Sports Minister adds glamour to Daura Emirate Football Competition final

... Bags Award of Excellence

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare Friday attended the finale of the Daura Emirate Football Competition held in honour of Emir of Daura, Alh. Farouk Umar in Daura, Katsina State. 

The finale which was played on the rehabilitated Daura Township Stadium featured Hadi Sirika FC and Gakuwa Pillars and ended in a penalty shoot-out, 5-4  in favour of Hadi Sirika FC. 

In recognition of the efforts of the Minister to rehabilitate the Daura Stadium,The Daura Emirate Soccer Coaching Society presented an Award of Excellence to Dare, lauding his commitment to sports development in the country.

The Daura stadium was rehabilitated under the Adopt-a-Pitch Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative of the Minister. It will be recalled that the Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja was revamped in the same guise, while remedial work is presently on-going in the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. 

Dignitaries that graced the Football competition finale include Emir of Daura, Alh. Farouk Umar, Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari, son of President Muhammadu Buhari, Alh. Nasiru Danu amongst others.

Mai Mala Buni: The 'Pini Zahavi' of Nigeria Politics - Fanwo

 

A stalwart of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo has described the Chairman of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Governor Mai Mala Buni as the political Pini Zahavi of Nigeria. 

He stated this in Abuja while fielding questions from reporters, commending the CECPC Chairman  for stabilizing and boosting  the strength of  the APC. Pini Zahavi is renowned around the world for executing big football transfers. 

According to him, the party was caught in a big leadership storm before Buni stepped into the boat. 

He said, "You would recall how we were almost consumed in the dangerous interests attrition in the party before NEC decided to set up the Committee to pilot the affairs of the party. 

"Today, we can count our blessings under the leadership of the CECPC. Buni was able to stabilize the party and ensured peace. He also carried out membership registration and revalidation drive which raised our membership to 41 million members, making the APC the largest party in Africa. 

"Gov. Buni was also able to conduct successful congresses at the Ward, Local Government and State levels. He also set up a Reconciliation Committee led by Sen. Abdullahi Adamu to listen to grievances within the party and bring members together ahead of the 2023 poll. 

"A few days ago, the report of the Reconciliation Committee was submitted as part of the events leading to the National Convention of the party".

He also commended the Mai Mala Buni led CECPC for inaugurating the State Chairmen of the party at a well attended event at the National Secretariat, saying it is no surprise that the Chairmen poured encomiums on Governor Buni and Governor Yahaya Bello. 

"I listened to the speech of the Forum of State Chairmen of our dear party and I am glad they commended Governor Buni for stabilizing and growing the party. They also saluted the immense contributions of the Governor of Kogi State, Alh. Yahaya Bello for being a strong pillar for the party.

"Governor Yahaya Bello is a passionate party leader who has led many campaigns to ensure victory for the party. We can't forget in a hurry his roles in the Governorship elections in Ondo and Ekiti States. He also deployed the media optimally to bring in millions young people and women into the party".

Fanwo expressed optimism that the CECPC will organize a hugely successful National Convention.

Omani league leaders Dhofar bolster squad with 36 Lion defender, Sodiq Atanda

 

Omani Professional League outfit Dhofar have officially announced the signing of Sodiq Atanda on a free transfer.

Atanda started his football journey in Lagos, representing 36 Lion at a young age.

After putting on promising shows at 36 Lion, the defender moved to Albanian top flight side FK Apolonia in 2013.

He has also played for FK Partizani, Hapoel Kfar Saba and FC Prishtina in the past.

Dhofar decided the 28-year-old centre-back was the right fit for the team as they are trying to improve on the defensive side.

After 11 games played in the Omani Professional League this term, Dhofar are first on the ladder with 26 points.

The ex Nigeria U23 defender has officially put pen to paper on a two-year contract with Dhofar.

Done Deal: Spanish side, Santa Teresa signs Super Falcons star Glory Ogbonna

By Favour Itua

Super Falcons Defender, Glory Ogbonna has joined  Segunda División Pro team Santa Teresa CD on a Six-Month Deal after her contract with Umeå IK was terminated by mutual consent. 

Ogbonna was presented by the club to the fans this afternoon and will wear the No 3 jersey. 

On signing for Santa Teresa CD, Ogbonna said: "My ambition is to help the club gain promotion to the top flight and win trophies.

"That's why I am playing football. I am a competitor and I want to win big anywhere I go to".

Ogbonna, who joined Santa Teresa CD from Umeå IK helped the team top the Elitettan table and gain promotion to the top flight (Damallsvenskan) with two woman of the match awards. 

A African Women Cup of Nations winner in 2018, has just been invited by Super Falcons Coach, Randy Waldrum ahead of the 2022 AWCON Qualifiers against Cote D'Ivoire. 

After 16 matches, Santa Teresa CD are currently 4th on the Segunda División Femenina table with 25 points, 5 points behind table toppers Alhama.

We remain committed to protection of Child Rights' - Kogi Government

The Kogi State Government has reiterated its resolve to continue to protect the rights of children in the state.

Governor Yahaya Bello gave the assurance during the inauguration of the 5th Kogi State Children's Parliament held at the Lugard House, Lokoja on Thursday.

The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Edward Onoja said that the state government has justified its commitment in this regard by ratifying, domesticating and implementing the Child Rights Law in the state.

The Governor noted that with this development, the rate of abuse being faced by innocent children on daily basis will be greatly reduced to its minimal level and vowed that justice would be served on the offenders of the law.

"Today's Epoch making event is another step taken by my administration towards giving golden voice to the voiceless children of Kogi State. As we all know, the Children's Parliament was a creation of the federal government in Nigeria aimed at enhancing Child's participation in governance.

"Since assumption of office, our administration has intensified efforts aimed at reviving all programmes particularly the one to guarantee the safety of lives and property of families living in Kogi State. Lot of resources both human and materials have been committed to making Kogi State safer and better for our children to live a promising and productive life" the Governor explained.

He stressed that any government that knows its onions should see children as leaders of both today and tomorrow and strive to ensure their empowerment by giving them sound training from the onset when they were born until they grow into leaders.

In her welcome address, the Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Fatima Buba said"As a custodian Ministry, we have a duty to help secure the future of our children. We owe them fidelity. We would not relent on our oars unless and until we have secured an enabling environment for their growth, survival, protection, participation and development.

"We shall work tirelessly with individuals, major stakeholders and credible NGOs to make Kogi uncomfortable for those involved in the business of kidnapping, sale, abuse and molestation of children" the ommissioner vowed.

She urged the parliamentarians not to disappoint the confidence reposed in them.

The Speaker of the Children's Parliament, Right Hon. Wisdom Amobeda in his inaugural speech, promised to synergy with the appropriate stakeholders like the Police, Army, NSCDC, Correctional Centres, Immigration, Custom, Office of the Governor, National Orientation Agency, relevant Ministries and host of others to ensure the popularization of the child rights law in Kogi.

He commended the state governor, Yahaya Bello for his Commitment to the well-being of Kogi women, youths and children.

He appealed to the state government to as a matter of importance to assist the parliament with mini bus and monthly or quarterly subvention to enable it function effectively.

End.

APC Youth Festival: Youth Minister Sunday Dare says Nigerian youths are strategic to nation building

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare has commended Nigerian youths for their active participation in the political process at all levels of government.

Speaking ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth festival scheduled to hold on Saturday,  February 5 at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan,  the Minister applauded the organizers of the event, adding that the youth are strategic to nation building.

Dare stressed that national development cannot be achieved without the integration of the younger generation, noting that the youth are blessed with uncommon  talents , which should be explored for the progress of the country.

The Minister, who will deliver a keynote address at the event, is expected to highlight the achievements of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government in the area of youth empowerment.

The Minister, while urging the youth to sustain the feat, called on the political class to support youth-friendly policies of the federal government, adding that the President's assent to the Not-To-Young-To-Run bill is a testament to the love President Muhammadu Buhari has for the youth.

Dare, wished the youth a fulfilling and hitch-free festival.

Evolution Cup: Top honours for Late Rasheed Balogun, Kunle Soname, four others as draw holds on Saturday

Organizers of Evolution Cup have announced plans to honor six personalities who have made outstanding impact on football development in Nigeria over the years. 

The maiden edition of the Evolution Cup will go down in Ikenne from February 21st to 26th, 2022. A preseason tournament established for Nationwide League One (NLO) clubs to prepare for the new season. 

Olatoye Olawale, who is the Project Strategist of the Evolution Cup confirmed that six people will be honored for their numerous support for football development in the country. 

“This is an oppurtunity to appreciate those who are working so hard, to make football develop in this country- and we are glad that this is coming in the first year of the tournament”. Olatoye said. 

Former General manager of Shooting Stars, Rasheed Balogun, who died on January 20th is a recipient of an award, for his commitment to football development in Nigeria.

The Proprietor of Remo Stars and the owner of Bet9ja, Kunle Soname will be recognized for supporting the development of Nigeria football over the years. 

While the Chairman Ekiti State Football Association, Bayo Olalenge will be recognized for his commitment to Ekiti football development, Tunde Shamsudeen will also be honored for his consistent delivery of a top notch preseason tournament. 

Other recipient of the award includes Chief Operating Officer of NLO, Olushola Ogunowo and Akanni Agboola, for their total support and commitment to grassroots football in Nigeria.

Also, draws for the maiden edition of Evolution Cup will be held at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne on Saturday, 5th February, 2022, to start by 2pm with teams representative and other stakeholders in attendance.

The tournament, sponsored by Alphakay International Sports and Packaged by Sportsflames communication will feature Abraysports FC, Right 2 Win FC, Olansile FC, Hammola International FC and Beyond Limits FC.

Other teams that would be rolling out their aces for the 5-day soccer fiesta are Rolly FC, Magic Stars FC, Olukismet FC, Ilaji FC and SGFC Athletics .

Alhaji Abdullahi Bello: Celebrating a Trail Blazer on your Inauguration as Kogi APC Chairman

 

My Brother, the State Chairman of Kogi State APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, aka Dollar.

Congratulations on your well deserved inauguration as the State Chairman of our great Party the All Progressives Congress in Kogi State.

I'm glad and so proud that I was among those who were present at the  hitch-free and credible convention that overwhelmingly voted you as the state Chairman of our Party. 

Without sounding immodest, your track records in repositioning our Party, by making it the biggest and United Party in the State during the last general elections and afterwards remain a watershed in the history of politics of our dear State.

While wishing you the best of luck in the coming years as you sustain the feat achieved by our party in the coming 2023 general election, I'm confident that you will continue in your good stead in carrying all Members of the Party along to further victory.

Let me place on record that your performances as the Kogi State APC State Chairman is the reason that culminated into the overwhelming mandate that made the Party Members to outstandingly vote you to continue to pilot the affairs of our dear Party.

I urge you to sustain the tempo as it is becoming obvious that the GYB2PYB aspiration is becoming a reality in Nigeria if we collectively work together in unison.

Let me express my optimism that with your dogged determination, come 2023, the APC in the State would continue with its winning streak, knowing fully well that you are a goal getter and a pacesetter.

While assuring you of my esteemed support, I wish you many more years of successes in taking our Party to greater heights in good health and prosperity.

May God bless you as you drive our great family the APC to greater heights.

Congratulations and best wishes.

Signed:

Prince Yahaya Audu Odidi

APC Chieftain, Kogi State.

5th Children parliament inaugurated in Kogi

 

The 5th Kogi State Children parliament has been inaugurated in the state.

The inauguration ceremony which was held at the Government house in Lokoja on Thursday had in attendance top government functionaries, dignitaries, traditional leaders, religious leaders and Non- Governmental organizations.

Speaking at the ceremony, Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello who was represented by his Deputy Chief Edward David Onoja noted that, under his leadership, the child right law was passed by the State House of Assembly.

According to him, in the last six years, his administration has targeted on critical thematic area especially education.

Bello said his administration will not relent on  his oars in infrastructural development stressing that, the upliftment of health facilities across the state is on course.

Bello added that his adminstration have embarked on many reforms to better the lives of Children just as the security of lives and properties remains a top priority of his administration.

The Governor however warned Children in the state to stay away from social vices such as examination malpractice, cultism, and  drug abuse 

Earlier, the Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Fatima Kabir Buba vowed that the present administration will smoke out and make life unbearable for all syndicates involved in the business of kidnapping, sale, abuse and molestation of children.

Buba said the ministry is collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure maximum protection of Children in the state adding that, any one caught engaging with this criminal act will face the full wrath of the law.

She emphasized that by ratifying, domesticating and implementing the Child Right law in Kogi State , the rate of abuse of  children on daily basis will be at its minimal level while justice will be served on the offenders of the Law.

Continuing, the Commissioner said" The law they said is not a respecter of anybody’ no matter how large the horn of a cow is, it is the head of the same cow that must carry it. Hence, as a government, we have all it takes to ensure the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of all forms of Child abuse in our society. We shall not abdicate our responsibility in this regard.

"As a custodian ministry, we have a duty to help secure the future of our Children. We owe them fidelity. We would not relent on our oars unless and until we have secured an enabling environment for their growth, survival, protection, participation and development, ‘this is our vow’.

"Children deserve protection and by their nature they lack the physical, mental and emotional maturity required to face daily challenges of life. This is why the type of rights used to guard and protect adults cannot be used to protect children because their needs are different from that of adults, Hence, the creation of the Child Right Act (CRA)".

"Whatever treatment given to a child, the consequence of your action might not be visible now but somehow it lingers as it affects that child later in life or as the child grows. An abused, neglected and maltreated child will see life from a perspective different from a child who was trained in the right way and shown the better ways to handle life.

"There is no denying the fact that Children are the leaders of tomorrow, for us to create good leaders with good morals, we have to start training them from the beginning when they are born until they grow into leaders. Children parliament is therefore one of those training structure for children between ages 10-18 years respectively".

While giving an overview of the Nigerian Children parliament, the Director Child Development, Kogi State ministry of Women affairs and social development Mrs Folashade Olaniyan said no group deserves greater attention than the country’s estimated 72 million children.

Olaniyan noted that there is an enormous improvement in the reception of government to the plight of Children, adding that, a lot of efforts have been made through setting up of legal frameworks, institutional arrangements which translate the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child into reality and to ensure its effective and practical implementation. 

The speaker Kogi State Children Parliament Rt. Hon. Amobeda Wisdom said the electioneering campaign that culminated his emergence was never a child's play adding that, they remain resolute as Children parliamentarians who's voice are those of God almighty to synergies with appropriate stakeholders like Police, Army, NSCDC, Correctional Centers, and many more to ensure the popularization of the Child right law in all parts of Kogi State.

Goodwill message were delivered by the Secretary to Kogi State Government Dr Mrs Folashade Arike Ayoade, Head of Service Mrs Odiyo, the Maigairi of Lokoja, HRH Alhaji Muhammed Markafi III, the Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, who was represented by Hon. Moses Ododo, and the Director General, Kogi State Public Defender, Abdul Zakari, amongst others.

End

School Adoption, Mentorship: Kogi Commissioner Counsels Students on Discipline, Determination, Focus

 

By Stephen Adeleye

The Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones, FCIB, IION, has advised students in the state to be disciplined, determine, focus on their academic pursuit, and develop their talents with additional skills.

The Commissioner gave the advice when he kick started the School Adoption and Mentorship program at Crowther Memorial College (CMC) and Government Science Secondary School (GSSS) to mentor the students on Thursday in Lokoja.

Recalled that His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello on January 25, inaugurated the School Adoption and Mentorship Programme, aimed at restoring the glory of education and to motivate learners for improved performance across the state.

The programme was an initiative of the State's Ministry of Education, Science and Technology,  aimed at encouraging stakeholders to encourage learners' interest in school by adopting and mentoring students in public secondary schools across the state.

It would also enable stakeholders offer career guidance and values to learners; gives first hand information to stakeholders regarding the needs and challenges facing schools in their immediate communities, among others. 

While mentoring the SSS3 students in their various classrooms at CMC and GSSS, the Commissioner charged them to exhibit the virtues of discipline, determination, tenacity focus, integrity, perseverance in their academic pursuit, and develop their talents with additional skills.

  

The students took their turn to introduce themselves to the Commissioner as well as their hobbies and talents.

The commissioner who took the students down the memory lane of his academic, professional and political careers, enjoined them to prepare themselves and be disciplined in all things.

''You cannot achieve anything in life and career without discipline; you must discipline yourself and study very hard to succeed in life. 

''Anyone that is not disciplined, cannot amount to anything in life.

''I needed to be disciplined for me to achieve anything in life. It was discipline that singled me out among my peers at the early stage of my life,'' he said.

He noted that education has greatly improved and dynamic, and urged the students to have a mentor in which they could emulate.

He admonished the students to strive to develop their talents with additional skills as soon as they discover them, citing the Best World Footballer for several years, Christiano Ronaldo as a typical example.

''Whatever talent God has given you, don't burry it, develop it with additional skills. Your Talent is anything that you do that gives you joy,'' he said.

He further advised the students to be tenacious and focus in achieving their goals and never get distracted by anything.

He further charged them to persevere with integrity and never give up irrespective of the challenges, saying they would surely succeed in life.

He encouraged the students not to get involved in any form of social devices and other related crimes and criminality, while commending them for conducting themselves very well.

''We are desirous to ensuring that selfish and wicked politicians do not use you as tools for destruction and insecurity in the state,'' he said.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the visit, the Commissioner said the exercise was to demonstrate the ministry's level of commitment to the program, saying His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello is committed to it.

''What we are doing today is symbolic. I have just done one part, the other part of the program is where volunteers would adopt a child, block of classroom, a school, bring computers, texrbooks, equip laboratory, among others. 

''This would cut across the grassroots in all the 21 local government areas of the state'', he said.

He commended the governor for his total commitment to taking education to the highest level in the state.

The Principal of CMC, Mrs M.O Ogunmola, said she felt so happy that their school was the first school to benefit from the school adoption and mentorship programme in the state.

''I am very grateful to the Commissioner for the gesture, and I pray that God will bless him,'' she said.

She called on other stakeholders in the state to follow the foot step of the commissioner by coming to mentor their students as well as school adoption.

Some of the students, who spoke on behalf of others, Praise Durotoye of GSSS;  Danjuma Tukura and Victoria Paul of CMC, thanked the commissioner for coming to their schools to mentor them, describing it as a lifetime experience.

Tukura who is a talented Comedian, and Durotoye, a talented Singer, both entertained the Commissioner and his team with comedies and song respectively.

The Commissioner donated textbooks to the two schools, and presented textbooks to some of the students for their biliant performances. 

End

APC national stalwart, philantropist pledges support for Kogi United, Confluence Queens

 

By Godwin Wambebe

The Personal Assistant to the Executive Governor of Yobe State and National Caretaker Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Alhaji Yakubu Murtala Ajaka has pledge his support for Kogi United/Confluence Queens football Club of Lokoja.

Alhaji Muri as he is popularly known threw his weight behind the Kogi state government Sponsored teams after interacting with Chairman of the two Clubs Abdulmalik Isah and pledge his unflinching Support for the teams Wednesday evening in Abuja.

The top All Progressive Congress party stalwart describe football and Sports in general as a readily available tool to engaging youths positively and redirect their minds away from unprofitable things and a venture that can give them a lifelong Sustainable platform as Sports has become absolutely lucrative.

" With this in mind,there is the need for government,corporate organizations and well meaning individuals to key into the lofty concept and idea of supporting sports.We can use Sports to engage the youths who happen to control an appreciable percentage of the Nation's population positively by investing heavily in the sector"

The Young Politician/Philanthropist who is widely known especially in his home state of Kogi for his large heart,generosity and desire to always uplift the downtrodden wherever he goes said after hearing the story of the two state clubs and their needs to compete favourably in their respective Leagues, promised to support the teams in whatever way he can.

A generous Man,the young aide to the Caretaker National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress who is also the executive governor of the Nort-eatstern state of Yobe Alhaji Mai Mala Buni commended Alhaji Yahaya Bello for his giant strides in infrastructural development,Security,educational upliftment, Youth and Women empowerment said with what the Presidential hopeful has achieved so far,there is the need to complement his efforts by supporting the two teams for Optimum performance. 

Alhaji Ajaka met with the Chief Security Officer to the Executive Governor of Kogi state Alhaji Abdulmalik Suleiman and the Chairman of Kogi United/Confluence queens football Club Honourable Abdulmalik Isah Dolly in Abuja, the Nation's Capital where salient issues affecting the development and welfare of the teams were discussed extensively. 

Kogi United Football Club is preparing to commence campaign in the Nation's second tier league in a week's time and will look to put behind it, last season's disappointing outing in the League and post a better performance this season.

The Young energetic APC stalwart who is known for his generosity and large heart was later presented with a Kogi United branded Jersey as the Club's Grand Patron by the Club's Chairman Honourable Abdulmalik Isah Dolly and the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to Kogi state governor Alhaji Abdulmalik Suleiman.

Danish side Jammerbugt FC snaps three players from Mailantarki Care Academy

Mailantarki Care Football Academy have announced the successful transfer of three of their players who were discovered in one of the scouting program recently conducted in Abuja to Danish second division side, Jammerugt FC as released on their social media platforms on Monday.  

Sadiq Muhammed Bappa a highly rated talented young star with amazing speed, precision, and technique signed the dotted lines for Danish side Jammerbugt FC for 3 years till 2025. 

Others who also secured the deal include sensational midfielder Sadiq Abdullahi and a winger Umaru Muhammed on the same duration.

Mailantarki Care Football Academy President/CEO Hon Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki and one of the players Forward Sadiq Muhammed Bappa yesterday in Abuja

The deals was sealed before the end of the winter transfer window on Monday 31st January 2022 and the players are expected to travel to Denmark very soon for the start of their respective professional career with the second-tier club. 

Mailantarki Care Football Academy and Jammerbugt FC negotiations was successful after reaching all the agreements provided in the contract papers presented by the Danish side representative Abdulrahman Umar Baba for an undisclosed fees. 

The highly inspirational football academy owned by Honourable Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki have in the recent past secured another professional contract for two of its players Auwalulu Muhammed and Abdulrahman Sa'idu in Portugal.

36 Lion product from Benin Republic, Olaitan joins French Ligue side

 

Benin Republic international Junior Olaitan Ishola has been snapped up by French Ligue 2 outfit Chamois Niort.

Junior Olaitan, who is considered one of the most exciting young players in Africa, will begin a three-and-half-year contract with his new club.

The attacking midfielder joined Ayema FC from 36 Lion on loan in 2021 and continued his football development.

During this period, he featured for Benin Republic U20 and the senior national team.

"I am very happy to join Chamois Niort a very good French club. The project meets my expectations. The Ligue 2 is good league to start my career in Europe," Olaitan told the Media.

"There is a very good team in Chamois Niort, a lot of talent. I know the club is famous for its training. For a young player like me, this is the best choice for progress.

"I have come to help the team achieve their goals. It is a great challenge to take up."

Olaitan could make his debut when Niort host 

USL Dunkerque on Tuesday in the French Ligue 2 season.

On the international scene, he boasts 5 caps for the Squirrels since his debut in 2021.

First-class Graduates: PAAU has not offered our best any cash reward – VC

 

The attention of the Management of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Ayingba, Kogi State, has been drawn to an online media report alleging that the University gave N2000 and N5000 as reward to her first class and overall best graduating students’ respectively, at the 6th combined convocation ceremony of the institution.

Ordinarily, the University would have kept silent and allow the mischief makers live with the figment of their imagination since it is not a true reflection of what transpired.

However, for the discerning mind who would be misled by such misinformation, it has become necessary to correct the misleading impression by setting the records straight. The PAAU had at no time, and did not after the 6th convocation, offer such reward to her best graduating and overall students who made first class after painstaking and rigorous efforts to distinguish themselves.

For the records, it has been the tradition of the PAAU to offer automatic employment to her best graduating and overall best students with the option of refusal.

The best and overall graduating students who made first class at the 6th convocation ceremony held at the weekend of 29th January, 2022, could therefore not have been treated any less.

It may interest those behind the misleading information to note, that while the University is yet to make a pronouncement on the reward for the best graduating and first class students, we are not unmindful of the fact that some individual lecturers in some Faculties and Departments of the students who excelled, with particular reference to the Faculty of Agriculture, made personal efforts to appreciate their best graduating students.

This should not be misconstrued to be the reward from the University administration, as a corporate entity.

It is unfortunate that personal cash donations by some Departments and individual lecturers to their students to reward hardwork and excellence through the University has been mischievously misunderstood.

It is the tradition of PAAU for donations by individuals to best graduating Students’ be paid into the University’s Prizes Account, while the University thereafter issue cheques to the deserving recipients, an action that has been misconstrued.

The reward to the students that is being misunderstood is only symbolic and a recognition by the individual lecturers as a way of appreciating their best students. This is a development considered a very rare privilege by lecturers and some individuals which ought to be commended. Sadly, it has been misread as the reward coming from the University.

Beginning from the inception of PAAU,
our best graduating students have always enjoyed the option of automatic employment. The records and beneficiaries of such gestures can attest to that magnanimity.

We therefore use this medium to urge the members of the public to disregard the misleading report in circulation.

The university will at the appropriate time, announce its rewards to our deserving graduates.

Signed.
Prof. Marietu Tenuche
Vice Chancellor
PAAU
Anyingba, Kogi State.

Organisers announce date for Evolution Cup draws

The draw for the maiden edition of Evolution Cup will be held at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne on Saturday, 5 February, 2022, the organizers announced. 

Evolution Cup 2022, which is scheduled to take place from 21 February to 26 February at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne will see Nationwide League (NLO) teams battle in a preseason tournament ahead of the new season. 

“We are ready for the draw on Saturday and I believe the teams can’t wait to see their pairings too. It will go down at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, which is also the venue for the tournament. 

“We want to use this tournament as a platform to make good preparations for NLO teams going into the new season”. Project strategist, Olatoye Olawale said. 

The draw is expected to start by 2pm on Saturday, 5th of February, 2022 with teams representative and other stakeholders in attendance.

The tournament, sponsored by Alphakay International Sports and Packaged by Sportflames communication will feature Abraysports FC, Right 2 Win FC, Olansile FC, Hammola International FC and Beyond Limits FC.

Other teams that would be rolling out their aces for the 5-day soccer fiesta are Rolly FC, Magic Stars FC, Olukismet FC, Ilaji FC and SGFC Athletics .