WAFU-B U17 Championship: Olopade Charges Golden Eaglets To Excel In Ouagadougou

 

WAFU-B U17 Championship: Olopade Charges Golden Eaglets To Excel In Ouagadougou  

 

It was a pleasant surprise for players and officials of the U17 National Team, Golden Eaglets, when the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, watched their training session at the FIFA Goal Project, MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Monday.

 

After watching the players in their last training before they are due to depart the country for Burkina Faso, Olopade charged the team, tutored by head coach Eboboritse Uwejamomere, to excel at the WAFU B U17 Championship, which begins this weekend in the Burkinabe capaital.

 

“A great opportunity has been given to you all as young footballers to represent Nigeria at the U17 national team level. It is therefore very important for you to do well and excel,” Olopade said. “This is football, which falls directly under the NFF, but as the Director General of the NSC, with football and other sports under my supervision, I am here to encourage you to take the task ahead very seriously.

 

“The government and people of Nigeria want you to succeed at the WAFU B U17 Championship, and I can assure you that you will be graciously rewarded at the end. The aim is to qualify for the U17 AFCON tournament and thereafter, the FIFA U17 World Cup next year.”

 

Nigeria last participated at the FIFA U17 World Cup finals in 2019, when the tournament was hosted by Brazil.

 

“I am very optimistic that this team will not disappoint Nigerians. So, play according to what you have learnt under the head coach, and I strongly believe that you will perform very well and qualify for the U17 AFCON,” Olopade added.

 

Good Governance: CPPN, Osun NUJ Online Journalists Forge Alliance

 

Good Governance: CPPN, Osun Online Journalists Forge Alliance

The Concerned Progressive Professional Network, CPPN, has expressed readiness to collaborate with the Osun State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, particularly the Online Media Chapel, to promote good governance, professional journalism and responsible information dissemination.

The position was made known during a meeting between the organization and members of the Osun NUJ Online Media Chapel at the CPPN office in Osogbo.

Speaking at the meeting, the National President of CPPN, who is also the Managing Director of Divine Opticals, said the body was established to mobilise professionals across different fields to take active interest in governance and deploy their expertise towards solving Nigeria's developmental challenges.

He clarified that CPPN is neither a political party nor a pressure group, but a platform for doctors, lawyers, engineers, journalists, lecturers and other professionals to engage government, ask questions and promote accountability. He noted that the name was changed from Concerned Political Professionals Network to Concerned Progressive Professional Network during registration to avoid being mistaken for a political party.

The CPPN President disclosed that the organization currently has structures in 25 states and chapters in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and the Netherlands, while lamenting the continued migration of professionals abroad, known as "Japa." He said many Nigerians in the diaspora are willing to return but are uncertain of the environment at home.

Earlier, Chairman of the Osun NUJ Online Media Chapel, Mr. Isa Isawade, said the Chapel was created to bring professionalism and credibility to the fast-growing online media space which had operated without sufficient structure, giving rise to misinformation and fake news. He warned that Artificial Intelligence now poses a fresh threat through deepfakes and manipulated contents.

Isawade said the Chapel will register online journalists and publishers, promote verification, and serve as a platform for complaints and disciplinary action, while also supporting credible organizations like CPPN in public communication.

In his response, Welfare Director of CPPN, Engr. Adebisi Oyenekan, said the presentation by the Chapel had changed his previous reservations about media practitioners, expressing optimism that collaboration between professionals and the media would foster national development.

Osun SWAN Celebrates Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, on Birthday

 

Osun SWAN Celebrates Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, on Birthday

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun State Chapter, felicitates with the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi, on the occasion of his birthday.

Osun SWAN joins the government and people of the state, members of his family, friends and associates in celebrating the Deputy Governor, who also oversees the Ministry of Sports and Special Needs.

The association acknowledges Prince Adewusi’s involvement in the development and promotion of sports and the welfare of persons with special needs in the state, particularly in his capacity as the Commissioner for Sports and Special Needs.

Osun SWAN appreciates his accessibility and support for stakeholders in the sports sector, as well as his efforts toward creating an environment where sports can continue to contribute to youth development, talent discovery and the socio-economic development of the state.

As a key stakeholder in the state’s sports ecosystem, SWAN remains committed to constructive engagement with the government and other stakeholders in advancing sports development and improving the welfare of athletes and sports practitioners across Osun State.

On this note we urge you to please use your office in seeing to the speedy completion of Osogbo Township Stadium and actualisation of the Osun State Sports Commission Bill, which has already been passed by the State House of Assembly.

On this special occasion, SWAN wishes Prince Kola Adewusi continued wisdom, strength, good health and fulfilment as he marks another year.

The association also prays for many more years of meaningful service to the people of Osun State and humanity.

Governor Adeleke Signs Osun Park Management Bill Into Law

 

Governor Adeleke Signs Osun Park Management Bill Into Law

Governor Ademola Adeleke today signed into law the Osun state park management bill recently passed by the Osun state House of Assembly, formally marking a new era in the Osun transport sector.

At the signing ceremony which took place at the Government House, the governor commended the House of Assembly for its proactiveness and dynamism, calling the new law a major step towards modernising Osun transport system and creating a worthwhile experience for commuters and operators across the state.

“I applaud the House Speaker and members of the House for always acting in the best interest of the state. I have gone through the bill as passed by the House and I am convinced that it is the best solution to the perennial crisis and challenges facing the Osun transportation park  system.

“Having signed this bill into law, I assure all stakeholders that implementation will commence in earnest. In line with the law, we will ensure that Osun people and other interests are accommodated for efficient service delivery across the state”, the governor noted.

Speaking earlier, the House Speaker, Right Honourable Adewale Egbedun said the house complied with its standing rules to process and finalize the passage of the bill, assuring the governor and the citizenry that the new law provides answers to questions bordering the minds of most Osun people.

 The signing occasion was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye; Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, members of the State Executive Council and other top government officials.

Panic In Ilaje As Helicopter Crashes In Igbokoda

 

Panic In Ilaje As Helicopter Crashes In Igbokoda

Panic gripped Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday following reports of a helicopter crash in the coastal community.

Many lives were feared lost in the incident, though details remained sketchy as of press time.

The identity of the aircraft and the number of persons on board could not be immediately ascertained. 

When contacted, relevant emergency and security agencies pleaded for time to verify the incident and establish facts surrounding it.

A community leader who confirmed the crash on condition of anonymity said residents were still struggling to locate the exact crash site.

“Yes, it is true. A helicopter crashed at Igbokoda, but we don’t know the exact place and other details,” the source said.

The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said he was not aware of the incident but promised to revert after making further checks.

As of press time, there was no official confirmation of casualties or the type of aircraft involved.