FC Basira set up First Bank clash in 2024 Afriskaut NLO Cup final

 

FC Basira and First Bank FC have set their sight to be crowned 2024 Afriskaut NLO Cup champions as the final holds on Friday in Abuja. 

Both teams are expected to bring excitement to Bwari Stadium in Abuja after remaining unbeaten in the Northern and Southern Conferences, earning their spots in the final stage of the Afriskaut NLO Cup.

First Bank FC and FC Basira overcame tough play-off finals to get within reach of the ultimate prize after 13 days of intense football at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium and Bwari Stadium.

First Bank FC secured their spot in the final through a thrilling penalty shootout against a 10-man Ahudiyannem FC, who managed to draw 1-1 with the last kick of the ball in 90+6 minutes.

Meanwhile, FC Basira secured their place in the final by scoring the only goal against Jnr Danburan FC on Wednesday.

The Afriskaut NLO Cup was organized for champions - teams that gained promotion in the regular Division One and U19 Youth League seasons.

A total of twenty-five top teams from the nation's third-tier football league participated in the 2024 Afriskaut NLO Cup edition, which began on October 5th.

The 2024 campaign marked the 2nd edition of the NLO Cup, the first under Afriskaut, which utilized its cutting-edge expertise in data-driven football scouting and player analytics.

Kogi Government calls for help as flood ravages state

 

The Kogi State Government has again called on the Federal Government and international donor agencies to come to the aid of the State as flood sacks over 200 communities. 

Addressing newsmen at Kotonkarfe, Kogi Local Government, Monday, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo said a major "humanitarian crisis is brewing in the state as close to two million people are currently homeless". 

He said the "National Emergency Management Agency cannot afford to wait any longer" as the State is already "overwhelmed". 

"We are in a dire emergency situation at the moment and this is sad. The flood disaster here is devastating and over 200 communities have already been submerged and close to two million people displaced. 

"As we speak, nine of the 21 Local Government Areas in the state are affected which is almost 50% of the number of Local Government Areas. We have opened about 68 IDP camps but they can't hold that massive population. Schools, hospitals and other infrastructure have been destroyed completely. 

"Seeing the aged and little children in this kind of distress is a horrible sight. We did not lose any life because we activated the early warning and enlightenment plan. We are expending huge resources daily but it is inadequate. We call on the Federal Government, International Donor Agencies, NGOs and philanthropists to come to our aid," he said. 

Fanwo said the State Government had earlier set up a Flood Disaster Response Team under the leadership of the Deputy Governor of the State, assuring the victims of Government's support in the face of the natural disaster. 

Kogi, Lokoja, Adavi, Ofu, Ajaokuta, Idah, Ibaji are some of the affected Local Government Areas.

Funsho Peters thumbs up productive partnership between GreenLock FC, Gulf United

 

As GreenLock FC continues to strive for excellence and arguably become one of the best football academies in Nigeria in terms of bringing young players to an international level, the Abuja-based side says its partnership with Gulf United is yielding a lot of results. 

The official agreement signed in 2023 signaled a multi-year relationship that trains and further develops both clubs through information sharing, workshops, and player deals.

With the astonishing move of quintuplets Ashiru Ibrahim, Daniel Odumu, Hamed Traore, Taofiq Yekini and Opeyemi Falade to the Eagles, Funsho Clifton Peters, Executive Vice Chairman of GreenLock FC, who is in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) talks more about the partnership. 

"We're very pleased with the partnership, as it aligns with GreenLock FC's long-term goals.

"It also reaffirms GreenLock FC's commitment to being the career pathway to stardom for players, as we certainly look forward to developing more programs to help professionalise the football industry in Nigeria moving forward.

“Both clubs aim to continue to share knowledge and experience, as well as build the relationship in terms of exposing our talented players to the UAE football market.

Mo Jarad - Director of Gulf United said: "The aim is to support the growth of GreenLock FC's expansion within Nigerian football into becoming the leading developer of youth talent in the region.

"There are strong synergies between Green Lock and Gulf United. At the heart of

both clubs, there is a strong sense of purpose, and hunger to provide opportunities for young players in places which they traditionally may have not been found.

"We also find strong parallels between the growth and trajectory of UAE football and Nigerian football, as well as the abundance of talent that exists there. 

"We look forward to working together in a strategic and organized way and to have a real impact along the way."

TCC Cup: Coach Gibson hails Dino SC despite draw against Real Sapphire

 

Dino Sporting Club kicked off their Creative Championship League Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Real Sapphire in a Group A clash on Sunday.

The match ended in a stalemate after 90 minutes, marking the second draw between the two teams this season.

After a goalless first half, Dino took the lead three minutes before the hour mark when Stephen Shedrack opened his account with a well-placed low shot just inside the box. 

However, the lead was short-lived, as Real Sapphire equalized five minutes later.

Dino Sporting Club Head Coach, Godwin Gibson, spoke positively about his team’s performance despite the draw, noting that the players are still learning and improving.

"It was a very good game. The players are still developing, and we showed improvement from last week when we faced the same team. The performance today is closer to what we expect," Gibson said.

He also emphasized the need for focus after scoring. "It happens even at the highest level. We always tell the players to stay composed after scoring. Unfortunately, we had a poor reaction after the goalkeeper parried the ball, allowing the rebound due to a lack of concentration."

This result means Dino Sporting Club has now drawn all three of their matches across all competitions this season.

Mavlon's Sunday Oche claims Golden Boot award at Olea Cup

 

Sunday Oche, the lethal weapon of Mavlon FC has won the golden boot award after scoring six goals in Olea Cup tournament in Croatia, reports www.totorinews.com.

Oche, who has been described as the new 'Osimhen' due to his similar style of play with the Super Eagles striker, showed his class at Olea Cup when he scored two consecutive hat tricks to send strong messages to European clubs that another great goal poacher from Mavlon FC is around the corner waiting to embrace European club football.

It was not just his two hat tricks that endeared Oche to the organisers of Olea Cup and scouts from some top European clubs, but the manner in which the goals were sublimely dispatched into the net.

The striker at 16 years old, is very proficient with both legs as witnessed by the goals he scored in the tournament. He scored a spectacular bicycle- kick goal against GNK Dinamo. 

He is also good aerially. He dribbles effortlessly to create space for himself to score and also create assist. He is endowed with skills, strength and speed needed to flourish as a striker.

The goalkeepers of FK DAC and GNK Dinano will never forget in a hurry the way Oche condemned them into picking balls from the net in the tournament.

Mavlon FC came third in the tournament. The team did not win the tournament, but one that is definitely sure is the fact that their young U17 players on display were delight to watch, from the goalkeeper to defenders, midfielders and attackers.

All these points to the fact that Mavlon FC is a bedrock of young talented footballers in Nigeria and the club will continue to discover and nurture talents in the round leather game.

Oche has shown great potential in Olea Cup in Croatia scoring six goals in the tournament and it will not be a surprise if some European clubs begin to jostle for his signature counting down to when he will clock 18 years.

Five GreenLock FC prodigies sign for UAE's Gulf United

 

In a groundbreaking move to become the best football academy in Nigeria, five prodigies from GreenLock FC of Abuja have signed with Gulf United FC, a top team in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Ashiru Ibrahim, Daniel Odumu, Hamed Traore, Taofiq Yekini, and Opeyemi Falade have completed the move from Nigeria to join the Eagles.

This transfer not only showcases the exceptional talents of the five players but also represents a partnership between Gulf United FC and GreenLock to develop young players.

The players were hand-selected by the GreenLock FC scouting team in Nigeria.

Funsho Clifton Peters, Executive Vice Chairman of GreenLock, expressed his delight with this development.

"It's a privilege for GreenLock players to

have direct access to pathways such as the Gulf United FC. We are working hard to create a one-of-a-kind club in GreenLock which can attract regional and global attention.

"It's no secret that Nigeria has some of the best talent globally. Our aim, with the support of Gulf United, is to be able to provide the selected players at Green lock a development roadmap to success, which allows players to unlock their maximum potential and performance on the global stage of football."

Kogi West: Sen. Karimi releases fund for immediate reconstruction of dilapidated Pakuta bridge

 

The Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial district, Sen. Sunday Stephen Karimi, has released N17 million to begin reconstruction of the abandoned dilapidated Pakuta bridge linking Aiyegunle Gbede - Kiri road, in Ijumu and Kabba Local Government Areas of Kogi.

Pakuta bridge links the road that transverse Aiyegunle Gbede community in Ijumu to Kiri kngdom in Kabba Bunu Local Government, and to Kupa North and South in Eggan communities in Lokoja Local Government Area.

The rehabilitation of the bridge will enable the communities along the road to experience a major relief as the road also linked some communities in Niger State.

Speaking about the road, Prof. Olu Obafem, the Asiwaju of Kiri kingdom, thanked Send. Karimi on behalf of the Olukiri and the entire communities for the release of intervention fund to reconstruct the bridge.

According to him, the road was awarded to a construction giant, Setraco Nig. Ltd. but was abandoned due to improper funding by the Federal Government, resulting to total collapse of the bridge, thereby cutting off many communities. 

He stressed that the collapsed bridge had negatively affected the people whose major source of livelihood is agriculture, thereby making transporting their agricultural produce become a big challenge.

Prof. Obafemi, who is also the Project Committee Chairman, said the bridge reconstruction was valued at N17 million by the Committee of experts, stakeholders and community representatives in the area.

He, therefore confirmed that the Kogi west senator, had graciously released the fund to begin the immediate reconstruction of the bridge.

He promised that the committee would do everything possible to properly manage the fund and monitor the reconstruction process.

He said Senator Karimi had earlier promised to use his office as the representative of the people to look into the real problem with the funding of the road as contained in the original agreement between the Federal Government and Setraco Nig. Ltd, in a bid to return the Contractor to site to complete the road.

It would be recalled that Sen. Karimi, had in September last month disbursed N100 million to 50 women cooperative societies under his Constituency Empowerment Scheme .

The peoples orientated senator had also in July 2024, launched a registration portal of N100 million bursary award for 1,0000 students from Kogi West in tertiary institutions across the country.

By Stephen Adeleye

Mavlon FC arrives Croatia for Olea Cup

 

Modest Nigerian club side, Mavlon FC have landed in Europe for Olea Cup taking place in Croatia, where the best of the best clubs in Eastern Europe will compete at the U17 football tournament, www.totorinews.com reports. 

Mavlon FC are drawn in Group A, comprising of three other highly formidable clubs- GNK Dinamo, NK Istra and FK DAC 1904 in the region.

The Nigerian representative skippered by Simon Cletus, the captain of the Golden Eaglets to WAFU B U 17 tournament in May, will begin their quest to raise the flag of Nigerian football high when they tackle NK Istra 1961 on Tuesday in their opening game in Group A.

Incidentally, two former players of Mavlon FC in Salim Fago Lawal and Israel Ayuma,  plies their trade with NK Istra of Croatia, though, they are above 17 years. 

Nigeria @ 64 : Kogi First Lady reaffirms commitment to women empowerment programmes

 

The wife of Kogi Governor, Hajiya Sefinat Ahmed Ododo, has reaffirmed the commitment of her Office and the Kogi State Government to continue to sustain women empowerment initiatives in the state

Hajiya Ododo gave the assurance on Tuesday at the occasion organised by her Office to commemorate the Nigeria's 64th Independence Day celebration at Government House Lokoja.

Mrs Ododo noted that various empowerment programmes had been initiated by her office to empower women and young girls in last eight months across the state.

She disclosed that her office had offered grants to over 1000 women in small and medium businesses across the state,.

This, she said was targeted at enhancing girl child education and vocational training to safeguard the future of young girls and women in the state.

She urged government at various levels to take necessary steps towards protecting women's right, curb violence against women and support them for nation building.

The Kogi first lady emphasised that women played a pivotal role in shaping the society, and stressed the need to protect them from sexual and gender-based violence.

She reaffirmed the commitment of Gov. Ahmed Ododo's administration to tackling poverty, insecurity, access to healthcare and the menace of out of school children in the state.

"As we celebrate our nation's independence day, it is very important to remind ourselves of our freedom from poverty, freedom from illiteracy and violence against women in the state," she said.

Mrs Ododo expressed her gratitude to Nigeria's First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu for her support and empowerment programme across the country describing her "as a beacon of hope for women in Nigeria.

"I wish to appreciate our mother, the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for her passion and total support to empowering our women across the country"..

"We thank Nigeria's first lady for being a beacon of hope and for leading the women's course in the country," She said.

Mrs Ododo assured the commitment of her to continue to protect the right of women through various institutions to eradicating violence against women in the state.

The first lady assured the people that the governor would not disappoint the women and youths in the state.

She added: "I urge you all to continue to support the administration of my husband, Governor Ahmed Ododo, and I assure you that he would not disappoint you".

Mrs Ododo commended the leadership of the party for nominating women into various positions in the upcoming Local government council elections, saying "as women, we will not disappoint you and the good people of Kogi"

She, therefore urged Kogi women to make their voices heard and vote en masse to ensure the victory of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the local government election.

She further enjoined the women to continue to support and offer prayers for their families, husbands, children, and leaders in the state and Nigeria at large.

Earlier, the Secretary to Kogi State Government (SSG), Dr Folashade Ayoade, implored the women to continue to pray for the Governor and his wife for the success of the State and Nigeria at large.

Ayoade commended the governor's wife for her humility and passion in empowering women across the states.

Other dignitaries at the occasion include: the State Commissioner for Women Affairs Hajiya Fatima Momoh; the Deputy Speaker Kogi State House of Assembly Comfort Unwuchola; and wives of Commissioners; among others. 

By Stephen Adeleye

Egbira youths urge Tinubu to call EFCC to order, describe Yahaya Bello as victim of ethnic minority

 

A group, Egbira Frontline Youth Council, has urgent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to called the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crime Commission, (EFCC),l to order, over former Governor Yahaya Bello's alleged fraud case..

The group made the call in a press statement titled "Is Yahaya Bello a Victim of Ethnic Minority", signed by its spokesperson, Comrade Adeiza Hamza and made available to journalists on Monday in Lokoja.

The group said they have absolutely lost confidence in EFCC for what it described as "unprofessionalism, lawlessness, media trial, selective justice".

 According to them, the opening of fire at the official residence of a democratically elected Governor, is ethnic bias and victimization and violations of the rule of law.

Hamza called on President Tinubu to call the EFCC to order and their co travelers that were hell bent to disgrace, victimize and allegedly eliminate Yahaya Bello, referring to action that played out on 18th September 2024 at Kogi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.

"We are notifying the Federal Government, Kogi State government, concern Nigerians and the world that we the ebira frontline youth council will resist any attempt by EFCC to eliminate our sons or any form of threat to life of Yahaya Bello, EFCC will be held responsible," the group stated.

The group made references to former Governor's of River, Zamfara, Kano among others who took the anti graft agency (EFCC) to competent court of jurisdiction to stop their arrest in the same manner Yahaya Bello did.

 "EFCC obeyed the court including the recent order of the same Federal high court Abuja banning EFCC from arresting Seun Odewale Ex DG Procurement of Ekiti State, 

"Why Yahaya Bello case is different to the extent that a legal organization like EFCC seen committing contempt of court in desperation to arrest Yahaya Bello? 

"Former Governor Bello is obviously a victim of political persecution and ethic minority despite his labour and sacrifice for his People of kogi state, the party APC and Nigeria at large. 

"When the deadly violence broke out Shasha market in Oyo State in early 2021 between yoruba and hausa traders which nearly escalated to major chaos in the country, Former Governor Yahaya Bello waged in, he invited Union of Traders and reconciled them in the best interest of Nigeria. 

"Yahaya Bello did not just contribute largely to the building of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he also governed Kogi State with equitable distribution of resources of the state. He promoted unity and broke the jinx of tribal divine by ensuring equity and fairness. 

"Yahaya Bello’s successor, His Excellency Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo said Kogi Money is not missing. Kogi State House of Assembly said no money is missing,.

"Moreover, there is no protest in Kogi State over missing money, but EFCC is compromising for selective justice by ethnic pressure and desperate politicians against Yahaya Bello 

 "EFCC should be wary of fabrications of falsehoods by those fanning the ambers of ethnic divides for political gains," the group said.

They added: "Yahaya Bello is not above the law likewise EFCC, therefore, investigate him in line with rule of law in the court of competent jurisdiction and not by media trial and guerrilla kind of arrest of yahaya bello to prove a point. 

"The selective Justice, coordinated attacks, ethnic pressure and violation of the rule of law by the EFCC is very worrisome and bad omen to our democracy. 

"Wike went to court to stop EFCC from harassing and arresting him. Bello Mattawale, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Peter Odili all did same.

"Even few days ago, the same Judge Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court that ordered the arrest of Alhaji Yahaya Bello for the alleged frivolous fraud case filed by EFCC also banned the same EFCC from arresting one Seun Odewale ex DG Procurement from Ekiti State who was accused of allegedly diverting money meant for airport.

"Wike the then Governor of River State and now Minister of the Federal capital territory accompanied former Governor of Ekiti State Ayodele Fayose to the EFCC in 2018. Rotimi Amaechi, the then Governor of River State accompanied Elrufai to the EFCC in 2014 among other instance. Why is Yahaya Bello's case different? 

" When yahaya bello voluntarily submitted himself accompanied by Governor Ododo to EFCC Headquarters in Abuja, EFCC were the one that begged him to go back to the house without questioning or detaining him for interview. 

"Later, that same night, the same EFCC anti graft agency invaded the Governor’s house like a guerrilla attack, shooting at the Governor’s lodge in a desperate bid to embarrass the Governor and arrest the same Yahaya Bello like a bandit? 

"The fact that the EFCC is now violating the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its own extant guiding law is a call for concern and a danger to our democracy. 

"They are hell bent to disgrace, embarrass and possibly eliminate Yahaya bello and even attempting the life of Governor Ododo at his official lodge.

"Shooting at the official residence of the serving Governor was the height of provocation against the democratically elected Governor which can not be tolerated anywhere in the world.

"This is the same EFCC who as at November 2023 banned operations at night now seen eating their own cake and want to have it" the group said.

By Stephen Adeleye 

Group describes allegations against CUSTECH VC as Fictitious, Malicious, Urges Kogi Govt to Unmask Perpetrators

 

A socio-cultural group "Committee of Friends Ogaminana" in Kogi, has described the allegations of corruption and sexual harassment against the Vice Chancellor of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Osara, Prof. Abdulrahaman Salawu as false and malicious.

This was contained in a statement signed by the group's Chairman, Alh. Isah Suleiman; and Secretary,, Musa Ohiani; and seven others, made available to newsmen on Monday Lokoja.

The group described the accusations of corrupt practices, sexual harassment, and anti-party activities as contained in the circulated documents, as evil work of disgruntled individuals.

According to the association, the sole aim of the purveyors of the document is tarnish the impeccable reputation of the accomplished academic, administrator, and public servant.

"Our independent investigation revealed that some staff members, who were reprimanded for their involvement in unethical practices in the school, were behind the campaign of calumny against the Vice Chancellor.

"Unethical practices such as insubordination, harassment and threatening of subordinates, extortion from students, demanding sexual favours in exchange for grades, as well as other illegal and immoral acts.

"The authors of the write-ups are either oblivious of the sound moral upbringing and high academic reputation of the Vice Chancellor, Engr. Professor Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu.

"They are purely on a mission of tainting the enviable records of the vice chancellor, which has made him an asset of inestimable value not just to Ebiraland and Kogi State but the entire country, Nigeria," the group stated..

The association, therefore urged the university authority to unmask such individuals and show them the way out of the services in the institution.

The group added: "From our knowledge of who Engr Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu is, we make bold to say that the allegations of corruption, sexual harassment, and other sundry issues raised in the "ghost" petitions are products of corruption fighting back.

"Since those who have compromised and made huge gains from systems will always feel threatened when the right things are done.

"We know Professor Abdulrahman to be a man of high integrity whose commitment to upholding the values of the university and the Government of Kogi State is unquestionable.

"His exemplary service to the university and the state has earned him the admiration and respect of the government and the academic community.

"His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, in recognition of his contributions to the advancement of education and his unwavering loyalty to the government, bestowed upon him the title of Deputy Chief Servant of the State. 

"The Kogi State House of Assembly has openly commended his leadership, with a letter of commendation issued during one of their recent plenary session.

"We, therefore implored the State government to fish out those behind the baseless allegations and deal decisively with the perpetrators..

"The government must stop them before turn the cherished asset, CUSTECH, into a theatre of gossip and rumour mongering with it’s attendant adverse effects on the academic progress that the institution is currently making". 

By Stephen Adeleye

Nigeria Army emerge champions of 2024 Armed Forces Games

 

The Nigeria Army has emerged winners of the 2024 Armed Forces Games held at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna State.

The Nigeria Army won 264 medals consisting of 172 gold, 60 silver, and 32 bronze.

Nigeria Air Force placed second with a total of 129 medals (33 gold, 103 silver and 187 bronze) while Nigeria Navy finished 3rd place with 18 gold, 43 silver and 129 bronze.

The Acting Director of Physical Training Nigeria Army, Brigadier General Abdulraheem Bello has dedicated the success recorded at the Armed Force Games to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja for his immense contributions and support to sports.

Brig Gen Bello revealed that Nigeria Army personnel have always dominated the national teams of the various sporting federations adding that the results are testament to the support of the Army.

He said, “Winning the 2024 Armed Forces Games is a sign that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja is supporting sports in the Nigerian. The difference between our gold medal tally and second position is 139. Since Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja was appointed, the Nigeria Army has competed in all the National Championships in Boxing, Judo, Taekwondo, Shooting, Athletics, Handball, Volleyball and many others.

“This result will spur the Army to continue investing in their athletes in various sports because we have the potential of making Nigeria proud at the African, Commonwealth and Olympic Games in the near future”.

Brig Gen Bello charged the personnel to be good ambassadors of the Nigeria Army and ensure they continue to excel in their various sports.

Kogi Assembly calls for EFCC Chairman's removal, alleges assassination attempt on Gov. Ododo, ex-Gov. Bello

 

The Kogi State House of Assembly, has called for the removal of the Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, over alleged attacks on Kogi State Governor's Lodge in Abuja.

The lawmakers also accused the EFCC of assassination attempt on the former Governor Yahaya Bello and the incumbent Governor Ahmed Ododo, stressing that the persecution of the former governor had gone on for too long and must stop.

The legislators made the call during plenary at the Assembly chamber on Monday in Lokoja, the state capital, 

The assembly members in their various motions, condemned what they described as the EFCC operatives' unprovoked attack on the Kogi State Government Lodge, saying it was an attack on the incumbent Governor and the entirety of the Kogi people.

This followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Akus Lawal, representing Ankpa 1 State Constituency; and seconded by Hon Jacob Olawunmi, Mopamuro State Constituency.

Hon. Akus said the EFCC was out to humiliate and possibly kill the present and former governors. His colleagues all supported this. 

Seconding the motion, Hon. Olawumi stressed that the Audited Financial Reports of the State, had always been published by the State Government.

According to Olawunmi, the State House of Assembly can categorically say that no money is missing to warrant EFCC's unwarranted witch-hunting of the former Governor.

Hon. Abu Jibril of Ajaokuta State, said the EFCC boss should be prosecuted for allegedly attempting to kill the governor.

 

"The EFCC's conduct shows that the chairman is incapable of leading a supposed impartial agency like the EFCC

"The Chairman has shown incompetence that warrants his removal.

"We call on President Bola Tinubu to remove the EFCC chairman immediately," Jibrin said .

Also speaking, Hon Bode Ogunmola, Ogori/Magongo State Constituency (PDP), said: "If I am in London and there is a crisis, if I get to the Nigerian House, I will feel safe. 

"If I am in Abuja and there is a crisis, I believe that if I get to the Kogi Lodge, I will be safe. 

"For the EFCC Chairman to order that fire be opened on the official lodge of the Governor, he should be sacked and prosecuted. We should be told why he wants to kill our Governor".

The Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Hon. Suleiman AbdulRazak, alleged that officials of the EFCC were begging the former Governor to let them pretend as if he was arrested. 

He said it was an embarrassing act, which showed that the anti-graft agency was acting a script written by some political enemies of the former Governor. 

"The President should be notified of the assassination attempt on the present and former Governors; adding that the whole drama was a show to embarrass the former Governor.

"On the fateful night, a coup attempt was committed at the Kogi State Governor's Lodge and called on the President to immediately remove the EFCC Chairman to save the nation from further embarrassment," Abdulrazak said.

Hon Yahaya Umar, representing Omala State Constituency said, "The unlawful conducts of the EFCC show that the intention of the chairman is not to arrest former Governor Yahaya Bello, but to ridicule the state. 

"The chronology of how the event happened shows that the problem of the chairman is not with the offences being alleged, but that they want to disgrace the defendant and Kogi State in general."

On her part, the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba, stated, "The EFCC is just trying to give the former Governor a bad name through their media trial. 

"The EFCC is not sincere in this fight. It has an agenda it is pursuing and the entire people of the state, particularly the women and youths, will not accept this."

The lawmakers unanimously resolved that the EFCC had an agenda different from the fight against corruption, which had been revealed by the way the Commission approached the issue of arrest. 

This, they said, must be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians.

The Kogi State House of Assembly also passed a resolution, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his economic policies, aimed at building a strong and virile economy that will be the envy of all.

The Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Yusuf, who read out the resolution of the House, stated: 

"The House formally categorizes the April 17 and September 18 incidents as assassination attempts on the former Governor, and by extension, a threat to the life of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. 

"The unprovoked attack on the Governor’s Lodge and the firing of live rounds within a diplomatic residential zone further demonstrate that the EFCC has fully marinated in a sense of its own importance and power.

"The EFCC now considers itself not only above the law but unanswerable to anyone or institution for its actions.

"Since the EFCC Chairman has shown constantly, gross incompetence, the House has resolved that the President should relieve him of his appointment with immediate effect and replace him with a competent officer who will give Mr. President's crusade for rule of law the needed effectiveness," the lawmakers stated. 

By Stephen Adeleye

Anthony Ujah: Nigerian striker offered management role in Bulgarian club

Experienced Nigerian striker, Anthony Ujah may have had his future sorted even as he's still active football as his Bulgarian club, Botev PD have agreed to sign him as one of their officials after his retirement. 

This was announced by Botev's Sporting Director, Artur Platek that Ujah's professionalism and conduct on and off the pitch will be leveraged to attract more African players to the club. 

Platek said the 33 year old Ujah who joined the club last summer will take up the management role after hanging his boots. 

"Botev's idea is for Ujah to help the inclusion of young African footballers who are attracted to the club.

"The goal is their development and then sale. This is the model imposed on the canaries since the arrival of the new owner, Anton Zingarevich. 

"Anthony is at a level both on and off the field. He shows our young African players how they need to work, and what they need to do to get to his level. 

"That's why he will probably stay in Botev even after the end of his career," Platek told Tema sport. 

Ujah is currently recovering from a serious injury he sustained in the second leg against Panathinaikos of Greece in the second qualifying round of the Europa League. 

The former Warri Wolves attacker tore a tendon and underwent surgery. He will certainly be out of the game until the end of the autumn part of the campaign. 

Anthony Uja was signed in the summer as a free agent after being released by German second division side Eintracht Braunschweig. 

The top scorer started his career with the yellow and black in an excellent way with a goal and assist in their Europa League 2-1 win over Maribor

The vast experience of Ujah plying his trade across three continents of Africa, Europe and Asia as well as his great knowledge of the game in the management as regards to African players and his top notch professionalism are the qualities that endeared Botev PD to offer him a step into a career at football management position.

He will be interfacing between Botev PD and the numerous football clubs and academies in Nigeria and Africa in the transfer of greatly talented young footballers to Europe for their continued development in the round leather game and future sale to other top clubs in Europe.

Amos Ado plans to use Orumogege Football Tourney as platform to harness in Ogbomosoland

 

A former official in the Marketing Department of the Confederation of African de Football (CAF), Mr. Amos Ado has revealed that the Orumogege Football Tournament is a platform designed to harness the numerous football talents in Ogbomoso. 

Amos Ado, Head of Kinetic Sports and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the football tournament, also gave ingredients that can make the beautiful round leather game in Nigeria marketable. 

"Football ball is a very marketable event. We just have to put all our facilities in good shape to attract brands. 

"The playing pitches must be of standard, making sure we televise our footballing event and the most important fans and ensuring our football venues are safe for everyone. 

The former COPA Lagos Beach football organizer and marketing expert gave an insight into how the Orumogege Football Tourney came about. 

"For a very long time, I had it in mind to do something different in football, so I met an organization called Ogbomoso Community Youth Forum (OCYF) and sold the idea of the essence of going into football development, and the rest is history. 

"Our Kabiyesi, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Ọba Ghandi Afọlábí Ọláoyè, Orumógege III, is a youth-loving Kabiyesi, and he accepted that we host the tourney.

" The goal is to discover talent during the tournament and nurture them for the future, as we intend to produce more Seyi Olofinjana (Super Eagles legend) from Ogbomoso We also really need to thank the Soun Ogbomoso, Alainsmith, and OCYF for their support. 

"We're also doing something differently in football in Ogbomoso. The Orumogege Football Tournament is free-age grade and played as knockout football at the Soun Stadium. 

"The LOC opted to make the tournament a knockout based as against the Group Phase to make it very competitive. It has attracted a lot of fans who have been kept on the edge of their seats with dazzling football skills from the 32 teams registered for the event. 

"It has also been a commercial boom for the city as a lot of market women around the stadium are making brisk business selling their commodities to fans. 

"Thankfully, the tournament powered by OCYF and Alainsmith Nigeria Limited and I am delighted to inform Ogbomoso people that our Kabiyesi, Oba Olaoye Ghandi has assured us the tournament will be held annually, following the success recorded within the few days of the kickoff."