Isawade Emerges As New Head of NUJ Osun Online Media Chapel

 

Isawade Emerges As New Head of NUJ Osun Online Media Chapel

Mr. Isa Isawade has been appointed as the new Interim Chairman of the Online Media Chapel of the Osun State Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), following the resignation of Mr. Francis Ezediuno.

The chapel, established alongside the Broadcast Consolidated Chapel, received recent approval from the National Body of the NUJ. The two interim executive councils were inaugurated on August 19, 2027, during a congress held at the Press Centre of the NUJ Osun State Council Secretariat. The inauguration was conducted by the Executive Chairman of the Council, Comrade Dr. Adeyemi Aboderin.

The originally inaugurated executives of the Online Media Chapel comprised Mr. Francis Ezediuno as Chairman, Mr. Omidiran Seun as Vice Chairman, Mr. Nicolas Adekeye as Secretary, Mr. Isa Isawade as Financial Secretary, and Mr. Seyi Akanni as Treasurer.

However, Mr. Ezediuno later communicated his inability to continue in the role of Chairman, citing conflicting engagements. This development prompted the Council Chairman to convene an emergency meeting of the available executive members. Following deliberations, the members unanimously appointed Mr. Isawade to fill the vacant position.

The transition is expected to ensure the smooth operation of the chapel as it begins its formal activities within the state's journalistic community.

Timo Ejigbo's Grassroots Sports Drive Wins SWAN Endorsement

 

 

“We Cannot Talk Sports In Ejigbo Without Timo Ejigbo” — SWAN, Salami Commend Folaranmi’s Impact

The impact of Hon. Timothy Folaranmi, popularly known as Timo Ejigbo, in grassroots sports development has continued to receive wide commendation, with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Osun State Chapter pledging partnership on his sporting projects. The endorsement was made when SWAN excos paid a courtesy visit to the Accord Party chieftain at his country home in Ejigbo.

Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of SWAN in the state Com. Timothy Agbor described Folaranmi as a grassroots mobilizer whose commitment to sports has created opportunities for hundreds of youths in Ejigbo and environs. He noted that the body of pen pushers is impressed by the consistency and sincerity behind Timo Ejigbo’s interventions in sports over the years.

Confirming the achievements, Comrade Tunde Salami, popularly known as Sportman, said Folaranmi has become a major pillar of football development in Ejigbo Local Government. According to him, the politician initiated the Timo for Imole Football Competition in the 2024/2025 season, with the first prize worth millions of naira, and preparations for the second edition were concluded last week. The competition, he added, has provided a platform for young talents to showcase their skills.

Com. Salami further highlighted that beyond organizing competitions, Folaranmi has also supported referees, players, and coaches across the local government. He revealed that some coaches from Ejigbo who recently completed professional training courses benefitted from Folaranmi’s financial assistance, a gesture he described as rare among political actors at the grassroots.

“Today, when we talk about sports development in Ejigbo, we cannot do without Comrade Timothy Folaranmi. He understands that our youths are mostly found in sports, and that is why he made sports one of the pillars of his grassroots engagement,” Salami stated. He added that the sports community in Ejigbo is grateful for the interventions and promised that stakeholders will reciprocate by contributing more to sports growth in the area.

In his response, Hon. Folaranmi appreciated SWAN for the visit and pledged to do more in sports development. He said his goal is to use sports to engage youths productively and discover talents that can represent Osun State and Nigeria at higher levels. SWAN body on their part assured that they will collaborate with him in publicity, documentation and expansion of his sporting initiatives to reach more communities.

From Grassroots Philanthropist To Politician: Folaranmi Credits Adeleke’s Re-election To Performance

 

From Grassroots Philanthropist To Politician: Folaranmi Credits Adeleke’s Re-election To Performance

A chieftain of the Accord Party in Osun State, Hon. Timothy Folaranmi, popularly known as Timo Ejigbo, has attributed Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election to the people’s appreciation of good governance, sincerity, and people-centered leadership.

Folaranmi, in a statement on Wednesday, said the outcome of the poll where Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat APC’s Bola Oyebamiji who scored 444,815 votes, was not accidental. According to him, it was the result of prayers, perseverance, and the confidence the people reposed in the governor’s first term performance.

“The people of Osun that voted for the Governor know who he is and the work he has been doing. That is why they returned him for a second term. I have no doubt that he will do even better than the first term,” Folaranmi stated.

Speaking on his own foray into politics, the Accord chieftain said his decision to join politics was not motivated by personal gain, but by a lifelong passion to serve and uplift his community. 

“I do not have much, but the little God gives me, I give it out. Giving is my talent. The major reason I joined politics is so that we can help our people more. Politics for me is an avenue to reach more people and contribute to their welfare and development,” he said.

Folaranmi, who is widely known in Ejigbo for his grassroots interventions, said he believes leadership should be about impact. Over the years, he has been involved in philanthropy, youth empowerment, and sports development across Ejigbo Local Government.

Comrade Tunde Salami, popularly known as Sportman, also lauded Folaranmi’s contributions to sports. He noted that Folaranmi has become a major pillar of football development in Ejigbo through initiatives like the 'Timo 4 Imole' Football Competition launched in 2024/2025, with the first prize worth millions of naira. Plans for the second edition were concluded last week.

According to Salami, “Today, when we talk about sports development in Ejigbo, we cannot do without Comrade Timothy Folaranmi. He supports referees, players and coaches. He even assisted some coaches who just finished professional courses. He understands that our youths are mostly in sports, that is why he made sports one of the pillars of his mobilisation.”

Folaranmi added that with Governor Adeleke set for another term, he is optimistic that governance in Osun will be further deepened at the grassroots, and he remains committed to partnering with government to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.

Grassrunners FC Battle Abakaliki FC In 14th Ogunjobi Gold Cup Final

 

‎Grassrunners FC and Abakaliki FC are set for an exciting final after securing their places in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup final, by defeating Sunshine Stars 3-1 and Ikorodu City 2-1 respectively in Thursday's semi-finals. 

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‎The final of the 14th edition of the Gold Cup, will be held on Saturday at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta at 10am, featuring top two teams from the Nigeria National League and Nationwide League One. 

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‎Making its debut and remaining undefeated, Grassrunners FC aims to add the silverware to their trophy cabinet, but face a tough challenge from Abakaliki FC, known for their formidable play, in Saturday's winner-takes-all match.

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‎ In Thursday's first semi-final, Grassrunners FC staged a dramatic comeback from a goal down to beat Sunshine Stars 3-1 in a competitive two-half game. 

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‎Onoja Mathew sparked excitement at the MKO Abiola Stadium by scoring the opening goal for Sunshine Stars just 15 minutes into the match.

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‎However, the lead was short-lived, lasting only 43 minutes, as Grassrunners FC equalised in the 58th minute with Agbejoye Papi scoring from a tricky angle, making it 1-1.

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‎As the game approached penalties, Grassrunners FC took the lead again in the 86th minute thanks to a strike from Agbejoye Papi, completing his brace.

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‎Adeola Fadel then secured the win for Grassrunners FC with a goal in the 89th minute.

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‎The second semi-final was equally thrilling. Ikorodu City opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Ayanda Tolulope found the net.

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‎This early goal set the tone, prompting De Rice Boys to respond with their first real attempt at goal—Moses Amanekwu scoring his second goal of the tournament against the Oga Boys.

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‎Things worsened for Ikorodu City when Amarachukwu Uche scored a superb finish from a corner in the 48th minute, sealing a victory for Abakaliki FC.

NNL Unveils Promoted Teams Ahead Of Owerri AGM

 

NNL Unveils Promoted Teams Ahead Of Owerri AGM

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has officially unveiled the identity of the 8 teams promoted from the Nationwide League One (NLO) ahead of its 17th Annual General Meeting in Owerri this Friday.

The promoted teams will be formally welcomed at the AGM, which will also feature the presentation of the 2025/2026 Audited Accounts.

According to the NNL Secretariat the 8 promoted clubs are:

1. Dekkal Khairu FC - Osun State 

2. Mighty Jets Feeders - Plateau State 

3. Neurospark FC - FCT, Abuja 

4. DMD FC - Borno State 

5. Right-2-Win FC - Abia State 

6. OYC FC - Delta State 

7. Junior Danburan FC - Katsina State 

8. Ikorodu City FA - Lagos State 

Speaking ahead of the AGM, NNL Chairman, Chief George Aluo said: 
"It is a delight to have the promoted teams join the NNL fold from the NLO. We hope they will abide by the tenets of the league which promote sanity, good discipline and good behavior. They will be formally inducted at the Annual General Meeting in Owerri. They are most welcome."

The AGM will hold at Rockview Hotel, near Government House, Owerri. 
Key matters for deliberation include transparency, accountability, and preparations for the 2026/2027 NNL season. 
All 34 clubs, new and old, are expected in attendance.