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.

NFF Poll Tension: Gusau Camp Rallies Chairmen In Northern Summit To Counter Normalisation Push

 

NFF Poll Tension: Gusau Camp Rallies Chairmen In Northern Summit To Counter Normalisation Push

State Football Association chairmen loyal to NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, are converging in the Northern region for a strategic meeting aimed at forging a common position to rescue the Nigeria Football Federation from what they termed external interference. The chairmen, who were initially in Kano, are expected to finalize deliberations in Katsina during the final of the Ahlan/Gusau Pre-Season Cup on Thursday.

According to sources, the meeting is in response to alleged moves by the National Sports Commission, NSC, led by Shehu Dikko, and Olopade to institute a Normalisation Committee that would unseat the current FA leadership and install loyalists ahead of the NFF elections scheduled for September. The chairmen described the development as an attempt to interfere in football administration.

Consultations are ongoing to ensure a strong turnout of influential FA chairmen, particularly from the North-West and North-Central zones, at the Katsina meeting. Organizers say the gathering will serve as both a show of force and a strategy session to confront the looming crisis and protect the autonomy of the NFF. Responses from chairmen invited have reportedly been positive.

The crisis comes amid growing pressure on Nigerian football following recent poor results by national teams. The Super Falcons lost 1-0 to Cameroon in the WAFCON quarter-final, while the Flying Eagles were beaten 4-0 by Burkina Faso, missing out on the African Youth Championship. The results have drawn backlash from Nigerians and politicians, further heightening tension around the federation.

Meanwhile, the NSC has reportedly directed that the scheduled September NFF elections be put on hold pending further directives. Efforts to get official confirmation from both the NFF and NSC were unsuccessful as of press time. Football stakeholders now await the outcome of the Katsina meeting, which may determine the next direction in the battle for control of Nigerian football.

Osun SWAN Congratulates Adeleke on Re-election, Seeks Quick Completion Of Osogbo Stadium Reconstruction

 

Osun SWAN Congratulates Adeleke on Re-election, Seeks Quick Completion Of Osogbo Stadium Reconstruction

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun State Chapter, warmly congratulates the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

Osun SWAN describes the victory as a renewed mandate and an opportunity for the Governor to consolidate on the achievements of his administration while pursuing programmes that will further improve the lives of the people of the state.

The association commends the people of Osun State for participating in the electoral process and congratulates Governor Adeleke on securing another term to continue his administration’s development agenda.

As an association committed to the growth and development of sports in the state, Osun SWAN particularly acknowledges the Governor’s commencement of the reconstruction of the Osogbo Township Stadium, describing the project as a significant step towards reviving sports infrastructure in the state.

The association, however, appeals to Governor Adeleke to ensure the speedy and full completion of the stadium reconstruction project to enable athletes, clubs, sports associations and other stakeholders to maximise the facility.

The Osogbo Township Stadium has historically played an important role in the development of sports in Osun State. Its completion and provision of modern sporting facilities will provide a conducive environment for grassroots talent development, competitions and major sporting events.

Osun SWAN believes that completing the project will further demonstrate the administration’s commitment to sports development and leave a lasting legacy in the sector.

The association therefore urges the Governor, in his second term, to sustain and expand his administration’s investment in sports, particularly grassroots development, athletes’ welfare, coaches’ development and the provision of modern sporting facilities across the state.

Once again, Osun SWAN congratulates Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election and wishes him a successful second term in office.

We look forward to a stronger partnership with the administration and all stakeholders towards taking Osun sports to greater heights.