World News Update

STATEHOUSE STATEMENT PRESIDENT TINUBU'S TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENTIAL AIDE SUNDAY AKIN DARE AT 60: Today, I celebrate Chief Sunday Akin Dare, renowned journalist, communications expert, and my Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, on attaining 60 on May 29, 2026. Sunday has come a long way with me as an ally and partner in our long and arduous struggle to establish a progressive democratic order in the country. Since he returned from the United States of America to join us, he has neither relented nor looked back in his resolve to contribute significantly to the entrenchment of democratic good governance in the land.  Together, day and night, from 2013 to 2014, we were in the crucible, planning, strategising, consulting, and engaging with like-minded people in our bid to forge an alliance between progressives in the North and South of Nigeria, until the birth of our governing All Progressives Congress. Through it all, Sunday exhibited no let or hindrance. His dexterity, ten...

PRESS STATEMENT 2026 National Sports Festival: NSC Supports Enugu State for Coal City Games: _secures project approvals for Olympic size-swimming pool, indoor sports hall renovation, others_ The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Enugu State's preparations for the 2026 National Sports Festival, Coal City Games, with the approval of critical sports infrastructure projects aimed at delivering a world-class event. The Federal Government, through the Commission approved a series of strategic sports infrastructure projects for Enugu, further strengthening preparations for the 2026 National Sports Festival. Among the approved projects for Enugu State are the construction of an Olympic-size swimming pool, the upgrade of the indoor sports hall, the rehabilitation of athletes’ hostels, and the execution of other supporting sporting infrastructure projects. These interventions are designed to significantly enhance the state's capacity to host maj...

Kingsley Awodi Welcomes Nigeria’s Para-Powerlifting Team After Algeria Championship Success: Fresh from the 2026 African Open Para-Powerlifting Championship in Algeria, Nigeria’s para-powerlifting team returned not just with luggage, but with 49 medals and a story of grit that had already begun to ripple across the country. Leading the welcome was Kingsley Awodi, a philanthropist who has quietly backed Nigerian sports for years. Recall that he re-grassed the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja under Sunday Dare, restoring one of the country’s key sporting venues for athletes and fans. Awodi is also a major stakeholder in the sports industry. In the past, he single-handedly paid athletes’ grants to ensure competitors could focus on training and competition without financial strain. His support has remained consistent and practical: in April, he hosted and sponsored the Kingsley Awodi Para-Powerlifting Championship in Abuja, providing the team with competitive exposure just weeks befo...

The Rebirth: FG Concludes Plans to Revamp Muda Lawal Stadium in Abeokuta: The Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission (NSC), has approved the revamping of the Muda Lawal Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in honour of one of Nigeria’s greatest football legends, Mudashiru Babatunde Lawal. The rebirth of the historic stadium is part of the Federal Government’s broader commitment under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to upgrade sports infrastructure across the country and create world-class facilities capable of driving grassroots and elite sports development. Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the project as a “fitting recognition for a true Nigerian sporting icon whose legacy continues to inspire generations of athletes across the country.” “Muda Lawal remains one of the finest footballers ever produced by Nigeria and deserves to be immortalized through a modern sporting facility that will serve not only ...

PRESS STATEMENT  Oran 2026: NSC Applauds Contigent as Nigeria Finishes as First Runner-Up at African Open Para Powerlifting Championships: Team Nigeria delivered another commanding performance on the continent, finishing as first runners-up, at the 2026 African Open Para Powerlifting Championships in Oran, Algeria. The team garnered a haul of 49 medals comprising 32 gold, 12 silver and 5 bronze medals.  Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, praised the team for their displayed resilience, discipline and patriotism throughout the competition, describing the team’s achievement as another proud moment for Nigerian sports. “This team once again demonstrated the true Nigerian spirit of excellence and determination,” he said, noting that their performance has continued to inspire millions of Nigerians and further elevate the country’s image globally.  “I commend the athletes, coaches and officials for their commitment and sacrifices. We want t...

PRESS STATEMENT NPFL 2025/26 Ends in Style as Rangers Clinch Title in Lagos Thriller:   _NSC DG Hon. Bukola Olopade Showers Encomium on Elegbeleye led NPFL Board_ The Nigeria Premier Football League wrapped up its 2025/26 season in grand style on Sunday as Rangers International were crowned champions after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. The decisive encounter drew top sports administrators to the ground, including National Sports Commission Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, who presented the trophy to the new champions, Rangers International, alongside the Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Olayinka Adeboye, and NPFL Chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye. Rangers’ victory sealed the title despite Rivers United’s 3-0 win over Katsina United on the same day. The Port Harcourt side’s result was not enough to overturn Rangers’ advantage, confirming the Enugu club as champions. Speaking after the match, NSC...