COVID-19: National stadia to be converted to isolation centres

Akanni Seyi | Osogbo


As the nation still battle for survival from the outbreak of the deadly virus, the national sporting facilities will henceforth be converted to isolation centres reports Coded Sports.



In a statement issued by the office of Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare noted that the battle would be won with everyone coming on board.



"Mr. President has approved for the Ministry of Youth and Sports to open and make available the stadiums in Surulere Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja and Kaduna as well as our NYSC camps nationwide for use as isolation centers as they are needed. We are in touch with relevant authorities




"The Ministry of Youth and Sports is ready to open and make available the stadiums in Surulere Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja and Kaduna for use as isolation camps to erect tents. We will be touching base with relevant governments and institutions in this regard."



NCDC earlier tweeted that, the country still battling 61 active cases while a death has been recorded with three (3) people recovered and discharged.



The Lagos State Government has since picked newly constructed Onikan Stadium as an isolation centre as active cases rise to 44 in centre of excellence.



Philanthropists and transportation companies have been coming on board to tackle the pandemic virus by releasing their assets to government to support and relief the health workers in order to flatten the curve of COVID-19.



The minister further called on the youths to sustain the awareness campaign.



"We are in this together. And together we shall overcome. I call on the Youth of Nigeria to be at the vanguard of dissemination of timely and accurate information via social media to Nigerians in their communities. We must ratchet up the awareness campaign for our people." He concluded.

COVID-19: Sensitize your households, commissioner charges Osun youths

Akanni Seyi

Amidst fears and tensions already in the state, when the first case of the deadly virus was discovered in the state, the state of Osun commissioner for sports and youth engagements Hon. Yemi Lawal has urged Osun youths to stay safe and be productive.

Osun has recorded its first case of Covid-19 as announced by NCDC, staying safe is the most important thing to do as only those who are alive can be useful and productive.

"Fellow youths, precautionary measures against the pandemic can be the best way to go. Hygienic practices and social distancing are the best ways to start. 

"Youthful exuberance shouldn't push us to believe anything else than the reality of the Corona Virus. We are also under obligations to enlighten our parents and elders on measures to take at this critical time. 

"As we try and stay safe, we can use our time to engage in other productive endeavours and self development skills like writing, reading books and making researches. Every bad situation can turn out to be a blessing for those who can utilise it." He concluded.

Meanwhile, Governor Gboyega Oyetola has since set up a holding and isolation centre inside the state hospital, Asubiaro Osogbo. Anyone who notice the symptoms of the virus are advised to report to appropriate quarters.

Report says more measures would be put in place in the state in order to curtail the transmission of the virus. Transportation systems would be reviewed, more markets would be shut and land borders are expected to be temporarily blocked in the coming days. 

Lobi Stars get new bus with huge cash from Ortom

Governor Samuel Ortom has assured the management and staff of Lobi Stars Football Club, that his administration will continue to support the team to win more trophies.

He gave the assurance today when he visited the team at Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi after its bus got burnt on their way back from a premier league game in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Governor presented a brand new 36 Seater Toyota Bus to Lobi Stars and a cash donation of ten million naira to enable the players replace their burnt wares.

He charged the team not to be discouraged by the fire incident and continue to make the state proud by winning more laurels.

He said the players had exhibited uncommon courage and determination in all their outings especially in the Nigerian Premier League.

The Governor expressed optimism that Lobi Stars FC would become a nest for international stars, urging the officials and players to depend on God for all their desires and they would never be disappointed.

Vice Chairman of the club, Mr. Mike Idoko and assistant captain, Daniel Atsaka, thanked Governor Ortom for his continued support, expressing delight that he came to their aid in the shortest possible time after their bus was burnt beyond recognition.

The Governor drove in the new bus with the players and some management staff of the club.

Lobi Stars FC Media

Ogunjobi Cup Finals To Be Decided February 11

A day has been set aside to determine final matches of the much anticipating best grassroots tourney in the State of Osun tagged 'Ogunjobi Cup', according to the organizers.


Recall that sixty-two (62) grassroots teams in the State of Osun, registered for various categories ranging from U-13, U-15 and U-18, the finalists in each category would be determined on Tuesday, February 11 to actually know who lifts the trophies and in remembrance of the late FA boss, Chief Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi.


Ogunjobi Cup was sponsored by the late 'Pillar of Sports' in the State of Osun during his lifetime and the final is organized by the new FA boss in the state, Chief Rasaq Ishola Mustapha RIM.


The finals as been on hold since 2018 tournament which is aimed at discovering the buddy talents abounding in the nooks and crannies of the state had lived up to billing with series of masterclass and scintillating performances enroute final.



 Road to Final.

Six teams have since emerged in the three (3) categories of #OgunjobiCup18 and are set to battle for the greatly desired trophies at the main pitch of Osogbo Government High School.



Graceland FC have booked a slot in the U-18 category after a successive quickfire first half goals condemned Civil Defence FC who managed to reply one at the death.



It was the battle of  Titans as Odukunle FC were knocked out of the competition by Fehinty FC via a thrilling penalty shootout, both were tied a goal a piece at regulation time. Graceland FC would now take on their perennial rival, Fehinty FC during the final match slated for February 11.



Meanwhile, in the U-15 category, Oyeyemi FC dumped off Young City FC via a penalty shootout after stretching themselves to maximun limit to book a date with Golden Boys FC who in turn thrown out Awolu FC.



The U-13 category would see Zakariyau FC battling Golden Boys FC in the memorable final of the competition.



Nigeria's foremost sports kitting company Haggai Sportswear, having partnered with the organisers of Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi Football Championship as official kit sponsor of the tournament, would kit the finalists in the three categories.

'The Bull' now Nigeria's football ambassador

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed retired Nigerian professional footballer, former Super Eagles player and Assistant Coach, Daniel Amokachi, Nigeria’s Football Ambassador.

Amokachi, a member of the 1994 Super Eagles Team that won the African Nations Cup in Tunisia, was also in the Nigerian Olympic Football Team to the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that won the Gold Medal.

In addition to his football exploits in Europe, particularly in England where he won the FA Cup with Everton in 1995, Amokachi after retirement has managed Nasarawa United and Enyimba Football Club of Aba.

As Nigeria’s Football Ambassador – a largely ceremonial role – Amokachi will assist the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to scout for talents, be part of processes to revive the country’s football development, as well as mentor young sports men and women.