Timilehin Oluwaseun Adekunle: Nigerian teenage striker joins top Azerbaijan club from Dino SC

 

By Wale Mustapha 

Dino Sporting Club have announced the sale of their young and intelligent striker, Timilehin Oluwaseun Adekule to Azerbaijan top club, Sabah FC. 

The 18 year forward who has shown exceptional dedication and skill during his time with Dino SC has been given another opportunity to continue his football journey with FC Sabah FC of Azerbaijan.

In a statement to announce Adekunle's departure, Dino SC appreciated the organizers of the Lagos Supremacy Cup scouting tournament led by the President of 36 Lions FC Alhaji Liameed Gafar where the youngster caught the attention of top European Scout, CEM SAGAR who facilitated the deal. 

Dino SC who are playing in the Nationwide League One, NLO and the Creative Championship League, TCC league reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to always unearth and nurturing exceptional talents.

*Timilehin has been an embodiment of discipline and dedication throughout his time with the club, and we take immense pride in his achievements.

"We wish him all the best in his new chapter with FC Sabah FC and are confident that he will make us proud," the club said. 

NFF appoints Abdul Sule as Member Technical Study Group Committee

 

Former Nigerian international, Abdul Sule was among the notable names announced by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF as members of various standing and ad-hoc committees for smooth running of operation and to achieve desired results. 

In the release by the Federation on Tuesday, Abdul Sule was among the Technical Study Group Committee that has Issa Ladan Bosso as the chairman. 

This committee will be responsible for assessing technical efficiencies of coaches and players of our various national teams.

They will also be used as scouts for Nigerian players as well as assessing Nigeria's opponents at various international tournaments.

The committee members are: 

1. Technical Study Group Committee:

i. Coach Ladan Bosso - Chairman

ii. Coach James Adesina - Vice Chairman

iii. Coach Manu Garba

iv. Ibrahim Gwadabe

v. Tijjani Babangida

vi. Mutiu Adepoju

vii. Edema Fuludu

viii. Abdul Sule

Ix. Hamisu Mohammed

It will be recalled that Abdul Sule was appointed as Vice Chairman of the Committee that has been saddled with the responsibility of reviving the famous BCC Lions of Gboko.

Sule played for the Benue based club before moving to abroad.

He was the Chairman of both Kogi United and Confluence Queens between 2015 and 2021. 

Sule, popularly called Kana played for Nigerian between 1991 and 1993.

Benue FA lauds Governor Alia on Aper Aku Stadium renovation The egg-heads of Benue

 

 Benue State Football Association (BSFA)  has commended the State Governor, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for approving the immediate regrassing of the pitch at Aper Aku stadium, Makurdi.

Barr. Paul Edeh, the President of Benue FA and Ratels Sports Development Foundation said, "The governor who has spent few weeks in office is already demonstrating leadership.

"With the approval to fix the Aper Aku stadium pitch, teams located within Makurdi, especially Lobi Stars, will now have a comfortable place to train and play their home matches."

Edeh also spoke of the readiness of the board to build a state-of-the-art football secretariat within the stadium when authorities approve a land space for that purpose.

Meanwhile, eight (8) upcoming coaches were given scholarships to take part in the next phase of training programme at the National Institute of Sports (NIS).

While performing an official presentation of the beneficiaries at the General Congress organised by BSFA at the weekend, Edeh, said the football association under his watch will embark on consistent training and re-training of coaches in the state.

The BSFA boss also revealed plans to organise a mega training session, in collaboration with La Liga, for many coaches drawn from the state before the end of 2023.

He then reiterated the resolve of the board to expand the frontiers of grassroots football development within the next three years.

The FA boss said part of the steps taken so far within 40 days of the board's existence was the engagement of critical stakeholders and partners including strategic visits to the Paramount Ruler of Tiv nation Prof. Ortese Ayatse Tor Tiv and that of Idoma nation, Dr. John Elaigwu Och' Idoma who are now football Grand Patron and Patron in the state.

The board also paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau and tertiary institutions in the state within the period under review.

"I want to assure everyone that this is a listening board that want to run an investment-driven football development programmes because balls are critical to the our developmental drive, we have concluded arrangement to import at least 10, 000 balls. We have also invited and met with La Liga representative for their experts to come to Benue and train our coaches.

"We will make coaches' training in an annual programme. From next year, coaches whose teams emerge tops at our various grassroots football competitions from the 23 LGAs will automatically be part of those who will be sent for more capacity building engagements at NIS and others," he said.

Responding, the Chairman of Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Benue State chapter, Coach Eugene Agabe, thanked the board for its laudable and consistent approach to football development.

Benue FA hosts inaugural Football Stakeholders Summit, as Governor's Cup returns

 

 

Executive Board of Benue State Football Association (BSFA), led by Barr. Paul Edeh recorded a milestone as it hosted a first ever football stakeholders summit at the weekend in Makurdi, the state capital.

The stakeholders summit which was held 49 days after the current BSFA board was inaugurated, witnessed the gathering of who-is-who in the state's football family.

Those who attended the summit included ex-internationals, club representatives, football administrators, coaches, referees, sports journalists among others drawn from the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

Stakeholders, while speaking took turns to bare their minds on critical issues of importance, amidst the outpour of encomiums on the steps taken so far to show direction by the Benue FA board in less than two months.

Before then, BSFA Chairman, Barr. Paul Edeh, while recalling the various positive moves by his board, emphasised the need for peace and unity of purpose among the stakeholders.

"When we came on board, precisely 49 days ago, we took initiative on how to move football forward in order to rekindle the good old days when the various ex-internationals, some of whom are gathered here made us proud.

"I personally believe that there's no way we will make headway in developing football in the state without listening to those who have made a career from it, or are doing one thing or the other around football.

"Again, you can't grow the game when you have a divided house because a house divided against itself can't stand. We as stakeholders need to put heads together to find ways of developing football in Benue. We don't need to apply a political approach in developing football. We only need to speak and act as one.

"When an Asisat Oshoala, Francisca Ordega or Onome Ebi is playing, no one identifies them based on where they come from, so all we need to do always is to identify the things that unite us rather than distract or disunite us," said Edeh.

He emphatically enjoined Benue stakeholders to desist from "any form of pull him down syndrome, instead join hands to encourage and promote each other.

Declaring the summit open, the state Director of Sports Comrade Philip Ter Nongu announced that His Excellency Governor Hyacinth Alia has approved immediate resuscitation of the annual Governor's Cup.

He also revealed that the state number one citizen has also directed that work should resume immediately on the pitch of Aper Aku stadium in Makurdi, to enable respective teams in the state, particularly Lobi Stars return home and prosecute their matches conveniently.

On the Stakeholders' Summit, the Sports Director said, "In my 16 years as General-Secretary, I didn't witness where such a summit was organised. So this is very apt and laudable."

Vice Chairman of Lobi Stars and ex-international Dominic Iorfa as well as other former footballers - Emmanuel Abah and Abdul Sule, were among others who attended the event.

Iorfa particularly said, "Since my involvement in football in the early 80s, I have never seen football organised in this manner where all stakeholders are gathered to discuss issues."

National President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, while acknowledging the efforts and exploits of the incumbent FA board, solicited for support to trigger more successes in the state.

He assured that the sporting media will continuously support in adequate publicity of its programmes and activities.

Chairmen of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association and Nigeria Referees Council in Benue state, Mr. Eugene Agabe and Mr. Gbilekaa Anthony, as well as other stakeholders hailed the developmental strides and timely actions of BSFA.

Benue FA floats Chairman's Cup, to reward best performing Local Council Football boss

 

Barr. Paul Edeh has revealed plans by the board of Benue State Football Association (BSFA) to organise annual FA Chairman's Cup.

The philanthropist and President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF) who made the disclosure  during the maiden General Congress organised by the current BSFA leadership in Makurdi at the weekend, said the Chairman's Cup will be competed for teams drawn from the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

He also announced that at the end of the competition, the overall best team will smile home with a cash sum of a N1 million and trophy, while runners-up and third-placed sides will get N700, 000 and N300, 000 respectively.

Barr. Paul Edeh also said that before hand, there will be Board Members and Local Council Football Chairman's Cup which will take place at the various communities and constituencies' levels.

"As a board, we are not leaving any stone unturned in ensuring that every talent anywhere in the state is identified and nurtured. This is one of our major move to return the state to the glory days.

"Alongside grassroots development, we will run football as a business, because gone are the days when the game was just for fun. In the business aspect of football, everyone from the players, coaches, up to the clubs, families and communities are beneficiaries.

"All hands need to be on deck to drive the process, so that together we can achieve more," he said.

Also, BSFA boss revealed that the board will towards the end of every year reward best performing Local Government football chairman with a brand new car.

He also expressed the readiness of the FA to honour politicians and others who distinguish themselves with their contributions towards grassroots football development in Benue State.

Aside from the board hierarchy, the LGA Football Chairmen and Secretaries as well as Club Representatives and other affiliate bodies attended the General Congress. The State Director of Sports, Comrade Philip Ter Nongu was among dignitaries who graced the event.

Afrobasket: Hon Ekene Adams celebrates D’Tigress historic win

 

Chairman House Committee on Sports Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams has congratulated Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress for winning the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship for the fourth consecutive time in a row.

The Rena Wakama- led D’Tigress proved their dominance in the women's basket after edging 11-time African champions, Senegal 84-74 to claim their sixth championship at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda on Saturday.

Saturday's trump, means D’Tigress will compete for a spot at the women’s basketball event of the 2024 Olympics.

Adams, a member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Kaduna State in the 10th House of Representatives; could not hide his delight after the feat.

"Congratulations to our women's Basketball team- D’Tigress and the entire backroom staff. The team has showed their dominance in the sport in Africa, and they showed the Nigeria never-say-die attitude going unbeaten in Kigali.

"The team showcased their talent to Africans and the world as they kept fans seated on their edge of their seats with quality basketball skills all their games at the BK Arena.

"Rena Wakama have also made Nigerian women proud, as she was the was the only female coach at the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship and she did better what any man can do at the event.

"Kudos to the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) on the choice of Wakama, as its has now proven to be well-thought-out as she brought her wealth of experience, having previously represented Nigeria as a national team player.

"Am pouring praise on Amy Okonkwo too, as was a star, having played a huge role in helping Nigeria clinch the 2023 FIBA Women's AfroBasket, and, as a result, the 26-year-old was named the TISSOT MVP of the tournament.

"Recall, throughout Nigeria's unbeaten run (5-0) in the Rwandan capital of Kigali, Okonkwo was the heart -and-soul of the D'Tigresses, averaging a team-high of 17.2 points while contributing 8.2 rebounds per game.

"Along the way, Okonkwo became the only Nigeria to register two double-doubles (Murjanatu Musa registered one).

"A heroic welcome awaits them, as I, my House Committee on Sports memeber and well-meaning Nigerians will be at the airport to welcome them."

Saturday's trump, means D’Tigress will compete for a spot at the women’s basketball event of the 2024 Olympics.

Ogunnowo announces September 5 as NLO Super Cup kickoff date, explains modalities

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Nationwide League One, Olushola Ogunnowo has announced Tuesday September 5 through Saturday September 16, 2023 as the kick-off date for the NLO Youth League Super Cup, as he  revealed that there would be two wild card teams that will also take part in the competition with more clarifications in the coming days. 

"We are looking to commence it from 5th to 16th September. It is a full 10 days of football activities. The competition will boost the economy of Imo State because 18 football clubs and about 30 match delegates among others will be in the state by then."

Ogunnowo, further explained modalities for the Youth League Super Cup, as he assured that foreign scouts, members of the Technical Department of the NFF, and some national team coaches would storm Owerri to discover talents. 

He acknowledged the adulation from Nigerians and overseas for the NLO conduct of the Youth League and further itemized reasons for the Super Cup while also adding that different steps including live stream of all games have been concluded to ensure the NLO continue to have its rave review and tractions.

"This is going to be the first of its kind in the history of youth football in Nigeria. The NLO decided to take the bull by the horns to start a Youth League in the country," Ogunnowo said why fielding questions from journalists after the signing of a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation.

"We have received so many applause both within and outside the country. We decided it was not best for the teams to just play the league and stop there. The 18 teams that will take part and additional two wild cards have already been promoted to NLO but we want to come up with a championship whereby we can come up with a single winner for the Youth League in the country. 

"The tournament will be keenly contested and we have invited foreign scouts to be part of what we are doing. We are inviting close to eight sporting directors from different leagues across the world to come and see our talents from the Youth League. 

"Nigeria Football Federation Technical Department will be on ground while notable coaches in the country will also be around to see the best that can be showcased from the NLO. 

"The NLO is the only league that has a broadcasting department because we stream live most of our matches. We streamed live over 144 matches in the just concluded NLO Division 1. In the NLO Division 2 (Youth League), we streamed live close to 200 matches. All the matches to be played during the championship will be live streamed to be watched in all parts of the world."

NLO signs pact with Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation to float Youth League Super Cup

 

Nigeria Nationwide League One has successfully signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation led by its Founder/ President High Chief Summers Nwokie towards staging the maiden edition of NLO Youth League Super Cup Championship in Owerri, Imo State.

Both put pen on the MoU on Friday at the corporate office of Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation in the presence of NLO top brass, His Excellency, Silas Agara, Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Ogunnowo, officials of Imo Football Association, Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation and journalists.

In his welcome address during the epoch making occasion the Founder/ President, Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation, High Chief Summers Nwokie said it was his passion for football and humanitarian commitments that has compelled him to sponsor the NLO Super Cup Championship and it was borne out of the success story of his pet club, Ikukuoma FC of Mbaise, Imo State. 

The grassroots football philanthropist gave an account of what he has done to advance the cause of grassroot football including sponsorship of notable competitions within Mbaise and Owerri zone and he also canvassed for the support of other well meaning Nigerians to ensure grassroot football continue to flourish.

"It is for the love of soccer and a prioritized social responsibility in line with my humanitarian commitments, that prompted my resolve to sponsor the NLO Super Cup billed for early September.

"The enviable success of my pet football club, Ikukuoma FC at the just concluded Nationwide League One Under 19 Youth League held in Awka, Anambra State has energized and boosted my commitment to grassroots football with 80 percent of the players in my team products of my tournament (Ikukuoma Mbaise Unity Cup Tournament and Secondary Schools Football Competition).

"I want to use this medium to urge other well meaning Nigerians to get involved in the development of these laudable sports so as to enable the country to attain its expected height in world football," High Chief Nwokie said.

In his own opening remarks, NLO Chief Agara described Imo State as his second home, as he commended High Chief Summers Nwokie for his giant strides in grassroot football and added that the NLO's doors are wide open for collaborations with people like the President of Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation to help take the league to greater height. 

The former Deputy Governor, Nasarawa State opined that the new watchword of the NLO is to ensure that players from grassroots clubs in the Nigeria Nationwide League form the bedrock of the national youth teams in the near future and that different steps have been taken to ensure the NLO has a more professional approach.

"Imo State is like a home coming. It is my second home and I feel proud to identify with people from Imo State," Agara began. 

"I stand boldly on behalf of the Nigeria Nationwide League One to identify with my brother High Chief Summers Nwokie who has taken this bold step to partner with the NLO and also to put smiles on the faces of our young footballers from all the parts of Nigeria. It is what we expect from those God has blessed so that they can open the doors for others. 

"Sports is a big industry and it can accommodate the teeming Nigerian youths by deeply engaging them in a meaningful way that they can add to that development. 

"High Chief Summers Nwokie has honoured the NLO and I wish to honour him in the same manner. When I see someone that is into grassroot sports I have a passion to relate with such a person. 

"Our passion in the NLO is to make sure that the crop of the national youth team players come from the grassroots clubs. Clubs that are from the NLO. 

"If we can get it right in the NLO, then we can begin to change the way the NNL and NPFL clubs are run. NLO is happy to partner and open a new chapter with you. The MoU we have signed we go a long way to show what we can do together for football."

Agara further tasked Imo State to take her place of pride in the South East and he challenged the President of Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation to help with the rebirth of grassroots football in the South East for the good of the game.

"Imo is the home of football. Football is not new to Imo State. The state has produced great national players for Nigeria. It is time to go back to the old days where those players emerged from grassroots clubs. I believe Imo can take her rightful position in the South East with the likes of High Chief Summers Nwokie," Agara continued.

"I want to challenge High Chief Nwokie to change the face of grassroot football in the South East if others that God has blessed can't do it. He should do it. A token sent to other states in the South East can help to change its face in the zone. NLO will be willing to support you and bring the weight of the NFF behind you."

Honourable Ekene solicits media synergy on sports development

Chairman House Committee on Sports Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams says a healthy synergy with the media, can propel the growth of the sporting industry in Nigeria as they seek more corporate Nigeria funding of the sector.

Adams, a member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State was named chairman of the sports committee in the 10th House of Representatives two week ago.

In his second interactive session with the sporting media in Ikenne that had top Sports Editors and Sports Bloggers in attendance, after he did same in Abuja, the former General Manager of Remo Stars, solicited support of the fourth estate of the realm and unity of all stakeholders to bringing back the lost glory in sports in Nigeria.

"I know the important role the media plays and for Nigeria sports to achieve its desired goal, the House Committee on Sports seeks a good synergy with the sporting media.

"The stakeholders in the sports sector all need to embrace peace, as an enabling environment can make sports thrive as we seek to empower our youths.

"As Chairman of House Committee on Sports; my team and I, have embarked on a journey. We will consult widely by meeting sports technocrats and corporate Nigeria to see how we can revive and achieve success in our sports."

Honourable Ekene Adams, responding on the issues of sports policy implementation and how his committee intends to work with a yet to be named Minister for Sports and Youth Development.

"Implementation of these policies has been the issue, but am aware that the National Sports Commission bill had been passed by the 9th assembly, as what is left is for the executive to sign it into law. I want to assure the media that the 10th assembly will do all it can to making sure that the bill see the light of the day.

"On the question of the Sports Minister, am quite sure that the new Minister won't have a selfish interest in sports, as he too wants to match the standard left by Sunday Dare and possibly raise the bar. So as Chairman of House Committee on Sports, we will share with him a common ideology, all geared towards the growth of sports and youth development."

"I want to say this before you that, it's time we put behind our selfish interests, greed and let technocrats to come and manage sports in Nigeria.

"Sport belongs to the private sector, as you don't relegate corporate Nigeria and think they will invest in our sports. If we wust see sports funding beyond government, then we must focus on corporate NIgeria.

"Corporate Nigeria won't come to our sports if we don't give them assurances as regards tax rebates and if the media reports the negatives. So it's time we begin to change the narratives."

Leo Sports Boss, Adeshiyan Isaac Opeyemi attends Afro Sports Summit in Ghana

 

Recognized FIFA licensed football agent and Director of Leo Sports International Limited, Adeshiyan Isaac Opeyemi is among the top football experts invited for this year's Afro Sports Summit taking place in Accra, Ghana. 

The Summit that bring together top brass in sporting and business world is scheduled to run from August 1st to 4th, 2023. 

The Afro Sport Summit is a prestigious gathering of sports enthusiasts, industry leaders, and change makers who are passionate about driving positive change through sports in Africa. 

During the event, Mr. Adeshiyan who is also a football consultant will be joining other participants to explore the intersection of science and business in the sporting world, fostering innovative solutions and collaborative opportunities.

The young sports entrepreneur told news men in Lagos on Monday shortly before jetting off to Accra that the summit will afford him to learn new ways of handling sports, especially football business as education is a continuous exercise. 

"Its a great privilege to be invited for such a big event and I want to make the best of it, Adeshiyan said. 

"The world is evolving so fast with new innovative ideas on how to best to do things are coming in jet pace, sports business is not excluded in this.

"There's need to cross fertilize ideas with others especially those that know it better, that's why I'm so happy to be attending the summit," said the FIFA licensed Agent. 

Nigeria's Shogo Shodunnke is among the top football change makers that will be speaking at the summit.

FIFAWWC: House Committee on Sports Chairman hails Super Falcons over second round qualification

... to parley sports stakeholders on Thursday in Abuja 

Chairman House Committee on Sports, Honourable Ekene Adams Abubakar will on Thursday August 3rd in Abuja, hold a session with critical stakeholders to pave a way for Nigerian sports.

Honourable Ekene, a member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State made this known a few days after he was named Chairman House Committee on Sports in the 10th House of Representatives by Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.

The accomplished sports administrator, ex-KADA Stars Chief will meet officials of the Nigeria Football Federation, Presidents of all the 36 Sports Federations, the Nigerian  Olympic Committee, Premier League Club Owners, Nationwide League and other League Boards,  Referees, Ex Internationals, Players Union, The National Institute for Sports, Former Sports Ministers, Coaches, Lottery  Board, EFCC, ICPC and members of Corporate Nigeria in a parley billed for the Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja.

Also expected at the event are the Nigerian Olympians Association, the Nigeria Police Force, Medical Practioners, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, officials of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Nigerian School Sports Federation amongst others.

Honourable Ekene assured that the meeting will set the tone for a robust and renewed policy direction for Nigerian Sports as well as to seek areas of mutual benefits in the best interest of Nigerian youths. 

Meanwhile, the former General Manager of Remo Stars and professional player has congratulated the gallant Super Falcons, who on Monday qualified for the Round of 16, as they kept  the tempo to become the only unbeaten African team at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Nigeria's national women's team who stunned co-host Australia 3-2 in their second game, played out a draw against Irealand at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, to seal their passage to the knockout stage.

Honourable Ekene, described the Super Falcons as a beacon of hope for not only Nigeria, but the African continent, as he commended the Onome Ebi captained team for its impressive performances, as he urged them not to rest on its oars until they surpass their quarter-final record in the women's Mundial or secure the ultimate prize.

Ex Remo Stars' GM, Honourable Ekene Adams announced as Chairman House Committee on Sports

Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams, a member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State has been named Chairman House Committee on Sports in the 10th House of Representatives. 

The House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, named the committees and their chairmen on Thursday.

A delighted Honourable Ekene Adams said on Thursday, "Good evening all, I am using this medium to appreciate God Almighty and also thank you all for your prayers and best wishes. I have been appointed as the Chairman House Committee on Sports. To my boss, President of Remo Stars Football Club of Ikenne, Honourable Kunle Soname and everyone I remain loyal."

Adams, is no new face in Nigeria sports as his pedigree  is football management speaks volumes. Born in 1985, Adams is a Nigerian entrepreneur, politician,  an astute sports administrator and former professional footballer.

A few years ago, Ekene established KADA City FC, a Nigerian football club based in Kaduna, to enhance development of football within Kaduna. He was regarded as the youngest football club owner in Nigeria.

KADA City was created to promote development of football within Kaduna state. They had their official unveiling ceremony in February 2018. KADA City won the 2018 Nigeria National League promotion playoff over Bendel Insurance F.C. and made their Nigeria Premier League debut in 2019.

The sports administrator would later join Remo Stars as General Manager in 2021. During his time with the Sky Blue Stars, Honourable Ekene Adams propelled the club in gaining promotion back to the NPFL and after one season in the top flight, Remo Stars earned a CAF Confederation Cup ticket after finishing 3rd on the log behind Rivers United and Plateau United.

Mercy Yahaya Ebiojo emerges 100k star prize winner of inaugural Face of Kogi Poly Newsline Pageantry

  ... As Runners up smile home with N40,000 and N20,000 respectively

Mercy Yahaya Ebiojo, an HNDI student from the Department of Office  Technology Management (OTM) of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja has emerged winner of the inaugural edition of "Face of Kogi Poly Newsline, 2023" organised by Comrade Thomas Madaki an alumnus of the State Polytechnic.

The event which was held on 26th July, 2023 at the School of Management Studies academic/administrative complex, had the maiden edition face of Kogi poly Newsline winner gifted with the whooping sum of One Hundred Thousand naira (N100,000.00) only.

Ebiojo (Contestant 6) defeated 27 other contestants to emerge the winner with 1871 votes while Oyibo Grace Lamisi (contestant 15) of NDI Computer Science came second with 1530 votes with a cash prize of N40,000.00 and Rebecca Eleojo Benjamin (contestant 2) of NDII Library and Information Science came third with 925 votes to get the cash prize of N20,000.

Presenting prizes to the winners, Patron of Face of Kogi Poly Newsline, Dr. Sunday Onalo congratulated and admonished them on the need to be worthy ambassadors of the prestigious Kogi State Polytechnic by way of maintaining high level of decency, academic productivity, desseminte verifiable informations and as well as entrenching disciplinary approaches amongst others.

Dr. Onalo who also doubled as the Head of Department, Business Administration, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja reiterated on the need for students to maintain high level of academic concentration.

Whilst accepting the bestowed responsibility as Patron, Dr. Onalo commended the Host of the event Comrade Thomas Madaki for maintaining high level of transparency during and after the election, stating that, it takes only a well cultured disciplinarian with high level of integrity to initiate, conduct and today, successfully apportioned the prizes to respective winners.

Earlier, the host of the program, Comrade Madaki disclosed that idea of the Newsline was birthed on the 26th November, 2016 aimed at disseminating verifiable information to Kogi state Polytechnic community through social media platforms (Facebook and WhatsApp) and has increased significantly from a single member to 115,000 active members.

Comrade Madaki thanked members of Kogi Poly Newsline for entrusting in them trust, confidence, and practising the flow of engagements fairly.

He extended profound appreciation to the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Associate Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman for providing the enabling environment for free flow of verified information uninterruptedly adding that, the face of Kogi Poly Newsline is a Year tenure and would continue to help in desseminting verifiable informations and also not hesitate in enacting disciplinary approaches to any members found wanton of kind of criminality and false Informations.

The Brain behind the notable platform promised never to disappoint members of Kogi Poly Newsline and entire management staff of the Polytechnic at any point in time and to also provide in the next edition of "Face of Kogi Poly Newsline" a more intimidating prizes and programs.

Ebiojo who spoke on behalf of the winners promised to be of good conduct and also to provide exemplary Leadership as the pioneer faces of Kogi Poly Newsline.

She described the event processes as diligently organized with transparency for students and that contestants were selected and treated equally.

Highlights of the event were presentation of certificate of recognition to Dr. SM Onalo as Grand Patron of 'Face of Kogi Poly Newsline' and signing of agreement with management team of the newsline, refreshment amongst others.

Abayomi Ayodeji: Nigerian wonder kid who models his game around Kelvin De Bruyne

 

Ayodeji Abayomi, born on 3rd October 2006 in Lagos State Nigeria, is a promising gifted young and skillful midfielder who models his game around Manchester City's Belgium star Kelvin De Bruyne.

Abayomi Ayodeji a product of SGFC Athletics Sports Club possesses a high-level footballing IQ and the technical quality to execute the moves he has in mind. He loves to roam freely in advanced positions looking for pockets of space between the lines.

His excellent first touch is the bedrock of his game. It affords him the time to seek out direct passes into attacking areas, especially on the break as he looks to play the killer pass at every opportunity, he rarely seeks to carry the ball for long periods anyway, instead opting to play direct passes to team-mates further forward as quickly as possible. Abayomi is quite unselfish and is at his best as a creator, who can aslo score goals if given the opportunity. And also has a perfect shooting accuracy from outside the box.

He is a modern playmaker; versatile, intelligent but physical enough to stand up for himself in a tough league he is good at set-pieces where he has scored some some couple for SGFC Athletics.

Abayomi Ayodeji was part of SGFC Athletics camping in the 2022/2023 Nationwide Division One League one campaign helping his club to the promotion playoffs after they finished top of the ILORIN center before being edged out by Shooting Stars team B.

He has seven goals contribution this season in 15 games  for SGFC Athletics after scoring three goals and recorded four assist.

The lad was part of the just concluded Qnet/Manchester City coaching seminar in Abeokuta which had former Super Eagles coach Johannes Bonfrère as one of the instructors. He was listed among the best four outstanding players at the clinic.

His biggest dream is playing for the Nigeria National team and Barcelona of Spain.

Silas Agara stresses need for robust synergy with media to attract sponsors for NLO

 

Former Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Silas Agara has stressed the need for the Nationwide League One to have a good synergy with the media, as it bids to getting brands attention by way of sponsorships. 

Agara, who leads the newly constituted Board of the nation's third-tier domestic football league in his first official interaction with NLO Media Channel talked about his Board's plans.

"Its an opportunity to serve, I’m always available when my services is needed. This is a call to duty, provide leadership to our teeming youths, with Board Members cut across the six geo-political zones. We met once as a board, immediately after the inauguration and set agendas for ourselves. 

"We hope to meet in the next few days to review the entire structure of the Nationwide League One. We are quite aware of the challenges on ground, they’re surmountable. Luckily, we have persons that are knowledgeable in the league, who are proprietors of some of the clubs and are members of the board. With their worth of experience and that of the two State Football Association (State FA) Chairmen on the Board, it's certain we can make a headway.

"This a league that has over 300 clubs, a platform where you have young Nigerians with the age bracket of 14 to 19-years-old, plying their trade and looking for opportunities to get exposed. The challenges are there, however too early to make public our plans as we have just been inaugurated but I can assure you that there is going to be a change of direction."

"We want to have a good synergy with the media, as that’s the best way we can showcase the NLO. We can do this by getting the right reportage and off course brands that will sponsor the league. Without the right media coverage of NLO activities to a global audience, sponsorship won’t come.

"We need the media to reach out to these top brands, and off course intending sponsors have to rely on the good reportage of the league and not negative ones, for them to make critical decisions. If we don't have that understanding with the media, we can't fly our kite regarding sponsorship. We also need to woo the media and bring our plans to the league on the table for them to see and help us reach out to Nigerians.

"The need to getting our officiating right is also another key area we want to look into. Once we have officiating in the league professionally done, with match officials well catered for and not left at the mercies of clubs, footing the bills, this will bring some level of sanity to the league.

"We’re also looking at the home and away match format, and the different ones for the league, to see how we can reduce the burden for the clubs, as many are not making profits yet. At the moment, I will plead with Nigerians to give the new NLO Board a few time, with the assurance that in the next week's, we should be able to take proper stock of what is on ground, know the reforms to introduce and above all get the right sponsors for the league.

I'm delighted with what I have seen on ground, the Chief Operating Officer (Olushola Ogunnowo) has done well for the league and now he has got a Board that will support him."

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On plans for next season's NLO Youth League: "We are monitoring events at this edition and surely will proffer solutions to the loopholes from what we have seen from the maiden edition. The Board, really has no much time as our tenure is for two years, however, since we have been given the marching order by the NFF, our job is to address issues and improve on what's on ground."