FCT SWAN election hots up, as Odogwu led SWANECO releases electoral guidelines

All is set for the Unified Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN), FCT Chapter election, as Sales of nomination forms has began in the capital city.

Confirming this in Abuja, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu) said the revalidation of membership has been completed, and the response and cooperation received was tremendous and overwhelming. He said that sales of form began on Monday, 1st April, and the enthusiasm of contestants are second to none. He said that forms are expected to be returned on or before 14th of April.

It would be uncalled that the appointment of the former Vice Chairman of FCT Football Association, Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu) as SWANECO Chairman was announced by the National President of SWAN , Isaiah Benjamin earlier in March at a Congress attended by members of the Association. Other members of the Electoral body include:

Edwin Akwue

Mike Ndidi

Akin Bolarinwa

Modupe Oyewale

While Aniete Patrick will serve as Secretary

The President had said that the appointment of Odogwu will give him the opportunity to serve the Association in line with the responsibilities of the office as indicated in the SWAN Statute. He said that with his experience as a journalist and sports administrator, he expects him to organize a credible election that will unite the sports writers in FCT.

The President enjoined the appointees to justify the confidence reposed on them by the SWAN by contributing their quota to the growth of the Association. Odogwu has served as a member of past SWANECO.

The Committee has since released the time table electoral time table and guidelines which is as thus:

SWAN FCT ELECTORAL GUIDELINES 2024

1. Revalidation/Registration of FCT SWAN Members (4-30 March 2024)

2. Sales of Nomination Forms (1st April)

3. Closing of Sales of Forms (14th April)

4. Online Display of list of interested candidates (15th April)

5. Screening of Interested candidates(16th April)

6. Display of Successful Candidates List (16th April)

7. Claims and Objections (18th April)

8) Hearing of Appeals (21st April)

9) Final Display of List of Candidates (21st April)

10. Presentation of Manifesto (25th April)

11. Election/Declaration of Successful Candidates (26th April)

12. Swearing In and Handing over (26th April)

Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu) who is the CEO of Exclusivenews Newspaper was the former Sporting Director of Abia Warriors of Umuahia.

By: Sunday Agunbiade (Mr VAR)

16 teams converge on Abuja for Paul E football tourney

The stage is set for Abuja to host the Paul E Football U-17 Football Tournament to be competed for by 16 teams.

The tournament is scheduled to hold between April 14 and 23 at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja.

According to the chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Patrick Ngwaogu, the tournament is for players born on or before 2006.

“The tournament is for Nigerians who were born on or before 2006. It is a U-17 tournament aimed at discovering new talents for Nigeria. We have abundant talents here and this tournament will play a huge role in unearthing these talents who can grow to be superstars in the future,” he said.

He further said the 16 teams were chosen out of 31 teams that applied to participate in the tournament.

“We had 31 teams from across the country that indicated interest in participating in the tournament. They applied and we screened all of them to get the 16 teams that we have now,” he stated.

Out of the 16 clubs, 10 are from Abuja, while Plateau, Niger, Lagos, Ekiti, Delta and Benue states have a club each.

Naija Ratels, sports enthusiasts protest as Presidency plans to turn Area 10 Pitch Into Grains Storage Ground

Protests are growing across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) against plans of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to turn the football pitch of the Area 10 Sports Complex (Old Parade Ground) into a maize and rice pyramids center. 

Already, some hired workers today breached the perimeter fence of the pitch in readiness for the arrival of hundreds of trucks alleged to be carrying biologically modified maize (BMO). 

The Area 10 Sports Complex, also known as the Old Parade Ground is where most Football teams in the FCT practise and play their competitive league Matches every week. 

Few months ago, Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF) owners of NWFL Premiership side,  Naija Ratels spent millions of Naira in the re-grassing  of the pitch, renovation of the dressing rooms and the stands.

Top Sports enthusiast Peter Aduebe believes that the decision is too hasty and shouldn't have been made at all. The football pitch is where many youths in Abuja showcase their talents and play competitive games for their various clubs. It is a way of livelihood for both the male and female athletes as a whole. 

"I am so disappointed about this. I feel the Federal Government should encourage the youths more, not discourage them in exhibiting what they can do. 

"The Area 10 Sports Complex is has produced alot of great talents and is still producing. Instead of the FCTA to build more Sporting Facilities, they are thinking of destroying the ones already available.

In his thoughts, Abuja based Journalist, Tunde Adebayo noted that the Government inability to provide suitable sporting facilities for the youth is frustrating, not to talk of destroying one available for the youths in Abuja. 

"This is unfair to thousands of youths who look forward to promoting their God given talents through sports. Recently, someone spent millions of Naira to renovate the Arena and all the FCTA could do is to turn the pitch into an agricultural storage avenue.

The Area 10 Sports Complex is a stadium in the Garki District of Abuja, Nigeria. Built in the early 1980s, it is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of various teams in the Federal Capital Territory. The stadium has a capacity of about 5,000

NUJ shares spoil with SWAN in a Classic Novelty Match

 

... As Nigeria Info win big

The Sports Writers Association Of Nigerian (SWAN), FCT chapter were on Monday in Abuja forced to a 2-2 draw by

 the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, in a Classic novelty match to herald the 2021 FCT SWAN Week.

In what was his first official outing after winning a reelection into office, NUJ FCT Council chairman, Emmanuel Ogbeche showed his leadership qualities as he led the NUJ to a respectable draw against a much younger SWAN team.

The football match played at the Turf Arena, River Plate Garden Abuja was officiated by SA to the FCT Minister of State  Mustapha Mubdiyu and had the presence of bigwig media practitioners in the nation’s capital.

A comprehensive results of the football matches played on the first day of the SWAN Week shows that  Cool Wazobia FM walked over NTA (3-0), Nigeria Info beat    ITV 5-1, Vision FM walloped Love FM 3-0 while it was TSTV 3-0 Liberty TV.

The last match of the day saw TVC play out a highly entertaining 3-3 draw with Arise Tv but Arise eventually triumphed 3-1 on penalties.

Fixtures for quarter final:

FCT SWAN WEEK 2021 

Quarter final fixtures

7th December 2021

1.Cool Wazobia FM vs Nigeria info FM

2.Vision  FM vs TSTV

3.Arise TV vs  Brila FM

4.TVC vs Correspondent FC

All teams are to be at Turf Arena by 10am

Gwagwalada Football Coaches Reward Stakeholders with Awards

 

The Gwagwalada Football Coaches Council at the weekend held its maiden award night to honor some selected individuals and organizations who have contributed positively to the development of football in the Area Council.

Welcoming the visitors to the event, the Leader of Gwagwalada Football Coaches Council, Barrister Justice Ayodele said the event was imperative considering the impact the various individuals have made in the development of the game at the council. 

He said that the efforts of these individuals have gone a long way to curb various societal vices in the locality. 

He appreciated and implored them not to relent in supporting the youths in attaining their desired heights in the game of football.

Speaking in the same vein, the Chairman of Gwagwalada Football Council, Ibrahim Bako, said the award ceremony came at a very auspicious time, that Gwagwalada needed to appreciate the efforts of the the leaders past. 

He commended the leadership of the Coaches Council for coming up with the idea of rewarding those that have worked tirelessly in putting Gwagwalada in a positive picture of Nigeria Football.

Among the awardees who were present were the Patron of Gwagwalada Football Coaches, Justice Mwanda Balami, who was also the Chairman of the occasion, Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi, Barrister Ahmed Jalingo, Coach Godwin Bamigboye, Prince Lugard Oyewole, Coach Daniel Oromade who was the first Chairman of FCT Football Coaches, Patrick Ngwaogu who was the first Leader of Gwagwalada Coaches, Thompson Ojukwu, the first Secretary of Gwagwalada Football Coaches Council, Patrick Bassey, the first Gwagwalada player to play up to the national level, and now an U. 15 National team Coach among others.

Special awards were given to Nigeria National League, NNL and Nationwide League One, NLO.

Senator Aduda, Ramotu Tijani, Dino Maleye storm Gwagwalada as football coaches hold award night

The commercial nerve center of the Federal Capital Territory, Gwagwalada will be the center of attraction this weekend as the Gwagwalada Football Coaches hold its maiden edition of Gwagwalada Football Coaches Award and Fund raising ceremony. The event will hold on Friday 3 December at the Yesmin Event Centre, Gwagwalada - Abuja.

Some of the awardees on that day will include Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Phillip Aduda, FCT Honourable Minister of State, Hajia Ramotu Tijani, Senator Dino Melaye, former president of the NFF Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi, Justice Mwanda Balami, Chairman, Gwagwalada Area Council Honourable Obama and Alhaji Ahmed Jalingo CEO, Season Seven 

Others include Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi, Barrister Tunde Bucknor, Chairman FCT Football Association Mukthar Adams, first Leader of the Gwagwalada Football Coaches Council, who incidentally was the immediate past First Vice Chairman of FCT Football Association Mr Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu Ndi Abia) among others.

According to the host, and the present Leader of the Gwagwalada Football Council Barrister Justice Ayodele, the program is in recognition of the the efforts made by the various individuals in the development of football in the Area Council and beyond, and also to raise funds in support of the football development programs in the Area Council and awakening the consciousness of the youths of the need to embrace football fully as a way of vocation and career.

ICAN set to rid quackery from profession, builds practitioners' capacity

 

By Stephen Adeleye

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Abuja & District Society, has expressed her readiness to tackle quackery in the profession through monitoring and addressing issues peculiar to members in practice.

The District's Chairman, Alhaji Balogun Abdulrasheed, PhD, FCA, gave the assurance at the inaugural ''Partners’ Breakfast Roundtable'', organised by the Professional Practice Forum (PPF) of ICAN Abuja & District Society on Saturday.

Abdulrasheed said that the district was fully ready and committed to tackling quackery in the profession and other issues that are peculiar to practitioners, saying the forum was the first of its kind in the history of ICAN.

He noted that PPF was set up by the Executive Committee of ICAN Abuja & District Society in March 2021, and its executive committee inaugurated on April 29, 2021, to pilot the forum's affairs.

He, therefore solicited for the support of members in practice to ensure that the forum achieved its desired goals and be sustained.

''Today, we are working assiduously to ensure that the forum achieved the desired results and urge other districts to join us'' he said. 

Speaking on the journey so far, the Forum's Chairman, Mr Abel Agbo Onyeke, FCA, said the PPF was formed to complement the activities of the Institute’s Professional Practice Committee and Department in monitoring members in practice in Abuja, and to provide a platform for practitioners in the district to tackle challenges such as a rapidly changing business and regulatory environment, technological disruptions, competition, and other issues threatening their businesses.

He noted that the partners’ breakfast roundtable, which would be held quarterly, would provide an opportunity for members to meet, interact and deal with these issues. 

He stressed that the forum remained committed to five key areas: sensitization and mobilization, organization development, capacity building, partnership & networking, and regulatory compliance.

''The forum today has over 100 firms that employ over 2000 personnel and we believe that more than a quarter of these numbers are still outside, and we shall spare no efforts until everyone is in the fold” He disclosed that the forum has visited over 50 firms this year alone and assured that the Executive Committee under his leadership was determined to visit all the firms in the district.

He further held that the forum ''will work with the district to liaise and engage with Departments and Agencies of Government such as FIRS, CAC and other regulators in charge of professional practices” Other activities lined up include ''supporting firms to structure, adapt, and respond effectively to industry and technological changes” and helping practitioners to develop and strengthen their skills, abilities, processes, and resources needed to succeed and thrive. Mr Onyeke concluded by appealing to all members to be actively engaged in the activities of the forum, saying that no firm should think that it is “too small to matter or too big to be bothered” 

The Guest Speaker at the event, Mr Adetoyese Fadele, Head, Professional Practice Department (PPD) of ICAN, commended the forum for the partners' breakfast roundtable initiative.

Fadele, who spoke on the topic: ''ICAN & Professional Practice Management'', said the initiative would enable ICAN to have what was obtainable globally in their local environment.

He emphasised the need to do everything possible to ensure that quackery was eliminated in the profession, saying the institute had identified that most of the challenges were from the Small and Medium Practice (SMP). 

Fadele explained that the idea of monitoring was to encourage the SMP to improve and adopt the best practice while empowering members technically.

He, therefore called for vigorous pursuit of the goals set forth in the forum’s blueprint through members’ active participation and support.

He further advised members to be knowledge driven, embrace change, invest in technology, and provide solutions that add values.

END

Abuja comes alive with Flying Officers Cup Billboards

A blitz of brightly coloured billboards of the biggest Pre-season Championship in Africa, the Flying Officers Cup has perked-up the city of Abuja ahead of the Kick-Off of the  Women's Football Championship.

As the tournament draws closer, the Organisers are gearing up their preparations for the football fiesta. Abuja, the host city have been spruced up for the tournament as about six (6) billboards mounted at strategic locations across the city have spurred up excitement amongst football lovers. 

Some of the locations includes Jabi, by Grand Cubana Hotel Junction, Gwarinpa by Chambian Plaza, IBB Way, Maitama, opposite El-amin international School, Garki, Area 11, by Automated Car-wash, Utako Market by Arab junction and Defense Headquarters Junction.

Ratels Sports Development Foundation President, Barrister Paul Edeh said the billboards were mounted at strategic positions in Abuja to make the people catch up with the fun and excitement that has to do with the competition.

The competition billed to Kick-Off on Sunday, the 10th of October will see 16 teams including a team from Ghana and Benin Republic battle for honours at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja and Edeh noted that the reactions from the Abuja Football Lovers on the competition has been overwhelming. 

"We have worked so hard over the last few weeks to get this done almost perfectly, the Area 10 Sports Complex is under renovation and it's almost 100% done. 

"Most particularly, am glad we have been able to get positive reactions from football lovers across the city on the billboards placed in various strategic locations in Abuja. The Flying Officers Cup is not just a competition, it is more like a Football fiesta. 

"Teams that are coming for the Championship are guaranteed a very hospitable reception and would have a very conducive environment to thrive and develop as a team before the start of the new season. 

"We are ready for the tournament and waiting for the team's arrival." He concluded. 

Flying Officers Cup 2021 is the third edition of the women football Pre-season Championship in honour of the late Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile. Edo Queens and Bayelsa Queens are the past winners of the tournament.

Moukthar pledges FCT FA support for Unity Preseason Tournament

The Chairman of FCT Football Association Abba Mourtar Mohammed has given his approval to the hosting of the Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja from 30th October to 5th November 2021.

Revealing this in Abuja, the Organizing Committee Chairman, Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu Ndi Abia) said the Chairman was so excited of the program, and has agreed to donate the main trophy and medals of the tournament. He further confirmed that the Chairman has promised to make the presentation of the trophy soon.

According to him "the Chairman welcomed the idea, and said that the tournament will not only give all the participating teams the opportunity to assess their new acquisitions, but it will also provide an opportunity to the teams within the zone to interact and exchange positive ideas that will help them in the new season. He commended the initiators of the tournament and promised to be there for them all through ".

The Unity Preseason Cup is expected to be played among all the NPFL clubs in the North Central zone and the NNL clubs.

Teams expected at the tournament are Kwara United, Plateau United, Lobi Stars, Niger Tornadoes, Nasarawa United, Oyah FC, NAF FC, FRSC FC, EFCC FC, ABS FC and Kogi United.

Mr Ngwaogu further said that the clubs have started confirming their interest to participate in the tournament which will be the first in the zone.

Gwagwalada agog as Odogwu U-15 Cup, Aree Cup finals take center stage

Football attention in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT will be shifted to Gwagwalada Area Council this weekend as the finals of the two prestigious grassroots tournaments hold on Saturday 18th November 2021. The matches will be played at UBE Primary School Kutunku, Gwagwalada. 

According to the Chairman of the Gwagwalada Local Football Council, Ibrahim Bako, the Final of the Odogwu U. 15 cup will be played between Sheikhadam FC of Gwagwalada and Diamond Academy Gwagwalada. The match will be by 2pm, while the finals of the Ares Grassroots Cup will be between Ejiwumi FC and Sheikhadam FC by 4pm same day. 

Quoting his words, Bako said "it is going to be a great day for us, as the finals of the two tournaments will be played on the same day. The Odogwu U. 15 tournament is sponsored by the former Sporting Director of Abia Warriors FC and a very prominent football figure here in FCT and we are always proud to say that he is from Gwagwalada. The Ares cup sponsor also happened to be another man who believes in the development of grassroots football, Akeem Aregbe, the Proprietor of Wazobia FC, an NLO 1 team. We are very proud of the two prominent stakeholders for bankrolling the two holiday programs for us". 

The Football Council boss said the third place matches will be played on Friday 17 September at the same venue. Ejiwumi Academy and 2S Academy will slug it out for the U. 15, while 

De Royal Academy and Niima FC will settle score at the Ares cup losers final.

FCT FA partners Fosla Academy on Grassroots Football Development

Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA) chairman, Alhaji Abba Mouktar Mohammed has constituted a five man committee to work with Fosla Academy on the modalities for the development of grassroots football development in the Capital city. 

The FA boss made the pronouncement at the weekend when he received the Champions of the rejuvenated National Principals Cup, FOSLA Academy Karshi-Abuja in his office. 

Alhaji Mohammed who also announced a cash gift of 500,000 naira to the Academy, said the partnership will in the areas of infrastructural development, talent enhancements and exposure among others.

Alhaji Mohammed commended the academy for winning the tournament and placing the FCT in the world map adding that he would partner with the academy in discovering and nuturing future stars to stardom. 

“We at the FCT FA commended your efforts for winning the National Principal’s Cup and making the FCT proud, we would partner and support the academy in discovering,developing and promoting talents to stardom and also the coaches. 

“Our doors are always open to support the academy, we also appreciate the efforts of the former NFF President, Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi for his role in developing grassroots talent in the nation’s capital”. 

Earlier, the founder of FOSLA Academy  Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi, applauded the FCT FA Chairman, for his gesture and also reaffirmed the academy’s commitment in the development of football in FCT. 

Quoting his words, the former FCT Director of Sports said "On behalf of the management and students of FOSLA academy we appreciate the kind gestures of the leadership of the FCT FA, and we want to assure you  that we will support your giant strides in the discovery and development of Football in FCT and Nigeria in general. He said that the Academy is ever ready to partner with various organizations to empower the indigent students in football and other sports”. 

Fosla Academy is a foremost Academy in Nigeria where students combine education and football with many of them on scholarships to University level. Over 40 students from the Academy are studying various academic programs at the Nasarawa University, Keffi

FCT FA sets 2018 Football Agenda

The Board of the FCT Football Association has approved the creation of an elite Football League in the Territory to be known as the FCT SUPER LEAGUE, with only 12 teams participating in the inaugural edition. 

Integrity: NFF goes tough on defaulters, warns officials’ appointment committees

The Nigeria Football Federation on Tuesday called on the Football Associations in the 36 States and the FCT to forward to it names of persons in their jurisdiction who are still defiantly wearing multiple hats in Nigerian Football.

Open Letter to the FCT Minister, as Cows take Over Football Field in Abuja – by Aderonke Bello

I am writing you this letter with utter disgust and disappointment in the way your administration is handling the issues of herdsman in the capital city of Nigeria especially with recent residency of cows at the Area 10 old parade ground.

2016 FCT Principal Cup Kicks Off in Abuja

The 2016 edition of the FCT Prinicipals cup football competition will begin today in four different centres in the Federal Capital Territory. 

Celtic FC Storms Abuja for AYF Veterans Shield Tourney

Celtic Football Club is set to arrive the nation’s capital city of Abuja to compete for honor and trophies at this year's Veterans Shield Football Tournament.