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APC Chieftain Jesutega Onokpasa Dies At 49
Jesutega Onokpasa, a well-known lawyer, political commentator, and prominent figure within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has passed away. The lawyer and prominent political commentator died on Monday. Announcing his demise on his X account on Tuesday, a pro-APC crusader, Okezie Atani, said the prominent political commentator was survived by his wife and children. He wrote, “We lost Barr. Jesutega Onokpasa, may his soul rest in perfect peace.” The circumstances surrounding his death were yet to be disclosed as of the time of filing this report. Onokpasa was widely recognised for his fiery political commentary and active role within the APC. He served as a member of the party’s Publicity Committee and played a significant part in the APC Presidential Campaign Council during the 2023 general elections. He gained national attention in 2024 following a heated exchange with Arise News Channel host Rufai Oseni, a moment that thrust him further into the public spotlight and solidified his status as a staunch defender of the Tinubu-led administration. However, in a surprising turn of events earlier this year, Onokpasa publicly distanced himself from President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, declaring that he would not support the President’s re-election bid in 2027. Despite remaining a card-carrying member of the APC, he cited worsening insecurity, deepening economic hardship, and what he described as the administration’s failure to recognize and reward loyal party members and core supporters. His recent criticism of the government marked a dramatic shift in tone from a man once regarded as one of the administration’s most vocal supporters. Tributes and reactions have begun pouring in from political associates, colleagues, and members of the public, many expressing shock over the news of his passing.
Nigeria Affirms Readiness to Host 23rd African Fencing Championships
Nigeria has reaffirmed its readiness to host the 23rd African Fencing Championships, set to take place in Lagos from June 25 to 29, 2025. This marks the fourth time the event will be held in Sub-Saharan Africa, following previous editions in Senegal (2002 and 2009) and Mali (2019). Speaking at a well-attended media conference on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Lagos Fencing Club, President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, expressed excitement and pride over the upcoming tournament. “Today marks a truly historic moment for Nigerian sports, and indeed for the entire African continent,” Samuel said. “From June 25 to 29, Lagos will open its doors to Africa’s finest fencing talents as we proudly host the African Fencing Championships. This is more than just a competition—it’s a landmark achievement that places Nigeria among the few Sub-Saharan nations to host this prestigious event.” Samuel highlighted Nigeria’s growing stature in international fencing, noting past successes including the African Junior Championships in 2018 and 2022, and the World Cup in 2024. “Nigeria is fast emerging as a hub for fencing in Africa, and this championship is a testament to our consistent progress and dedication,” he added. The tournament will take place at Charterhouse Lagos, the first British independent school in West Africa. The venue, which successfully hosted Nigeria’s first Fencing World Cup, boasts a legacy rooted in over 400 years of British academic tradition. “To the 26 African countries that have confirmed participation, bringing over 200 athletes, we promise a world-class experience,” Samuel assured. “Expect top-tier hospitality, seamless organization, and the vibrancy of Lagos—a city rich in culture, infrastructure, and sportsmanship. Beyond the competition, we aim to deliver a uniquely Nigerian experience with cultural showcases and a spirit of unity that defines the pan-African ideal.” Angela Hencher, Chief Operating Officer of Charterhouse Lagos, also expressed enthusiasm about the event and the school’s ongoing partnership with Lagos Fencing. “Charterhouse Lagos is proud to host the 2025 Senior African Fencing Championships,” said Hencher. “This collaboration aligns with our mission to provide a transformative education grounded in British excellence, character development, and global citizenship.” She added that fencing reflects the school’s core values—Excellence, Integrity, Courtesy, Service, and Wellbeing. “Fencing demands strategic thinking, self-discipline, and resilience. We are thrilled to open our world-class facilities to the continent’s top athletes and contribute to the elevation of fencing in Nigeria.” Hencher emphasized that the event extends beyond sport. “It aligns with our vision of nurturing proactive global citizens. This championship is not just an event—it’s a celebration of excellence, ambition, and cross-cultural collaboration. We are honoured, excited, and ready to support Nigerian fencing on this incredible journey.”
World No. 1 Heads to Lagos for 23rd African Fencing Championships
Twenty-two-year-old world number one Mohamed El-Sayed of Egypt is among the elite fencers set to compete in the 23rd African Fencing Championships, scheduled to take place in Lagos from June 25 to 29. El-Sayed, who recently clinched a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, will be joined by his brother, Mahmoud El-Sayed, the 2025 Junior World Champion. Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the tournament—the third ever to be hosted in sub-Saharan Africa after previous editions in Senegal (2002, 2009) and Mali (2019)—President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, announced that 26 countries and over 200 fencers are expected to participate in this prestigious continental event. “A total of 26 African nations have confirmed their participation, bringing with them more than 200 athletes,” Samuel stated. “We are committed to delivering a world-class experience. Participants can expect exceptional hospitality, professional organization, and a vibrant, secure environment. Lagos offers a unique combination of modern infrastructure, cultural richness, and passionate sportsmanship. Beyond the intense competition, we aim to showcase a memorable Nigerian experience, featuring cultural displays that reflect our diversity and a strong pan-African spirit of unity.” Samuel emphasized the high caliber of athletes set to compete, including Senior World No. 1 and Olympic bronze medalist Mohamed El-Sayed; Junior World No. 1 Mahmoud El-Sayed; 2024 Olympic silver medalist Fares Ferjani; and former World Champion Ndolo Alexandra of Kenya. Nigeria’s own Inkosi Brou, currently ranked 23rd in the world, will also be competing, among many other top-tier fencers. Highlighting the significance of the event, Samuel added: “We are immensely proud to announce that top Executive Committee members from the International Fencing Federation will be attending, marking their first official visit to Africa. Additionally, all executive members of the African Fencing Confederation will be present, underscoring the importance of this championship for the growth and development of fencing across the continent.” The tournament will be hosted at the iconic Charterhouse Lagos—the first British independent school in West Africa—located in the bustling heart of the city. Having previously hosted Nigeria’s first Fencing World Cup, Charterhouse, with its 400-year legacy of British academic excellence, is seen as the ideal venue for the championship, which is sanctioned by the International Fencing Federation (FIE). Angela Hencher, Chief Operating Officer of Charterhouse, reaffirmed the school’s commitment to supporting the sport: “Charterhouse will continue to partner with the federation to help grow fencing in Nigeria and across Africa. The Senior African Fencing Championships will bring together athletes from across the continent, aligning with our vision to nurture proactive contributors ready to make a meaningful impact in an interconnected world.” “Beyond the competition,” she added, “this event is a celebration of the power of sport, fostering a culture of excellence and ambition.”
We Achieved Our Objectives With the Unity Cup Tournament, Russia Games – Gusau
President of the Nigeria, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) has asserverated that the Federation is delighted to have achieved its objectives for making the Super Eagles prosecute the Four-Nation Unity Cup Tournament in London and the friendly match with the Russia senior national team in Moscow, all within the past 12 days. “I can tell you categorically that we achieved our sporting objectives, which were the most important in this case. The principal goal was to provide windows for the Coach and his crew to take a look at new players that might be positive additions to the team going forward. “I had some conversations with Coach Eric Chelle and I could see that he was pleased with the opportunities that the tournament in London (Unity Cup) that we won, and the friendly match with Russia that we drew, provided for him and his assistants.” Gusau reflected on the Super Eagles’ triumph in the Unity Cup Tournament (in which the Super Eagles defeated Ghana and Jamaica) and the gutsy draw with Russia, and expressed satisfaction with the output of most of the playing personnel. “Apart from the regulars that we already know what they are capable of, the tournament in London afforded us the opportunity to see players like Benjamin Frederick, Felix Agu, Christantus Uche and Igoh Ogbu. We saw more of Cyriel Dessers. The home-based professionals (Papa Daniel Mustapha, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Collins Ogwueze) did not fare badly either. “In Russia, we saw more of Uche and we saw Tolu Arokodare score a poacher’s goal. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was also excellent on his return and captain Ekong held the defence unit well. Now, we have options in defence, midfield and the attack, and I am quite satisfied with the team’s output in the three matches.” The Super Eagles defeated the Black Stars 2-1 in an entertaining Unity Cup semi-final at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium on May 28, and then outlasted Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the final three days later. Tolu Arokodare scored in the second half to stalemate the clash with Russia’s Sbornaya at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Friday, following Semi Ajayi’s inadvertent own goal in the first period. “Now, we have good options in all areas as we look ahead to the FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, and I am certain that the technical crew is happy with that,” Gusau added.
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