Simplegist

  Rafiu Ajakaye  _"In God we trust, all others we investigate"_, my uncle – a retired military officer — quipped in the language of crime fighters as he narrated to me on Tuesday the incidents that led to the death of a relative around Isanlu Isin, the capital town of Isin local government of Kwara State. The deceased, husband to a second cousin, had run into a scene of abduction in the area. He had seen a victim of the abduction lying face down on the road on the order of masked gunmen. The fellow himself was not the target of the abduction; he also had run into the scene and was ordered to lie face down while they carried out their operations unhindered. It had just happened when our brother in-law got there. As he sought to give the tension-stricken man the courage to get up, two of the abductors reappeared at the scene. They had forgot their mobile phones at the scene. The deceased manned up and unmasked one of the gunmen. He instantly recognised him as a man, indeed a so...

  The president of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih Esq has been elected as a council member into the Badminton Confederation  Africa (BCA) at the world congress that took place on Thursday in Kualar Lumpur, Malaysia. He had earlier lost in 2021 when he sought for a two-year tenure. But he stoop to conquer as his time finally came this year, bagging a four-year tenure instead of the shorter one he lost. He remarked that with his victory,  Nigeria  is back in the boardroom where decisions about the administration of the game of badminton in Africa are taken.  ”Nigeria will definitely have more voice in influencing positively such decisions making”. Tukebana Michel Bau of Seychelles retained his post as the BCA president. He was returned unopposed. Elected as the Deputy President is Zambia’s Kingsley Mulenga who defeated the incumbent  Amine Zobiri of Algeria. Botswana’s  Mpiwa Bosenogile  defeated the incumbent Mrs. Chipo Zu...

  ....To Unveil 4-year football development plan June 4  The Chairman /Chief Executive Officer of Cyteck Engneering Construction  and Technology Limited, Engineer Ahmed Abdullateef Olaide has officially joined the race to occupy the Usman Mustapha Football House, Ilorin. The Ilorin born Engineer, who is also the Chairman of Nigeria Nationwide league One Side Barrier Sports Club, picked up his intent form to contest as the Chairman of Kwara State Football Association earlier on Thursday.  The Football Philanthropist who was in the midst of friends and Football enthusiasts at the Kwara Football House this afternoon  promised if elected, to change the face of football in the State. He added that he will give special attention to the discovery of more talents across the 16 local governments of the State and create an ecosystem that will catapult them into  international scene within a short span.  Engr. Olaide explained that the Kwara FA needs a better han...

   Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Abdulhakeem Uthman Mustapha has congratulated his Excellency, Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq on his appointment as the Chairman of Nigeria Governor's Forum (NGF). In a congratulatory message personally signed by A.U Mustapha, he congratulated Mallam Abdulrahman and described the appointment as a reflection of his sterling leadership and widespread network. " Your Excellency, i received the news of your appointment as the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum with utmost relish. It is undoubtedly another milestone in the life of an inveterate achiever ".  " To be singled out by one’s peer governors, all thirty-five of them, as their leader cannot in any way be called a mean feat. It is a loud testament of your sterling leadership qualities and widespread network. I harbor no doubts that this feat will further project your good self, Kwara State and Kwarans into greater national consciousness ". ...

  Abeokuta will host the first edition of the 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball Championship from 22nd to 24th, June 2023. The President of Wheelchair Basketball Federation of Nigeria, Mr Seyi Johnson made the disclosure after a meeting with sponsor, Nilayo Sports Management during the weekend. Johnson said the championship became necessary to give opportunity to wheelchair basketball players who have not participated in championship for over a decade. He said the championship will give a sense of belonging to players scattered across the country. The sports marketer said, "One of my mandates before becoming President of the Federation was to qualify Nigeria for major international championships and stage national championship. "The essence of the Abeokuta Championship is to give opportunity to various players who have been inactive over the years and expose them to the game they once loved. "After the election, I made a passionate plead to the Group Managing Director of Nilayo ...

   ---Pledges to work with board to attract Sponsors Sponsors, Donors and Partners have been Identified as a formidable partnership for effective administration of football from the grassroots. Kwara FA Supremo, Mallam Idris Musa Turaya stated this while receiving in audience of the leadership of the Kwara Beach Soccer Board in his office on Monday. Mallam Idris Musa Turaya who expressed his determination and commitment, to work with the board towards developing the game of beach soccer in the state, especially through attraction of sponsors and donors, noted that the name, Kwara beach soccer remain sacrosanct in the state.  Mallam Turaya Commended the Board for flying the flag of the state higher in Beach Soccer League in the Country, adding that their Performance in the first stanza was an attestation that the team will go far and promised FA's unalloyed Support to their programmes and  activities. Mallam Turaya however paid the affiliation fees of the board and pr...

  The Gubernatorial Candidate of the Zenith Labour Party in the last General Election in the State , Alhaji Usman Danjuma has felicitated with the Etsu of Tsaragi, Alhaji Aliyu Kpotwo on his 32 years on the throne of his forebears, noting that his reign has continued to witness accelerated development not only in Tsaragi but Kwara at large. In a congratulatory message personally endorsed by Alhaji Usman Danjuma, rejoices with the good People of Tsaragi and the state Government over the purposeful and impactful reign of Etsu over three decades ago , explaining that Etsu Tsaragi's tenure has brought uneven Development to the Tsaragi Emirate both in human and capital development. Usman Danjuma who Identified Peaceful Coexistence, improve Social amenities in the Tsaragi Emirate and Unity among traditional rulers as some of his achievements, praying  Allah to grant him more prosperous years as he continue to steer the ship of the Tsaragi to the enviable heights.  Etsu Tsaragi,...

  •The Lawmaker Also Bags Distinguished Alumni Award In acknowledgement and validation of his sterling legislative performance, the Senator representing Kwara Central and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Dr Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe has been inducted into the first-ever 'Most Valuable Parliamentarians Hall of Fame alongside four other distinctive members of the outgoing Ninth National Assembly. The recognition was an outcome of a data-driven assessment conducted by a reputable media organisation, OrderPaper Nigeria for the 469 members of the outgoing National Assembly. The induction into the Hall of Fame was exclusively designed for the outstanding lawmakers, after the conduct of independent, thorough and comprehensive annual performance appraisals of all the members of the outgoing National Assembly since its first anniversary in 2020. The MVP Hall of Fame initiative, which was said to be in furtherance of OrderPaper‘s contributions to legislative strengthening and promo...

  --- Warns Okada, Motorcycle Riders to desist from assemble at School's entrance The Management of the Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies, CAILS, Ilorin is set to closely work and collaborate with the state's Ministry of Works towards effective drainage control of it's main entrance, to further avert erosion in the area. Provost of the College, Dr Abdullahi Ayinla Olokooba stated this over the weekend while reacting to the  online report of the ugly situation of the road leading to the Institution, saying the College's Management is aware of the Poor Condition of the area. Dr Ayinla Olokooba who insisted that the Present administration of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has done well for the School in terms of Improved Infrastructure, Course accreditation and Prompt promotion of Lecturers, Said the Management of the Institution will synergise with the Ministry of works by taking the advantage of the ongoing dualization of Yebmot /Al Hikma road to ass...

  ....... holds capacity building for members,  31st May The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State has entered into a partnership with the Mass Communication Department of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, ahead of its capacity building for members, scheduled to hold May 31st, 2023. The Chairman, Kwara SWAN, Mallam Ayodeji Ismail disclosed this after extensive deliberation with its consultant, Shogo Shodunke, and the Department of Mass Communication, during the official visit of the Association's executive to the HOD''s on Thursday. Mallam Ayodeji explained that capacity building is one of the focal points of the current leadership adding that it will go a long way in reshaping sports journalism in the state. Ayodeji said there are vast areas of specialties in sports that can be tapped as journalists and not only reportage. He said, "The capacity building is long overdue because it is time for some of our members to focus on sports branding, ma...

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN (SWAN), in Kwara State, have described Lotus Bank as a leading institution in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and corporate integrity, very much in the league of Allen Onyema's Air Peace and BOVAS Petroleum who have gone beyond business interests to cater to needs of the public without asking for financial reward. The body of sports journalists made this declaration at the office of the bank in Ilorin while paying a courtesy call on the local branch manager and also presenting a letter of Commendation to the financial institution over its salutary role in the days of Naira redesign crisis that led to shortage of the common currency. "You rose to the challenge of the times," explained Ayodeji Ismail, chairman, SWAN, Kwara Chapter, while at the office to meet the management of the bank on Thursday. Lotus Bank is a Non-Interest Nigerian Bank deeply rooted in ethical banking, committed to ethical investing and ethical prosperi...

    A Former Board Member of the Nigeria Premier League, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Owolabi Agbaji Wopa has emerged as the new Chairman of Ilorin West Local Government Football Council in the LG Football Election, conducted at the Football House on Wednesday in Ilorin. Alhaji AbdulRazaq Owolabi Agbaji Wopa who defeated his challenger, Mallam Yahaya Yar-Adua with five votes to nil, in his acceptance speech praised football stakeholders in the Council for giving him another opportunity to serve and pledged to bring his wealth of experience to bear as a former board member of the NPFL in the discharge of his statutory responsibility. Wopa explained that the determination, passion and zeal to serve his people in the football administration of Ilorin West, prompted him to vie for the position, noting that he is prepared and ready to impact positively on the Council. "I'm ready to serve my Local Government in it's football administration and I will use my connection and integrity to attr...

    ... tasks them on free & fair exercise  The Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association, Mallam Idris Abdullahi Musa has Inaugurated the Electoral and Appeal Committees ahead of the State's FA Board Election, tentatively slated for thirteenth of next month in Kaiama, Headquarters of Kaiama Local Government Area of the State . Mallam Abdullahi Musa Idris in his remarks said the Inauguration of the Committees were inline with the NFF status and charged them to discharge their duty according to the guidelines. In their acceptance speeches, the Chairman of Electoral and Appeal Committees, Chief Emmanuel Dada Obafemi and Alhaji Jimoh Kehinde, Commended the leadership of Kwara FA for giving them the opportunity to serve and pledged to conduct free and fair election that would usher in new Chairman Board members. The Committees Chairmen who alluded to the process as very tasking one, assured contestants of peaceful conduct of the election and hitch free exercise tha...

     Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has assured it's total commitment to the successful hosting of the National Youth Games. Senator Okowa stated this during the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and Delta State Government on Tuesday in Asaba. Okowa said Delta will host the National Youth Games for the next four years urging other States to wake up in sports youth development. He praised the Sports Minister, Chief Sunday Dare for striving hard for the development of sports in the country. He said, "Delta has a strong relationship with the Sports Ministry. The Minister, Sunday Dare did not sit in Abuja but was always out there working for sports development. “We are happy to host the national youth games for next year. We will host a youth games the nation can be proud of. “I challenge other States to prepare their athletes and give Delta real competition. It’s through competition you break record...

    Nigeria men's wheelchair basketball team has qualified for the 2023 African Para Games in Ghana. Nigeria defeated Ghana, Gambia and Senegal at the just concluded International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) African Para Games qualifier in Accra on Sunday. The President of Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Seyi Johnson commended the resilient spirit of the players and technical crew. Johnson said the board member made a wise decision to source for sponsors for the men's wheelchair basketball team to participate in the qualifiers. The sports marketer said, "I am full of joy to see that the men's wheelchair basketball team has qualified for next year's African Para Games. The decision of Nigeria participating at the qualifiers took place 24 hours after our elections and we are excited our sacrifice was worth it. "The players showed dedication off and on the court to ensure Nigeria is represented at the African Games. They played every game li...

    Super Eagles Supporters Club, (SESC) Chairman and Proprietor, Dickalo Football Academy, Architect Olubunmi Komolafe Dickalo has disclosed that he is embarking on what may turn out to be the most penetrating grassroots haunt for soccer talents in Nigeria, stating that gratitude from indigent players' parents and practical evidence of prosperity in the lives of players are his motivation in the venture. He made this disclosure to Sports Writers Association Nigeria (SWAN) Kwara State Chapter chairman, Ayodeji Ismail and some members of his executives on Sunday.   The soccer loving philanthropist also explained his resolve to fully partner the SWAN in this venture, stating that in the business of soccer development and business, sports writers have major roles to play. Aside from being a proprietor of a growing soccer academy spread across the country with some billed to travel to European countries soon, Dickalo is into construction, especially corporate level constructi...

  The Congress of the Kwara State Football Association today, May 13th, 2023, at an Extra Ordinary Assembly held at Mandate Hotel, Iloffa, in Oke-Ero Local Government Area picked Tuesday June 13th, 2023 as date for the State election, even as they also ratified the already established venue, Kaiama Local Government Area of the state. The Extra Ordinary Assembly, which was staged to primarily discuss elections issues equally approved Wednesday May 17th, 2023 as date for elections for the six remaining Football Councils, which are Asa, Ifelodun, Barutein, Ilorin West, Kaiama and Moro. While addressing the Assembly, the FA Chairman, Mallam Idris Abdullahi Musa said that the gathering in Iloffa, Oke-Ero Local Government Area was historic, pledging that the impacts of the FA will be felt in the three Senatorial Districts.  While commending the Congress members, he said that the gathering was purposely to decide on the remaining Local Football Councils elections, and to fix date and...

  Yobe Desert Stars  will loose three points and three goals from their accrued number  in group A4 of the Northern Conference,for assaults on match officials during match day five with DMD football of Borno at the August 27 Stadium in Damaturu, on Sunday 7 May,2023. Verified match reports indicted Yobe Desert Stars for assaults on match officials which led to the centre referee Shaarani Guza from Kano State referees Council  losing a tooth . Referee Guza was beaten to a pulp and eventually hospitalized following attacks by alleged supporters of the  club who swooped on him and his assistants (Samila Abdullahi and Hamza Garba). Relying on relevant portions of its rule book,the NNL evoked the three point and three goal deduction . Trouble started  84minutes in the encounter  after Yobe captain Barnabas Ingya was issued a second yellow card which saw  him exit the match.The club supporters encroached onto the field  attacking the referees,the a...

  Towards harmonising fixtures in the two Groups of the ongoing 2022/23 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, the Interim Management Committee (IMC) has directed that all MatchDay 18 games would now be played on Sunday, May 21. In a letter informing the NPFL Clubs of the fixture rearrangement, the IMC also noted that Federation Cup games of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have also impacted the commencement of the Super 6 start date.  While regretting the disruption to the schedule of the clubs, the IMC said it has however afforded the league a window to harmonise the fixtures of the regular season end matches. Chairman of the (IMC), Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye clarified that the decision was to ensure that the regular season is concluded on the same date before the commencement of the Super 6. "The MatchDay 18 fixtures in both Groups will have to be played on the same date and that would be after Rivers United have completed their outstanding matches by Thursday, May...

    The Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball team (NWBF) will depart Lagos today (Thursday) for Accra to attend the 2023 International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) African Para Games qualifier. The 2023 International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) African Para Games qualifier is scheduled for 12th to 14th May in Accra, Ghana. The delegation comprises 8 players and 4 officials led by the Secretary General, Aliyu Mohammed. The players are: Mohammed Muritala, Bailey Segun, Akinde Oluwaseun, Emmanuel Adetayo, Ajibade Kayode, Ridwan Abubakar, Ojeleye Sefiu and Taiwo Durowoju while the officials are, Olayinka Sofolahan (coach), Oluwakemi Adetinde (coach) and Opeyemi Ogunleye (Referee). The Secretary General of NWBF, Aliyu Mohammed hailed the President for ensuring Nigeria attends the qualifier and boosting the chances of making the podium finish. Mohammed said that if not for the gesture, the country’s contingent might have not made the tournament. He said, “The players...

  The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cyteck Engineering, Engineer Ahmed Olaide said the survival of Kwara United in the Nigeria Premier Football League is a blessing to the sports loving people of Kwara State. Ibrahim Yahaya's lone goal in the 87th minute gave Kwara United victory over Nasarawa United in match day 17 of the Nigeria Premier Football League in Akure on Sunday. The football philanthropist said Kwara United fought from the commencement of the game till the final whistle. He said Kwara United parades a good side but the players were goal shy in their opponent half. The Kwara United diehard said, "The victory means a lot to all sports loving Kwarans. I am so excited that Kwara United eventually got the goal after they laboured hard in the first half. "The team is not really a bad side but If you look critically at the team, you will find out they lack the depth and it is affecting the team." Olaide believes Kabiru Dogo led coaching crew can transform the...

  Kabir Dogo, coach of Kwara United which on Sunday scrapped through surviving relaxation against Nasarawa United says things could have been worse for his team . "I thank God that we get to play in the elite league next season," he told journalists on Sunday. Kwara United defeated Nasarawa United by a lone goal at the Akure Township Stadium on Sunday. Indeed, Dogo proved his mettle in helping the Ilorin team to survive the drop. He took over the team at the time when things weren't working out fine for the club and had only one job of keeping Kwara United from relegation. Dogo thanked the State Government, Ondo State Government, Kwara state SWAN as well as stakeholders for their support. He appreciated the Emir of Ilorin for his prayers during the trying times. "In all I thank God Kwara United will play at next year's NPFL," he stated.

  Chairman of Super Eagles Supporters Club (SESC), Kwara United Chapter, Architect Olubunmi Komolafe Dickalo said Kwara United 1-0 win over Nasarawa United brought joy to him just like it did to every Kwarans. Architect Dickalo who watched the match at the spectators stand on Sunday said the Technical Adviser of Kwara United, Kabiru Dogo rescued the team from relegation with the available players. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the fastest selling bottled water in the North Central revealed that he had confidence in the boys scoring a goal in the match. He said, "Today is one of my happiest days because when we played for 75 minutes, I was meditating hoping that the dream of scoring a goal would come true. "I give glory to God that when the goal came in, it brought joy to the hearts of the fans present at the Akure Township Stadium." Dickalo, a philanthropist and chief supporter of the club, advised the management to use the preseason as a means of restructuring th...

  Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State Chapter has commended Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi for constructing dressing rooms for his boyhood club, Unicorn Football Academy (UFA), Ilorin. The Chairman of Kwara SWAN, Ayodeji Ismail who led other executives to the newly constructed dressing room, located at Sheikh Abdulkadri College in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Saturday, said the kind gesture of the former Flying Eagles striker will inspire other established players to give back to their society. Ayodeji hoped that the completion of the second phase (laying of synthetic pitch) would help to unearth more talents for Ilorin, Kwara State capital. He said, "Indeed it is a fantastic and laudable initiative by the Nottingham Forest striker to build a dressing room for his boyhood club, Unicorn Football Academy.  “This project epitomises the concept of 'the business of football’ and how crucial infrastructure is in football development.  "This is truly eviden...

  Tunde Sanni, assistant coach Abia Warriors, and Samuel Elijah, Saudi 89 FIFA Under 21 hero are headline grabbing names that were returned to the helms of managing the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, NFCA, Kwara State chapter after election on Saturday. The two coaches were returned alongside eight other executives, unopposed, by members of the association at an election held at the association's secretariat located at the Main Bowl of the Kwara State stadium. Before coaching Abia Warriors, Sanni was a former coach of Abubakar Bukola Saraki, ABS, FC and Kwara United FC.  Elijah, MON, currently works with the Kwara Football Academy as the technical director. Other members of executives of the coach's association include Ashifat Sulaiman, second Vice chairman, Daniel Azera, Secretary; Olusegun Adesina, Treasurer; Dayo Ogundiran, Training officer and Taofeeq Babatunde, Auditor. Others are Oniye Mohammed, PRO, Sunny Ahamoje, Welfare Officer; Salahudeen Adeyinka, Chief Whip;...

   Value creation and effective media coverage have been Identified as a panacea to woo and attract private sponsors to key into the growth of football from the grassroots to the national level. President of the Nationwide League campaigner, SG Football Club of Ilorin, Chief Richard Opanuga made the submission in Ilorin while speaking with the sports writers at the presentation of kits to the Kwara NLO teams, donated to them by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Okaa Sports, Alhaji Adelodun Abdullahi An America-based football club owner, who posited that sports and media are synonymous at the level of reaching out to the heterogeneous society, explaining that value that is in tandem with the philosophy of the sponsors and investors will only guarantee long term sponsorship of football from all levels. Chief Opanuga emphasized that Kwara is already positioned in a strategic location with peaceful and enabling environment which can attract investors to invest in football witho...

   .. to stream match on social media page ...urges Governor Abdulrahman to attend The Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State Chapter, Ayodeji Ismail will lead a delegation of journalists to Akure ahead of Kwara United and Nasarawa United match on Sunday. Kwara United is in 8th position while Nasarawa United is 9th on the log of Group A of the Nigeria Premier Football League (abridged). Ayodeji said the crucial encounter requires the support of all and sundry, hence, the need for the number one citizen of the State, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to attend to further boost the morale of both the technical crew and players. Ayodeji who is also an On-Air Personality (OAP)/Sports Presenter on Radio Kwara urged members of the association to give maximum support to Kwara United as they battle for survival on Sunday. He said, "As the number one sports journalist in the state, I will be leading leagues of journalists in the print and broadcast as w...

   Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Kwara State Chapter has called on the Kwara State Sports Commission to inaugurate members into the various sporting associations in the state. In a statement signed by Secretary Kwara SWAN, Dare Kuti, the inauguration of members will aid the sponsorship drive of the various sporting associations. SWAN also appealed to the Commission to expedite actions on the inauguration to hasten individuals in bringing their wealth of experience into the association. The statement added that constituting members of the associations will help the growth of sports in the state. SWAN wished the various sporassociations success as they began their quest to glory in the 2023 season. SWAN,  however, hailed Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his efforts in channeling huge resources in the 2022 sporting season including attending the National Sports Festival in Delta State.  The Association, however, called on the State Government to sustai...

  Technical Adviser of Offa Football Club, Coach Oladipo Abolarin has revealed that he  wants to promote the club to the Nigeria National League (NNL). The former Ijebu United coach said there is no pressure for him to deliver the ticket for the Offa based club who will compete in the 2023 Nationwide League One, (Division One ) season. Coach Oladipo while speaking with newsmen at the Club Jersey unveiling ceremony said, "Offa FC is prepared for the NLO to kickstart we've been working preparing the team for season in the past three months so I believe we are ready for the league to start on Wednesday." "We have good team we have the material we have experience mixed with young talent so I am confident of getting the job done, I am not under any pressure I am only tasked with the responsibility of getting the club promoted which is achievable." Offa Football Club will face Barrier FC on Wednesday at the University of Ilorin Sports Complex

  The hundred percent clearance of the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria in the MRI Test preceding the U-17 African Cup of Nations, AFCON in Algeria by has been described as a good omen towards the development of an age grade football in Nigeria. Secretary of the Club's Owners Association of Nigeria, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka stated this at the Nigeria (Football) Referees Association, NRA National Elective Delegates Conference in Ilorin. Chief Chukwuemeka who is also the Director of Football, ABS Ilorin FC explained that passing the MRI Test by the Eaglets was a manifestation of the positive reforms of Ibrahim Gusau led Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, noting that the restructuring is not restricted to only age grade players but will extend to other players of the national teams as it is a continuous process. ACC Network as Chief Chukwuemeka fondly called and also a retired referee, commended the NFF for it's numerous programmes which aimed at accelerating the growth of the nation's...