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Culture Ministry, National Sports Commission, Unite For Sports City and Creative Infrastructure Development

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Culture Ministry, National Sports Commission, Unite For Sports City and Creative Infrastructure Development

Joel Ajayi

The Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and the National Sports Commission will embark on a groundbreaking partnership to build infrastructure for creatives. This historic collaboration was forged during a meeting between Barr Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, and Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, in Abuja, on Thursday.

The Minister emphasised that the two sectors that capture the attention of Nigerian youth are sports and creativity, particularly through music, film, and entertainment. She noted that sports and entertainment have become an integral part of the mindset of young Nigerians, as both sectors have the power to unite youths and Nigerians as a whole. However, she identified the lack of infrastructure as a major challenge hindering the growth of these sectors.

To address this challenge, the Ministry and the National Sports Commission will work together to create an ecosystem that merges sports with art, culture, tourism, and the creative economy. This collaboration will facilitate the development of creative hubs, museums, concert arenas, and game hubs, providing a platform for creatives to thrive.

Minister Musawa highlighted the importance of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise this partnership and unlock the potential of Nigerian youth. She expressed optimism that this collaboration will drive the growth of the creative industry and contribute to the development of the nation’s economy.

“The sports and the creative industries give youths a sense of purpose and identity. Sports have that ability to unite the nation, and likewise music, film and art, so we have a very powerful role to play. When we collaborate, Sports and entertainment can make a major impact. When sports and creativity speak, Nigerians listen and unite, so one can only imagine what we can achieve if we come together and join forces.

“Some of the things that we are working on include the building of the Equestrian City project and Cultural hubs under the Renewed Hope Cultural Project, gaming and animation centres. We can create an ecosystem within the sports and creative community where we can merge, but since the Sports Commission is working on some of these ideas, we can join forces instead of working in silos, so that we can leverage more on comparative advantages to build something unique.”

In his response, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, noted that sports, culture, and creativity are intertwined and work together to break religious and tribal barriers. He emphasised that sports and music are the passions of over 200 million Nigerians and that collaborating to galvanise prospects and work together is the best way forward.

“Creatives and sports are part of our national assets because they bring all together as one. What you have listed here aligns with our Sports City vision. Mr. President has given you the mandate to harness the potential of the creative economy, and given us the mandate to harness the potential of the sports economy.

“We have to collaborate to achieve these. We are ready to give the facilities, enablers and available land to develop all those great ideas that you have mentioned here,” the Chairman said.

Mallam Dikko also highlighted the significant contribution of both sectors to the growth of the economy, stating that only creative and sports can give Nigeria a pathway to greatness. He expressed enthusiasm for the proposed sports city vision and pledged to work together with the Ministry to develop the sports market.

This collaboration is expected to drive growth in Nigeria’s creative industry and sports sector, fulfilling key national objectives. The Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and the National Sports Commission anticipate a productive partnership that will foster national unity, stimulate economic growth, and empower Nigerian youth.

Minister Tasks NASS On Adequate Funding Of Educational Institutions

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Minister Tasks NASS On Adequate Funding Of Educational Institutions

By Paul Effiong, Abuja

Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa has called on the National Assembly to prioritise adequate funding of educational institutions instead of creating new ones.

The minister, who made the plea yesterday yesterday at a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education at the National Assembly Abuja,  opposed the bill for the establishment of the Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition in Borno State.

He  urged the federal government to maintain a policy of equitable distribution of federal institutions across states. 

According to the minister, no state should host more than one federal polytechnic, while every state should  have at least one.

The public hearing was on A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition, Hawul Local Government Area, Borno State (HB.1797), to provide full-time courses and training in technology, applied sciences, arts, social sciences, humanities, and management.

A Bill to Amend Section 3(2)(b), the Second Schedule, and Section 31 of the Federal Polytechnics Act, Cap F17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (HB.1413).

A Bill to Amend the Federal Polytechnics Act, Cap F17, to review the functions of polytechnics (HB.2114).

Alausa argued that with limited resources, government’s efforts should be directed at strengthening existing institutions to deliver quality education rather than spreading resources thin by establishing new ones.

According to him, “The Federal Ministry of Education has expanded avenues for establishing private tertiary institutions. States and individuals are encouraged to utilise these channels to support national educational development.”

The minister  urged the House to always ensure that resources are  dedicated to improving the quality of education by consolidating support for already existing institutions.

In his presentation during the public hearing, the sponsor of the bill,  Usman Balami strongly defended his proposal, maintaining that insecurity and rising unemployment in Borno are among the major reasons for government to establish the institution.

The lawmaker equally informed that the  proposed college remains strategic in view of the growing number of unemployed qualified youths in Borno State.

He added that the proposed institution would equip young men and women with the skills necessary for self-reliance, as well as economic empowerment.

Oyebanji Seeks Deployment Of More Police Personnel To Ekiti

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Oyebanji Seeks Deployment Of More Police Personnel To Ekiti

….Wants State borders fortified

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has called on the Nigeria Police Force to  deploy additional personnel to the state to further enhance  security and address criminal activities particularly at the border towns. 

Governor Oyebanji, who made the call yesterday when he received the new Assistant Inspector General of Police ,AIG, Zone 17 , comprising Ondo and Ekiti States, Ajani Musubau Omolabi in his Office in Ado-Ekiti. He also urged the Police force to intensify efforts at enhancing security as the state would soon enter election season.

While saying that Ekiti remains one of the safest states in the country, the Governor  also noted what he described as inadequate security coverage in many the rural areas of the state, leaving residents vulnerable to criminal activities which undermine public safety. 

The Governor appealed to the AIG not to deplete the current strength of the force in the state, stressing that any reduction would further weaken the already strained security apparatus.p

While commending the leadership of the force in the state for displaying a high sense of professionalism in securing lives and property, the Governor said the activities of police force had helped reduce the spate of criminality in the state, as well as creating  a conducive environment for investors. 

Governor Oyebanji assured the Police authorities that his administration will continue to support the  force to assure adequate security of lives and property across the state, adding that his administration is  committed to ensuring that the state remains one of the safest in the country and that his government would continue to invest in resources, infrastructure, and partnerships to strengthen security measures in the state.

“ You said, you are here to work, we are also ready to work with you and we will continue to partner and support the police force because they have added value to us, we are lucky in the state that the rate of kidnapping, banditry, and criminality has gone down tremendously and that speaks to the hard work and the cooperation we enjoy together and I must thank the Commissioner of Police for that.

“I will just plead with the AIG to also help us, I know that the police force is stretched  in respect to manpower,  but I have to say this since you are here, we are underserved, a lot of communities have no police formation and I have discussed with the Inspector General of Police himself and he told me the problem but even if you cannot add to our numbers do not deplete us”. the Governor asserted. 

Earlier in his remarks, AIG Ajani Musbau, said the purpose of the visit was to familiarize himself with the Governor and express his gratitude to the Governor for his consistent support of the police force which had significantly improved the effectiveness of security operations in the state.

While commending Oyebanji for creating an enabling environment that has facilitated the smooth functioning of the police in the state, the AIG assured the Governor of his commitment to working tirelessly to sustain the peace and security, emphasizing that it has ensured the safety of residents and maintaining public order would remain a top priority under his leadership.

Also at the meeting were, the Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brigadier Gen Ebenezer Ogundana, Special Adviser Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo among others.

Reps Advance Bill To Make Voting Compulsory For All Adults

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Reps Advance Bill To Make Voting Compulsory For All Adults

A bill for an Act to amend the Electoral Act (2002) to make it mandatory for Nigerians of maturity age to vote in all national and state elections has scaled second reading in the House of Representatives.

The bill, which was sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen and Daniel Ago, seeks to curb voter apathy during elections.

Leading the debate, Ago said that participation was essential for healthy democracy.

He said that democracy thrives when citizens were actively engaged in the process of selecting their leaders and shaping the direction of governance.

The lawmaker said that Nigeria had consistently recorded alarming low voter turnout in elections.

According to him, in the 2023 general elections, less than 30 percent of the registered voters participated.

“This trend undermines legitimacy of elections and weaken democratic institutions.

“Voting is not only a right but a civic responsibility and in many democracy across the world, it is treated as such.

“This bill proposes to introduce mandatory voting for Nigerians of voting age in general elections both at the national and state levels.

“It seeks to amend the relative provisions of the Electoral Act of 2022 to reflect the obligations while also allowing for limitation and justified exemptions where necessary”, he said.

In his contribution, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu said: “One of the roles of a parliament is to check where holes are and find solutions to block such holes”.

According to him, it is obvious that election after election recorded very low turnout of voters; a country as big as Nigeria, “when you hear the patriots song of votes coming out of Nigeria, it does not encourage the advancement of our democracy.

“The bill that is before us is not saying it is mandatory for a Nigerian to vote, it is saying that you must be counted in every election, whether it be local government, state or federal.

“In other climes that we have travelled to or lived, personally in Australia, it is actually an offence for you not to vote during elections.

“And the tax office will visit you and find out why you did not vote. And there are some incentives as a citizen, that will be denied because you refuse to fulfill your civic responsibility”, he said.

On his part, Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante ,PDP-Rivers, questioned the mode of implementation of the proposed law.

He advised that attention should focus on making election process free and fair, saying that citizens would ordinary go out to vote if they trust the process.

In his ruling, the Speaker referred the bill to the relevant committees for further legislative action. 

2027: El-Rufai Solidarity Group Inaugurated In Sokoto

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2027: El-Rufai Solidarity Group Inaugurated In Sokoto

 Ahead of the  Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections, a new political movement under the Social Democratic Party ,SDP, the Nasiru El-Rufai Solidarity Group, also known as Nasiriya yesterday inaugurated in Sokoto State.

The group’s National Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Babuga, who led the inauguration of the new state leadership, described the movement as a strategic initiative to support the anticipated presidential ambition of the former Kaduna State Governor.

Babuga stated d that Nasiriya was a rapidly expanding political and social movement grounded in reformist ideals and committed to the values of good governance, inclusivity, and youth empowerment.

“The organisation operates under the SDP and has gained significant traction across Northern Nigeria, especially in Kaduna, Kano, Maiduguri, Niger, Katsina, and Sokoto States.

“It aims to provide a viable alternative platform for progressive-minded Nigerians who are disenchanted with the status quo.

“Our core principles are rooted in accountability, transparency, and equitable development; values inspired by El-Rufai’s leadership record in public office”, he said.

Babuga also called for increased female participation in the 2027 elections, promising the group’s full support for any woman interested in contesting for political office.

He urged SDP supporters to continue mobilising grassroots support and to champion the party’s transformational agenda.

In his remarks, Alhaji Sani Romo, the SDP Chairman in Sokoto State, highlighted the party’s presence in the state since 1992 and its active role in past elections.

He described El-Rufai’s entry into the SDP as a major boost and a litmus test for the party’s ambition to become Nigeria’s leading political force.

“To our teeming youth, I assure you that the SDP remains committed to partnering with you in building a brighter future and delivering responsible leadership”, he said.

Also speaking, Alhaji Sunusi Gidadawa, the State Grand Patron of the group, said the movement was borne out of shared ideals and a collective desire to create a better future, especially for Northern Nigeria.

He stressed the need for visionary leadership that would restore the region’s lost glory in areas such as security, agriculture, and peaceful coexistence.

“With this movement, we are confident that the challenges facing our region will be addressed, and the North will witness renewed progress and prosperity”, Gidadawa affirmed.

Earlier, Mr Sunusi Lamido, the State Coordinator of Nasiriya, pledged to continue mobilising support to ensure the success of the movement.

He praised El-Rufai’s leadership qualities as the motivation behind their unwavering commitment and urged the members to remain steadfast in their support. 

Nasarawa Speaker Tasks Youths On Skills Acquisition

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Nasarawa Speaker Tasks Youths On Skills Acquisition

 Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Speaker, Dr. Danladi Jatau, has urged  youths in the state to acquire different skills to be self reliance.

The Speaker made the call when   the  Bassa District Youth Progressives Forum paid him a courtesy visit   yesterday in Lafia.

He said that acquiring different skills would also enable them to become employers of labour, improve on their standard of living and that of their family members.

The Speaker said that Gov. Abdullahi Sule was providing the much needed dividends of democracy, hence the need for the people of the state to continue to support him to succeed.

He appreciated them for the visit and assured of his continued commitment to provide purposeful leadership in the House.

The Speaker appreciated them for their continued support to him  by consistently voting for him

” If you have not voted for me, I will not be a member as well as speaker today. I thank you all for your continued support.

He said that  hope that Sule would construct Garaku/ Bassa road before his tenure  expires in 2027.

” I have the believe and hope that His Excellency will construct Bassa road before his tenure will end  to ease the suffering of our and boost agricultural activities”, he said.

Jatau assured them  that the police station  in Bassa would  be upgraded to a Divisional Police Out Post.

The Speaker urged the youths and other people of the constituency to continue to live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of their differences.

Earlier, Mr Agila Abashi, the Chairman, Bassa District Youth Progressive Forum,  said that the visit was to identify with the Speaker for the good work he is doing”, he said.

Abashi appreciated the Speaker for empowering the youths and other people in  his constituency.

” We want to thank you for your infrastructural development in the area of schools, health, water, scholarship, employment, empowerment, admission among others”, he said.

He assured the speaker of their loyalty and support at all times.

Abashi appealed to the speaker to facilitate the  construction of   Garaku/Bassa road, upgrade Bassa Police Station to a Division, purchase operational vehicle, posting of corp members to the District  among others.

Group Urges Tinubu To Include More Women In Governance 

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Group Urges Tinubu To Include More Women In Governance 

A gender advocacy group, AJU Morgan Elumelu Foundation, has called on President Bola Tinubu to include more women in his administration.

Executive Director of the foundation, Amb. Aju Elumelu, made this call on Thursday in an open letter to Tinubu and the National Assembly, tagged: “A Clarion Call for Women’s Rights and Empowerment in Nigeria”.

The News Agency of Nigeria ,NAN, reports that the foundation has, for more than 16 years, been dedicated to empowering women and promoting gender equality across Nigeria.

Elumelu called for enactment and enforcement of laws that would eliminate gender-based discrimination and violence, ensuring every woman’s participation in societal activities with confidence.

He also enjoined political parties, CSOs and private entities to prioritise women’s empowerment and create an environment free from harassment, where women could thrive in political and professional activities.

“Through our initiative, ‘Women for 35 per cent: Her Voice, Her Vote’, we aim to advocate for the implementation of the 35 per cent affirmative action, which underscores the critical need for women’s representation.

“Since its inception in 2006, the commitment to gender equality has been recognised, yet we find ourselves entrenched in a reality that demands our immediate attention and action.

“It is disheartening to note that the National Assembly consists of just four women out of 109 senators, amounting to only 3.67% and 13 out of 360 members in the House of Representatives, representing a mere 3.61%, he said.

Elumelu said that these figures were a reflection of minimal representation of women in vital political positions influencing the direction of the society.

Elumelu expressed the regret that in spite of their unwavering support during campaigns, women were always sidelined and deprived of the chance to lead and contribute fully to  democratic processes.

“Our nation continues to face systemic barriers that significantly hinder women’s participation in political leadership and decision-making.

“These include: cultural stigmas, limited resources and inadequate protective measures against harassment.

“We must confront these challenges with urgency by advocating for robust legal protections

“We urgently call on the Nigerian government to enact and enforce laws that eliminate gender-based discrimination and violence, ensuring that every woman can participate in the society safely and confidently”, he said.

The executive director further stated that education and community programmes should promote respect and equality, challenging existing cultural norms that marginalised women.

He called on political parties, civil society organisations and private entities to prioritise women’s empowerment as a critical agenda by ensuring that resources were allocated to mentorship programmes.

“We must break the glass ceilings that have long obstructed women’s pathways to leadership, enabling them to contribute significantly to our governance and public life.

“The statistics speak for themselves: Women possess informed, diverse perspectives that drive innovative solutions and foster inclusive development.

“Embracing this change will generate a ripple effect that uplifts communities, supports families and transforms our economy”, he said.

Professor Oladipo Emerges as Sports Science President

Joel
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Professor Oladipo Emerges as Sports Science President

A new era has dawned at the Nigeria Association of Sports Science and Medicine with the election of a new executive committee led by Professor I. O. Oladipo. This leadership change was formalized during the association’s recent conference held at the University of Ibadan.

Professor Oladipo emerged victorious over his rival, Professor Ochuko Nabofa, in a keenly contested election. Other elected officials include Professor Dominic Leah Oluwafunmilola, who emerged unopposed as Vice President; Dr. Boluwaji G. Jaiyesimi, who was elected as General Secretary; and Mr. Taiwo Abdulkarim, who will serve as the Assistant General Secretary.

Additionally, Professor M. H. Darma was returned unopposed as Treasurer, while Dr. Victor Ogunleye was elected as the Public Relations Officer of the association.

The election was one of the key highlights of the 2025 Conference themed “Shaping Humans and Society through Science and Medicine of Sports.”

In his acceptance speech, Professor Oladipo pledged to run an inclusive administration, aimed at positioning the association at the pinnacle of professional bodies in Nigeria.

The keynote address at the conference was delivered by Professor Emmanuel Igoh Odokuma, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka. He expressed concern over the increasing rate of mental illness in the country and emphasized the importance of sports in alleviating stress, emotional trauma, and other mental health disorders.

Professor Odokuma highlighted that sporting activities contribute to reducing stress and enhancing longevity. He urged all levels of government to invest in and promote sports among citizens to help improve public health and life expectancy.

“We explored how medicine and science can shape the future of sports and discussed key issues such as humanity, science, and mental health,” he noted. “In managing psychiatric conditions like depression, sports play a vital role. Beyond health, sports also offer significant economic benefits,” he concluded.

Presidential Spokesman, Sunday Dare to Grace Opening Ceremony of National Sports Festival in Ogun State

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Presidential Spokesman, Sunday Dare to Grace Opening Ceremony of National Sports Festival in Ogun State

Joel Ajayi 

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, will attend the opening ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival, scheduled to take place in Ogun State from May 16 to 31, 2025. 

Hon. Dare was the Minister when Ogun State was officially granted the hosting rights for the festival—widely regarded as Nigeria’s version of the Olympics.

The National Sports Festival, themed “Gateway Games 2024,” will bring together over 15,000 athletes, coaches, and officials from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, competing in about 32 sports. It serves not only as a celebration of sporting excellence but also as a platform for talent discovery and national integration.

The opening ceremony, set to be held at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, will witness the presence of top dignitaries, including the Executive Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawamde as well as other federal and state-level officials, and representatives of the Nigeria Olympic Committee.

Also on ground will be the Festival’s chief custodians—Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the NSC and chair of the Main Organizing Committee —both of whom will play key roles in ensuring the smooth coordination of the games.

The Gateway Games is poised to be one of the most memorable editions yet, spotlighting Ogun State as a hub for sports development while fostering unity, peace, and youth empowerment across Nigeria.

Police Re-Arraigns VeryDarkMan for Alleged Cyberbullying of Iyabo Ojo, Others

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Police Re-Arraigns VeryDarkMan for Alleged Cyberbullying of Iyabo Ojo, Others

Social media personality Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was on Thursday re-arraigned before Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja on fresh proceedings linked to allegations of cyberbullying prominent Nigerian entertainers.

Otse, who is facing a five-count charge bordering on cyberstalking, pleaded not guilty to all counts. The charges, brought by the office of the Inspector-General of Police, allege that Otse used his social media platforms to harass, defame, and disseminate offensive content targeting Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, and music producer Samklef.

The influencer’s legal counsel, Deji Adeyanju, urged the court to retain the previous bail conditions granted to Otse by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, who initially handled the case before her transfer to another division. Prosecuting counsel Victor Okoye did not oppose the request, and Justice Liman upheld the existing bail terms.

The court has adjourned the matter until July 24, 2025, for trial.

VDM was first arraigned on May 22, 2024, on the same charges, which fall under Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act, 2015.

Following his remand, he was granted bail on 10 June 2024 to the sum of ₦10 million, with two sureties — either employees of reputable organisations or federal civil servants of not less than Level 17, with evidence of three years’ tax clearance.

However, the case was reassigned to Justice Liman following the transfer of Justice Olajuwon to another division of the Federal High Court.

Count-by-Count Allegations
According to the charge sheet, in Count One, Otse was alleged to have, on or about 13 October 2023, posted a video on his Instagram account (@verydarkblackman) containing threatening and bullying statements directed at Samklef.

In Count Two, he was accused of intentionally posting, on or about 29 October 2023, videos containing offensive, pornographic, indecent, obscene, or menacing content targeting actress Iyabo Ojo.

In the said video, he allegedly claimed that “one Iyabo Ojo is having an indecent sexual relationship with her daughter.”

Count Three alleges that, on or about 19 January 2024, VDM falsely published via Instagram that actress Tonto Dikeh had diverted proceeds from a crowdfunding campaign for the “Justice for Mohbad” movement and that she was the person behind the anonymous blog ‘Gistlover.’

In Count Four, Otse was alleged to have, on or about 19 March 2024, intentionally posted content considered annoying and insulting towards Deputy Inspectors-General of Police and members of the National Assembly.

The trial is expected to begin in July.

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