OGILO SKOPE (the speaking pen 🖊️)

  The opening match of the Professor Akin Oyebode Cup 2024 kicked off in grand style at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti, with Emure Local Government U-15 boys emerging victorious against Ikole Local Government U-15 boys with a convincing 3-0 scoreline. The match, played under chilly weather conditions, saw Emure boys dominate the game, scoring their first goal from the penalty spot and adding a second goal in the first half.  The third goal came in the second half, securing a clean sheet victory for Emure. The event was graced by dignitaries, including representatives from the Ekiti State Government, Dr Olusola Osetoba, the technical Advisor to governor Biodun Oyebanji represented by Coach Akin Olowookere, the minority leader Ekiti state house of assembly Hon Dele Ogunsakin, Ekiti State Football Association, local football councils, parents and football fans. Team sponsors, such as Engineer Bayo Àjàyí and Hon Dele Ogunsakin, were also recognized for their support. Mean...

A former chairman of Gbonyin Local Government Area in Ekiti State, Mrs Folasade Akinrinmola, has expressed disappointment over the composition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caretaker committee in the state.  The committee, which was recently announced by the PDP National Working Committee, consists of 19 members, with only two women represented. Akinrinmola, a chieftain of the PDP in Ekiti State, alleged that the party's national leadership failed to conduct proper research before selecting the committee members, resulting in a significant gender imbalance.  She questioned the decision to include only two women in the committee, particularly when women have been loyal supporters of the party. Akinrinmola urged the PDP national leadership to withdraw the list and make necessary amendments to ensure fair representation of women in the party.  She warned that the lack of representation could discourage women from participating in the party and lead to them quitting. ...

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported that children between the ages of 0-5 years are the most affected by the Mpox disease outbreak in Nigeria.  Out of the 48 confirmed cases recorded this year, the majority of those affected fall within this age group. The NCDC stated that Mpox spreads easily through contact with infected persons or contaminated materials.  In the latest update, eight new confirmed cases were recorded across five states, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in 2024 to 48. Since September 2017, a total of 4,685 suspected cases have been reported from 36 states and the FCT, with 1,134 confirmed cases (24.2%) and 17 deaths. Males account for approximately 70% of those affected. Symptoms of Mpox include fever, headache, lymphadenopathy, back pain, myalgia, and asthenia, followed by a progressively developing rash. The NCDC urges citizens to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has terminated its agreement with German coach Bruno Labbadia as the head coach of the Super Eagles.  The decision comes after Labbadia's insistence that the NFF pay the full tax amount on his salary, which would have added an extra 32% to 40% to his monthly wage. NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau stated that the tax issue was not part of the initial discussions and that the federation cannot afford to shoulder the additional tax burden.  This marks the third time a foreign coach has failed to take charge of the Super Eagles after being announced by the NFF. Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen will now lead the team for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.  Eguavoen has previously managed the Super Eagles on three occasions. The NFF had announced Labbadia's appointment as head coach earlier in the week, but the deal has now been aborted due to the tax impasse.

The Ekiti State Government, through the Ministry of Capacity Development and Training, is set to hold a 6-week conversion course for drivers, craftsmen, and artisans in the state public service.  The course, which aims to enable participants to convert to the Works Superintendent Cadre in the civil service, will commence on Monday, September 2, 2024, at Olaoluwa Muslim Grammar School, Ilawe Road, Ado-Ekiti. According to a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olawale Olaleye, the course will run from 9 am each day.  Participants are advised to attend regularly and punctually to justify the approval granted by Governor Biodun Oyebanji. This initiative is expected to enhance the skills and career prospects of drivers, craftsmen, and artisans in the state public service, and aligns with the government's commitment to capacity development and training.

The highly anticipated 2024 edition of the Professor Akin Oyebode Cup U-15 soccer championship is set to commence on Saturday, August 31, with an exciting opening match between Ikole Local Football Council U-15 and Emure Local Football Council U-15 at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti. The match is scheduled to kick off at 2 pm, marking the beginning of the tournament that will feature all 16 local football councils in Ekiti State.  PAOC2024 will showcase the talents of U-15 boys and girls from across the state. The opening ceremony promises to be a grand event, with dignitaries from various walks of life, football fans, and members of the state executive, judiciary, and legislative arms invited to attend. It is expected to be a thrilling display of young football talent, and fans are eagerly looking forward to witnessing the skills and teamwork of the participating teams. Further group matches will take place at various venues across the state, leading up to the final showdo...

  In a groundbreaking achievement, Nigeria's female basketball team, D'Tigress, has become the first African team to break into the top 10 of the FIBA world rankings.  The team jumped four spots to secure the eighth position in the latest rankings released by the world basketball governing body. This remarkable feat can be attributed to their impressive performance at the Paris Olympics, where they defeated Australia and Canada in the group stage and became the first African team to compete in the Quarter-Finals. D'Tigress' success has earned them recognition globally, with head coach Rena Wakama being awarded the best coach of the women's basketball event at the Olympics. The team's achievement is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and they continue to inspire fans and pave the way for future generations of African basketball players. The top 10 teams in the FIBA rankings are: 1. USA 2. Australia 3. France 4. China 5. Spain 6. Canada 7. Belgium 8. N...

In a disturbing revelation, Yoruba culture has been rated as one of the lowest among all cultures, sparking concerns about the lack of seriousness with which Yoruba people treat their heritage. This was the submission of Abiodun Adeyanju, guest speaker at the Yoruba Broadcasters Association (YBA) Ekiti State Chapter event held today in Ado Ekiti. Adeyanju lamented that Yoruba people take their culture with levity, urging parents to instill Yoruba values in their children to ensure the sustainability of the Yoruba race. The event, themed "Igbelaruge Asa Ile Yoruba, Ekiti 2024," aimed to promote Yoruba culture and traditions.  National President of YBA, Aare Michael Olusayo Bakare, thanked attendees and emphasized the importance of upholding Yoruba culture. The event featured presentations of ewi (Yoruba poetry), ancient sporting activities, and awards.  Dignitaries from various broadcasting stations in Ekiti State attended the event, including representatives from Voice FM, Ou...

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and strengthening local industries, recognizing their crucial role in driving economic growth and development. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, made this commitment during a visit to Amal Tech Limited, an indigenous hardware manufacturer in Abuja.  He praised the company's innovative solutions, job creation, and local employment opportunities, and assured them of government support.  The government aims to reduce pipeline infractions, increase local production capacity, and partner with local industries to achieve these objectives.

  The Ekiti State government has announced that the August edition of its monthly environmental sanitation exercise will take place on Saturday, August 31, from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM. During this period, vehicular movement will be restricted, except for essential workers. Additionally, all markets and commercial establishments will be closed. The State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Erelu Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, urged residents to actively participate in the exercise, emphasizing its importance for public health and safety.  The theme of this month's exercise is "Clean Communities, Healthy Lives." To ensure a successful exercise, environmental health and sanitation officers will be deployed to monitor the situation, and a mobile court will be in place to prosecute offenders. In preparation for the exercise, market women are encouraged to clean their shops and stalls during the weekly Thursday market sanitation exercise, while government employees are expec...

In a thrilling development, the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League is set to kick off with a record 36 teams vying for the coveted title.  The expanded competition promises to deliver more excitement and unpredictable matches than ever before. The 36 teams, representing Europe's top football clubs, have been divided into four seeded pots.  The top eight teams will automatically qualify for the last 16, while the remaining teams will compete in a play-off round to determine the final spots. Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain are among the top contenders in Pot One.  Other notable teams include Liverpool, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, and Barcelona. The competition's new format, introduced to increase excitement and fairness, features a "Swiss system" where teams will play eight matches against opponents from different pots.  The top eight teams will then advance to the last 16, with the remaining teams competing in a play-off round. The ...

In the parched village of Kurima, Zimbabwe, a community is fighting for survival.  The Vombozi River, once a reliable source of water, has dried up, leaving behind a barren riverbed.  Men, women, and children are digging into the river floor, desperate to extract the last drops of water. The drought has left close to 70 million people without enough food and water in southern Africa.  In Zimbabwe, 7.7 million people face hunger, and children are bearing the brunt. Hospital admissions for malnutrition have doubled since June. Gracious Phiri, a mother of five, spends three hours daily fetching water from the riverbed. "I have never seen anything like this," she says, worried about her family getting sick. A village feeding program is trying to tackle the problem, but food stocks are dwindling. Clinics are also struggling, with boreholes running dry and a major dam having only a month's supply of water left. Tambudzai Mahachi, a farmer, has lost her entire crop. "We hav...

  The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Waheed Ayilara, has died.  He passed away in the early hours of Thursday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, after undergoing prostate cancer surgery. Ayilara was deployed to Akwa Ibom by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in February 2024.  He previously served as the acting Commissioner of Police in Lagos and Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has not yet made an official statement, but sources close to the family and a top police officer in the state have confirmed Ayilara's death. Ayilara's passing is a significant loss for the Nigeria Police Force, and he will be remembered for his dedication and service to the country.

  Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero has arrived at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) Headquarters to answer questions related to allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony. Ajaero was invited by the police last week to appear on August 20 but was unable to attend. He promised to honor the invitation today and arrived at 10:17 am, accompanied by Femi Falana, SAN, Marshal Abubakar, Deji Adeyanju, and other senior NLC officials. The IRT is the Force Intelligence Bureau of the Nigeria Police Force. Further details are expected to emerge from the questioning session.

In a heartwarming display of support, Engineer Bayo Àjàyí, a renowned son of Emure Ekiti, has adopted the Emure Local Football Council U-15 team as they gear up for the Professor Akin Oyebode Cup 2024.  Engr Àjàyí has vowed to provide comprehensive support, including financial, material, and emotional backing, to ensure the team's success in the competition. Emure LFC Chairman Anthony Osegbohun and Secretary Aremo Abel confirmed that the philanthropist has already made a significant impact, providing brand-new football jerseys and a substantial cash donation to aid the team's participation. "I'm committed to doing everything possible to support Emure LFC U-15 and help them shine in the tournament," Àjàyí declared. The Professor Akin Oyebode Cup 2024 kicks off on August 31 at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, with Emure facing off against Ikole in the opening match.  The tournament promises to be an exciting competition, featuring top teams like Iṣẹ LFC and Ado LFC in Gr...

  Ekiti United FC will continue evaluating potential players with two more friendly matches this week.  The team will face Benfad FC from Akure on Thursday at 8am at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado, followed by a match against Gateway Football Academy of Ikere on Friday. These matches come after a 3-3 draw against Olukismet FC on Wednesday, where over 60 players were assessed.  Team Manager Olusola Babatola stated that at least half of the players have been asked to leave the team camp to allow for closer monitoring of the remaining players. The coaching crew, led by Head Coach Akin Olowookere, has been intensifying efforts to test players' skills since his appointment on August 1, 2024.  The team will merge successful players with retained players from last season as preparations for the 2024/25 Football Season intensify.

  The Federal Government is holding an emergency meeting with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to prevent a planned nationwide strike.  The meeting, convened by Education Minister Prof Tahir Mamman, aims to address ASUU's demands, including better welfare, increased funding for universities, and an end to the proliferation of universities. ASUU had threatened to strike over the government's alleged failure to honor the 2009 renegotiated agreement.  The meeting, attended by ASUU representatives, past presidents, and top education officials, is focused on preventing another nationwide strike and ensuring security in the education sector. The government has expressed its commitment to deepening security in the education system and ensuring students remain on campus.  The meeting is ongoing, with a closed-door session currently underway. ASUU's demands include: - Improved welfare for members - Increased funding for universities - An end to the proliferatio...

  Kidney disease is a growing health concern in Africa, with Nigeria being heavily impacted.  To mitigate its effects, it's essential to raise awareness, improve healthcare infrastructure, and promote preventive measures. Here are 10 ways to take care of your kidneys: 1. Stay Hydrated: Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day. 2. Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. 3. Limit Sodium and Sugar Intake: Excessive consumption can strain your kidneys. 4. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity maintains healthy blood flow and overall well-being. 5. Manage Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can damage kidneys, so monitor and control it if necessary. 6. Don't Smoke: Smoking harms kidney function and overall health. 7. Limit Alcohol Intake: Excessive consumption can strain kidneys. 8. Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help kidneys function properly. 9. Manage Stress: High-stress levels can increase bl...

  The Federal Government has launched the National Integrated Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan (NIEP-SIP) to tackle the pressing challenges in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.  The policy aims to create a robust, sustainable, and inclusive power sector that meets the aspirations of all Nigerians. Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, described the policy as "critical" in achieving a sustainable power sector.  He emphasized that the policy is the result of extensive consultations with industry experts, stakeholders, and development partners. The NIEP-SIP outlines strategic interventions across the entire electricity value chain, from generation and transmission to distribution and off-grid segments.  The policy framework responds to current realities and anticipates future needs, ensuring the power sector remains resilient and efficient. Adelabu noted that the policy is a collaborative effort driven by a collective commitment to addressing t...

  Ekiti United FC played a friendly match against Olukismet FC on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at the Olukismet Football pitch in Ikere Ekiti, resulting in a 3-3 draw.  The match was part of the team's assessment process for new players, with over 60 players being evaluated.  Team manager, Olusola Babatola, stated that at least half of the players will be excused to ensure closer monitoring and assessment of the remaining players. The coaching crew, led by Head Coach Akin Olowookere, has been intensifying efforts to test the skills and abilities of players since his appointment on August 1, 2024.  The team will continue its assessment process with another friendly match against Benfad FC from Akure on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 8 am at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado. Meanwhile, Ekiti United Feeders boosted their chances of progressing to the finals of the State Football League Super 8 with a 2-1 victory over their opponent on Wednesday. They now have 4 points fr...

  The Organizing Committee of the Professor Akin Oyebode Cup 2024 has unveiled the trophies and medals for the upcoming competition in an unprecedented manner. A short video released earlier on Wednesday across the social media pages of the tournament showcased two championship trophies, one for the male category and one for the female category, as well as gold, silver, and bronze medals. Sharp and bright images of the items were displayed in an attractive manner, stealing the attention of viewers. This style, is an evidence of what football or sports branding generally is suppose to look like, an idea that has not been common in the football ecosystem in Ekiti state. Unlike Europe and many other parts of the world, the positive effects of branding and packaging in football and sports have been waved aside due to lack of interest. However, organizers of the PAOC 2024 have taken it upon themselves to leverage on proper branding to improve the marketability of the competition. The Un...

  The Ekiti State Government, under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, is making significant strides in the education sector.  Recent initiatives include: - Recruitment of 1,500 primary school teachers and 930 secondary school teachers to enhance the quality of education - Installation of internet facilities in 92 selected schools - Procurement and installation of solar inverters in 140 schools - Training of 544 trainers on Digital Literacy Skills - Training of 200 ICT teachers on Remote Learning Platforms - Conditional cash transfer to parents of 2,808 indigent students during the 2023/2024 session These remarkable initiatives demonstrate the Oyebanji administration's commitment to improving educational outcomes and providing a conducive learning environment for students in Ekiti State.

  The Nigerian film industry was plunged into mourning on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, following the passing of renowned Yoruba actor Yusuf Olorungbebe.  Reports indicate that Olorungbebe had been battling a chronic illness before his death. Fellow actor Foluke Daramola confirmed the news on Instagram, writing: "We lost Yusuf Olorungbebe.  We submit to God's will." Daramola had previously solicited support for Olorungbebe, hoping to help him overcome his health challenges. The news of Olorungbebe's passing has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with fans and colleagues paying tribute to the late actor.  His contributions to the Yoruba film industry will be deeply missed.

  L-R Dangote and Rupert  In a surprising turn of events, South African billionaire Johann Rupert has surpassed Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote as Africa's richest person, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index.  Rupert's net worth has surged by $1.9 billion to $14.3 billion, placing him at 147th position globally, 12 places ahead of Dangote. Dangote's fortune has taken a hit, falling by $1.7 billion this year, leaving him with a net worth of $13.4 billion.  The downturn in his wealth is attributed to Nigeria's challenging economic environment, where his conglomerate primarily operates.  The removal of fuel subsidies and high inflation have contributed to the decline in his wealth. Rupert's success can be attributed to his control of Richemont, one of the world's largest luxury goods firms, which owns brands like Cartier and Montblanc.  His net worth has been buoyed by strong performances in the luxury goods sector. The ranking may contin...

  The Organizing committee of the Professor Akin Oyebode cup 2024 under the lead of Pelumi Abiara has unveiled tje trophies and medals for the competition. Featuring two gongs each for the champions in the male and female categories, the unveiling is a testament to a promising competition yet to come. Also gold, silver and bronze medal were also unveiled at the event which held virtually. watch video below:

  Six state governments in Nigeria have spent approximately N160 billion on airport projects deemed unviable by opposition politicians and aviation professionals.  The projects, which have not attracted significant air traffic, are considered a waste of public funds.  Stakeholders have condemned the state governors for their decisions and called for accountability. Some of the airports in question include: - Ekiti Cargo Airport (N16 billion) - Ebonyi Airport (N36 billion) - Bayelsa Airport (N70 billion) - Jigawa Airport (N4 billion) - Nasarawa Cargo Airport (N10 billion) - Yobe Airport (N18 billion) Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi spent N16 billion on the Ekiti cargo airport, which has failed to attract aircraft due to its non-viability.  Despite initial criticisms from stakeholders, Fayemi pushed forward with the project, which remains unused.  As of January 2023, an additional N600 million had been spent, bringing the total to N16.6 billion. The fund...

  Nigerian national team coach, Bruno Labbadia, has released a 23-man squad list for the upcoming matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.  The list includes: Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi, William Ekong, Ola Aina, Moses Simon, Wilfred Ndidi and other players. The Super Eagles will face Benin Republic's Cheetahs at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, September 7th, before traveling to Kigali to take on Rwanda's Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, September 10th. Is this a decent list? Share your thoughts!

"The Door of No Return" at Cape Coast Castle, Ghana 🇬🇭: A Symbol of Resilience and Return Located in the heart of Cape Coast, Ghana, stands the infamous "Door of No Return," a poignant reminder of the transatlantic slave trade's brutal history.  Built by the Dutch in the 17th century, this door was the last exit point for millions of enslaved Africans, who were forcibly taken from their homeland and shipped overseas to unknown destinations. The original name, "Door of No Return," reflected the harsh reality that those who passed through it would never set foot in Africa again.  However, in a symbolic gesture of reconciliation and acknowledgment, the name was changed to "Door of Return" in 2007.  This change signifies the return of the descendants of enslaved Africans and serves as a recognition of their ancestors' history and legacy. Each year, Ghana celebrates Emancipation Day, a momentous occasion that welcomes people from the African...

  A wave of attack drones and missiles fired by Russia struck Ukraine, resulting in at least four fatalities, according to authorities.  This marks the second consecutive night of heavy strikes across the war-torn nation. The Ukrainian air force reported downing half of the 10 missiles and 60 of the 81 Iranian-designed attack drones launched from various regions of Russia and occupied Crimea. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the casualties and injuries, stating, "Unfortunately, despite the effective work of our air defense systems, four people were killed and 16 were wounded."  He vowed a response to the attacks, emphasizing that "crimes against humanity cannot be committed with impunity." The strikes targeted energy facilities, causing widespread blackouts and prompting condemnation from Ukraine's allies in Europe and the United States.  Russia claimed the attack targeted infrastructure linked to the Ukrainian military. In addition to the human toll, the ...

  1. John Finch (England) - 1949 2. Daniel Anyiam (Nigeria) - 1954-1956, 1964-1965 3. Les Courtier (England) - 1956-1960 4. Moshe Beit Halevi (Israel) - 1960-1961 5. George Vardar (Hungary) - 1961-1963 6. Joey Blackwell (England) - 1963-1964 7. József Ember (Hungary) - 1965-1968 8. Sabino Barinaga (Spain) - 1968-1969 9. Peter 'Eto' Amaechina (Nigeria) - 1969-1970 10. Karl-Heinz Marotzke (Germany) - 1970-1971, 1974 11. Jorge Penna (Brazil) - 1972-1973 12. Jelisavčić 'Father Tiko' Tihomir (Yugoslavia) - 1974-1978 13. Otto Glória (Brazil) - 1979-1982 14. Gottlieb Göller (Germany) - 1981 15. Adegboye Onigbinde (Nigeria) - 1983-1984, 2002 16. Chris Udemezue (Nigeria) - 1984-1986 17. Patrick Ekeji (Nigeria) - 1985 18. Paul Hamilton (Nigeria) - 1987, 1989 19. Manfred Höner (Germany) - 1988-1989 20. Clemens Westerhof (Netherlands) - 1989-1994 21. Amodu Shaibu (Nigeria) - 1994-1995, 1996-1997, 2001-2002, 2008-2010 22. Johannes Bonfrere (Netherlands) - 1995-1996, 1999-2001 23. Ph...

  Today, August 27, 2024, marks the 72nd birthday of Nigerian football icon, Patrick Olusegun Odegbami, fondly known as "Mathematical" Segun Odegbami.  The legendary winger is celebrated for his outstanding contributions to Nigerian football, both on and off the pitch. Odegbami's illustrious career spanned over a decade, from 1970 to 1984, during which he played for IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan and earned 46 caps for the Nigerian national team, scoring 23 goals.  His most notable achievement was leading the Super Eagles to their first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980. Renowned for his exceptional skill, speed, and precise crosses from the right wing, Odegbami won the African Cup Winners' Cup with Shooting Stars F.C. in 1976, Nigeria's first African club trophy. In recent years, Odegbami has ventured into sports broadcasting, launching Eagles 7 Sports Radio 103.7 FM in Nigeria in June 2022. As he celebrates his 72nd birthday, Golden Oldies and football fans acr...

  The Federal Government's recent directive banning under-18 candidates from sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and National Examination Council (NECO) has sparked a heated debate.  The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has condemned the policy, while the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has backed it. The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, announced the new age policy, setting the minimum age at 18, citing the need for students to complete the requisite number of years in school before advancing to tertiary education.  However, NUT Secretary-General, Dr. Mike Ene, argued that the policy is unrealistic, given the economic pressures that lead to early enrollment in schools. ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, personally supported the policy, emphasizing the importance of standard academic progression and emotional maturity.  Meanwhile, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and NECO have stat...

  The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has finalized an agreement with German tactician Bruno Labbadia to become the new head coach of the Super Eagles.  A top NFF official confirmed the development to NEWSMEN , stating that Labbadia's pedigree and experience made him the ideal choice to turn around the team's fortunes. Labbadia, born on February 8, 1966, is a seasoned coach with a impressive playing career, having won the DFB-Pokal with 1. FC Kaiserslautern and the Bundesliga with FC Bayern Munich.  He also earned two caps for the German national team. The 57-year-old coach has managed several teams, including Darmstadt 98 and VfB Stuttgart, and is expected to bring his wealth of experience to the Super Eagles.  His first assignments will be the 2025 African Nations Cup qualifiers against Benin Republic on September 7 and Rwanda on September 10. Labbadia's appointment is seen as a significant move by the NFF to revatalize the Super Eagles and restore the team's com...

  Nojim Maiyegun, a legendary Nigerian boxer and the country's first-ever Olympic medalist, has died at the age of 83.  His death was confirmed by a close friend, Rudolfine F Soultan, on Facebook. Maiyegun passed away on Monday morning in Vienna, Austria, after battling an undisclosed illness for several months.  He made history at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the light-heavyweight boxing category at just 23 years old. During his impressive Olympic run, Maiyegun defeated notable opponents, including William Robinson of Great Britain and Tom Bogs of Denmark.  He also won a bronze medal at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica. Maiyegun later pursued a professional boxing career, leaving Nigeria in 1971. He fought 16 times, securing 12 wins, with 10 of them being knockouts. His remarkable achievements and contributions to Nigerian sports will be deeply remembered and celebrated.  Rest in peace, Nojim Maiyegun.

  The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) initiated a seven-day warning strike on Monday to demand the immediate rescue of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a Kaduna-based doctor who has been held captive by kidnappers for nearly eight months.  The strike, which affected hospitals nationwide, left countless patients stranded and healthcare services severely disrupted. In Abuja, patients at the Federal Medical Centre and the National Hospital experienced significant delays, with many expressing frustration and distress over missed appointments and prolonged waiting times.  Sarah Adamu, a diabetic patient, lamented the uncertainty surrounding her long-awaited appointment, while Mrs. Aisha Abdul, a retired civil servant, worried about the impact of the strike on her urgent medical needs. Despite the disruption, consultants, house officers, and other healthcare workers were left to manage patient care in the absence of resident doctors.  Dr. Tayo Haastrup, spokesperson fo...

A renowned Nigerian filmmaker and entrepreneur,Bolanle Austen-Peters has unveiled a 10,000-acre film village in Epe, Lagos State.  This impressive facility is now one of the notable film villages in Nigeria, alongside those owned by Ibrahim Chatta and Kunle Afolayan. The film village, called BAP Film Village, has already hosted productions, including the shooting of the movie "House of Ga'a".  It offers vast opportunities for film and television production, with its extensive land area and state-of-the-art infrastructure.  This will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian entertainment industry, providing a platform for local and international collaborations. Austen-Peters is a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian entertainment scene, having established Terra Kulture on Victoria Island and ventured into theatre and film production.  Her latest achievement is a testament to her business acumen, passion, and drive.

  The Ekiti State Executive Council has approved several projects totaling billions of naira to enhance infrastructure development, agriculture, and education in the state. The council approved: - N700,973,716.86 to renovate the House of Assembly Complex and Service Commission building - N2,715,063,998.19 for the rehabilitation of De-Head to Faglo, Basiri Junction Road, Ado Ekiti - N177,937,500.00 for land clearing under the Youth in Agriculture Initiative - N229,000,000.00 to procure tractors and farm machinery - N329,474,681.08 for the construction of a 100-bed space capacity hostel at Command Secondary School, Isan Ekiti These projects aim to improve the state's infrastructure, boost agricultural production, and enhance educational facilities.  The contracts were awarded to various companies, with completion timelines ranging from four weeks to 12 months.

  Ajiran Palace   A gruesome murder has shaken the Ajiran community in Agungi, Lekki, Lagos State, after gunmen shot and butchered Demola, the first son of Tijani Akinloye, the Ojomu of Ajiran land.  The incident occurred today along Chevron Drive, near Ebano Supermarket. The community is now deserted due to the tension sparked by the killing.  Prince Demola Akinloye A notice from a local estate management warned residents to avoid the Chevron, Agungi, and Ajiran areas for their safety. The Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, was unaware of the incident but promised to provide information once available. The brutal assassination has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving residents in fear.  Further details are yet to be released....

  Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been declared a public health emergency, with nearly all recorded cases and over 450 deaths occurring in the country.  Children under 10 are disproportionately affected, with 75% of cases seen at a clinic in Munigi being in this age group. The clinic has treated 310 cases since June, with no fatalities due to early treatment. However, a hospital 80km away has seen eight deaths, all under the age of five. Overcrowding and poor sanitation in camps for displaced people have contributed to the spread of the disease.  Health workers are educating people on symptoms and prevention, but vaccines are not yet available in the country. Distribution of vaccines will be limited, and health experts emphasize the importance of improving hygiene practices to reduce transmission.  Affected communities are calling for medicine, soap, and protective measures to prevent further infection. The outbreak is of a new strain, Clade 1b,...

  The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refuted claims that its officials are involved in the sale of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Edo State ahead of the September 21 Governorship Election. In response to a petition by Transparency for Electoral Systems Advocacy (TESA), INEC's Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, described the allegations as baseless and challenged TESA to provide concrete evidence. Oyekanmi emphasized that PVCs are issued free of charge to registered voters and that the process is transparent and strictly regulated.  He highlighted the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which makes it nearly impossible for anyone to use another person's PVC to vote. INEC warned that any attempt to do so would result in arrest and prosecution on Election Day.  The Commission urged TESA and others to present any evidence of misconduct by its officials for immediate action. The PVC collection process in Edo State began on...

  L-R President Tinubu, Comr. Afuye Former deputy governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in Ekiti state, Comrade Idowu Sunday Afuye has urged state governors to rally behind President Bola Tinubu's administration to achieve its goals. In an interview with  OGILOSKOPE  in Ado Ekiti, Afuye emphasized that President Tinubu cannot single-handedly reach all parts of the country, necessitating the collaboration of state governors.  He criticized governors for exacerbating the people's suffering with their poor performances. Afuye stressed that wholehearted support from governors is crucial for the success of Tinubu's "Renewed Hope Agenda".  He also advised governors to invest federal funds in projects that benefit the masses, rather than embarking on cosmetic ventures that add no value to citizens' lives.