NNL: Oyebanji unveils Ekiti United’s new jerseys ahead of new NNL season

 

The Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, on Tuesday unveiled the new jerseys of Ekiti United Football Club as the team steps up preparations for the forthcoming Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

The unveiling ceremony, held at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti, was performed on behalf of the Governor by the Technical Advisor on Sports Development, Dr. (Mrs.) Olusola Osetoba.

Dr. Osetoba, while speaking at the event, reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to the development of sports and the continued support for Ekiti United. 

She charged the players to justify the confidence reposed in them by the government through hard work and dedication on the field.

"I encourage the players to repay the confidence the government has shown by performing well this season," she said.

The ceremony was attended by top government officials, football stakeholders, representatives of the Ekiti United Supporters Club, and members of the Professional Footballers Association. 

Also in attendance were the Special Assistants on Sports, Hon. Tunde Adesanya and Hon. Kola Owoseni.

Speaking at the event, Head Coach Idris Bolarinwa described the unveiling as a symbol of renewed commitment and a fresh beginning for the team. He assured fans that the players were determined to deliver a successful season.

"We are excited about the new jersey. It represents a new chapter for the club, and we promise to make our fans proud through hard work and positive results," he stated.

Team Captain Seyi Akinyemi expressed appreciation to the state government for its continued support, promising that the players would give their best in every match.

The new kit looks great. We will wear it with pride and fight for victory in every game on behalf of the Governor and the good people of Ekiti State," he said.

The ceremony, which attracted excitement from supporters and officials, set the tone for the new campaign, as Ekiti United prepare to open their NNL season with a fixture against Stormers FC.

National YOWICCN Holds 6th General Assembly, 13th Anniversary Celebration in Kogi State

 

The National Youth Wing of the Christian Council of Nigeria (YOWICCN), the largest Orthodox Youth composition in Africa, marked a defining milestone in its faith journey as it held its 6th General Assembly and 13th Anniversary Celebration at the United Evangelical Church (UEC) Headquarters, Lokoja, Kogi State.

The three-day national event was held between 7th and 9th November, 2025. 

The landmark event brought together delegates from across the country, ecumenical leaders, dignitaries, and youth representatives from various denominations under the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), all united under the inspiring theme, "Compelled by Grace: Jesus Our Example” (Titus 2:11–12).

The atmosphere in Lokoja was filled with gratitude, colour, and the unmistakable presence of grace as Christian youths converged to celebrate thirteen years of steady growth, unity, and impact. 

The theme served as both a challenge and a reminder a call for Christian youths to live disciplined, purpose driven lives that reflect the transforming power of God’s grace through Jesus Christ.

In his heartfelt Address, the National President of YOWICCN, Barr. Ekpa Emmanuel Attai, charged the Christian youths in Nigeria to let the love of Christ be the ultimate motivation in all their endeavours. 

Speaking passionately, he declared, "Grace is not an excuse for mediocrity; it is the divine energy for excellence and moral courage. 

"We are not coerced, but compelled by love love that serves rather than seeks to be served, love that sacrifices rather than competes, love that shines rather than complains."

Barr. Emmanuel further explained that being "compelled by grace" means being "compelled by love" to always do what is right and noble, even in the face of challenges. 

"If we are truly compelled by His grace," he added, "then love will guide our words, our work, and our witness in society. 

"We must be the light that shows Christ’s example to our nation."

The celebration brimmed with life and cultural richness. Youth choirs from CCN member denominations rendered melodious praise songs in Ókúñ, Igala, Bassa, and Igbo dialects, symbolizing unity in diversity. 

The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) Youth representing YOWICAN Choir Kogi State joined in solidarity, their voices blending in harmony with two moving renditions that deepened the spirit of Christian fellowship.

Among the dignitaries for the occasion were H.E. Elder Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, Deputy Governor of Kogi State; H.E. Chief Dr. Edward Onoja, former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, represented by Barrister Benjamin Atomode (popularly called Lord Bishop); Most Rev’d Emmanuel A. S. Egbunu, Ph.D., Diocesan Bishop of Lokoja (Anglican Communion); Bishop John Ibenu, immediate past Kogi State CAN Chairman; and Rev. Samuel S. Essien, Chairman of the Christian Council of Nigeria, Kogi State. Also present were Hon. Justice Ojoma Rachael Haruna, Hon. Justice S. O. Ochimana (Rtd.), and Hon. Justice H. E. Yusuf, alongside other Magistrates of the Kogi State Judiciary, Barristers, Royal Fathers/Mothers and Fathers of Faith who have continually supported youth ministry and the ecumenical movement across the state and beyond.

Notable distinguished personalities were honoured with Pillar of Ecumenism and Ambassadorial Awards in recognition of their commitment to church unity, youth empowerment, and Christian witness in Nigeria.

The guest preacher, Pastor Alikali Monday, delivered a powerful sermon in line with the theme, urging young Christians to reflect the grace of Christ in their daily living and to model integrity, humility, and compassion in every sphere of life. 

His message set a spiritually charged tone for the plenary sessions that followed, where delegates deliberated on youth leadership, faith, and social responsibility in today’s world.

In his national address, Barr. Attai highlighted the vision of YOWICCN as a movement with divine purpose rather than a mere youth gathering. "Ours is not a mere gathering of young people,” he said. “It is a movement a divine commission to raise a new order of believers whose hearts burn for revival and whose lives speak louder than their words.”

He went on to outline four foundational pillars defining YOWICCN’s mission: Spiritual Reawakening, Leadership Development, Social Impact, and Institutional Strengthening a framework built to ignite revival, raise visionary leaders, translate faith into service, and sustain integrity and unity within the Christian Council of Nigeria. “Our movement is not political; it is prophetic,” he affirmed. 

"We are not driven by ambition but by assignment, not seeking titles but testimonies, not applause but impact."

Expressing deep gratitude to partners and sponsors, the National Youth Leader described them as "co-labourers in the vineyard of Christ." 

He said, "Your generosity is not limited to finances; it is a ministry of encouragement, faith, and kingdom advancement. You have chosen not merely to support a programme but to invest in a generation an eternal seed that heaven honours."

Closing his address, Barr. Emmanuel gave a rousing charge to the youths: "You are the church of today, not tomorrow. Do not let the noise of the world drown the voice of your calling. You are chosen, capable, and anointed for relevance. Together, let us march as one body, undaunted, unashamed, and unstoppable till the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

The Assembly culminated in the election of a new set of executives led by Bro. EMMANUEL AYOKUNLE ENIADE to steer the affairs of YOWICCN for the next term, with renewed zeal to advance the mission of promoting Christian unity, leadership, and service among Nigerian youths.

The 6th General Assembly and 13th Anniversary celebration ended in thanksgiving, joy, and a renewed sense of mission. As voices rose in YOWICCN family Song and worship in unity. One thing was clear: YOWICCN is not just a youth organization; it is a living movement of grace, shaping lives, uniting the Church, and rekindling the flame of revival across Nigeria.

Clement Adeojo, YOWICCN Chairman, Kogi State, who also doubles as the Central Planning Committee Chairman anchored the program beautifully and it added colour to the day.

YOWICCN: Together We Stand. Maranatha!

Be careful what you wish for

I see some Nigerians buying the idea of the United States, U.S tagging our country as 'a country of particular concern' and proposing military invasion over the alleged violence against Christians and I panicked. 

I'm worried because some, of even many of them MAY not understand what international politics is all about. 

The America coming into Nigeria on the basis of that alleged Genocide may not be what they are coming for. 

History does not favor them in that regard. 

We've seen it happen and it's happening all the time. 

In Libya, Egypt, Iraq, Iran and Palestine et al. 

It's more like a usual pattern. 

They tell the world they were coming to intervene on something beneficial to the people of that country, they somehow turned the people against the government but beneath that, they've seen something beneficial to their country or a threat to their greatness. 

If you don't accept any of those precedents, take Libya as a serious case study. 

We all know how that country was under the late Mohammed Gaddafi and we can see how it is now. 

The Libyans that gave Gaddafi for the U.S to capture him are biting their fingers now in regrets. 

Just like my Principal, Prof Salisu Ogbo Usman (the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic) said last week when we paraded suspects in Results forgery, that we are not interested in Abubakar Musa, Adejoh Faith or Mansuma Mercy Sunday who are in possession of fake Statement of Results using it to seek admission in our institution.

We are more interested in a certain Henry Tope who is the mastermind and head of syndicate producing forged statements of results, admission letters, certificates and other items used to produce illegal documents and his accomplices that are working with him from inside. 

So, with that in mind, I've been more curious to find that hidden treasure Donald Trump and his cronies may have discovered in Nigeria lately that they want to come lay claim to in disguise for helping us to fight the Insurgents or Banditry.

Or possibly, they are getting worried that we may soon bend the curve of our economic quagmire under the current administration and it could become a threat to them as Nigeria may not need their support or that of their allies to stand on her own. 

Remember, Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural resources and new ones have been discovered lately. 

Mind you, I'm not and will not support any kind of killing, insecurity or unrest happening in the country as it's having a direct effect on me with much worries about my family in the village or being tensed whenever I'm traveling. 

This em passe, this barbaric acts by those evil people is not done only to a certain set religion, tribe or class. No!

Everyone is feeling it. 

But I won't support any DIRECT foreign aides/support/intervention, especially from a country that has a long history with TRUST to help us fight Banditry, Insurgency or alleged religious killings. 

People should stop using religion as weapons to win political votes or gain relevance. 

It's not tidy and it's old school.

We should stop this parochial approach to handling national issues. 

We are in 2025 and some persons still believe they can still use religion or ethnicity to gain votes? Haba, please. 

Let's have faith, (I know it's a bit difficult) in the security agencies of this country, especially the military to face this minute set of evil people head one and support them with our prayers and intelligence reports/gathering. 

There are new sheriffs in town now in the Service Chiefs. 

Let's give them the benefit of the doubt that they will take it from where their predecessors left the fight by uncovering sponsors, financiers and encouragers of these ungodly killings in our country. 

My teacher, Mr. Bayour Issac does say in his closing lines after every of our Radio shows, that, "Nigeria is greater than any person of group. Don't be a saboteur, let us join hands together to make it great." 

NIGERIA may be blessed, Ameen! 

Afolabi Mustapha