World News Update

_Exchanges shirt with Moses Simon_ Sensational Nigerian striker Akor Adams opened his Ligue 1 season account with a goal against Nantes in a 1-3 defeat for Montpellier. Adams was on target in the 30th minute, converting an equalizer for his side after Matthis Abline had given Nantes the lead. His goal restored confidence for Montpellier, but the resurgence was short-lived as Super Eagles winger Moses Simon scored a penalty just 15 minutes later to put Nantes back in front. The game ended 3-1 in favor of Nantes, with Mostafa Mohamed sealing the victory with a third goal in the 85th minute. Akor Adams, who completed the full 90 minutes, had 20 touches and managed to find the back of the net, showcasing his striking prowess early in the season. Despite the loss, Adams' performance was a bright spot for Montpellier, as the Nigerian forward continues to make his mark in the French top flight. His ability to score against tough opponents like Nantes highlights his potential to be a key p...

The Special Assistant on Grassroots Development to the Honourable Minister of Sports, Adeboye Adeyinka Anthony, has praised the efforts behind the Rising Stars Football League, highlighting its role in promoting sports at the grassroots level and contributing to community development. Adeboye expressed his admiration for Ifeanyi Khana, the Project Coordinator of the Rising Stars Football League, stating, "Ifeanyi Khana and his team have done a fantastic job in overseeing this very important project. Their commitment to fostering grassroots sports is commendable and demonstrates the potential of private initiatives in driving sports development in Nigeria." He further emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the government and private sector in promoting sports, saying, "The Ministry of Sports alone cannot develop sports in this country. We need private sector initiatives like the Rising Stars Football League to come on board and support our vision. It is thr...

The Chairman Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic Ayede Barrister Mubo Mercy Adelabu has congratulated the newly installed Ekaarun Balogun Olubadan, Senator Sarafadeen Alli. Barrister Mubo Adelabu felicitated the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, on his installation as the Ekarun Balogun Olubadan by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, on Friday 30th August 2024. In a release, through her media office, she stated that; “Congratulations on your well-deserved ascension to the esteemed position of Ekaarun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland. “This honour is a testament to your unwavering commitment to the community and your exemplary leadership qualities. Your dedication to serving the people and your tireless efforts to promote the welfare of Ibadanland have not gone unnoticed. “This new role is not only a recognition of your hard work but also a significant opportunity to further contribute to the growth and developme...

Team Nigeria’s representatives in the Para Badminton event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics have made a strong start on Day 1 of the competition.  Mariam Eniola Bolaji and Chigozie Jeremiah Nnanna showcased their skills and determination with impressive victories in their opening matches. Mariam Eniola Bolaji triumphed over India’s Mandeep Kaur with a commanding 2-0 (21-8, 21-14) win in the women's SL3 event. Bolaji displayed remarkable agility and control, overpowering her opponent and securing a significant victory to kick start her campaign. Chigozie Jeremiah Nnanna also had an outstanding performance, defeating Germany's Marcel Adam 2-0 (21-12, 21-15) in the men's SL4 event. Nnanna's relentless pursuit and strategic play proved too much for Adam, as he took a decisive win in his opening match. Both athletes will continue their campaigns in the group stages on Friday, 30th August. Mariam Eniola Bolaji is set to face Australia’s Celine Aurelie Vinot, while Chigozie Jerem...

_Super 4 Finals Set for Sept. 15_ The Rising Stars Football League held its first Ultimate Skills Challenge at Bwari Stadium, marking a thrilling day of youth empowerment and athletic talent. This event provided a platform for young players to showcase their skills and compete for substantial cash rewards, reinforcing the league's commitment to developing grassroots football talent. Unlike previous challenges that involved random fans, this year's competition on July 24, 2024 featured 22 selected players from the recently concluded league season. These players were chosen for their outstanding performances and were given another chance to demonstrate their abilities. The event ensured that all participants were rewarded for their efforts, with each player receiving an appearance fee of N10,000. The top three performers walked away with significant cash prizes: Emmanuel King emerged as the winner of the skills challenge and took home N250,000. Onyedika Philip secured second plac...

As the French Ligue 1 season enters matchday 3, Montpellier HSC is gearing up to showcase Nigerian sensation Akor Adams against Moses Simon's Nantes this Saturday. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams looking to secure crucial points early in the season. Akor Adams, Montpellier's top marksman, is ready for the clash and eager to replicate his record-breaking performance from four months ago. In their previous meeting in April, Adams scored the fastest goal for Montpellier in Ligue 1, just one minute and 30 seconds into the game, since Andy Delort's goal against Marseille on April 10, 2021, which came at 29 seconds. Adams has continued his impressive form, .Scoring twice on the opening day last season, made him the first player in Montpellier's history to score twice in his debut Ligue 1 match. The last player to achieve a similar milestone was Robert Malm in Ligue 2, during a match for Grenoble that ended in a 3-2 defeat. Notably, Adams scor...

As the world's top para-athletes gather in Paris for the 2024 Paralympic Games, Nigeria's Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has charged Team Nigeria to make a resounding statement of excellence and determination. Senator Enoh emphasized that the Paralympic Games present a significant opportunity for Nigeria to seek redemption and restore the nation's pride on the global stage. "Paris 2024 is not just another sporting event; it's an opportunity for Team Nigeria to show the world what we are capable of. Our athletes have trained hard, and they are prepared to give their best performance. We are here to compete, to win, and to bring glory to Nigeria," said Senator Enoh. Team Nigeria is arriving in Paris with a strong contingent of 35 athletes, accompanied by a dedicated team of coaches and medical personnel, all ready to take on the world's best. The Paralympic Games, scheduled to take place from August 28th to September 8th, ...

Shittu Olaitan Abede Writes from Abuja Nigeria, a nation brimming with youthful energy and potential, is grappling with a crisis that threatens to derail her progress due to mass unemployment among her youthful population. With 8.6% unemployment rate,  youth unemployment has far-reaching implications for the country's stability,  economic growth, and social fabric. The recent protest and the violence that mar it in some part of the country is a reminder that decisive action must be taken now. Nigeria boasts of the youngest population globally, with about 140 million of the country population. This number, if harnessed effectively, could propel Nigeria into a period of unprecedented economic growth and development.   However, the flip side of this coin is a burgeoning youth population without adequate employment opportunities and lack of technical know-how on their part to utilise the country mineral resources to their advantage. There is no doubt about it. The c...

Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh on Tuesday the 27th of August pledged support for the Federation of African University Games (FASU),slated to take place in Nigeria.  Speaking while receiving a delegation of the organizing committee for the games who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja, the minister assured them that the ministry will do everything within its power to ensure that the games is successfully hosted by the country. Decrying the present state of NUGA games, he advised the committee to look inwards and take a critical look at NUGA to find out what made it such a huge success in the past.  Senator Owan Enoh who assured the delegation of the willingness of the ministry to avail the Nigerian team the use of its facilities observed that the existence and use of high performance centres is the distinguishing factor that separates countries who excel from those who do not, adding that sports should be co-operative and collaborative at lo...

The Project Manager of the Rising Stars Football League (RSFL), Ifeanyi Khana, has shed light on the mission and structure of the competition, which is to be held in Abuja.  The RSFL, a unique football league comprising teams from the six area councils of Abuja, is designed to provide opportunities for young, grassroots talent to develop and showcase their skills on a larger platform. According to Ifeanyi, the qualifying process for the RSFL was conducted within the area councils, where teams emerged successfully. Each qualifying team received 25,000 Naira, along with footballs and sets of jerseys, to encourage participation and ensure they are well-equipped for the competition. "The Rising Stars Football League is more than just a football tournament," said Ifeanyi. "It's a community-driven initiative aimed at empowering the youth by providing them with a platform to excel. We want to encourage grassroots teams and give them the exposure they need to develop and sho...

_"Says Nojim's legacy as a pioneer of Nigerian sports excellence will never be forgotten"_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigeria's first Olympic medallist, Nojim Maiyegun, who died on Monday at the age of 85.  Maiyegun's death comes just days after the 60th anniversary of his remarkable achievement at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, where he won a bronze medal in boxing. Competing in the Light Middleweight (71 kg) category, he shared the bronze medal with Poland's Józef Grzesiak after both athletes lost in the semifinals, as per Olympic tradition. In his statement, Senator Enoh offered his condolences to Maiyegun's family and the entire Nigerian sports community, acknowledging the late boxer's monumental contribution to Nigerian sports. "Nojim Maiyegun's achievement in 1964 was not just a win for himself but a victory for all Nigerians. His legacy as a pion...

The leadership of Tinubu Support Organization (TSO) in the Southwest has expressed sadness, over the demise of Oyo State APC Chairman, Barrister Isaac Ajiboye Omodewu. Late Chief Isaac Ajiboye Omodewu was the Oyo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), before his death on Sunday, 18th August 2024. In a press statement, the Southwest Coordinator of TSO, Alhaji Ambali Abiodun, described the death of the late APC State Chairman as "exit of a Bridge-builder", adding that Barrister Isaac Omodewu was "a true progressive and party man, a quintessential leader, who lived an exemplary life, worthy of emulation and prayed that "God will grant the family, APC party in Oyo State the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss, and grant the departed soul Aljanah Firdaus". Alhaji Ambali Abiodun also commiserated with the families, friends and relatives of the deceased, as well as the APC families across the Southwest and Nigeria at large, over the loss of the re...

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has charged Nigeria’s U20 Women’s National Team, the Falconets, to do well and make the nation proud as they depart for Bogota, Colombia, for their final preparations ahead of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. The Falconets, led by Head Coach Christopher Musa Danjuma secured their place in the prestigious tournament after a series of impressive performances in the qualifiers.  As consistent participants in the World Cup and two-time finalists, the Falconets have their sights set on making history by bringing home the trophy this time around. Senator Enoh, in his message to the team, expressed confidence in their abilities and encouraged them to surpass their previous best achievements.  "Your predecessors have done well reaching the final of the competition on two occasions and making the semifinals once. It is now time for you to take our country further by winning the trophy, " he said. He added thus, ...

The Supervisory Councilor (Budget and Finance) for Ogo-Oluwa Local Government, has appreciated Hon. Faozey Oladotun Nurudeen (FON), for giving him the rare privilege, to be among among the beneficiaries on his list of appointments. The release made on Saturday 17th August 2024, reads: Hon. Faozey Oladotun Nurudeen Sir, I, Samuel Abiola Akande, humbly write to register my appreciation to you, for allowing my name to be on the list of your appointees. I'm grateful to you, for approving my name, as one of the beneficiaries of your large heart, for making possible my appointment as a Supervisory Councilor in Ogo-Oluwa Local Government. This is a rare privilege, I am so much indebted to you; God, in His infinite mercy will continuously bless and uplift you, your heart desires will be fully granted. Thank you Sir! Samuel Abiola Akande, Supervisory Councilor, Ogo-Oluwa Local Government. Saturday 17th August, 2024.

Ayede, August 14, 2024 The Federal Polytechnic Ayede Ogbomosho-Oyo State, took a significant step forward on Wednesday with the inaugural meeting of its new governing board and principal officers. The meeting, chaired by Barr. Ademubowale Mercy Adelabu, was held at the institution’s temporary site along the Ogbomoso-Iresa Pupa road. Barr. Adelabu emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to education, as outlined in the Renewed Hope Education Roadmap and its eight-point agenda. These initiatives aim to address key challenges in the education sector, including labour disputes, limited access to education, and the need to enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s educational institutions. The goals include revitalizing the education sector, improving skill development, increasing enrollment, reducing the number of out-of-school children, and addressing unemployment. During the meeting, Barr. Adelabu called for cooperation among board members, principal officers, and stakeholders...

Ayede, August 14, 2024 — The Federal Polytechnic Ayede Ogbomosho-Oyo State, marked a pivotal moment in its development with the inaugural meeting of its new governing board and principal officers on Wednesday. The meeting, presided over by Barr. Ademubowale Mercy Adelabu, Chairman of the governing board, was held at the institution's temporary site along the Ogbomoso-Iresa Pupa road. Barr. Adelabu highlighted the significance of the gathering by underscoring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's strong commitment to education, as reflected in the Renewed Hope Education Roadmap and its eight-point agenda. These initiatives aim to tackle pressing challenges in the education sector, including labor strikes, limited access to learning, and the overall competitiveness of educational systems. The overarching objectives are to rejuvenate the education sector, enhance skill development, boost enrollment, decrease the number of out-of-school children, and combat unemployment. During the meeting...

_RECEIVES ASSURANCE OF MORE SUPPORT_ Ogbomoso, August 12, 2024 - The newly constituted leadership team of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, led by the Board Chairman, Barrister Mrs. Ademubowale Adelabu, and the Rector, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Abdulhameed, paid a courtesy visit to Chief Sunday Dare, FNIS, CON, at his Ogbomoso home. The visit, which took place on August 12, 2024, was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the institution, stakeholders and its host community, as well as seeking the support of Chief Sunday Dare, who has been a stalwart supporter of the polytechnic from his birth. Present at the meeting were members of the board, including Alhaji Aminu Sokoto, Mrs. Monisola Tegbe, Alhaji Modu Minter, and Chief Matthew Adesanya. In his remarks, Chief Sunday Dare, who is also the Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland, assured the Federal Polytechnic Ayede new board and management team of his total support towards achieving their goals and the progress mandate as contained in the President...

The Olympic Games, Paris 2024,have ended, and I accept that our performance should have been a lot better. It obviously fell short of our objectives, expectations, and hopes of Nigerians. I must apologize to our compatriots and reflect on what went wrong while looking forward to the Paralympic Games, Paris 2024(August 28 - September 8th). When I assumed office as the Minister of Sports Development in August 2023, I was confronted with the task of executing four international competitions namely the AFCON, the African Games,the Olympic and Paralympic Games in a matter of a few months. I was also reminded that the Olympic Games is the world's supreme sports competition, and countries require at least four years to prepare for it. I held extensive discussions with the management staff of the Ministry and got to know that preparations for the Olympics, which was less than a year away, had not started.  In the true Nigerian spirit, it was our view that we should spare no effort to susta...

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has stated that there will be stiffer scrutiny of the constitutions governing Nigeria's sporting federations in advance of the forthcoming elections.  This announcement follows Team Nigeria's disappointing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the country did not secure any medals. Senator Enoh, speaking from Paris, stated, "We did everything as a Ministry to prepare the athletes adequately and provide them  with every financial support but unfortunately the performance  has not produced any podium finish.” He continued, "As we go back home we must do everything to prevent future occurrence of the Paris disaster and if this will entail the review of how people are elected to lead our sporting Federations, it will be done." Emphasizing the importance of upcoming federations' elections, Senator Enoh noted, "I know that elections into the Federations are coming and it will be the ...

In a move to motivate and inspire Nigeria's Women's Basketball team, D'Tigress ahead of their crucial quarterfinal game against Team USA, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, along with the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Mrs. Tinuke Watti, and the Acting Director of FEADS, Mr. Olumide Bamiduro, paid a visit to the players, coach, technical crew of D’Tigress, and the President of the Federation, Musa Kidda. D'Tigress has demonstrated exceptional performance at the Paris Olympics, defeating highly-ranked FIBA teams to secure a spot in the quarterfinals, thereby making history for Africa and Nigeria. Today, August 7th, they will face Team USA in the quarterfinals. The Honourable Minister extended his best wishes to the team for their success in the game and urged all Nigerians to send their best wishes and continue rooting for D'Tigress as they strive to achieve another milestone. "We are immens...