Tinubu appoints Shehu Dikko as NSC boss

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Shehu Dikko as the Chairman of the National Sports Commission. This appointment comes after the president scraped the Ministry of Sports Development and had its functions transferred to the National Sports Commission in order to develop a vibrant sports economy. The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, was redeployed as the Minister of State for Trade and Investment. Dikko, the Kaduna State-born football administrator, was the Chairman of the League Management Company responsible for the management of the Nigerian Professional Football League. He previously served as a consultant for the Nigerian House of Representatives on Sports committee. Dikko contested for the President of the Nigeria Football Federation in 2022, but later stepped down for Ibrahim Gusau who emerged victorious. Also scrapped was the Ministry of Niger Delta which was replaced with Ministry of Regional Development to oversee the activities of all the Regional Development Commissions. Tinubu also merged the Federal Ministry of Tourism and the Federal Ministry of Arts and Culture to become Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy.

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Kano appoints Ahmed Musa Sports Ambassador 

Former Super Eagles’ skipper Ahmed Musa has been appointed as Sports Ambassador for Kano State.  The Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi in a letter on Wednesday congratulated the former Leicester City player on his appointment.  “It is my singular honour to formally convey to you that His Excellency, Governor Abba K. Yusuf of Kano State has approved your appointment as Kano State Sports Ambassador with effect from 24th July, 2024.  “The decision to appoint you into this exalted position of trust and confidence was predicated upon your professional competence, track record of excellent performance, vast experience, dedication to the development of sporting activities and provision of humanitarian services in the State. It is hoped that you will bring these sterling qualities to bear on your new assignment.  “It is my ardent prayer that your appointment as Kano State Sports Administrator will assist the Government significantly in attaining the objective of promoting the overall sporting activities espadrilles it relates to our home based clubs and players.  “While congratulating you over this well-deserved appointment, it is my sincere hope that you will live above board and justify the confidence reposed in you by the Government. I pray that Gods in His infinite mercy accord you the wisdom and determination ti execute the assignment diligently and to the expectation of the administration.  “Accept my sincere congratulations on this well-deserved appointment and prayers of good will,” the Secretary to the Governor stated.  In his response Musa wrote; “I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the Sports Ambassador for Kano State! “This opportunity is a quite humbling, and I’m excited to work towards empowering the youth and promoting sports development across the state.  “Kano has a rich sporting heritage, and I can’t wait to contribute to building a brighter future for our athletes and communities. “Thank you to the Kano State Government ably led by @Kyusufabba for this incredible responsibility & opportunity.  “Together, we’ll inspire the next generation to achieve greatness both on and off the field.  “Let’s make history!”

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Bobrisky falls ill, rushed to hospital

Controversial crossdresser, Okuneye Idris, popularly known as Bobrisky, has reportedly fallen ill while in detention at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos. After spending the night in a police cell, Bobrisky was rushed to Falomo Police Hospital for medical attention. A source confirmed the development, stating that he was transferred from the FCID to the hospital for treatment. The source said, “Bobrisky complained of ‘breast’ pain and was rushed to the Police Hospital in the Falomo area of Lagos around 2:00 p.m. in an ambulance with the plate number LND 339L. He wore a black gown, covered his face with a shawl, and lay down in the ambulance.” Bobrisky was taken into custody on Monday night by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) following his arrest at the Seme border in Lagos during an alleged attempt to leave the country. There are indications that he may remain in detention as detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his arrest. The FCID is expected to obtain a remand order for his continued detention. A statement from the FCID regarding Bobrisky’s situation is expected later today. NIS spokesperson, Kenneth Udo, confirmed the arrest, describing Bobrisky as “a person of interest.” He further stated that the NIS had intercepted him at the Seme border as part of their efforts to secure Nigeria’s borders.

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NPFL: Ideye close to Rivers United move 

Rivers United manager, Finidi George has hinted that former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye is close to joining his team. Ideye was recently seen training with Rivers United and watching their games from the stands. In an interview with the media, Finidi said he is open to Ideye joining the NPFL club. “Yea, there is every likelihood that he will join us. He wants to give back. That is the most important thing. He has that hunger. We’ve seen that in Ahmed Musa. “If he is willing to do that, I think I will welcome him. He is giving back, We can’t pay him. “Brown is a player I’ve known for years, and his experience speaks for itself. We thought it would be beneficial for our players, especially the younger ones, to learn from someone who has competed at the highest level. “It wasn’t just about his skillset, but the professionalism and work ethic he brings to the table. That’s something every team needs, especially as we aim for greater success this season.” Finidi emphasised that the players are already benefiting from Ideye’s time at the club. “The impact has been immediate. You can see the younger players trying to impress, learning from his movement, his tactical awareness, and his ability to handle pressure. Brown is very approachable, and he’s been open to giving advice and sharing his experiences in Europe and with the national team.” Finidi added that Ideye’s ability to remain calm and focused under pressure has been one of the biggest takeaways for the squad. “It’s not every day that our younger players get to interact with someone who’s played in the Premier League and at the World Cup. “It’s crucial for Nigerian football. When players like Brown, who have had successful international careers, come back and stay involved with local teams, it raises the standard. It also shows the younger players that they can aspire to reach those heights. “This isn’t just about Rivers United; it’s about Nigerian football as a whole. The more veterans stay engaged, the more our domestic league grows in quality and competitiveness. “It sends a powerful message to the players when someone like Brown takes time out to not only train but also support them during a match,” George said.  “It shows them that they are worth watching that their progress matters. It’s a huge source of inspiration.” The striker once played for Ocean Boys of Bayelsa in the Nigerian league between 2006 and 2007, scoring 10 goals in 13 appearances.

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Breaking: Tinubu scraps Niger Delta, Sports Ministries

President Tinubu and Federal Executive Council have scrapped Niger Delta Ministry and the Ministry of sports development.  According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, there will now be a ministry of regional development to oversee all the regional development commissions, such as Niger Delta Development Commission, North West Development Commission, South West Development Commission, North East Development Commission. The National Sports Commission will take over the role of the Ministry of Sports.  The FEC also approved the merger of the Ministry of Tourism with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy.  The decisions were taken today at the meeting of Federal Executive Council in Abuja.

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UCL: Boniface misses Brest showdown

Bayer Leverkusen centre-forward Victor Boniface has been ruled out of Champions League clash against Ligue 1 team Stade Brestois 29.  The Nigeria international was involved in a car accident this weekend.  Speaking to the media at Guingamp’s Stade du Roudourou – where Brest are playing their Champions League home games – Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso provided some updates on Boniface. “We learned about his road accident on Sunday morning”, Xabi Alonso said in his press conference transcribed by L’Equipe.  “Fortunately, it wasn’t too serious. He has small cuts on his foot and hand. In a way, he was very lucky. But he hasn’t trained normally since and we’re going to give him a few days to recover from this emotional shock.”  The Spaniard understands that Boniface’s absence will be a matter of days and not weeks. Asked about Brest, who have on their two UCL games so far, against Sturm Graz and Red Bull Salzburg, Xabi Alonso expects a very demanding and intense game against Eric Roy’s Pirates.  “Brest have a very precise idea of ​​their game, it is a very competitive team. They have a lot of desire, but we are ready for that and we will play our football.”

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EFCC docks fake nurse for alleged N28.2m fraud

The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arraigned one Blessing Amaka David-Agwa, a fake fertility nurse before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State. The defendant was arraigned on 45-count charges bordering on fraudulent impersonation, forgery and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N28,278,600.00 (Twenty-eight Million, Two Hundred and Seventy-eight Thousand, Six Hundred Naira). Count 41 of the charge reads: “That you, Blessing Amaka David-Agwa sometime in 2024 in Enugu, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria with intent to defraud, did obtain the total sum of One Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira (N1,600,000.00) only from one Okenwa Joy Chiamaka, under the pretence of being a Medical Fertility Nurse (Specially trained to assist women get pregnant with ease) which pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act”. Count 24 of the charge reads: “That you, Blessing Amaka David-Agwa sometime in 2024 in Enugu, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria with intent to defraud, did obtain the total sum of One Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N1,250,000.00) from one Amarachi Okpala, under the pretence of being a Medical Fertility Nurse (Specially trained to assist women get pregnant with ease) which pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act”. The defendant pleaded not guilty to all counts when they were read to her. In view of her pleas, counsel to the EFCC, Blessing N. Obasi prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded at the Enugu State Correctional Facility. However, defence counsel, G. C. Madubuegwu informed the court about a pending motion on notice for bail, dated October 4, 2024, and filed on the same date. “It is brought pursuant to Section 162 and 165 (1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ” he said. After moving the said application, he prayed the court to grant the defendant bail on liberal terms. Obasi vehemently opposed the application for bail on the grounds that the allegation against the defendant was a weighty one, citing the mental health of the defendant’s victims. After listening to both sides, Justice Umar adjourned the matter to November 12, 2024, for ruling on the bail application. The defendant was thereafter remanded at the Enugu State Correctional Facility. David-Agwa’s criminal issues commenced on August 28, 2024, when the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA handed her over to the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC for investigation and possible prosecution after discovering that the defendant paraded herself as a medical fertility Nurse, thereby defrauding unsuspecting victims. Investigation into the matter revealed that the defendant allegedly forged the certificate of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the Certificate of University of Nigeria, Nsukka and used the same in parading herself as a Medical Fertility Nurse, specially trained to assist women in getting pregnant with ease. It was also discovered that the defendant successfully defrauded over 45 innocent women who fell for her false claims.

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Reps move to split Oyo State into two

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, passed for second reading, a bill seeking to create the New Oyo State with Oyo town as the Capital City. The bill was sponsored by Hon. Adeniyi Adeyemi and six other lawmakers. Leading the debate on the bill, Adeyemi, who observed that the bill was not new to the parliament. He recalled that the bill was successfully passed in the Second Republic by both chambers (National Assembly) awaiting the presidential asset before military takeover. Adeyemi explained that the  National Assembly in 1983 successfully passed a motion on the creation of New Oyo State with Oyo Town as its Capital. (See National Assembly Debates (Senate) Official Report. Volume 2. No. 24 of Wednesday 23” February, 1983). “The 2014 National Conference held in Abuja also recommended in its final report for the creation of New Oyo State with Oyo town as its capital.  “This is stated in volume II page 708 of the report, It’s noteworthy that present Oyo State deserves to be split into two being the largest state in terms of landmass in the South-West geopolitical zone with thirty-three Local Governments and it has a population of 5,580,894 people (2006 census). 

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