January 2025 | Trendbrio.com

ECOWAS Marathon MOC Chairman reveals increased prize money, more elite runners to commemorate ECOWAS 50th anniversary

Prince Odutola15 hours ago15 hours ago04 mins

The 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon, which is part of the activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of ECOWAS, will feature elite runners from all ECOWAS countries, also the prize money has been increased. According to Amb. Francis Chuks Njoaguani, Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) of the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon, there will also be other goodies for participants. Njoaguani disclosed that participants in the people’s race, the 5 km fun run, which is to encourage ECOWAS citizens to exercise and make running a way of life because of its immense health benefits, will be the biggest beneficiary of the increase in prize money. Njoaguani, who is also the director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, said, ” The 5 km fun run is special to us because we initiated it as part of the 21 km race so that more of our people will embrace the culture of walking, jogging, exercise, and running and make it part of their daily routine. “That is why we have decided to increase the prize money for the 5km race from $750 to $1000 (about N1.7 million) to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of ECOWAS and encourage our people to make running a way of life. We are not increasing the prize money for just the winner but all the top finishers as specified in the participants’ guide, we are also inviting elite runners from all ECOWAS countries”. The ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon will be held on March 1, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria. The event, which features 21km and 5km categories, is expected to attract runners and fitness enthusiasts across the continent and beyond. The 5km Race will begin at Eagle Square and end at the ECOWAS Commission in Asokoro Abuja, while the 21km (half-marathon) will start at the ECOWAS Commission and return to finish at the same location. Earlier, Race Director Gabriel Okon disclosed that the race is open to all categories of runners. “The event is for elites and fun runners and other classes of fitness enthusiasts from across the continent, all vying for their share of over $71,000 in prize money. The marathon is not only a celebration of athleticism but also a showcase of unity and the vibrant spirit of the region.”

CHAN: Ogunmodede invites 26 players as Eagles commence camping in Ikenne-Remo

Prince Odutola15 hours ago15 hours ago03 mins

Stand-in Head Coach, Daniel Ogunmodede has called up captain Nduka Harrison Junior, goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena, defenders Sadiq Ismail and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, midfielder Saviour Isaac, and forward Sikiru Alimi among a list of 26 players to begin closed-camping exercise at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo on Monday, 6th January ahead of the 8th African Nations Championship finals. Goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, defenders Imo Obot and Stephen Manyo, midfielders Musa Zayyad, Rabiu Ali and Papa Daniel Mustapha, and forwards Adamu Abubakar and Emmanuel Ogbole have also been invited. The Super Eagles B, for the first time ever in the qualification series, bumped Ghana’s Black Galaxies to reach the final tournament, after a 3-1 win in Uyo last week that followed a scoreless first leg in Accra six days earlier. Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, who have been selected to jointly host the 36th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027, have been handed the opportunity to test-run their facilities and operational efficiency with the African Nations Championship finals, scheduled for 1st – 28thFebruary. The 8th African Nations Championship will feature 18 countries, viz joint-hosts Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, Nigeria, Morocco, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Niger Republic, Congo, Sudan, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Angola and Madagascar. 26 EAGLES FOR CAMPING IN IKENNE-REMO Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena (Enyimba FC); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars); Badmus Gbadamosi (Kwara United) Defenders: Sadiq Ismail (Remo Stars); Waliu Ojetoye (Ikorodu City); Imo Obot (Enyimba FC); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Nduka Harrison Junior (Remo Stars); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International); Steven Manyo (Rivers United); Abiam Nelson (Kano Pillars); Afeez Bankole (Smart FC) Midfielders: Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Saviour Isaac (Rangers International); Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes); Kazeem Ogunleye (Rangers International) Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United); Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United)); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Temitope Vincent (Plateau United); Samuel Ayanrinde (3SC); Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors)

Fuji musician Obesere plans 60th birthday party

Prince Odutola2 days ago2 days ago01 mins

Popular Fuji musician Abass Akande populary known as Obesere is set to celebrate his 60th birthday. The party is slated to hold in Lagos. Obesere also known as Omo Rapala who was born in 1965, will be 60 years old on 20th of this month. One of the singer’s associates, Waheed Salaudeen aka Buruj disclosed this on social media on Thursday. He hinted that only those with the lace and tags will gain access into the venue, saying fans that are interested in the cloth should contact Adunola Bello on 0803 462 7186. Obesere forced his way into the limelight through his unusual music style and slangs usage that throws his fans into a frenzy.

Hoffenheim agrees Gift Orban deal

Prince Odutola2 days ago2 days ago02 mins

Hoffenheim has agreed a deal with Olympique Lyonais to sign Gift Orban. The club were handed a provisional relegation to Ligue 2 by the DNCG in November and in order to avoid that fate, they must sell players before the end of the campaign. Orban is one of the players earmarked for a departure and there is interest in the striker. The Nigerian has been on the periphery at Lyon ever since his arrival last January for a fee of €14m. L’Équipe rpeorted earlier this week that Hoffenheim had submitted a bid of €10m, which was close to OL’s €12m valuation of the player. An agreement has now been reached. Personal details must now be agreed for the Nigerian to complete the move to the Bundesliga. RC Lens and Galatasaray had both been strongly linked with a move for Orban, however, it appears that the striker is now Germany bound.

Dele Farotimi wins Man of The Year award

Prince Odutola2 days ago2 days ago01 mins

Nigerian Lawyer and Human Rights activist, Dele Farotimi has been named Man of the Year. The Editorial Board of Atlantic Digest, an online media publication on Thursday, adjudged the frontline legal luminary as their Man of the Year. “Dear Mr. Farotimi, we cherish you and all you do for public advocacy. “You remain a towering inferno against oppression and the primus inter pares amongst patriots who intend to liberate Nigeria,” the Editorial board Atlantic Digest stated. Farotimi was arrested in Lagos State on December 3, 2024, and extradited to Ekiti State by the Nigerian Police Force in connection with his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. The arrest followed allegations of defamation brought against him by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola. Farotimi’s detention sparked widespread outrage, with activists, legal practitioners, and civil society organisations condemning the action as an attempt to stifle free speech and dissent.

Rivers: Fubara signs N1.1trn budget into law

Prince Odutola2 days ago2 days ago01 mins

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has appended his signature to the State’s N1.1 trillion appropriation budget into law. Fubara signed the bill into law at the River State House of Assembly on Thursday. Shortly after the exercise, the Governor wrote on his X handle (formerly Twitter), “Today, I signed into law the 2025 Rivers State Appropriation Bill. Tagged; “Budget of Inclusive Growth & Development.” “The bill is estimated at N1.1 trillion. “I deeply appreciate the Rivers State House of Assembly for their diligence and my executives for their unwavering commitment to service. “Together, we are setting the pace for a prosperous year ahead, focusing on education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure. “Let me, on this note, thank everyone and once again wish you a happy and prosperous New Year ahead as we continue the journey of making Rivers State great again.”

Super Eagles’ goalie, Nwabali becomes orphan

Prince Odutola2 days ago2 days ago02 mins

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali has lost his mother barely one month his father. He shared the sad news of his mother’s passing on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Wednesday evening. “Rip mom,” he wrote, describing it as the “worst year of my life already.“ Before that, Nwabali had posted, “A very very crazy world indeed”. Nwabali, however, did not give further details on how his mother died. Just over a month ago, he lost his father, with the heartbreaking news coming just hours before the Super Eagles’ match against Rwanda in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification game in mid-November. The South Africa-based goalkeeper gained widespread recognition early last year for his standout performances with the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He played in every match as the three-time African champions made it to the final, where the hosts, Cote d’Ivoire, defeated them.

Portable begs Ibadan fans over POP rants

Prince Odutola2 days ago2 days ago02 mins

Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus popularly known as Portable has apologised to Ibadan fans following his burst up with his ex-lover Queen Dami. Last December, Portable and Queen Dami broke up which led to the musician berating the Oyo people, saying their houses lack Plaster of Paris (POP). The singer also accused the Late Alafin of Oyo Queen for being promiscuous, he alleged that while going through her phone, he came across the names of top fuji singers who had slept with her. Portable however made swift U-turn in a viral video on Thursday, he apologised to the Ibadan fans following the invitation by Fuji musician Taiye Current for Concert in Ibadan tonight. The Zaazu crooner, who spoke in vernacular said; “My fans in Ibadan should forgive me over the POP issue. Please don’t be angry with me. “Taiye Currency, a top Fuji musician has transfered money to me. He want me to be at his concert in Ibadan. “You guys should not be angry. “You owned me. “I’m also an Ibadan indigene. “Taiye Current has paid for the show and it is not easy to return the money. “Please forgive me.”