Osun SWAN Tours UNIOSUN Sports Complex, As VC Announces 50% Fee Cut For WAUG Medalists

 

The Osun State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) was hosted by the Osun State University, Osogbo, on a familiarization tour of the institution's newly constructed sports complex.

The visit, at the instance of the University management, provided SWAN members the opportunity to inspect the state-of-the-art sports complex, which boasts modern facilities. The complex has been described as a major boost to sports development within the university community.

The meeting also served as an avenue for the University to host and celebrate its student-athletes who excelled at the just concluded West Africa University Games (WAUG) held at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where UNIOSUN won 6 silver medals and 10 bronze.

While appreciating the University management, the Acting Director of Sports, Dr. Tesleem Kolawole, lauded the Vice Chancellor for his unwavering support for sporting activities. He noted that the VC has consistently approved sports programmes and fulfilled his promise of delivering a befitting sports complex for the University. According to him, the new stadium made camping easy and comfortable for both coaches and athletes ahead of the games.

Responding, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Odunayo Clement Adeboye, praised the athletes for making the institution proud. He said the University has every reason to celebrate, citing its numerous achievements including back-to-back research grants, its ranking as the best State University in Nigeria, over 30,000 admission seekers on its portal, massive infrastructural development across campuses and the revamping of the University health centres. "When I look back, I have many reasons to be grateful, many people of my age couldn't sleep the way I sleep. The wonderful achievements of the University is enough for me to be happy. I was packing my luggage from the university when the state government said it's not time for me to leave yet. I am privileged to the extent that I don't need to hold visas to travel across the world," the elated VC said. He thereafter announced a 50 percent reduction in school fees for all WAUG participants as a reward for their efforts.

Speaking afterwards, the Vice Chairman of Osun SWAN, Oluwaseun Omolola, eulogised the large heart of the sports-loving Vice Chancellor. He described the University Stadium Complex as a standout project among higher institutions in Nigeria, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. He charged the University don not to rest on his oars and assured that SWAN is ready to partner with the University community in projecting its sporting achievements.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Adeboye appreciated SWAN for honouring the invitation, noting that the University's achievements continue to speak for it with great visibility. He concluded by promising to replicate the feat with a mini sports complex in the University's other campuses across the state.

18 Osun Coaches Begin New Chapter With State-Sponsored NIS Programme

 

The Osun State Government has sponsored 18 coaches to undertake professional coaching courses at the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Lagos, in a strategic move to strengthen coaching capacity and advance sports development across the state.

The beneficiaries, selected from the three senatorial districts of Osun State, comprise male and female coaches drawn from various sporting disciplines, including football, weightlifting, para weightlifting, athletics, boxing and other sports. The initiative also provides an opportunity for former athletes, including former para-sport athletes, to acquire professional coaching knowledge and transition into coaching careers.

The programme is fully sponsored by the Osun State Government through the Office of the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi who doubles as the commissioner for sports in the state.

Speaking during a send-off ceremony on Wednesday, October 21, as the coaches prepared to depart Osogbo for Lagos in a Sports Council bus, the General Manager of the Osun State Sports Council, Mr. Ademola Daini, charged the beneficiaries to be worthy ambassadors of Osun State throughout their training.

He urged them to demonstrate discipline, dedication and professionalism while making the most of the learning opportunity, stressing that the knowledge and skills acquired should ultimately contribute to improving coaching standards and sporting performance in the state.

Daini expressed appreciation to the Osun State Government under the leadership of Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke for sponsoring the programme. He also commended Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi for championing the initiative and giving the necessary approval for its implementation.

The General Manager further acknowledged the Chairman of the Osun State House of Assembly Committee on Sports, Engr. Abiola Jeremiah Awoyeye, for his consistent support for sports development initiatives.

According to Daini, the sponsorship forms part of Governor Adeleke's sports reform agenda, particularly the drive to build a stronger technical workforce capable of identifying, nurturing and preparing athletes for competitive engagements at various levels.

He noted that investing in coaches across different sporting disciplines and all three senatorial districts would strengthen the state's sports development structure, improve technical knowledge and create a more sustainable pathway for grassroots talent development.

Also present at the send-off ceremony was the Director of Technical of the Osun State Sports Council, Mrs. Adejoke Osho, who joined other officials in wishing the beneficiaries success in their training.

Responding on behalf of the coaches, Abdullahi Adegoke, a former Taekwondo athlete of the Osun State Sports Council and one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the state government for providing the opportunity to advance their professional knowledge and coaching capabilities.

Adegoke also appreciated the leadership of the Sports Council for facilitating the initiative, assuring that all the beneficiaries would uphold the image of Osun State and return with valuable knowledge to support the development of their respective sports.

Nigerian Football Under FIFA Control Until 2027

 

The Bureau of the FIFA Council on Thursday approved the appointment of a Normalisation Committee to manage the affairs of the Nigeria Football Federation, pending fresh elections into the NFF Executive Committee.

 

According to a letter signed by FIFA Secretary General, Mattias Grafström and addressed to Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme MON, “the normalisation committee shall consist of a suitable number of members, who will be appointed jointly by FIFA and CAF as soon as possible.”

 

The letter also informed that “the period during which the normalisation committee shall perform its functions shall expire as soon as it has fulfilled all of its tasks, but by no later than 31 May 2027.” None of the members of the normalisation committee will be eligible for the positions to be filled during the upcoming NFF elections under any circumstances.

 

In the meantime, the Secretariat of the NFF will continue with the day-to-day running of the organisation and administration of the country’s football pending the appointment of the Normalisation Committee.

Concerns Mount Over Stalled Trial of Four Accused in Gbongan Killing

Stakeholders in Gbongan town, headquarters of Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State, on Thursday, raised questions over the prolonged delay in the determination of a serious criminal case involving armed robbery and murder before the High Court of Justice, Osun State, sitting in Ile-Ife.

According to members of Gbongan Central Security Management Committee, in a statement signed by the Chairman, Chief Sarafa Odelola, Baale of oAkowide Community and the Secretary, Chief Saka Kola Owopade, Seriki-Otun Olufi of Gbonganland, the case, marked Charge No. HIF/6C/2020, is between the State and four defendants: Alani Akinpelu, Akande Akeem, Akinbiyi Noah and Adebisi Olujide.

According to the charge document dated March 16, 2020, the defendants were arraigned on four counts bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms and murder.

The prosecution alleged that on December 31, 2019, along the Ibadan/Iwo Road at Gbongan, within the Ile-Ife Judicial Division, the four defendants conspired to commit armed robbery.

Count two alleges that they were armed with guns and a cutlass and engaged officers of the Gbongan Divisional Police Headquarters in a gun battle along the same axis.

Count three alleges unlawful possession of firearms without licences, while count four alleges that the defendants murdered one Bello Tajudeen on January 1, 2019, along the Ibadan/Iwo Road at Gbongan.

Listed as exhibits in the charge sheet are a Dane gun, a locally made single-barrel gun, a Bajaj motorcycle with registration number GBN 815 QD, photographs of the deceased with negatives, and one cutlass.

Six years after the charge was filed, however, the matter has apparently remained unresolved as of 2026, raising legitimate public interest questions about the pace of criminal justice delivery.

Under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, every person charged with a criminal offence is entitled to fair hearing within a reasonable time, while also being presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Stakeholders in Gbongan where the alleged crimes happened are therefore asking: What has caused the delay? How many times has the matter been adjourned? Have prosecution witnesses been produced? Are there interlocutory applications or other legal hurdles stalling proceedings?

They also raised concerns about the effect of prolonged pendency on evidence. With the alleged incidents occurring as far back as 2019, they said delay could affect the availability and recollection of witnesses and the integrity of exhibits.

Another critical issue they mentioned is the current status of the defendants. While not asserting an intention to flee, the town asked the court and relevant authorities to clarify how attendance is being secured and whether any risk of absconding exists.

The essence of criminal proceedings, they noted, is not to keep a charge on the docket indefinitely, but to ensure that allegations are tested through evidence in accordance with law, leading to conviction where proved, or discharge where not.

The situation also spotlights the broader challenge of speedy criminal trials in Nigeria, a principle emphasised by the Administration of Criminal Justice Law and various judicial directives aimed at decongesting courts and prisons.

For now, Gbongan town and members of the public at large, are seeking clarification on the present status of HIF/6C/2020, the reasons for its prolonged pendency since March 2020, where proceedings currently stand, whether the four defendants are still regularly appearing before the court, and what concrete steps are being taken to bring the matter to a lawful conclusion without compromising either the defendants’ right to fair hearing or the interests of the alleged victim and society.

"Until the court makes a final determination, the allegations contained in the charge sheet remain mere allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a competent court of law.

Please, be informed that the case was presented for mention before the Presiding Judge in Ile-Ife today October 12 2026 and it was immediately adjourned to November 02 2026," the statement said.

 

Osogbo Stadium Remodelling Over 40% Complete, Pitch to Meet FIFA Standards – Contractor

 Osogbo Stadium Remodelling Over 40% Complete, Pitch to Meet FIFA Standards – Contractor

The contractor handling the remodeling of the Osogbo City Stadium, Maxwell International Ventures Limited has disclosed that the facility is 40 per cent complete. 

This was just as the company stressed that the playing pitch was being developed to meet the standards of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

Speaking during a facility tour with the members of sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, the Project Manager, Architect Jacob Oyekale, said the project had recorded significant progress despite funding constraints and interruptions that affected the original completion schedule.

According to him, inadequate funding and the suspension of construction activities during the pre-election period prevented the contractor from meeting the initial deadline.

“We are well over 40 per cent complete. I cannot give a specific date at the moment, but I believe the project should be completed within the next few months, certainly in less than a year,” he said.

Oyekale disclosed that the stadium’s main bowl was being expanded from a seating capacity of 5,000 to 15,000 spectators, with covered stands designed to provide a more comfortable viewing experience.

He said the initial plan to use natural grass for the main playing field had been changed to artificial turf following consultations, adding that the imported turf was already available for installation.

He noted that the stadium will also feature Olympic-certified running tracks to complement the playing field.

Oyekale explained that the need to protect the main playing surface from excessive use informed the decision to construct two additional training pitches behind the stadium.

“One will be a natural-grass training pitch with a track, possibly a four-lane track, while the other will have artificial turf. We will also have a certified hockey field,” he said.

He added that plans were underway to develop an indoor sports hub capable of accommodating multiple sporting activities, alongside handball, volleyball and basketball courts, subject to the final arrangement of the facilities.

He continued that the project included a hostel with a capacity of more than 100 beds, adding that the hostel’s accommodation arrangement would determine the number of occupants, as some rooms could accommodate two people while others could take four.

On further improvements to the grandstand, the project manager said a new design was being considered to remove intermediate columns that currently obstruct spectators’ views of the playing field.

He explained that the existing structure would be retained for the planned inauguration, while the proposed modifications would be implemented afterwards.

The new design, he added, would include VIP booths for spectators seeking private and more comfortable viewing spaces.

Each booth is expected to accommodate eight people and have its own convenience facilities, offering an additional premium experience for spectators.

Oyekale said the long-term ambition was to transform Osun State into one of Nigeria’s leading sports destinations by providing facilities capable of hosting national and international competitions.

He identified hosting the National Sports Festival as one of the immediate ambitions, noting that the state could subsequently position itself to bid for international sporting events.

He said the remodelling of the Osogbo facility was expected to support the development of sports professionals, including athletes and coaches, while creating economic opportunities for residents.

According to him, major sporting events could attract large numbers of visitors to Osogbo, creating business opportunities for hotels, food vendors, tourism operators and other service providers.

He added that the contractor was working with the Ministry of Sports, the Sports Council, the Ministry of Works and the PPA in Osogbo to ensure that the project reflected the state’s requirements.

He expressed hope that, when completed, the remodelling would provide Osun State with a modern sporting complex capable of supporting grassroots sports development, hosting major competitions and contributing to the state’s economic growth.