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Francis Orbih elected into Badminton World Federation Council President, Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, has been elected as a council member of the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The election took place during the BWF Annual General Meeting held on Saturday, April 26, in Xiamen, China, where Orbih emerged victorious over top contenders from other African countries.  He will join Cameroon’s Odette Assembe Engoulou on the council, while Chipo Zumburani (Zimbabwe) and Hadia ElSaid (Egypt) missed out. An elated Orbih expressed his gratitude to fellow badminton presidents across the globe for their trust and support.  He said, “I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me by my peers across the badminton world. “I look forward to quality representation, driving development initiatives, and strengthening badminton’s global reach over the next four years.” Orbih also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government of Nigeria, particularly the National S...

 Mogaji Odo-Okun Community, Suleiman Dogo, Celebrates Emir of Ilorin at 85 The Odo-Okun community, under the leadership of its Mogaji, Alhaji Kabiru Suleiman, has extended warm felicitations to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, on the occasion of his 85th birthday. In a congratulatory message signed by former Kwara United and Sunshine Stars of Akure coach, Suleiman Dogo, the Emir was praised for his “uncommon leadership qualities,” with prayers offered for more fruitful years in service to Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State, and Nigeria at large. “As you mark your 85th birthday anniversary on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, I write on behalf of my family and the entire people of Odo-Okun to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Your Highness,” the statement read. Coach Dogo further acknowledged the Emir’s role in promoting peace and unity across the country. “As you continue to use your exalted throne to build bridges of friendship and harmony across our nation, it is my...

 ZLP North Central Vice Chairman, Alhaji Usman Danjuma Tsaragi, Hails Emir of Ilorin at 85 The Vice Chairman (North Central) of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Alhaji Usman Danjuma Tsaragi, has joined millions of well-wishers in congratulating the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, on the occasion of his 85th birthday. In a statement personally signed by the Abuja-based business mogul and seasoned politician, Alhaji Danjuma Tsaragi described the Emir's reign as one that has ushered in peace, unity, and unprecedented development across the Ilorin Emirate and the entire State of Harmony. He noted that the Emir's leadership as Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council of Emirs and Obas has been instrumental in maintaining peace and fostering progress across the state. “Allah has indeed answered the Emir’s prayers, as the peace, unity, and development we are witnessing in the Emirate today reflect his heartfelt desires for his people,” the statement read. “I ...

 Organizers Laud Success of Kwara Zone of Seyi Tinubu Cityzens Cup The organizers of the Kwara Zone of Seyi Tinubu Cityzens Cup have expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of the week-long football tournament, describing it as a remarkable achievement in promoting unity and youth engagement across the state. Speaking at the grand finale held on Saturday at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl of the George Inih Stadium, the Team Coordinator, Aliyu Olamilekan Bello, noted that the championship fulfilled its primary objective of fostering a "unity of purpose" among Kwara youths, particularly in the Central Senatorial District. He added that beyond sports, the tournament also stimulated socioeconomic activities in all host communities. Bello commended the Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for sponsoring the tournament, and the Kwara State Sports Commission for providing a conducive atmosphere for its success.  He further revea...

 Engr. Jani Ibrahim Urges Kwara Govt to Expand Ilorin Baseball, Softball to International Park of Reference As Bayelsa Wins Honours Independent League   Ilorin-based business mogul, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, has called on the Kwara State Government to upgrade the Ilorin Baseball and Softball Park to an international standard facility, positioning it as a reference point in Africa. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the maiden Honours Independent Softball and Baseball League held at Adewole Park, Engr. Ibrahim commended the government’s ongoing upgrade of sports infrastructure at the George Innih Stadium, describing the initiative as commendable and forward-thinking. He praised the hosting of the league in Ilorin, noting that it reaffirmed the state’s passion and commitment to the development of baseball and softball. Engr. Ibrahim lauded Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his consistent support of grassroots sports, stating that the talents discovered during the weeklong event mus...

Seyi Tinubu Citizens Cup to Kick Off April 12 in Ilorin with 16 Youth Teams Set to Battle Sixteen youth football teams are set to lock horns in the highly anticipated Seyi Tinubu Citizens Cup, scheduled to hold from April 12 to 19, 2025 in Ilorin, Kwara State. The tournament, which is supported by the Kwara State Government, promises not only a display of football talent but also a rallying platform for youth empowerment, development, and leadership. Speaking at the press briefing held Thursday, April 10, 2025, at House 12 Hotel in Ilorin, Head of the Organizing Team, Bello Aliyu Olamilekan, emphasized that the tournament is more than just a sporting event—it’s a movement. > “It’s about a movement that tells the world our generation is not just waiting for change, but driving it. We are proving that we are ready—not just to play, but to lead, to inspire, and to transform our nation,” he said. Olamilekan thanked Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his continued support of youth and s...

 Kwara United’s New Signing Afeez ‘Spegy’ Bankole Vows to Help Club Finish Strong Kwara United’s new right-back, Afeez Bankole, has expressed his determination to help the Harmony Boys wrap up the ongoing 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season on a high. Bankole, fondly known as Spegy, joined Kwara United from Smart City FC of Lagos during the January transfer window. Since his arrival, he has featured impressively in matches against Rangers, Akwa United, and Nasarawa United, coming on in the second half of each to prove his mettle and justify his signing. A former member of the CHAN Eagles squad during the qualification phase, Bankole has demonstrated energy, resilience, and commitment—traits that have quickly endeared him to the Kwara United faithful. “I’m with Kwara United to showcase my talent and also help the club finish the league on a positive note,” he told the club media. With his top-flight experience and spirited play, Bankole is poised to bring more stab...

 Kwara’s Sporting Legacy Secures Hosting Rights for Honours Independent Baseball League The Kwara State Softball and Baseball Association has credited the state’s sporting pedigree and dedication to baseball development for securing the hosting rights of the inaugural Honours Independent Baseball League. Speaking during the ongoing championship in Ilorin, the association’s chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, emphasized that Kwara’s past successes in national tournaments, including those held in Delta and Plateau States, played a pivotal role in earning the hosting privilege. Alhaji Ibrahim, who also serves as the CEO of Young Abdul Motors, lauded the Kwara State Government for fostering a sports-friendly environment. He specifically acknowledged the efforts of the state’s Sports Commission in promoting and supporting baseball and softball development. “The week-long tournament has written the name of Kwara in gold with the hosting of 10 states in this softball league sponsored by H...

 Organisers hold press conference for Seyi Tinubu Cityzens cup in Kwara   Plans have been concluded to hold a major press conference ahead of the commencement of Seyi Tinubu Cityzens Cup in Kwara State. The event scheduled for 9am on Thursday, April 10, 2025, will take place at House 12 Work Space, Onikanga street, Ilorin. The press conference, expected to attracts journalists and media houses serves as a curtain raiser for the game changing tournament. The Seyi Tinubu Cityzens Cup, amongst other things, seeks to unearth football talents and unit communities and empower youth through football. The tournament is billed to hold  from April 12 to 19th, across strategic locations in Kwara State, thus fulfilling its mandate as a community-driven project where a total number of  16 teams will battle for glory. According to  Bello Aliu Olamilekan who is the convener of Seyi Tinubu Cityzens Cup, the tournament is poised to raise the bar of football development at the gr...