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 OPEN LETTER TO SALAUDEEN LUKMAN (OMO ADUGBO) *ILEMONA COMMUNITY AND ITS PEOPLE ARE KNOWN FOR PEACE AND THEY VALUE HARMONY AND TRANQUILITY*. Dear SALAUDEEN A LUKMAN (Omo-Adugbo)   I hope this letter finds you in good spirit? Let me firstly appreciates and acknowledged your congratulatory message on the elevation and promotion of our highly revered and respected Father. However, I was disappointed on some deregatory comment and misinformation in your write up. I understand you are still yet to recover from the pain of your failed attempt to cause mayhem in Offa during the last Local Government Election which you lost to the Candidate of the All Progresssive Congress. Your attempt to gather sympathy using the ongoing scenario is in futile and would set you back instead of the gullible followers you are seeking to get their attention. I feel your pains and I want to express my sympathy for the time and energy you invested in your campaign of columny. Surely, At your age, wisdom o...

 Emir of Ilorin to Turban Alangua of Oke-Ogun on February 7 The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, will officially turban the newly appointed Alangua of Oke-Ogun, Alhaji AbdulKadir Mahmud, on Friday, February 7, 2025. The event will take place at the Emir's Palace in Ilorin, starting at 10:00 a.m. According to a statement by the Chairman of the main organizing committee, Alhaji Bashir Aduagba, the turbaning ceremony will be preceded by a special prayer session on Thursday, February 6, 2025.  The prayer, aimed at seeking Allah's blessings for a successful event, will hold at the Alangua's residence in Oke-Ogun at 10:00 a.m., officiated by the council of Hullama from Oke-Ogun and surrounding communities. The celebration will also feature a cultural showcase of Ijo Olomoba on February 6 at 4:00 p.m., where the celebrant and his family will enjoy traditional music and performances. Later that evening, the eve of the turbaning, a traditional Kengbe display will be ...

 Golden Triumph: Eniola Bolaji Shines at Egypt Para Badminton International 2025. Paralympic bronze medalist Eniola Bolaji has etched her name in history once again by clinching gold at the Egypt Para Badminton International 2025. In a commanding performance, Bolaji defeated Sweden’s Hillevi Salomonsson 2-0 (21-1, 21-2) in the women’s SL3 final on Sunday, underscoring her dominance in the event. The African champion also showcased her prowess throughout the tournament, overcoming Shahinda Mohamed (21-7, 21-2), Basma Nabil-Fawzy (21-6, 21-4), and Elizabeth Puma (21-2, 21-4) with straight-set victories in earlier rounds. According to the Badminton World Federation, Bolaji has competed in 10 international championships over the past two years, emerging victorious in all—a remarkable feat that cements her as a force to be reckoned with in Para Badminton. Reacting to her triumph, Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, celebrated Bolaji’s achievement, highlighti...

 Bolaji Nagode Describes Dan Amana Ngari Title Conferred on Nagode Family as Historic Alhaji Bolaji Nagode, the Director General of NAPTIN and elder brother of the newly conferred Dan Amana Ngari, has described the title as unique and historic for their family within the Ilorin Emirate. Expressing his profound gratitude to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu Gambari CFR, for bestowing the prestigious title on his brother, Bolaji noted that the Emir's decision is a testament to his commitment to propagating the rich cultural heritage and values of the Ilorin Emirate beyond Kwara State to the entire nation. He urged the Dan Amana Ngari to sustain the legacy that earned him this honor and to utilize the traditional title as a platform to further serve humanity and uphold the values of the Emirate.

 Sports Summit: Bola Mogaji Unveils Kwara Poly League, Receives Excellence Award The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Adisa Mogaji, has unveiled the inaugural Kwara Poly Football League.  The historic event took place on January 22, 2025, during a Sports Summit organized by the Student Union Government (SUG) Sports Director, Comrade Kaosarah Ajoke Abdullahi, at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. Mallam Mogaji, who served as the chairman of the day, delivered an inspiring opening address emphasizing the transformative power of sports. He described sports as a universal language that fosters unity, promotes peace, and serves as a catalyst for development. Commending the SUG Sports Director for her initiative, he highlighted how the summit and the newly introduced league would bring about greater sports development in the institution and across Kwara State. Mogaji urged students to embrace sports, not only for recreational purposes but also for i...

 Emir of Ilorin Harps on Unity as Dr. Tunji Nagode is Turbaned as First Dan Amanan Gari of Ilorin The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, has officially turbaned Dr. Abdulkadir Tunji Nagode as the first Dan Amanan Gari of Ilorin Emirate. During the ceremony, the Emir charged Dr. Nagode to use his new title to further serve humanity and contribute to the propagation of unity and oneness within Ilorin and Kwara State. The Emir, who is also the Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Emirs and Obas, expressed delight over Dr. Nagode’s selection, describing him as deserving of the title in every respect. He emphasized the need for unity of purpose among elites, regardless of political affiliations, to foster the collective progress of the Emirate. The traditional ruler used the occasion to offer prayers for the sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate, beseeching Allah to elevate them to enviable positions and bring glory to the community. The ceremony, held on Friday at the Em...

 Bako Advocates Appointment of Technocrats As Sports Administrators Mallam Ibrahim Bako, the Kwara State Director of Sports and administrator of Kwara Football Academy, has emphasized the need for the appointment of technocrats and professionals as sports administrators, especially at the grassroots level. Speaking at the Kwara State Polytechnic Sports Summit organized by the Students' Union Government in Ilorin on Wednesday, he delivered a paper titled "Grassroots Sports Development."  In his presentation, he argued that placing the right individuals—technocrats, professionals, and ex-internationals—in key sports administrative roles would enhance the implementation and execution of government policies, thereby fast-tracking sports development at the grassroots. Bako highlighted infrastructural deficiencies as a significant barrier to grassroots sports progress. He called for better facilities, routine maintenance, and a shift in attitude among stakeholders to encourage ...

 Stakeholders, Journalists commend NSC for Re-shuffling Secretary General in various National Sports Federations Stakeholders and journalists in the Nigerian sports sector have expressed strong commendations for the National Sports Commission (NSC) following its recent decision to re-shuffle the Secretary-General positions in various National Sports Federations.  The move, widely hailed as a bold and necessary step, has been lauded for its potential to bring fresh perspectives, enhance administrative efficiency, and streamline operations within the federations. The re-shuffling, which involves the repositioning of key officials in several sports federations, is seen as an important measure in revitalising the management structures of Nigerian sports.  The decision was made in response to growing concerns about the need for better governance, increased accountability, and more effective management of resources in Nigerian sports. Sports administrators have emphasised that ...

Coach Zubair Identifies Poor Nurturing as Bane of African Football The Head Coach of Nigeria's Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubair, has pinpointed poor nurturing and inadequate data documentation as major hindrances to football development in Africa.  Speaking to journalists at the conclusion of a week-long U-13 Kiddies Football Competition in his honour in Ilorin, Coach Zubair lamented the challenges young players face in transitioning to stardom due to these shortcomings. He noted that while Africa is brimming with raw talent, the structures for proper player development and documentation remain inadequate compared to Europe. Zubair was particularly impressed with the level of skill displayed by the young players during the final match between Dickalo FC and Barca FC, identifying at least six players with the potential to join the U-15 National Team. However, he emphasized that these talents could only reach their full potential with proper nurturing and systematic data collection. ...

 Meet Abdul-Hameed Yunus, Highest Goal Scorer of Coach Aliyu Zubair Kiddies Cup Abdul-Hameed Yunus, a talented  young striker has emerged as the highest goal scorer in the maiden edition of the Coach Aliyu Zubair U-13 Kiddies football competition. The young prodig from Koller Football Academy scored six goals in the tournament, showcasing his exceptional skills and consistency in front of the goal. Speaking on his achievement, Yunus expressed his determination to grow into a complete striker, emphasizing his dedication to delivering results for his team. “The duty of a striker is to score goals, which I have been doing. I want to continue scoring goals for my academy consistently,” he stated. Yunus’ remarkable performance in the competition has earned him recognition as a promising talent, and he remains focused on working hard to excel in any tournament his club participates in. His journey as a young footballer continues to inspire, with aspirations to reach greater heights ...

 Kwara Sports Development: Bola Mogaji Commends Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's Transformative Achievements The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, has lauded the groundbreaking efforts of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in revolutionizing the sports sector in Kwara State.  Speaking on Diamond FM’s Yoruba programme, Eyi Owu Ewi, hosted by Bola Olojoku, Mogaji highlighted the governor's significant contributions to sports development in areas such as infrastructure, athlete support, institutional strengthening, and football advancements. On Modern Squash Courts, Kwara State now boasts the highest number of modern squash courts in a single location in Nigeria and West Africa, positioning it as a leading hub for squash. In the area of State-of-the-Art Table Tennis Hall, a world-class facility has been completed to nurture talent and host both national and international tournaments. While in the area of Indoor Sports Hall Upgrad...

 Nigeria needs to appreciate Dr Steve Olarinoye- Prince Oladimeji Ladi Thompson  Kwara State Pillar of Sports, Prince Oladimeji Thompson, has called on the sports fraternity in Nigeria to honor Dr Steve Olarinoye for his immense contributions to the development of sports in the country. Thompson made this impassioned appeal during the 70th birthday celebration of Dr. Steve Olarinoye in Ilorin on Saturday.  The sports philanthropist, who has long been a leading figure in Nigeria’s sports scene, emphasised that Olarinoye’s efforts should not go unrecognised. "I have known Dr Steve Olarinoye for a very long time; he is a social person who has dedicated most of his life to sports," Thompson said.  "He has been a pillar in the development of sports across the nation, and his efforts cannot be overlooked. The time to celebrate this unsung hero is now, not when he is gone." Thompson further highlighted the sacrifices Olarinoye has made for Nigeria, recounting the physical ...

 Emir of Ilorin to Turban Dr. Tunji Nagode as 1st Dan Amanan Gari Ilorin will come alive on Friday, January 24th, 2025, as preparations are in top gear for the official turbaning ceremony of Dr. Abdulkadir Tunji Nagode as the first Dan Amanan Gari of Ilorin. The ceremony, to be performed by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu Gambari CFR, will take place at the Emir's Palace and is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM. This historic event is set to attract prominent figures from across Nigeria and the diaspora, as the Dan Amanan Gari title signifies an important milestone in Ilorin's cultural and traditional history. Guests are expected to include the "crème de la crème" of society, making it a grand occasion to celebrate Ilorin's heritage and unity.

Kwara United Felicitates with Dr. Steve Olarinoye on 70th Birthday Kwara United Football Club has joined numerous well-wishers in celebrating Omupo-born sports administrator, Dr. Steve Olarinoye, on the occasion of his 70th birthday anniversary, describing it as a significant milestone. In a statement by the club chairman, Kumbi Titiloye, conveyed through the General Manager, Mallam Bashir Badawiy, Dr. Olarinoye was acknowledged as one of the pillars of sports development in Kwara State and Nigeria. His enduring positive impact was praised as a guiding example for others to emulate. "On behalf of all of us at Kwara United, we heartily rejoice with Dr. Olarinoye on this special occasion. Your unwavering commitment to the growth of sports from the grassroots is truly unprecedented," said Badawiy. The statement also prayed for God's blessings upon Dr. Olarinoye, wishing him many more prosperous years ahead. Dr. Steve Olarinoye, a former Director-General of the Kwara Sports C...