World Press Freedom Day: Ojukwu Harps On Better Deal For Journalists

World Press Freedom Day: Ojukwu Harps On Better Deal For Journalists

… Commend UNESCO for championing the proposed World Press Freedom Day Global Conference scheduled to hold between 2nd and 5th May, 2022 in Punta Del Este

… Urges law enforcement agencies to intensify investigations to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of some Nigerian journalists, including the late Vanguard newspaper journalist, Tordue Salem

Abuja – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said that the press is a critical agent for the protection of democracy and development and must be supported to enable them to effectively discharge their constitutional duties as the watchdog of the society.

It observed that Nigerian journalists fought very hard to achieve our democratic status and deserve a better deal unlike the current situation where many of them struggle with poor conditions of service amidst other challenges, including censorship, harassment, intimidation and in some cases, assassinations.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu (SAN) who stated this at the eve of the celebration of the 2022 World Press Freedom Day noted that the society should see journalists as “The oxygen of democracy and agents of change and development”, saying that their constitutional duty which is enshrined in Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, “to hold the goverment accountable to the people” distinguishes them as those who perform essential duty to the nation. At this time when Nigeria is at the crossroad of challenge of justice, equity and fairness to stabilize our democracy, the press must defend democracy by its commitment to holding our governments accountable to the truth always no matter the difficulties of the times. It must remain the conscience of the nation, telling the truth at times like this, to save our democracy.

This year’s theme for celebration of World Press Freedom Day is, “Journalism under digital siege” is apt as it seeks to bring to the fore, “the impact of the digital era on the freedom of the press, the security of journalists and access to information and privacy”.

The Chief Human Rights Officer stated that it is incontestable that the advent of the internet with the attendant boost in digital communication has benefited humanity in various ways, “but at the same time it has threatened our right to privacy, since virtually nothing is hidden from the internet radar.

“It is on this note that I commend UNESCO for championing the proposed World Press Freedom Day Global Conference scheduled to hold between 2nd and 5th May, 2022 in Punta Del Este, Uruguay. The conference would be a forum for key players in the internet related companies, legal experts, journalists etc to discuss the challenges of digital communications, the impact on press freedom and the way forward”, Ojukwu said.

According to the learned Silk, the commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day is not an opportunity to witch-hunt any person or Institution, but is a period to reminisce the fundamental principles of press freedom, guage the state of press freedom globally, defend the Media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who are either human rights defenders in custody or captivity or have lost their lives in the line of duty.

He therefore, urged the law enforcement agencies, including the Police to, as a matter of necessity, intensify their investigations to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of some Nigerian journalists, including the late Vanguard newspaper journalist, Tordue Salem whose body was reportedly found in Abuja in 2021.

Observance of World Press Freedom Day which started in 1993, and celebrated on 3rd of May annually is designed to remind governments of the need to respect their Commitment to press freedom and to remind journalists of the need to adhere to their professional ethics, defend democracy, justice, equity and fairness and be committed as human rights defenders.

Reps To Hold Plenary On 3 Critical Bills Wednesday

Reps To Hold Plenary On 3 Critical Bills Wednesday

Abuja – The House of Representatives is to hold a plenary on Wednesday to facilitate the passage of three (3) Bills, which are of Urgent Public Importance.

The bills are, the Proceeds of Crime Bill, the Money Laundering Prohibition Act Amendment Bill and the Terrorism Prevention Act Amendment Bill.

A statement from the Clerk House of Representatives, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, said the passage of the three bills would equally enable Nigeria meet some international deadlines and obligations.

Already the Senate has passed the bills, waiting for concurrence from the House for the bills to be communicated to the President for assent.

They are aimed at strengthening the fight against terrorism, crimes and money laundering, among others.

The Statement read: “I am directed to inform all Hon Members, Legislative Staff, Media and the General Public that the House will hold Plenary on Wednesday 4th May, 2022, by 11:00 am.

“This is intended to facilitate the passage of 3 Bills which are of Urgent Public Importance and equally enable Nigeria meet some international deadlines and obligations.

“The Bills include: Proceeds of Crime Bill, Money Laundering Prohibition (Amendment) Bill 2011 and Terrorism Prevention Act.”

Why PDP Should Suspend Planned Inauguration Of Silas Onu’s As Ebonyi State Chairman – Tochukwu Okorie Reveals

Why PDP Should Suspend Planned Inauguration Of Silas Onu’s As Ebonyi State Chairman – Tochukwu Okorie Reveals

Abuja – Mr. Nwokpoku Sunday Jude, PDP member and on behalf of Eight Hundred and Ninety Six (896) other aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, has called on the party to suspend the planned illegal inauguration of Silas Onu as the Chairman of Ebonyi State PDP pending the determination of the appeal already entered by the Court of Appeal Abuja Division in the interest of peace and cohesion of the party in the state.

The State Chairman of the party, Tochukwu Okafor made the call on Monday in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

Tochukwu said the demand became necessary against the backdrop of the press statement dated 2nd May, signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon Debo Ologunagba to the effect that Silas Onu will be inaugurated tomorrow, 3rd May, 2022 as the state Chairman of the party.

In a petitioned submitted to the party Headquarters in Abuja on Monday (today), by the law firm Anwan Chambers & Co – Counsel representing Mr. Nwokpoku Sunday Jude and 896 other aggrieved members of the PDP, titled: URGENT NEED TO RESCUE PDP IN EBONYI STATE BY NOT INAUGURATING SILAS ONU AS THE CHAIRMAN OF EBONYI STATE PDP PENDING THE DETERMINATION OF THE APPEAL ALREADY ENTERED BY THE COURT OF APPEAL ABUJA DIVISION, AND DEMAND FOR IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF THE INAUGURATION OF SILAS ONU AS THE CHAIRMAN OF EBONYI STATE PDP WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE TOMORROW THE 3RD MAY, 2022, AS CONTAINED IN A STATEMENT SIGNED BY HON. DEBO OLOGUNAGBA, THE NATIONAL PUBLICITY SECRETARY OF PDP, reminded the party that Mr Okoroafor Tochukwu Okorie is still the authentic elected Chairman of PDP in Ebonyi State.

The petition reads in part:

Above subject matter referred……..
Sequel to an earlier instruction of our client Mr. Nwokpoku Sunday Jude, PDP member and on behalf of Eight Hundred and Ninety Six (896) other aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, we hereby reserve the pendulum and re-incontrovertibly state we healthily represent them all in all matters.

Pertaining to the immediate suspension of the inauguration of Silas Onu as the Ebonyi State PDP Chairman and it’s auxiliary Court injunction so to do vis-a-vis the pending Appeal at the Court of Appeal Abuja Division.

We are fully abreast of the Judgement of the Federal High Court Abuja delivered on the 13th April 2022 in suit No: FHC/Abj/is/1319/2021 wherein Mr Okoroafor Tochukwu Okorie who was duly elected by the party during it’s Congresses in 2021 was removed on the ground that he submitted his application form three (3) days after the deadline for the submission of the said form. This is technicalities taken too far by some sycophant/moles in the Ebonyi State PDP where aspirations in APC is very glaring and will do whatever it takes to use the instrument of litigation to scuttle the relative peace Ebonyi State PDP has enjoyed over the years.

see full details of the petition to the party:

THE NATIONAL WORKING COMMITTEE, (NWC)
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Plot 1970 MichealOkpara Street,
Wadata Plaza,
Wuse Zone 5,
Abuja

ATTN:
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, (NEC)
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Plot 1970 MichealOkpara Street,
Wadata Plaza,
Wuse Zone 5,
Abuja

SUBJECT: RE: URGENT NEED TO RESCUE PDP IN EBONYI STATE BY NOT INAUGURATING SILAS ONU AS THE CHAIRMAN OF EBONYI STATE PDP PENDING THE DETERMINATION OF THE APPEAL ALREADY ENTERED BY THE COURT OF APPEAL ABUJA DIVISION

DEMAND FOR THE IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF THE INAUGURATION OF SILAS ONU AS THE CHAIRMAN OF EBONYI STATE PDP WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE TOMORROW THE 3RD MAY, 2022 AS CONTAINED IN THE PRESS STATEMENT DATED 2ND MAY 2022 SIGNED BY HON. DEBO OLOGUNAGBA THE NATIONAL PUBLICITY SECETARY OF PDP.

Above subject matter referred……..

Sequel to an earlier instruction of our client Mr.Nwokpoku Sunday Jude,PDP member and on behalf of Eight Hundred and Ninety Six (896)other aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in EbonyiState, we hereby reserve the pendulum and re-incontrovertibly state that we healthily represent them in all matters-

Pertaining to the immediate suspension of the inauguration of Silas Onuas the Chairman of Ebonyi State PDP and its ancillary Court injunctions so to do vis-à-vis the pending Appeal at the Court of Appeal Abuja Division

We are fully abreast of the Judgment of Hon. Justice A. R. Muhammed of the Federal High Court Abuja delivered on the 13th April 2022 in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1319/2021 wherein Mr. OkoroaforTochukwuOkorie who was duly elected by the party during its congresses in 2021 was removed on the ground that he submitted his application form three (3) days after the deadline for the submission of the said form. This is technicalities taken too far by some sycophant/moles in the Ebonyi State PDP whose aspiration in APC is very glaring and will do whatever it takes to use the instrument of litigation to scuttle the relative peace Ebonyi State PDP has enjoyed over the years

It is instructive to query who is behind the said Silas Onu? Is he related to the former Governor of Ebonyi State (Engr. David Umahi), is he a plant a farmer is trying to plant in the farm of PDP to scuttle the chances of PDP in the coming election in Ebonyi State?

Sir, the People Democratic Party (PDP) has been one single party since the creation of Ebonyi State which every tom, dick and Jerry can attest to this fact which was breached by Engr. Dave Umahi whom the Federal High Court Abuja removed as the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State through the application of the party PDP.

Sir, you could recalled that the Judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja has not been obeyed even when the party (PDP) has forwarded His Excellency Rt. Hon. IdumaIgariwayname in obedience to the said judgment of the Federal High Court Abuja, but till date the inauguration of Rt. Hon. IdumaIgariwayhas not taken place, the reason INEC gave is that there is a pending Appeal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja. That’s the law as it stands till date, it has not changed.

However, the said judgment has been appealed and the Appealentered since 18th April 2022. Attached and marked annexure “AN-1” is the Notice of Appeal for your on spot reference please.

It is pertinent to set the record straight and for the avoidance of doubt. The facts of the matter are as follows:

That PDP conducted its congresses and elected ward, local government. State and national officers.

That PDP also elected statutory delegates who will elect flag bearers for the party in the 2023 General Elections through indirect primaries.

That there are two (2) electing bodies for delegates when it is indirect primaries; the statutory and 3-man delegates. The 3-man delegates are elected across the number of political wards in each State and is ad-hoc. See the provision of the PDP Constitution

In the case of Ebonyi State which the PDP Constitution made provisions by providing for (statutory and 3-man delegates) which should be invoke in this circumstance pending the determination of the Appeal over the State Chairmanship position to avoid repeat of Zamfara State APC saga.

It is to be noted that Mr. TochukwuOkafor was duly and validly elected by the party during its congresses in 2021 before a member of the same party who also contested and was rejected by the party members approached the Court to challenge the wish of the party members who has spoken through their vote by means of technicalitiesviz; that Mr. Tochukwu submitted his application form three (3) days after the deadline for the submission.

It is to be noted that the date set for deadline of the submission of the PDP Chairmanship application form was a public holiday (1st October National Day) which Mr. Tochukwu submitted his application on the next day being working day.

The said judgment has since been appealed by the PDP on the ground that the matter was an internal affairs of the party and that Silas Onu had not exhausted the internal mechanism for dispute settlement in the party before approaching the Court as encapsulated in the PDP constitution which is the supreme guide of all members of the party. The Court of Appeal has entered the Appeal and is yet to communicate the date of hearing the appeal to parties.

The law duly provides that ’nothingshould change during the pendency of an appeal.’This is subsumed in the Latinism lis pendent lite nihilinnovetur.
It is our respectful opinion that the far-reaching legal consequences that attends actions taken pendent lite are well known in Nigeria and well covered by case law. See the Supreme Court decision in Akinkugbe V. Ewulum Holdings Nigeria Limited (2008) 12 NWLR (Pt.1098) 375 at 383 holding 10

ALTERNATIVE TO INAUGURATION OF SILAS ONU IN VIEW OF THE PENDING APPEAL AT THE COURT OF APPEAL, ABUJA

LEGAL POSITION/PDP CONSTITUTION

In view of the position encapsulated in the PDP constitution as regards 3-man delegate congress/election which is usually authenticated by the state chairman of the party and since the position of chairman is in dispute and the Appeal having been entered, we suggest that to avert the repeat of Zamfara State 2019 experience the issue of 3-man delegates being part of the delegates election of the party flag bearers scheduled to hold from 7th May, 2022 be suspended

The delegates’ election can be conducted without 3-man delegates and it does not invalidate the result of the primary election. The statutory delegates serve for the primary where there is no 3-man delegate.

This is a precedent because it happened is Anambra State in the last governorship election and currently three states (Ebonyi) and other Two (2) states has been suspended by the party from conducting 3-man delegates congress.

However, the party (PDP) having short itself on the leg by suspending 3-man delegates is now been influenced through the backdoor by one moneybag masquerading in Ebonyi State to reinstate and conduct the congress before the primaries.

Suffice to put that failure to suspend the inauguration of Barr. Silas Onu will tantamount to an affront to the judiciary

Suffice to put that if the inauguration is allowed to take place tomorrow the 2nd May, 2022, the implication is that it will undermine the chances of PDP as this will create factions in the party since the case is still pending at the Court of Appeal Abuja Division.

Our clients remained loyal party faithful who will do whatever it takes legally to ensure justice for the members of PDP family in Ebonyi State and the big family (PDP) all over Nigeria

Against the backdrop of the above detailed information/guidance, we crave your respectful indulgence to stall or suspend the inauguration slated for tomorrow in line with the press release of 2nd May, 2022 attached herewith as Annexure “AN-2” in the overall interest of the party PDP
We urge the NWC and NEC to avert the unavoidable litigation which is loading in the overall interest of the party and the vision of reclaiming the lost states to PDP.

N/BCORAM; we trust you will agree with us that an injunction can be sought at any time and whatever inauguration carried out can be set aside which may put the party (PDP) in a very big risk of not producing a valid Governorship aspirant etc.

We hold ourselves out as fully representing our client Mr.Nwokpoku Sunday Jude,PDP member and on behalf of Eight Hundred and Ninety Six other aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi Stateand will not hesitate to invoke the wrath of the law if this timely demand is treated with no iota of respect.

We thank you for your kind courtesies and trust that you will be accordingly guided always

Yours Faithfully,

Chief O. U. Orji Esq.
Chief U. U. Umoanwan Esq.
(Notaries Public)
Benjamin C. Ogbamgba Esq.
Joseph E. Abutu Esq.

CC.
THE NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, PDP
THE NATIONAL PUBLICITY SECRETARY, PDP
CHIEF J. K. GADZAMA SAN
CHIEF MIKE NZEKHOME SAN
J.S. OKUTEPA SAN
S. T HONS SAN & CO.

London Vitality 10,000: Mo Farah beaten by Cross

Farah is beaten by Ellis Cross in his first race since June while Eilish McColgan misses a British record by two seconds at the Vitality London 10,000.

Farah, who last raced in June 2021, was unable to out-kick Cross, who won by four seconds in 28 minutes 40 seconds.

Before the race Farah said it would not “make any sense” to keep racing if he could not compete at the top level.  “Today was tough and Ellis did well to beat me,” 39 year old Farah, told BBC Sport. 

Farah, who was unable to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics after fracturing his foot in the build-up to qualifying, added: “It is really important to test your body and see where you are. It has been so long since my last race.

Cross, who represents Aldershot, Farnham & District, said he “didn’t quite follow the script” in upsetting Farah in front of a London crowd that cheered him on in the 16,000-strong event.”I can’t believe it,” Cross told BBC Sport.

Qatar 2022 Playoffs:  

FIFA Fine Nigeria over Pitch Invasion  

Following the unruly behaviour of fans during the second leg of the Qatar 2022, World Cup Playoffs round against the Black Stars of Ghana, the World soccer ruling body ( FIFA) has slammed Nigeria with a heavy fine.

The match which was played at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, witnessed fans encroaching the field after Ghana held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw.

The draw meant the Super Eagles bowed out of the World Cup while Ghana progressed, the outcome came as shock to fans which led to their agression toward invading the pitch after the game.

According to the update coming from FIFA, Nigeria has been fined about N64 million( $150,000) for the fans rampage and the first home game of the 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifier to be played behind closed.

It means that the Super Eagles’ CAF African Nations Cup qualifier game against Leone Stars of Sierra Leone in June will be played behind closed.

Pray For Peace, Stability in this Period of Workers’ Day and Id el Fitr Celebration – IPCR To Nigerians

Pray For Peace, Stability in this Period of Workers’ Day and Id el Fitr Celebration – IPCR To Nigerians

Abuja – The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to pray for peace and stability as Nigeria joins the rest of the world in celebrating this year workers’ day and Id el Fitr celebration.

The Apex peace organisation has also asked Nigerians to pray especially in this period of electioneering for a peaceful conduct of 2023 general elections.

The Peace Research Agency which is also a think-tank of the Federal Government on peace and conflict resolution, with the mandate of promoting and building peace, added that what the country needs at this point of our trying moment is uniting against the evil forces that are undermining our peaceful cohesion.

This statement wishes to remind Nigerians that development is a product of peaceful co-existence, therefore, citizens should stand on the side of peace and remain law-abiding in the face of these challenges. As patriotic citizens who truly believe in the destiny of this country, we should rise up to the occasion to take up this civic responsibility in moving the nation forward.

As the nation celebrates Id el Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan, Nigerians should take a sober reflection, and connect their hearts to God in the spirit of the season for the restoration of our dear country.

The Institute wishes to further note that it is not unmindful of the security challenges facing the nation, but it is not unsurmountable because President Buhari is already showing the political will to ending the security challenges.

As Nigerians travel across the country to commemorate these festivities, the security agencies have guaranteed their commitment in safeguarding the highways for the safety of commuters.

The IPCR also uses the occasion to salute Nigerians for their patience and resilience in the face of difficulties. The Institute further salutes the courage and selfless service that the military, the police and other security agencies have demonstrated in restoring Nigeria on the dreams and vision of its forebearers.

The Institute assures the gallant security forces of the IPCR’s continued support, and collaboration with them to always provide the soft approach to rid-off Nigeria’s current security challenges and restore it back on the path of sustainable peace and development.

Nigerians are therefore enjoined to use the occasion of these celebrations to pray for peace and development in our country.

Remain Dogged, Unrelenting – Army Chief to Troops

Remain Dogged, Unrelenting – Army Chief to Troops

Abuja – The Chief of Army Staff, Gen Faruk Yahaya has called on troops in the north east to remain dogged and unrelenting as eid- El fitr approaches.

Farouk made the call while on routine operational visit to the JTF OPHK to assess the level of successes recorded thus far.

The Nigerian Army disclosed this via it’s official Twitter handle on Sunday.

The tweets read:

COAS TO TROOPS IN THE NORTH EAST AS  EID-EL-FITR APPROACHES -“Remain Dogged, Unrelenting”…on routine operational visit to the JTF OPHK to assess the level of successes recorded thus far, called on troops to be more decisive in routing the criminal elements from their enclaves.
The COAS General Faruk Yahaya was conducted round on inspection of some combat equipment recently revamped using the Nigerian Army Electrical Mechanical Engineers Corps repair capability. 

Gen Yahaya arrived the theatre of operations in  company of some principal staff officers, where he was given an update on the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY & Operation LAKE SANITY.  He expressed satisfaction with the successes so far, urging them to remain vigilant & proactive.

IWD: Labour Rights Critical To Inclusive Development – NHRC Scribe, Tony Ojukwu

Abuja – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged government at all levels to observe international best practices in handling labour related matters.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission Tony Ojukwu SAN stated this as Nigeria joins the rest of the global community to commemorate the 2022 international workers day (IWD).

According to the statement signed by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Deputy Director Public Affairs, Ojukwu stated that prioritising the rights of workers is critical given that human resources remain the drivers of development in any clime.

He further stated that entrenching good working relations between employers and employees both in government and private sectors in Nigeria will bring about industrial harmony rather than suspicion, tension and strike which all come with their attendant negative tolls on the society.

Chief Tony Ojukwu (SAN) observed that Nigeria as a Member of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), cannot afford to renege on the acceptable standards of relationship with the workforce.

The Chief Human Rights Officer opined that it is interesting to note that Nigeria as a Member of the ILO has always deployed dialogue as a mechanism for addressing disagreements and grievances involving Labour, adding that continuing in that manner will not only portray the nation in good light but also reinforce the confidence of workers in the government.

On the current strike embarked upon by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and three other labour unions, the NHRC Boss enjoined the federal government to expedite action to resolve the current impasse with ASUU so as not to further endanger the right to education of the university students who have lost an academic year as a result of the unfortunate strike.

“Incessant ASUU strike has continued to constitute a major threat to the right to Education of students of our tertiary institutions especially the public Universities where the grater population of our youth attend”.

The human rights Czar regretted that the University strikes deform qualitative and productive education for the Nigerian youth and consequently, “education which is regarded as the fulcrum for national development is truncated” he lamented.

He said the ongoing ASUU strike has also taken an ugly toll on the lives and livelihood of family members of the affected lecturers as most of them reportedly find it difficult to cope with the basic responsibilities of taking care of their families.

The Executive Secretary is therefore using the opportunity of the IWD to call on the government to call the ASUU back to the negotiation table, pointing out that while the union cannot have all their demands met at once, the government could intervene to urgently take care of the most disturbing demands, pending when more resources are available to do more.

According to the learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, it is not in doubt that most of the demand being made by ASUU are genuine, saying that merited allowances, improved facilities and infrastructures are not in any way bogus expectations that cannot be taken care of, considering the positive effects these will have on our universities.

He stated that the preference of University Transparent Accountability Solution (UTAS) to IPPIS by ASUU is something that the government could look into with a view to possibly making some necessary adjustments that will be favourable to both parties.

He called on all the parties to use the opportunity of this year’s IWD to resolve all issues outstanding on the strike and get the students back to schools and stop the further violation of right to education and development of the students.

Marcelo Make Exceptional History with Madrid

Real Madrid fullback, Marcelo Vieira has made history by becoming the most decorated player in the history of the Spanish club.

The Brazilian won his 24th major trophy on Saturday as Real Madrid defeated Espanyol 4-0 to win the LaLiga title for the 35th time.

This was Marcelo’s 6th Spanish league crown, following titles won in 2007, 2008, 2012, 2017 and 2020.

The 33-year-old has also won four FIFA Club World Cups, four UEFA Champions Leagues, two Copa del Rey, five Spanish Super Cups and three UEFA Super Cups.

Wolfsburg End Barcelona Winning Streak at UEFA Champions League

Wolfsberg women team earned a 2-0 win against title holders, FC Barcelona Femeni in the return leg of the 2021/2022 UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) semi-final on Saturday.

FC Barcelona had to sit back and rely on its 1-5 first-leg win to scale through Wolfsburg hurdle.

After a goalless first half, Wolfsburg found the breakthrough from Tabea Wasamuth’s 47th-minute strike, while Jill Roord doubled Wolfsburg’s lead in the 59th minute.

However FC Barcelona Femeni held on to qualify for its third Champions League final with a 5-3 win on aggregate.

The defeat was the first for Barcelona in over 45 games in all competitions. They will play their third Champions League final where the team will face Lyon.

The final will take place on May 21, at the Allianz Stadium, Turin, where the most successful team in the UWCL, Lyon will face title holders, FC Barcelona.