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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations and best wishes.

Signed:

Prince Yahaya Audu Odidi

APC Chieftain, Kogi State.

5th Children parliament inaugurated in Kogi

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

End

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

 

By Stephen Adeleye

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

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

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

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

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

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

  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

End

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

 

By Godwin Wambebe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Danish side Jammerbugt FC snaps three players from Mailantarki Care Academy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Olaitan could make his debut when Niort host 

USL Dunkerque on Tuesday in the French Ligue 2 season.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Organisers announce date for Evolution Cup draws

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beach Volleyball: Nigeria teams win gold at Zone 3 U21 Championship

 

Nigeria have emerged champions of the just concluded Zone 3 U21 Beach Volleyball Championship in the Boys’ and Girls’ category on Sunday.

Nigeria defeated host, Benin Republic I 2-0 (21-14, 21-17) in the boys’ final while Nigeria pummeled the first team of Benin Republic 2-0 (21-11, 21-13) in the Girls’ category.

The duo of Emenike Ezike and Emmanuel Udah represented Nigeria in the boys’ event while Happy Wushiland and Esther Mbah wore the colours of the country in the girls’ event.

An elated Emmanuel Udah said he is looking forward to other international outings after winning his first international medal in 2022.

Udah said, “I want to thank God for the victory in Benin Republic and the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod for ensuring the teams participated in Zone 3 despite the late invitation given to the country. It was a good outing and it feels great to win the first international trophy in 2022 for the country. We are looking forward to subsequent competitions and the teams will not let the country down.”

The head coach of Nigeria Beach Volleyball Team, John Iwerima applauded the Chairman of Nigeria Beach Volleyball Commission, Engineer Musa Nimrod for always creating the platform for junior players to showcase their God given talents.

Iwerima said, “My sincere appreciation goes to Almighty God for doing this great thing for us and to the President of NVBF, Engineer Musa Nimrod for supporting us. He has always provided the platform for us to showcase the talent at the junior level.

“It projects a bright future for Nigeria as we prepare for other international engagements like the commonwealth games qualifiers and other international tours that come up later in the year. This is a rehearsal for greater things to come for volleyball, especially beach volleyball; thank you all for your constant prayers for the success of the teams.”

The President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod lauded the players and the coaching crew for landing the federation her first international gold medals.

He said, “This victory indicates that it is going to be a successful outing for Nigeria in 2022. The Nigeria Beach Volleyball Commission are excited about this development and it is our belief that the indoor will also bring glory to the country.”

In the semifinals, Nigeria beat Ghana 2-0 (21-16, 21-16) in the boys’ category while Nigeria defeated Benin Republic II 2-0 (21-12, 21-15) in the girls’ category.

Renaming KSU to PAAU, Late Prince Abubakar Audu Family Appreciates Gov. Bello

 

The family of Late Prince Abubakar Audu, has expressed profund appreciation to Gov. Yahaya Bello for renaming the State University after their late brother.

In a family statement signed by Prince Yahaya Audu Ohidi, 

For and on behalf of the Audu’s Family, the

APC Chieftain in Kogi State said on behalf of himself and the entire Audu family, thanked Gov. Bello immensely for being bold and considerate in renaming the Kogi State University, Anyingba to Prince Abubakar Audu University, PAAU, said

Posterity will indeed reward him. 

The family in the statement congràtulated Gov. Bello on his 6-year anniversary as Governor of the State and for his remarkable second term in Office.

The statement described Gov. Bello as one who has always believed that cooperation among the 36 states of Nigeria should be based on the values and principles of peace, unity, democracy, and mutual respect, appreciated him for equally and practically demonstrating these values and principles in Kogi State in the last 6 years of his administration. 

The statement also commended him for serving the people of Kogi; not only as a governor, but also as a national leader who has earned widespread support of the Nigerian people.

The family described him as truly a man of character and integrity, a national symbol of unity and progress, wish him continued good health, victory, longevity of life, ever-increasing knowledge as a leader, as well as wisdom and the collaboration of the Nigerian people for your next assignment. 

While he expressed his assurances of his highest respect and considerations to Gov. Bello, Prince Yahaya Audu wished him well in his future political endeavors.

Nigeria U21 team secures Beach Volleyball semifinals

 

Nigeria U21 teams have qualified for the semifinals of the ongoing Zone 3 U21 Beach Volleyball Championship in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

The duo of Emenike Ezike and Emmanuel Udah (Nigeria boys), schooled Benin Republic 2-0 (21-4, 21-6) in their first match before taking Niger Republic to the cleaners 2-0 (21-11, 21-19) in their second match on Friday.

The Nigeria girls team, Happy Wushiland and Esther Mbah did not waste time to dispatch Benin Republic 2-0 (21-10, 21-9) in their first match and won their second match convincingly against Ghana 2-0 (21-14, 21-8).

The coach of Nigeria U21 beach volleyball team, John Iwerima expressed satisfaction over the performances of the team at the championship.

Iwerima said the players exhibited a high level of technicalities in each of their matches.

He said, “I am happy over the performances of each of the players; they are hungry for wins and have shown to the world that they want to win the championship.

“If you look at the matches, you will see that players did not give their opponent chances to express themselves. The players showed a high level of technicality in their two matches. I strongly believe that if these players are given more playing time together, we will have a formidable beach volleyball junior team.”

Speaking from Cotonou, the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod praised the team for making Nigeria proud in the group stages.

The Secretary General of Confederation of Africa Volleyball (CAVB) Zone 3 said, “I watched the team play and I must confess that they have shown much promise. We are not going to put pressure on the team and the coaches; I believe that they will emerge victorious.”

The Nigeria boys and girls team will face Liberia in their last group stage matches on Saturday.

Evolution Cup gets NLO endorsement, as organisers vow to maintain high standard

 

The organisers of the Nationwide League One(NLO) invitational pre-season tournament, Evolution Cup has assured the NLO management of its readiness to flaunt a competiton of international standard.

Speaking to Evolution Cup media, Olatoye Olawale, the Project Strategist stated that the initiative will justify the confidence reposed in, saying "such a huge trust wouldn't be taken for granted".

Olawale noted the need to appreciate the NLO for the endorsement of the project is imperative amid reports of the league's recent claim that it would not tolerate the usage of its name and logo as part of a project which it has never been brought to its notice.

"Yes, we have the backing of the NLO. It's a confirmation of the originality of our project and a huge trust that wouldn't be taken for granted" he said.

It would be recalled that NLO in a statement released on 25th of February frowned against the usage of it's name and logo in as part of some event, especially pre-season tournament without the its consent. 

The NLO had on 17th of February passed a 'vote of confidence' on Evolution Cup, describing it as an initiative that will aid the preparation of clubs going in to the new season.

The approval letter reads thus;

"I present the compliments of the Board and management of Nationwide League One (NLO) to you and the management of Sports flames communication"

"This  is to convey the approval of the Nationwide League One to you and the management of the ten teams invitational pre-season tournament scheduled for February 21-26. It is our believe that the proposed pre-season invitational tournament will in no small measure help to prepare the Nationwide league one clubs and the players for the Herculean task of the 2022 football season"

"The  NLO wish you well in the organization which must be in conformity with world best practices in football administration, the NLO will as well be on ground to oversee your activities during the event"

The tournament, sponsored by Alphakay International Sports and packaged by Sportsflames communication will feature ten NLO teams in a most truest and fairest form of league situation and campaign.

Evolution Cup is scheduled to hold from February 21st -26th of the same month at Remo Stars Stadium Complex,Ikenne ,Ogun State.

SDP Suspends Kogi State Party Secretary

 

... Throws its weight behind New National Leadership.

The Kogi State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party, has suspended its State Secretary Arome Okeme for indiscipline and insubordination

The Party has also replaced the suspended Secretary with Musa David Chubiyojo after an emergency State Executive Council Meeting held on Thursday in Lokoja attended by about forty Members.

The Party in a press conference addressed by the State Party Chairman, Muktar Atima, said the suspension of the Secretary followed his continued disobedience to Party rules and regulations.

Similarly, the Party said the absence of the Secretary from the country to Guinea Bissau for over a year has negatively affected the smooth running of the Party, creating a huge lacuna.

The party equally frowned at the abuse and incessant castigation of the Party and its Leadership in the Media by the suspended Secretary, described his actions as capable of bringing the party to disrepute, consequently necessitated his suspension.

The Kogi State Chapter at the Press Conference pledged their unalloyed support to the leadership of Dr Ishaq Abdul Ahmed and Engr. Simon Adeshina as National Chairman and General Secretary respectively.

The SDP in the state passed a confidence votes on the leadership of Alh. Muktar Atima, lauded the support and the action of the state Chairman to the National Leadership who they disclosed has added immense value to the party in the State.

They Party also  commended the Chairman for  Supporting the new National leadership of the party, described the decision as one that is capable of putting the party in good stead ahead of the 2023 General elections.

36 Lion product, Collins Sor pens five year deal with Banik Ostrava

 

36 Lion product Collins Yira Sor has joined Slavia Praha on a five-year-deal from Banik Ostrava.

The contract will keep the former Nigeria youth international at the Sinobo Stadium until December 2026, and he joins compatriots Peter Olayinka and Ubong Ekpai.

Sor has played 16 matches in the current Czech Fortuna Liga campaign, scoring three goals and providing five assists. 

He has the chance of playing in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

After completing the move, the attacker spoke of his ambition with his new side.

“I am very positive, both on and off the pitch and I am very much looking forward to this new challenge,” Sor told the Media.

“As a player I am versatile, I usually play as a winger but I can also play well in midfield and as a striker.

“My ambitions at the club? Help Slavia Praha beat Fenerbahce in the next round of UEFA Europa Conference League and of course become champions. I also want to win the League title too. We should aspire to that!”

Yira Sor developed his game in Lagos at 36 Lion before switching to Banik Ostrava in February 2021.

The 36 graduate made two appearances for the Nigeria team at 2019 U20 FIFA World Cup.  

The transfer was a bit frustrating but one of 36 Lion European representative Mr. Hannes D'Hoop made sure all stones were turned. Mr. D’Hoop left Belgium and stayed in Czech Republic for two weeks until Collins Sor signed.

Collins Sor kicked his first ball at Family Love Academy in Port Harcourt owned by Jeremiah Atu Kalu before coming to 36 Lion where his potentials was maximized as a young speedster.

Dignitaries grace Youth/Sports Minister sponsored Table Tennis competition finale in Ogbomoso

 

 

*** Competition Organised In Honour of the Late Soun of Ogbomosoland

Ogbomoso, the hometown of Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare went agog Friday as prominent community leaders and dignitaries across the country graced the finale of the DAD Foundation table-tennis competition sponsored by the Minister, in honour of the late Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Oladunni Oyewunmi.

Dare, the Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland, a high Chief, organised the competition as part of activities lined up for the 40 days Fidau prayers in honour of the late paramount ruler. 

Amongst dignitaries that spoke at the event was the former Director of Kwara State Sports Council, Mr Tunde Kazeem who described the Minister as an exemplary performer whose accessibility and humility is unparalleled for leaders of his ilk. He charged individuals and members of the private sector to take a cue from the Minister by adopting a Sports to support, or an athlete to develop, stating Government cannot develop Sports alone. 

President of the Ogbomoso Community Youth Forum, Rev. Peter Olaleye commended Dare for not only initiating the table-tennis competition but for investing in the on-going construction of a befitting Sports centre for the town. He went down memory lane to narrate how the Minister assisted the Forum with cash donation to rehabilitate a very bad portion of a major road, even though his assistance wasn't solicited. 

"The Minister is an empathetic leader with a heart for the people. Even though we tried to dodge his donation because we didn't request for it, he found a creative way to get it to us and this hastened the rehabilitation of that road, for the benefit of the people," Rev. Olaleye added.

A representative of the Minister's friends, Dr. Dan Okeke, an APC chieftain from Abia said they were in Ogbomoso to support the Minister because he is always there for his friends despite his hectic schedule. He revealed how Dare visited Abia State, and stayed for 3 days when he had a function, playing a pivotal role. On behalf of the Minister's friends, he pledged an undisclosed amount to support the APC in Ogbomoso and also cash gifts for winners of the competition.

Cash gifts were later presented to the winners of competition by the Minister as the community looks forward to the commissioning of the Sports centre in a few weeks.

The roll-call of dignitaries at the event include Oba Dr. Sunday Ademola Ogunmola, Alaje of Ogbomosoland, Oba Adeyemi Ajibade Fajoye, Olubere of Ogbomosoland, APC chieftains across Oyo State, friends and associates of the Honourable Minister.