilapidated Police Barracks and facilities in Lagos State.

    The former police boss, who was accompanied by Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu; Commissioner of Police in charge of Works, Department of Logistics and Supply, Aliyu Abubakar; Area Commander Area A Lion Building, Bode Ojajuni, among others, went round to see the bad condition of Obalende and Ije Barracks at Obalende area and Mopol 20 Police Barracks and the Police College at Ikeja.

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    While inspecting the deplorable condition of the barracks, Abba assured the police personnel and their families of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to improve their welfare and living conditions with a view to getting the best service delivery from them.

    https://echotitbits.com/senator-amosun-extols-ex-ogun-deputy-gov-yetunde-onanuga-at-60/
    He reaffirmed the Buhari administration’s determination to kick-start the Trust Fund to improve the welfare of the personnel of the Nigeria Police, especially in the areas of trainings, welfare, logistics and a host of others, for more reinforced internal security of the country.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Obi Emerges First Female Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar

    Obi Emerges First Female Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar

    Prof. Florence Banku Obi has emerged as the first female Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar.

    Obi, an educationist, beat 12 other candidates to clinch the plum job to succeed Prof. Zana Akpagu as the 11th Vice Chancellor at the institution.

    The institution’s Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro Chancellor, Nkechi Nwaogu, who spoke after the selection process, described the exercise as transparent, saying it followed the guidelines laid down by Federal Ministry of Education.

    Nwaogu explained that Obi’s emergence was a victory for women, adding that the 10th Governing Council looks forward for her to build on the legacies of the outgoing vice chancellor.

    “What we assured the university community was that we were going to be transparent, open, fair and just.

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    “There’s a guideline from the Ministry of Education as to how to conduct interview for the appointment and there were so many parameters we had to look into and that’s exactly what we did.

    “What I expect from her is to look at what the outgoing vice chancellor has done, governance is a continuum, start from where he has stopped and ensure there is integration even amongst all the people that contested against her,” Nwaogu said.

    In her reaction, Obi, while giving glory to God, promised to run an inclusive administration.

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    She said: “I’m happy andI return all the glory to God.

    “Just received my appointment letter from the 12th Council as Vice Chancellor elect.

    “The process was free and fair, and I promise to run an inclusive administration.”

    Obi was a former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), University of Calabar and an ex-Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • US Export-Import Bank Constitutes Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee

    US Export-Import Bank Constitutes Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee

    The US Export-Import Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of the US-African cooperation by constituting Sub-Saharan Advisory Committee for 2020 and 2021.

    The committee is composed of pro-investment and pro-business advisors who understand Africa and would be instrumental in growing the US-African cooperation and flows of goods, services and technology.

    The Sub-Saharan Advisory Committee is chaired by the Senior Vice President and Director of the Programme on Prosperity and Development at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Daniel Runde.

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    Other members of the committee include: Chief Executive Officer, Energy and Natural Resource Security, Inc., Derek Campbell; Senior Vice President, African Affairs and President, US-Africa Business Centre, US Chamber of Commerce, Scott Eisner; Founder and Chief Executive Officer, AppsTech, Rebecca Enonchong; Executive Director/Americas Export Finance Head, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Lori Helmers; President and Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Council on Africa, Florizelle Liser, Chairman, AfricaGlobal Schaffer,
    Mima Nedelcovych; Principal, The OKPA Co., EE Okpa; Director Customer and Industry Relations, Progress Rail, a Caterpillar Company, Marise Duff Stewart; President – International Business, Acrow Bridge, Paul Sullivan; and Chief Executive Officer, United Bank for Africa (UBA), America, Sola Yomi-Ajayi.

    By working to provide funding for trade and development deals in Africa for American companies, the US EXIM Bank could become an increasingly important source of financing for Africa’s critical energy infrastructure.

    US companies have important products, experience and expertise in several key segments of the energy value chain that would be extremely beneficial if properly matched with opportunities on the continent.

    This is especially relevant to the natural gas value-chain which has become a key priority for most African governments, and for which American technology and services could help transform the continent’s energy industry.

    Equally important is the focus given to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the committee.

    The African Energy Chamber’s own US-Africa Committee has identified the collaboration between US and African SMEs as a major requirement to grow investment and technology transfers between the US and Africa.

    Commenting on the latest appointments, a prominent member of the Africa Energy Chamber’s US-Africa Committee, Jude Kearney, said: “The African Energy Chamber notes and welcomes the recent appointment of the US Exim Bank’s Sub-Saharan Advisory Committee.

    “The renewed interest and appetite for investing in Africa shown by Exim Bank and other US trade agencies is welcome in Africa, and the continent’s energy sector is listening and open to doing business and making the kind of deals that will propel the continent towards a prosperous future.”

    “The African Energy Chamber looks forward to supporting further US involvement in Africa and to developing new ways of working together and pushing for a pro-African investment agenda in the US public and private sectors,” said Kearney, who’s also the former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Service Industries and Finance at the US Department of Commerce during the Clinton Administration and currently President of Kearney Africa Advisors.

    On his part, Director of Strategy at the Africa Energy Chamber, Mickael Vogel, said: “We are very proud to see Rebecca Enonchong on this board. She more than anyone understands the challenges of small businesses and has personally built and mentored many such businesses.

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    “With her you know you have someone who will work towards making America a good partner of the African business community and ensuring that civil society is not left behind. She is an inspiration for so many women in business.”

    “We are grateful that our own C. Derek Campbell will add value to this work.

    “Derek has a proven track-record on issues that concern trade with Africa and also on Energy Security.

    “Advancing and protecting Africa’s energy sector, empowering Africans and openings doors for so many that he has never met has been the work of his life,” noted the Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber, NJ Ayuk.

    The increased attention given to SMEs on both sides of the Atlantic is extremely encouraging for the future of US-African cooperation and its ability to create jobs and value for both regions.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • I’ve No Deal with Oilbank International Nor ADM Energy – Arthur Eze

    I’ve No Deal with Oilbank International Nor ADM Energy – Arthur Eze

    Executive Chairman of Atlas Petroleum and Oranto Petroleum, Arthur Eze, has categorically denied recent news report of his involvement in a partnership with ADM Energy on the ongoing Marginal Fields Bidding Round in Nigeria.

    On August 3, ADM Energy announced its successful pre-qualification in the Nigerian Government’s 2020 Marginal Field Bid Round, as the exclusive technical partner of Nigerian company, Oilbank International.

    But, Eze on Thursday accused Oilbank International of fraudulently using his name and presented him as its Chairman, leading to media reports stipulating his partnership with ADM Energy.

    “The misuse of my name and reputation is a blatant fraud. I am not involved in any shape or form in the management of Oilbank International, nor do I serve as its Chairman of the Board.

    Buhari, Abiodun Congratulate Adesina over Reelection as President of African Development Bank

    “Consequently, neither I nor my companies Atlas Petroleum International and Oranto Petroleum have ever had in any way, shape or form, any discussion about a potential partnership with ADM Energy,” said Eze.

    While the Nigerian Marginal Fields Bidding Round is expected to attract a lot of international partnerships to inject necessary capital and technology into the country’s marginal acreages, it’s the duty of foreign partners to do their due diligence before partnering with local entities.

    “If Atlas Petroleum International wants to acquire and operate a marginal field, it can do so on its own rights and does not need partnership with small companies like ADM Energy or Oilbank International to pursue such an opportunity.

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    “This is further demonstration that all stakeholders must adhere to President Muhammadu Buhari’s call to end corruption and promote sound and transparent business practices and corporate governance standards across the energy sector,” Eze added.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Buhari, Abiodun Congratulate Adesina over Reelection as President of African Development Bank

    Buhari, Abiodun Congratulate Adesina over Reelection as President of African Development Bank

    President Muhammadu Buhari and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, have congratulated President of African Development Bank, Akinwunmi Adesina, on his re-election for a second term in office.

    Buhari, who felicitated with Adesina on behalf of the Federal Executive Council and Nigerians in general, explained that the news of the victory came during the Council of State meeting, which was attended by former heads of state, Senate President, governors, some ministers, and senior government officials.

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    Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, applauded reelected president’s versatility, experience at both national and international engagements, saying he believed that Adesina would “further deploy these qualities to energise the pan-African financial institution.”

    He urged him to remain “focused and steadfast in pursuing the noble goals of making life better for Africans through various development plans, already captured as High 5s.”

    The statement explained that the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, announced the good news of Adesina’s reelection to which Buhari led a round of applause immediately, saying: “He (Akinwumi Adesina) deserves it.”

    Adesina Set to Be Re-elected as African Development Bank President This Week

    The Nigerian President extended appreciation to the African Union for its endorsement of Adesina much earlier, and to shareholders of the bank who worked tirelessly to ensure the return of the visionary leader.

    Buhari rejoiced with family, friends and professional colleagues of Adesina over the re-election, while commending members of staff and Board of Governors of the bank for their consistent support for the former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and his management team.

    While pledging full support of his government to ensure a successful tenure for the bank’s leadership, the Nigerian President prayed God to continue to strengthen Adesina and his team for greater good to the continent.

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    In his congratulatory message to Adesina, who hails from Ogun State, Abiodun described his reelection as a blessing to Nigeria.

    “On behalf of the good people of Ogun State, I congratulate Dr. Akinwumi Adesina on his re-election as President of the African Development Bank.

    “It is not surprising, and it is indeed a blessing to our great nation, Nigeria to have retained leadership of the regional institution, when one considers the many developmental contributions by the bank to member countries.

    “I wish him a successful new term that will steadily continue to take the African region to greater heights,” the governor said.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • PSN to CBN: Give Us Special and Dedicated Foreign Exchange Allocation to Promptly Procure Equipment & Raw Materials

    PSN to CBN: Give Us Special and Dedicated Foreign Exchange Allocation to Promptly Procure Equipment & Raw Materials

    Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has made a passionate appeal to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to consider making a special and dedicated allocation of foreign exchange to the healthcare/pharmaceutical companies so that they could procure their machinery/equipment and raw materials in a timely manner.

    PSN, in a statement by its President, Sam Ohuabunwa, noted with pleasure that some healthcare/pharmaceutical companies that applied for the special N100 billion CBN facility have been granted.

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    While pointing out that the majority of the applicants had not yet successful, PSN tasked CBN on the need to expedite the review and approval of many of the outstanding applications, so that the overall impact on industrial capacity, capability and output would be significantly enhanced in line with the noble objectives of the facility, especially as the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic subsists and the need for self-sufficiency in local drug production persists.

    Ohuabunwa added that some successful applicants have been experiencing difficulties in accessing foreign exchange in order to carry out their transactions.

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    According to him, “The feedback we receive is that many of the beneficiary companies are experiencing tremendous difficulties in accessing foreign exchange to pay for the machinery and equipment in order. Many are compelled to source forex from sundry sources at much higher rates than the official CBN rate. The impact of this portends grave danger and may undermine the noble objectives.

    “First, the longer it takes to get the machines and equipment in, the longer it will be for Nigeria to begin to see an enhanced local production.

    “Second, the longer it takes, the more difficult it will be for the benefitting companies to begin production and generate cash flow to meet the interest and repayment obligation, as the moratorium is fast depleting.

    “Third is that with forex at rates higher than the planned or forecasted rates in the business plan, the money received in Naira may no longer be sufficient to meet the stated needs.

    Buhari Approves Appointment of John Momoh as UNILAG Interim Council Chairman

    “And fourth is that the longer the Naira is left in the banks awaiting piecemeal allocation of Forex, the faster the value depreciates by growing inflation and the fewer the number of machinery and equipment or even raw materials that can be bought.

    “All these will put an additional burden on the beneficiary companies when it comes to servicing the loans in a timeous manner.

    “It is because of the foregoing and to preempt any future problems with prompt servicing of the loans that we make this special appeal to the CBN to consider making the special and dedicated allocation of foreign exchange to the beneficiary companies so that they can procure their machinery/equipment and raw materials in a timely manner, in order, that the beneficial effect of this noble program can be quickly realised and repayment made as and at when due so that the CBN will be encouraged to do more for the Pharma Industry and also to other sectors of the economy.

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    “Ideally one would have wished that the loans were granted in two currencies: Foreign currency for equipment purchase and local currency for local purchase (information available in the applications and business plans of beneficiaries). This would have obviated the current challenges being faced by the beneficiary companies.

    “Given the current and well-acclaimed responsiveness of our CBN leadership, it’s our hope that the CBN will accede to our request and help the industry to quickly optimise this earnestly prayed- for and long-awaited lifeline.”

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Buhari Approves Appointment of John Momoh as UNILAG Interim Council Chairman

    Buhari Approves Appointment of John Momoh as UNILAG Interim Council Chairman

    President Muham Buhari has approved the appointment of the President of University of Lagos Alumni Association Worldwide, John Momoh, as the Chairman of the university’s Interim Governing Council.

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    Momoh, who is Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Channels TV, would among other roles along with council members, ratify the election of the university’s new Acting Vice Chancellor, Folashade Ogunsola.

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    Ogunsola had emerged victorious with 135 votes, having defeated Prof. Ben Ogbojafor, who scored 31 votes, while one vote was generally described as voided.

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    The result of the election, Echotitbits gathered, has been forwarded to the Governing Council by the Deputy Registrar/Director of Academic Affairs, Olakunle Makinde.

  • PDP asks Gbajabiamila to step aside to aid Corruption Investigation in the House

    PDP asks Gbajabiamila to step aside to aid Corruption Investigation in the House

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has berated the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, over the decision by the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership of the House to shut down the sitting of various committees carrying out investigation on the executive arm of government.

    The opposition party alleged that the action was a deliberate design to cover the stench of corruption oozing out of the APC administration.

    “If the Honoruable Speaker is inclined towards allowing the covering of corruption, against the purpose for which he was elected to lead the House, then, he should take a bow and step aside,” PDP said.

    The party charged the Speaker to “stop circumventing the statutory duties of the House of Representative and placing of wedges in the way of the fight against corruption by the legislature.”

    PDP also described “the shutdown order by the APC leadership of the House of Representatives as a clear example of corruption fighting back from within the government circle, which must be condemned by all Nigerians.”

    The party allegedly noted that “such incursion into the activities of the committees is to quench the fight against corruption as well as to frustrate whistle blowers just because APC has become an ocean of corruption where the members are swimming.”

    “It is clear that the shutdown directive is targeted at frustrating revelations from ongoing investigations on the $500 million foreign loan from China, particularly as it relates to the mortgaging of our nation’s sovereignty to China.

    “This is in addition to the investigations into the humongous corruption in government agencies including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) the N300 billion unremitted revenue to the federation account as well as allegations of corruption in government earnings and the expenditure in Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDA’s) under the APC.

    “It is therefore unfortunate that under the Gbajabiamila-led leadership, the basic responsibility of the House of Representatives, which is its oversight on the executive, has just been maimed through a forced holiday on the members of the respective committees and their chairmen.

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    “It is equally distressing that the APC leadership of the House of Representatives is breaching parliamentary rules, practices and procedures to shield APC leaders and their cronies who have been fleecing our nation.

    “Our party therefore holds that any parliament that deliberately frustrates its statutory responsibility to call the activities of the executive to question has lost the essence of its own existence. The leadership that led it into such constitutional suicide must be held culpable.

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    “Indeed, never in our parliamentary history has committee activities been suspended or shut down on the ground of holiday or suspension of plenary.

    “For us in the PDP, it is shocking that the APC leadership of the House of Representatives could by any consideration shut down, its legislative investigation, which is exclusively vested on it under sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), on the guise of being on break.

    “Such an action is calamitous to our democracy,” said PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.

    The party, however, commended the members of its caucus and other minorities in the National Assembly for standing against corruption and striving to ensure that the APC does not sell Nigerians into slavery with its reckless foreign borrowings.

    “Our party urges the lawmakers not to be deterred but continue in their assignments, as they are only answerable to the Nigerian people,” the statement added.

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    PDP therefore charged the Gbajabiamila-led APC leadership of the House of Representatives to immediately reverse itself as Nigerians expect nothing but seamless investigations without unnecessary interferences and incursions.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Sevilla Beat Inter 3-2, Win Europa Cup for Sixth Time

    Sevilla Beat Inter 3-2, Win Europa Cup for Sixth Time

    Sevilla Friday night beat Inter 3-2 to win Europa Cup for the sixth time.

    With this, Sevilla would contest UEFA Super Cup against UEFA Champions League winners, Paris or Bayern, in Budapest on September 24.

    Sevilla and Inter would both line up in UEFA Champions League group stage draw in Athens on October 10.

    The Spanish side has again demonstrated its remarkable love affair with Europa Cup as Diego Carlos’s spectacular overhead kick, deflected in by Romelu Lukaku, sealed their sixth title.

    With so much on the line finals can be cagy affairs, but there was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it energy to the game from the off. A goal inside five minutes helps, of course, as Lukaku’s first menacing run was brought to an abrupt halt and the in-form striker duly dispatched his spot kick.

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    Sevilla responded impressively, as they had to a similar setback against Manchester United in the semi-finals. Then as now Luuk de Jong did the damage, justifying his surprise inclusion in the starting XI with two well-taken headers, a diving effort preceding a towering far-post looper.

    Back came Inter, Diego Godín showcasing his own aerial prowess, and while the match grew cagy Lukaku had a golden chance to make it 3-2 but, one on one with Yassine Bounou, he came off second best. Instead it was the unlikely figure of Diego Carlos who settled it, his spectacular overhead kick taking a decisive deflection off the unfortunate Lukaku on its way in.

    The Dutchman had not scored in 11 before his winner against United in the semi-finals, but that was enough to convince Lopetegui to hand him a start – boy, did the gamble pay off. Not only did he nod in two sublime headers, but his general link-up and hold-up play was top notch. A strong all-round display.

    On the eve of the game Inter coach Antonio Conte said he did not want his team to have any regrets after the final whistle.

    After his team suffered defeat, Conte said: “I don’t have many regrets now, my players gave really everything they had against a team used to playing these kinds of games. I think their experience in this sense made the difference in the end tonight.”

    Sevilla controlled the midfield and Inter struggled to pose much of a threat through Lukaku and Lautaro Martínez.

    “This squad are great. They believe in it, what they work on and what they transmit. Even if we hadn’t won I’d still love these guys, but today we take home the prize. We always believed. This team never gives up,” said Sevilla coach, Julen Lopetegui.

    Also speaking on the match, Sevilla defender, Diego Carlos, said: “All the players gave their best, it’s marvellous. This title was very important for all of us, I’m so pleased with all that the club has done for me and I’m so happy. I’m going home with a trophy, a goal and a pregnant missus!”

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    To Sevilla striker, Luuk de Jong: “The coach told me this morning I was starting; I told him the other day I was always ready, and luckily it worked for me. Headers are my speciality; the first cross from [Jesús] Navas was perfect and luckily I put it inside the near post. The second one was a great ball from [Éver] Banega, and it’s a special goal.”

    “The group deserves this. We’ve been fighting all season and getting over the problems that we’ve encountered. This is also for the fans, who deserve to wake up happy every day,” said Sevilla captain, Jesús Navas.