Nigeria Bundelisga Scouting tourney: Eintracht Frankfurt selects exciting youngsters

The maiden edition of Dino Sporting Club Nigeria Bundelisga Scouting Competition has come and gone, but the clubs will reap the benefits for long time.

The tournament held in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State had Eintracht Frankfurt Sporting Director Frank Sebastian and Chief Scout Corlineus Kruesser in attendance.

Registered FIFA German agents Darlington Omodiagbe and Lakunle Awoyale were also on ground to monitor the players for the entire four days.

Several players have been selected for further development in Germany, with possibility of signing lucrative deal either Eintracht Frankfurt or any interested clubs.

The agents also aim to send footage of the players to other European clubs for further assessments.

Speaking to the media, Frank Sebastian said, Sporting Director Frank Sebastian and Corlineus Kruesser, said :

"Our duty is to pick the best players, and the club we decide. almost all the players delivered. So it's difficult to pick, really.

"It's nice to see many kids playing with high level."

"Maybe with more work, they'll be ready for Europe. They are nice kids with great talents." He said.

Eintracht Frankfurt Chief Scout, Corlineus Kruesser also praised the competitive level of the scouting football tournament.

"We are pleased with everything we saw, the teams played great football with great intensity and tactics."

"We have identified some players, but we can't name them for now because the list is long . We will present the list to the club and we see."

"Nigeria has talents, maybe we'll come back in future." 

Brain behind the initiative, CEO of Dino Sporting Club Samuel Columbus, said the tournament exceeded expectations, stating that discovering talents for the country has always been his passion.

"It was a good tournament, as you can see we had teams from each region of the country."

"The tournament has come to stay, and we are thinking of holding another one towards the end of the year."

”We got a new dimension to scouting activities and development of young players, We will continue to do our best to ensure that talented players reach their goal."

Recalled Box2Box defeated Abray Sports Club at the mainbowl of Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode to win the Nigeria Bundelisga Scouting Competition.

Box2Box FC wins inaugural Dino Nigeria Bundelisga football tournament

 

Box2Box FC are the winners of the inaugural Dino Sporting Club and Nigeria Bundelisga Scouting Competition.

The Lagos State based side clinched the title after defeating Abray Sports Club of Kwara state 5-4 on penalties in the final of the tournament held at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ogun State on Friday night.

Enrout to final, Box2Box defeated Sporting Bethel FC 3-0 in the first semi-final, while Abray Sports Club edged hosts Dino Sporting Club 2-1 in a closely contested second semi.

The title match however was a cagey affair, with both side cancelling each other out during the regulation time.

There was nothing to separate them after 90 minutes and the tie was decided with penalties.

Box2Box held their nerves in the penalty shootout, and won 5-4 to the delight of the crowd in the stadium.

It was a fantastic and thrilling end to the first edition of the tournament, which had ten teams in attendance and lasted for four days. 

Eintracht Frankfurt Sporting Director Frank Sebastian and head of scouts Corlineus Kruesser were in attendance.

Registered FIFA and German agents Darlington Omodiagbe and Lakunle Awoyale, were also in attendance alongside Sportacus boss Seyi Jones.

Dino SC begins 9ja/Bundelisga scouting tourney campaign with victory

 

The maiden edition of Dino Sporting Club and Nigeria/Bundelisga Scouting football competition finally kick off in style in Ijebu Ode this Monday.

The curtain raiser at Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium saw hosts Dino Sporting Club defeated Atlantic Business by lone goal.

The Godwin Gibson's tutored side dominated the tie and should have been out of sight in the first half, but their prolificacy in front of goal, kept their visitors in the game.

Dino SC finally got the breakthrough in the second half, and it came from no one other than star forward Ogbonna Hyacinth.

Speaking after the game, the brain behind the tournament, CEO of Dino Sporting, Mr Samuel Columbus says he's pleased with the outcome. 

"We are happy and very satisfied with the opening game, 

"Although it was not perfect, and that's because no team like to start tournament with a defeat."

"Overall, I'm happy with the standard of play and we hope other teams will build on it."  He said.

Meanwhile,.Eintracht Frankfurt Sporting Director, and Chief Scout, Frank Sebastian and Corlineus Kruesser, registered FIFA German agents, Darlington Omodiagbe and Lakunle Awoyale are among the football bigwigs in attendance.

Abdulgafar Opeyemi: Unknown Nigerian midfielder turning heads in Lithuania top division with incredible performance

By Wale Mustapha 

One of many Nigerian players plying their trades in Lithuanian A Lyga I is a young midfielder Abdulgafar Opeyemi of Kauno Zalgiris who has been putting up remarkable performance in the ongoing campaign. 

The 21 year old Opeyemi who joined Zalgiris two seasons ago and has been having a meteoric rise in the team. 

He earlier teamed up with the Zalgiris youth team before been drafted to the main team in the same season where he featured in the UEFA Europa League. 

The young midfielder who can comfortably used both feets with incredible aerial abilities has been involved in 11 of Zalgiris' 14 games this campaign scoring a goal and provided one in the process. 

His last outing was on Saturday where he came in as second half substitute to help Zalgiris maintained their lead to secure another home win over Dainava Alytus. 

He was close to scoring the second goal for Zalgiris but had his effort agonizingly rattled the upright before going out of touch. 

Opeyemi's contribution has seen Zalgiris remain hopeful for European football next season as they sit fourth on the log with 21 points.

ALGON/Engr AA Sule Unity Cup: Lafia, Awe, Karu, Nasarawa seal semi spots as race for top scorer heats up

Adams Jesse

The quartet of Lafia, Awe, Karu and Nasarawa have all booked their places in the semi finals of the ALGON/Engr AA Sule Inter Local Government Unity Cup.

The tournament that began with thirteen local government teams cut across the three senatorial zones of Nasarawa State namely Lafia, Akwanga and Karu has been nothing but excitement for the locals who trooped in their numbers to support their respective local government teams.

Lafia, Awe, Karu, Nasarawa, Wamba, Akwanga, Keffi and Keana all made it to the quarter finals but the quartet of Keffi, Wamba, Keana and Akwanga fell along the way, leaving Lafia, Karu, Awe and Nasarawa to battle it out for the place in the final.

The semi final peering will see Lafia LG face Karu LG while Awe LG will test the might of Nasarawa for a place in the finals.

Karu's Hattrick Hero, Samuel Emmanuel currently leads the scorers chat with four goals while the duo of Saifullahi Saidu and Meshach Edwards of Awe LG and Akwanga LG respectively have three goals each.

With Akwanga out Saifullahi Saidu of Awe will have to rediscover his goal form if he truly wants to wrestle the top scorer award from the Karu man.

Local league is the foundation of football - Aisha Musa

 

Adams Jesse

In the world of sports, the place of supporters can never be overlooked as they play key roles in ensuring their teams do well in all areas they find themselves.

It is never easy when you see locals going as far as moving from one area to another just to vent their supports to either their wards or teams.

The same can equally be said of a certain Hajjia Aisha Musa, a football fan that is always present in all local football tournaments in and around Lafia.

A stunt supporter of Nasarawa United and FC Basira, Aisha also reveals her love for English giant, Manchester City as she says her love for local contents can never be overtaken by anything foreign.

"I support Nasarawa United Locally, FC Basira is also a favored team. While Internationally I support Manchester City".

"Football is my hobby, I love watching football both local and international, she says". 

"I simply love the game beyond limits".

"I've seen our youths football, because football brings people together but one thing is we must have sanity in football".

 "Because there are little errors here and there, but we need to try as much as possible to groom these youths to come out pure and disciplined. When I say pure, I mean coming clean in our football because local league is the foundation of football. So if there is sanity, they will come out clean and disciplined".

Aisha Musa however says she rates the ongoing ALGON/Engr. A.A Sule Inter Local Government Unity Cup 70% as he has surpassed many people's expectations as it's aim of promoting peace amongst youths has be achieved.

SWAN signs pact with Unilorin on capacity building for members

....... Announces 31st May as date for capacity building/training for members

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State has entered into a partnership with the Mass Communication Department of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, ahead of its capacity building for members, scheduled to hold May 31st, 2023.

The Chairman, Kwara SWAN, Mallam Ayodeji Ismail disclosed this after extensive deliberation with its consultant, Shogo Shodunnke, and the Department of Mass Communication, during the official visit of the Association's executive to the HOD''s on Thursday.

Mallam Ayodeji explained that capacity building is one of the focal points of the current leadership adding that it will go a long way in reshaping sports journalism in the state.

Ayodeji said there are vast areas of specialties in sports that can be tapped as journalists and not only reportage.

He said, "The capacity building is long overdue because it is time for some of our members to focus on sports branding, marketing, and Public Relations. 

"We will not only focus on the reporting angle of sports but also on how we can create an ecosystem for sports to thrive in Kwara State. Kwara SWAN is happy senior lecturers of this great university will be our resource person at the capacity building".

Responding, the Head of Department (HOD), Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin, Dr Kehinde Kadiri applauded Kwara SWAN led by Mallam Ayodeji Ismail for the initiative of retraining its members.

Dr Kadiri said the Department of Mass Communication is ever ready to assist SWAN in the area of resources as well as ensure the training meets world standards.

She said, "SWAN is a recognized association all over the world and this visit to the department has sent the right sign. My doors are opened for the association and I want to assure you that I will personally grace the program".

Meanwhile, the consultant for the capacity building, Mr Shogo Shodunnke said the essence of retraining sports journalists cannot be overemphasised.

Shodunnke said the resource persons for the program will focus on sports branding, sports marketing as well as hidden potential in the sports industry.

The renowned sports consultant said three other resources persons within and outside the country will grace the capacity building.

Present at the meeting were senior lecturers of the department of Mass Communication as well as other executives of Kwara SWAN.

Top football scouts, agents arrive Nigeria for maiden Dino SC's 9ja/Bundelisga scouting competition tourney

 

By Wale Mustapha

All is set for the inaugural edition of 9ja/Bundelisga scouting competition that will be staged between 22nd to 25th May, 2023 with ten team competing for honors and glories.

The four day football competition organized by Dino Sporting Club in conjunction with Sportacus will take place at the famous Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. 

According to Chief Samuel Columbus who is the President of Dino SC, the tourney was organized to promote grassroot football in Nigeria and to help youngsters fulfill their dream of becoming professional football players.

The participating teams includes hosts, Dino Sporting Club, Box2Box FC, Cats FC and Bethel Sporting Club. 

Others are Broad City, Ikhon Allah Football Academy, Atlantic Business FC, Hyraj FC, Faban FC, Abray Sports Club and Ndan Football Academy.

The ten teams will be split into two groups with the eventual table toppers advancing to final to determine the champions.

In addition, the winners will take home the grand prize and lucky players selected from the tourney will have the chance to play professional football in Germany.

Eintracht Frankfurt Sporting Director, and Chief Scout, Frank Sebastian and Corlineus Kruesser, registered FIFA German agents, Darlington Omodiagbe and Lakunle Awoyale are among the football bigwigs expected to be present.. 

Following the confirmation of kick off date, the official draw will take place on Saturday 20 May 2023 with additional information provided. 

NLO23: Godspower fires Osun United closer to NNL return

 

Osun United all but secured a promotion playoffs spot in the Group C1A of the Nationwide League One, NLO following a slim win over Fehinty FC on Wednesday in Osogbo

Osun United have so far garnered 13 points to top the league after five games with victories recorded against lgbajo Utd (2-0)., HMK FC (3-1), and Victory Police FC (2-1).

The Omoluabi Giants shared spoils with Hammola FC in a goaless affairs before the win over Fehinty on Wednesday. 

Omoluabi Giants having scored 8 times and conceded twice would lock horns with Pegba1 Sporting FC in a dead rubber encounter on Thursday, 18th May 2023, as attention would be equally turned to who beats the drop between Fehinty FC and HMK FC. 

'Royal Warriors' need outright win while Okinni based Fehinty FC must avoid defeat to beat the drop.

According to Coach Seye Ajayi, the head coach of Osun Utd,. He hailed the boys for the job well executed amid injury concerns but promised to promote the team by all means.

"What is important to us is to pick the sole ticket in the group and that we have been able to do amid terrific atmosphere, that makes our next game less important.

"Injury to some of our regulars have been a serious concern in our fold. We will see how it goes in the coming days. We have our eyes set on the promotion playoff in lbadan. The management is doing everything in their capacity to motivate the boys. We need the support of all and sundry going forward." Former 3SC goal merchant stated.

United 'Red Hot' lanky striker, Gabriel Godspower who raked in 7 goals after Match Day 5 will be as useful as ever when Osun Utd lock horns with Adamimogo FC in Adamasingba, lbadan, on Monday.

Kutigi Stadium to host maiden Bala Mohammed/Lavun Govt tourney on Saturday

 

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the maiden Coach Abubakar Bala Mohammed (TA) Niger Tornadoes Pre-season Lavun Local Govt Talent Hunt Football Competition, has released the groupings and fixtures for the tourney.

The tourney named after awarding winning and result-oriented Bala Mohammed, Technical Adviser Nigeria Premier Football League side Niger Tornadoes, will kick off on Saturday at the Late Mahmud Bawa Memorial Stadium Kutigi.

In draws conducted by the LOC of the Pre-season Talent Hunt Football tourney, informed that eight teams will lock horns in the event.

The teams for the tourney, all based in Kutigi have adopted the names of some Nigeria Premier Football League clubs, as have Niger Tornadoes, Enyimba, Rivers United, Shooting Stars, Pillars, Lobi Stars, Rangers, and Wikki Tourists.

Group A, is made up of Niger Tornadoes, Enyimba, Rivers United, and Wikki Tourists, while Shooting Stars, Pillars FC, Lobi Stars, and Rangers FC make up Group B.

According to the fixtures, the opening game of the tournament is a Group A fixture between Niger Tornadoes versus Enyimba by 3:30 pm.

There will be a single fixture on every Matchday, up till Wednesday 25th, May, while the top two teams in the groups will make it to the semi-final.

The LOC, who has made logistic arrangements, have fixed the semi-final matches for Friday 26th and 27th May, while the 3rd place final will be staged 48 hours later.

The date of the final, the LOC states will be communicated to the two finalists, as all are in top gear to ensure a hitch-free tournament in Kitugi.

#NLO'23: Seye Ajayi hails Osun United players after perfect start to season

 

Two goals from Godspower Gabriel gave Osun Utd the deserved victory as Omoluabi Giants open the league account on a bright start, easing past debutant Igbajo Utd., in a keenly contested duel at Osogbo Township Stadium.

Having drawn bye in Match Day One, Seye Ajayi tutored side announced their dominance early enough but Igbajo Utd shows composure at the back, making it difficult for the pairing of Godspower and Solomon to thrive as expected.

Moment of relief for 'Believe And Achieve' side, two minutes past half hour, Solomon drags a brilliant pass into opponents' goal area but was sternly hacked down only for Centre Referee to point to the spot without delay as Gabriel Godspower unerringly rockets the resulting spot-kick home for the opener.

Four minutes later, 'Village Boys' didn't survive another pressure as Godspower grabbed his brace in style, jabbing in from close range. 

The second half witnessed a pulsating encounter with the two sides creating chances upon chances without making it count even as Osun Utd survived a scare which saw Bello Semiu pulled a brilliant save as he tipped out a creeping loop which could have seen the deficit reduced to half.

Coach Seye Ajayi afterwards lavished encomiums on his boys for a perfect start and for moments of brilliance in the first half, he however admits his boys lack same first stanza energy needed in the second half. "We need to be consistent throughout the game and bury our chances as they come. This is a league and we won't underate any team, it's not a bad start for us, we shall work on the negatives." Former 3SC goal merchant stated.

Next for Osun Utd is a date with fellow NLO campaigners, HMK FC on Monday by 1pm at the mainbowl of Osogbo Township Stadium.

U17 AFCON: Golden Eaglets secure quarterfinal place with comeback win over South Africa

 

Nigeria sailed into the last eight of the Africa U17 Cup of Nations in Algeria with a 3-2 defeat of South Africa’s Amajimbo in an interesting encounter in Constantine on Saturday night.

 

Five-time world champions Nigeria, who pipped Zambia 1-0 in their opening match but then lost by the same margin to Morocco in their second game, fell behind as early as the 6^th minute when Amajimbo drew the first blood by converting from their very first corner kick.

 

The Eaglets had the ball in the net four minutes later but it was ruled off-side. They continued to knock as Tockukwu Ogbadibo’s shot proved too weak to trouble the opposing goalkeeper and Light Eke’s header missed target.

 

Charles Agada, who also had been knocking on the door, brought Nigeria level in the 33^rd minute when he nodded into the net from a corner kick with South Africa’s goalkeeper in no man’s land.

 

South Africa shot ahead once more but Light Eke restored Nigeria into the game two minutes after the restart.

 

Abubakar Abdullahi shot Nigeria into the lead for the first time in the match in the 63^rd minute, and it remained that way as the Eaglets finished with six points and in second place in Group B, behind Morocco who also ended with six points but with superior goals difference.   

Lagos FA stakeholders allege being cajoled by Ex NFF Vice President

 

With the Lagos State Football Association election around the corner, immediate past 1st Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi recently stepped down after 12 years on the hot seat.

Founder of 36 Lion Football Club, Hajj Olawale Liameed Gafar believes Akinwunmi created a messy situation during his tenure in Office.

The Badagry born administrator dropped the bombshell via WhatsApp Platform, NSM on Saturday afternoon.

Hajj Gafar wrote: "BSA tricked us in Lagos and abandoned everyone when we needed him the most to remedy his many anomalies or, at the very least, partially repair the football ship he capsized, but alas! He ditched us in the middle of the lagoon."

"However, Lagos State Football Stakeholders won't perish; perhaps BSA forgot that the centre of Excellence comprises the Eguns, the Aworis, and the Ekos, all of whom are Great Swimmers. We will all survive this mess that BSA has forced onto us for more than 12 years. He would have done the same for Nigeria safe for the great delegates who voted wisely at Edo 2022 NFF Congress."

"BSA was supposed to be a friend and an elder brother to every single football family, as well as other football enthusiasts, but he limited the entire Lagos football system and even sat on an abnormal board for the last four years, cutting board members to six instead of nine. 

"The 2023 Lagos State Football Association election is just 19 days away, I hope this time we will all choose wisely," Hajj Olawale Liameed Gafar remarked.

Several reactions followed the revelations by Hajj Olawale Liameed Gafar.

Well respected football administrator and journalist, Wale Joseph enthused: "True Talk......Hope Lagos choose right this time around. The outgoing board has killed football in Lagos. All that was painstakingly worked for between 2011 to 2019 was destroy by BSA and his co-travellers who are bent on destroying it further. But God will shame them.

Canada based Arsenal supporter, Adewale Ajayi shared his opinion on the comments of Hajj Gafar.

"Lagos is too big a state for just a few men to take us for a ride. These men got their opportunity to change everything but they ended up changing nothing. 

  

"12 wasted years! The time for change is now. We are aware that the former chairman is not contesting but we are too intelligent to be deceived. We are saying NO to a weak stooge."

Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) election will hold on May 27.

Rugby Africa appoints Dr Ademola Are into Audit and Risk Committee

 

By Tolu Oguntimehin 

Rugby Africa has appointed the President of  Nigeria Rugby Football federation,Dr Ademola Are into the Audit and Risk Committee.

In a letter signed by the General Manager, Rugby Africa ,Azzouz Aib, it reads :'Mr Jurie Roux, Acting Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee is pleased and honoured to inform you of your official appointment as member of the Audit and Risk Committee'.

'You will be contacted in the following days in order to provide you with all the practical details that will allow you to onboard in the best condition'

Dr Ademola Are is an experienced sports administrator emergence as the president of NRFF who has provided the federation the stability that has been lacking in years and also given Nigeria a leeway into Africa's rugby body.

U17 AFCON: Yahaya Lawali making us proud with back to back MOTM awards - Mahanaim Academy

 

Mahanaim Football Academy product, Yahaya Lawali, is flying high with the footballing principles learnt from the academy at the CAF U17 AFCON with two back-to-back Man of the match awards he won in the first two matches played in Algeria.

Yahaya Lawali won the MOTM award in Nigeria's 1-nil win against Zambia in the first match and also won the award again in the Golden Eaglets 1-nil loss to Morocco in the second match.

Yahaya completed 41 passes with great runs, pullouts and interceptions as a right back against Zambia and he completed 31 passes after starting as right back before moving to the midfield as the Eaglets lost to Morocco.

The CAF technical study group thus picked him as the best player in these two matches. 

Yahaya Danjuma Lawali is the vice-captain of the Golden Eaglets as the team continues to push to earn a World Cup spot in the cadet championship.

The entire team of Mahanaim have expresses delight with the exploit of one of them as they urge him not to relent in making them proud with excellent performance at the championship. 

NLO I: Osun FA parley with clubs, urge all to play by the rules

Osun State Football Association have met with participating clubs of the Nationwide League One Division One for 2023 season and dialogged on the need to have an indefectible league season.

The representatives of the seven clubs gathered at Late Chief Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Football House in Osogbo where Osun FA board members had a heart to heart conversations with assurance of hitch free proceedings before, during and after the season.

Osun FA supremo Otunba Rasaq lshola Mustapha RIM., congratulated the three teams representing the state at the ongoing Federations Cup for their victory in the last round, he noted that, arrangements have been concluded for teams to have hitch free proceedings cum worthwhile season. He equally harped on discipline and downplayed any act of favouritism by match officials.

" I want each team to shun any act that can bring the game to disrepute, we won't condone any trouble at match venue. As such, there will be strict sanctions on any teams that cause troubles through club officials, players and supporters.

" Our board don't have favourites in this process. All of us must comply with the interpreters of the laws of the game.

All club belongs to FA . Each club will be given free and fair platform to execute their games." The British trained lawyer explained.

Following the agonising lamentations of private club owners, as regards the late introduction of participation fees of two hundred thousand naira by the secretariat of the Nationwide League, Ajiroba has facilitated from government and provided each team a sum of one hundred and fifty thousand naira as bailouts, participating clubs to sort out the remaining. This gestures from the FA was tagged unprecedented by the visibly joyous clubs representatives.

Meanwhile, the President of Hammola FC, Muhydeen Odeyemi has been unanimously picked by NLO Club Owners to represent Nationwide League One clubs during the forthcoming Osun FA elections billed to hold on June 13th 2023.

NLO charges clubs to strengthen media department to gain more visibilities

 

The Nationwide League One (NLO) Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Ogunnowo has charged clubs to have a functional media department with a view to showcasing their brand.

Ogunnowo gave the charge on Tuesday, during a one-day capacity-building workshop organized by the nation's third-tier football league, for Media Officers/Practitioners/Social Media Managers held at the Press Centre of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kano State Chapter.

NLO Media Officer Tunde Shamsudeen, schooled the North West media officer on topics ranging from -Creating compelling and engaging club content for fans and media. Strategies for media relationship management and most importantly Using social media platforms for effective communication.

"The media is crucial to football development, and one of the positives from the workshop is to sensitize the clubs in the north of the need to have capable media managers to showcase the clubs talents to the football market, and also help drive funds to their clubs," said Olushola.

"The NLO doesn't intend to sanction any club without a media manager, rather it intends to encourage clubs to take advantage of the media to effectively use it to promote their talented players to the football market, by way of uploading their match clips on their YouTube Channels and other social media platforms, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram."

As regards the NLO opening season star game, a Kano Derby between Kano Pillars Jnr and Kwankwansiya FC.

"From what we have gathered since the NLO contingent arrived in Kano on Monday, a cracker is expected as the Sani Abacha Stadium will explode with massive turnout of fans, as both teams have a huge fan base.

"On our part, the NLO have put in place all logistics to ensure a hitch-free game as football is about entertainment."

The workshop which was engaging and rich with contents from Shamsudeen, was largely attended by members of the forth estate of the realm in the Groundnut Pyramid City.

Vice President (North) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Alhaji Lurwanu Malikawa, and other participants were presented with certificates of participation.

WHY ODODO/OGBO TICKET IS THE SURE BET FOR KOGI AGENDA

 

  ...X-raying the electoral strength of Kogi Eastern Senatorial District and the possible expectations

There is no gainsaying that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State has commenced process of scouting for the running mate for its Party Flag bearer, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.

If APC must win from an unbiased analysis, Alhaji Usman Ododo has to pick a running mate from Kogi Eastern Senatorial district.

This is premised on the combination of votes that will emanate from both Kogi East and Central Senatorial districts of the state.

While the Eastern Senatorial District is expected to be given consideration because of its large number of registered voters, especially in Ankpa, Omala, and Olamaboro Federal Constituency, and Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency, the APC need to recommend a capable personality, a thoroughbred leader with striking credentials to fly its ticket with the flag bearer.

First, Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency, no doubt, has large registered voters. However, the same federal Constituency is known to have a scattered voting pattern due to its counterpart local Government (Bassa Local Government), as reflected in the last general elections.
As such, any personality from that axis may not be an easy ride for the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Gubernatorial election.

Secondly, Idah, Igala-Mela, Ofu, and Ibaji Federal Constituency has almost three (3) gubernatorial candidates for the November Gubernatorial Poll, an obvious indication that the APC will be expecting divided votes from among the candidates.

This of course will affect APC's outing at the Gubernatorial Poll even as we have Kogi East APC chairman from the same axis.

On records, Idah, Igala-Mela, Ofu, and Ibaji Federal axis has had scattered pattern of votes since 1999.
In Ibaji for example, majority of voters often vote in 2 directions: Anti-government votes and Pro-religion votes.

This is mainly because Ibaji people are perceived as outcasts in Igala land possibly because of the tongue difference (which is largely influenced by Igbo and Christianity) and the main Igala (which is often influenced by common ancestry).

More so, Ankpa, Omala, and Olamaboro Federal Constituency is known to be a bloc vote centre overtime. Specifically, Ankpa Local Government Area came second in the last general elections ahead of Dekina Local Government Area despite the number of registered voters in Dekina Local Government Area.

It's on record that Dekina has not always been up to its potential because of the following reason:

It is often the center of the ruling party in Kogi East and It is also often the center of the opposition in Kogi State. This are varifiable pieces of information.

From this analysis, there is no doubt that Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman will fit in as Ododo's running mate to Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo because of his detribalised nature.

The Doctor of Political Economy has demonstrated and still demonstrating his unbiased way of life when it comes to religious or ethnic difference as obviously portrayed by having his ADC a Christian, Personal Assistant, official Videographer/ photographer, Public Relations Unit officer a Christian, his immediate allies and virtually all the establishment headed by Christains in Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.

Dr. Usman is the only man whose name rings bell, positively in Kogi West and Central Senatorial Districts and I can assure you that this combo of Hon Ahmed Usman Ododo and Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman will win Election seamlessly and convincingly if put together by securing two–third Majority votes across the three senatorial districts, thus exposing and replacing incompetence with competency, capacity and commitments.

It will further ignite the wave of public reorientation and sensitization on the true essence of the representative (and the nature of responsibility that ought to accompany it) and the many public benefits and entitlements that ought to be trickling down from such representative offices as dividends of democracy.

It will also succeed in raising the bar of representation and triggering the spirit of public advocacy for transparency and accountability.

I'm sure the leadership of the party is considering this combination, and if not, now is the time to give it a deep-thought.

Kogi State will be great again devoid of ethnic and religious SENTIMENTS.

- Abdulkadir Bin ABDULMALIK is a seasoned political/ Policy analyst, member All Progressive Congress (APC) and writes from Lokoja, Kogi State 

DR. SALISU OGBO USMAN: THE KASHIM SHETTIMA OF KOGI STATE

 

As Kogi State prepares for a new era of leadership with the election on its way this November, 2023. it is important to reflect on the qualities that make a great leader. One man who embodies many of these qualities is Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman , a shining star in kogi politics who has been compared to the vice president-elect, Kashim Shettima.

Like Shettima, Dr. Ogbo has a track record of leadership, integrity, and dedication to public service. Dr. Ogbo's commitment to improving the lives is evident in his work as the Rector of Kogi State polytechnic, Lokoja. He has a deep understanding of the challenges facing the institution, and is dedicated to finding practical solutions that will improve the institution to a class of nonpareil. 

Dr. Ogbo's leadership style is similar to that of Shettima, who is known for his ability to bring people together and build consensus without any sentiment. 

Dr. Ogbo's approach to leadership is collaborative and inclusive, and he believes that the best solutions are often found through dialogue and cooperation. He has a talent for bringing together people from different backgrounds and perspectives, and is committed to working with all to create a better future. 

In addition to his leadership skills, Dr. Ogbo shares many of Shettima's personal qualities. He is a man of integrity, A great orator who will steal your show anytime any day on the podium , He is committed to transparency and accountability in government. He is also deeply compassionate, and is dedicated to helping the most vulnerable members of his society.

As Kogi State looks to the future, it is clear that leaders like Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman will be essential in building a better, more prosperous kogi With his leadership skills, dedication to public service, and commitment to unity and progress. 

Dr. Ogbo is a shining example of the kind of leader that Nigeria not only Kogi State needs. He is truly another Kashim Shettima of Kogi State, and we can be confident that he will continue to serve our dear state with distinction and honor.

Salaudeen Lawal writes from Kaduna State 

KOGI POLY RECTOR BAGS PRESTIGIOUS IGALA MERIT AWARD

 ...Dedicates Award to Gov. Yahaya Bello.

The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman was honored with the Prestigious Igala Merit Award in recognition of his dedication, sacrifice and commitments to Igala development.

Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman received the Award at the colorful ceremony held on Monday 1st May, 2023 at Chida Hotel, Abuja.

The Convener of the prestigious Award of Merit for 'Who is who is Igala land' – Honorable Hilary Amodu while presenting the award to Dr. Usman applauded the Rector for his unwavering commitments, dedication and sacrifices in developing Igala Kingdom.

Hon. Amodu charged Dr. Usman to continue on the path of prosperity by not relenting in commiting to his people and the constant desire to steadfastly hold onto the trust they have bestowed on him as a focused and result-oriented son of Igala race.

The recipient Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman while appreciating the organizer for finding him worthy with the award reiterated his utmost desire towards contributing to the development of Igala Kingdom and to consolidate the assurances of the promise the people-oriented and impact-based representation.

Dr. Usman dedicated the award to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello for giving him the platform to reach out to all Kogites including the Igalas.

He charged all industrious Igala sons and daughters to continue on the path of prosperity through sincerity of purpose, just representation and oneness that binds their ancestry – Ane Igala'. 

The award ceremony was graced by eminent personalities from Igala land and all works of life. 

- Abdulkadir Bin ABDULMALIK

Lokoja, Kogi State