February 2025 | Page 2 of 8

ECOWAS Marathon: Runners to collect kits from Thursday as Expo begins at Eagles Square

Prince Odutola3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

Registered runners for the 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon will start collecting their running kits on Thursday, when the Marathon Expo begins at the Federal Secretariat Car Park, Eagles Square, Abuja. The 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025. There will be two races: the half-marathon and the 5-kilometer fun race. The half marathon will start and finish at the ECOWAS Commission, while the 5 km will start at the Independence Bridge near Sahad Stores and also finish at the ECOWAS Commission. According to Race Director Gabriel Okon, running bibs and vests must be collected at the VIO Container Booth, Federal Secretariat Car Park, Eagle’s Square, Abuja, from February 20 to 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Okon also revealed that participants may only collect their running bibs upon presentation of valid proof of identification. However, participants wishing to have their running numbers collected on their behalf must provide the collector with an authority note, a copy of the completed entry form bearing their photograph, and a copy of their valid proof of identification. Okon said collectors must show proof of their identity to collect the running kits. He revealed that registration is still open to all runners worldwide till February 28. Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) can pick up physical forms at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package A, Abuja, the FCT Sports Council and the Area Councils. Speaking on the ECOWAS race, Okon said, “As we are all aware, sport is a powerful tool for bringing people together, and this is no less the case in West Africa. Apart from integrating West Africans, the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon also encourages us—especially residents of FCT, which hosts the ECOWAS Commission—to embrace the culture of walking, jogging, and running, which has immense health benefits. “The ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon, from its inaugural edition, has also been a powerful tool of youth empowerment and engagement; and it has had positive impacts on the FCT economy, especially the hospitality and allied industries and acts as a catalyst to boost tourism”.

Ademola Lookman slams ‘disrespectful’ Atalanta coach

Prince Odutola3 weeks ago3 weeks ago04 mins

Ademola Lookman has hit back at his own manager after being slammed as “one of the worst penalty-takers I’ve ever seen” following a crushing Champions League defeat. Gian Piero Gasperini made the damning comments after the former Everton winger’s spot kick was saved by ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet in Champions League playoff defeat to Club Brugge. The Nigerian had netted the only goal for La Dea off the bench but they were eliminated 5-2 on aggregate, losing 3-1 on the night. Despite his mixed evening, Gasperini stuck the knife in on the negatives and singled out the 27 year old, who played under Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City, to the media at full time. The Atalanta star missed the spot kick and it was claimed he is not the designated penalty-taker. The Italian coach said: “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen. He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them. Retegui and De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.” Lookman took to X in response, claiming he has been ‘singled out’ and disrespected. He posted: “It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement most of all because of what we have achieved together as a team and as a city. Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and to the incredible fans of Bergamo. “In truth, I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here – the majority of which I have never spoken about because in my opinion the team must always be protected and must come first. This makes what happened last night even more hurtful. “Along with our incredible fans, we as a team are hurting too with last night’s result. During the match the designated penalty taker instructed me to take the penalty; and to support the team I took responsibility in the moment to do so. Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power which I’ll continue to do.”

60th Founders’ Day Anniversary: Ogun Commissioner harps on Youths Devt ahead of Sports Festival

Prince Odutola3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

As Ogun State prepares to host the 22nd National Sports Festival, the State Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, has reiterated the importance of sports in youth development and nation-building. The National Sports Festival, which is expected to bring together athletes from across the country, will be a showcase of Nigeria’s sporting talents and a celebration of unity, friendship, and healthy competition. The festival will feature various sports, including track and field, swimming, and basketball. Speaking at the 60th Founders’ Day Anniversary celebration of Remo Divisional School Sagamu, Commissioner Isiaka emphasised the significance of hosting the festival, stating, “This festival represents much more than just track and field competitions: it signifies our determination to create a robust sports ecosystem throughout Ogun State.” He noted that the state government’s commitment to youth and sports development is evident in various initiatives aimed at engaging young people. “We recognise that sports play a critical role in building character, fostering teamwork, and nurturing future leaders,” he explained. Commissioner Isiaka also commended the alumni of Remo Divisional School for their contributions to the institution and the community, saying, “Your commitment to giving back to your roots not only enriches our community but also positively impacts society and our government. Your contributions are invaluable and serve as a testament to the strong foundation that this institution has established over the years.” The commissioner urged the current students of Remo Divisional School to take advantage of the resources available to them, including sports, to become well-rounded individuals and responsible citizens. He advised, “Learn not just from your textbooks, but from your involvement in activities like sports, the arts, and community service. These experiences will help shape you into well-rounded individuals and responsible citizens.”

President Tinubu mourns Edwin Clark

Prince Odutola3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deeply saddened by the passing of Chief Edwin Clark, former federal commissioner of information and respected leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF). Chief Clark, 97, was born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State. He led an illustrious life marked by dedicated service, at different times, to the nation and his community as a councillor, state and federal cabinet member. He was also a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and environmental justice in the Niger Delta. On behalf of the federal government, the President extends his condolences to the Edwin Clark family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta, and the government of Delta State. President Tinubu mourns Chief Clark and describes his passing as a deeply sobering loss. Reflecting on the life of the late statesman, the President said Chief Clark was a towering figure whose influence was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades. The President stated that Chief Clark was a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice. ”Chief Clark spoke for the Niger Delta. He spoke for the nation. His views and interventions on national issues were distinct and patriotic. ”Pa Clark, a lawyer and educationist, believed in a united Nigeria, and until his last breath, he never stopped reaching out to people from different parts of the country to work together to preserve national unity based on justice and equity. ”As an astute politician, his political opponents never doubted his words’ weight, confidence, and conviction when he spoke. Indeed, a patriot has transitioned to the great beyond. ”History will remember him as a man who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta, unity in diversity, and true federalism. ”I know many generations will remain proud of how his efforts contributed to national prosperity and stability,” the President said. President Tinubu prayed for divine comfort for Chief Clark’s family, friends, and all those affected by this significant loss.

Moshood Jimoh assumes office as Lagos 41st Commissioner of Police

Prince Odutola3 weeks ago3 weeks ago04 mins

A new Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has assumed duty as the 41st Commissioner of Police at the Lagos State Command. He takes over from CP Olanrewaju Ishola, who has been redeployed to Force Headquarters, Abuja. CP Jimoh, who hails from Ilorin, Kwara State, studied Political Science at the Ahmadu Bello University and was appointed into the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in 2000. He has worked in different parts of the country including Katsina, Cross River, Anambra, FCT, Oyo, Gombe and Rivers. He was Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Central Police Station, Abuja; Force Public Relations Officer; Deputy Commissioner, Criminal Investigation Department, Airport Police Command; Deputy Commissioner, Finance and Administration, Oyo State Police Command and Deputy Commissioner, General Investigation, FCID Annex, Gombe. He has undergone several professional trainings some of which include: Combat Operations Course, Police Mobile Training College, Maiduguri; Weapons of Mass Destruction Counter Measure First Responder Training Course, United States Embassy, Abuja; Crime Prevention of Korea Police, Police Training Institute, Seoul South Korea; Social Construction and Management Reform, China Executive Leadership Academy, Pudong China; Maritime Rescue and Salvage for Developing Countries, China Maritime Police Academy Ningbo, China; Training on Anti-hijacking Techniques and Tactics for Developing Countries, Special Police Academy, Beijing, China; and SMART Government and Informatization at Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO), Beijing, China. CP Jimoh is a recipient of the Presidential award for Public Relations Personality of the Year in recognition of his sterling qualities and outstanding contribution to the development and use of Public Relations by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations. He was also a member of the African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur Sudan where he got an Award of Recognition for Commendable Service. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC), Nigeria; Certified Management Consultant (CMC) by Institute of Management Consultant (IMC), Nigeria; Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria; Associate, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON); and Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. Until this appointment, CP Jimoh was Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police, Eastern Ports, Port-Harcourt. As CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh embarks on his mission to maintain law and order, foster community trust, and enhance the safety of the state through his wealth of experience, the good people of Lagos State are implored to give him maximum support and cooperation.

Court sentences Banker to jail for fraud in Lagos

Prince Odutola3 weeks ago3 weeks ago02 mins

The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of one Ugenyi Kalu, before Justice R.A. Oshodi of a Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja, Lagos for fraud. The convict, a banker, was arraigned on a five-count charge, bordering on official corruption and gratification. One of the counts reads: “That you, Ugenyi Kalu sometime in November 2016 in Lagos within the Lagos Judicial Division being the head of Lagos Region of NEXIM Bank, received monetary benefit for yourself in the sum of N4,000,000 (Four Million Naira) from one Obi Ogoh on account of the loan availed to his company Sevirg AgroAllied Mills Ltd by NEXIM Bank. Thereby committed an offence bordering on official corruption contrary to Section 8(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under Section 8(1)(b)ii of the same Law.” He pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges, prompting his trial. In the course of the trial, prosecution counsel, G.C. Ofulue called six witnesses who testified to his crime, two of whom were his co-workers in Nexim Bank. Delivering judgement on February 12, 2025, Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution proved its case beyond every reasonable doubt, and found him guilty as charged. He was convicted on four of the charges and sentenced to four years and two months imprisonment or to pay N20,850,000 (Twenty Million, Eight Hundred Fifty Thousand Naira) fine.

Lagos Marathon: World Athletics delegates commend Yussuf Alli

Prince Odutola3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

World Athletics delegates to the 10th edition of the Lagos City Marathon held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, have commended the organisational acumen, of Yussuf Alli, the General Manager of the Lagos City Marathon. The World Athletics delegates to the Lagos City Marathon are Anna Molisova Air Quality Project Manager World Athletics, Olivia Meyonette Sweeney, Nadeem Kamm and ⁠Sadiq Sudan. Speaking after the 10th edition of Africa’s biggest one-day sports event, the delegates were amazed by the organisational acumen of the technical aspects of the race which was handled by Alli and they admit, it is at par with the technical organisation of the seven biggest marathons in the world- New York, Berlin, London, Boston, Chicago, Tokyo, and Sydney. “The technical organisation of the marathon is at par with the best races in the world, we commend Alli and his fantastic team, they did a good job.” The team also commended Alli for his brilliant idea of starting the race early which enabled the runner to run fast times despite the harsh weather. “Despite the hot weather, the first runner still crossed the finish line in under 2 hours 15 minutes, if Alli had organised this race in Berlin or any city with friendly weather, the winner would probably finish in 2 hours, 2 minutes.” Widely regarded as the godfather of marathons and road races in Nigeria, Alli made his name in sports as a jumper, sprinter and footballer. His transition from field events to organizing and managing marathon road races and marathons shocked many including the World Athletics Road Running Manager Alessio Punzi. When he visited Nigeria, Punzi was shocked that Alli he knew as a world-class jumper was the same Alli who was doing wonders in road races and marathons. A major asset in the planning and organisation of iconic races like the MTN Marathon, Glo Marathon, We Run Lagos, Aba Marathon, Obudu Mountain Race, and many others, Alli organises and manages the two World Athletics Gold Label races in Nigeria: the Okpekpe 10 Km Road Race and the Lagos City Marathon.

Portable begs as Police declare him wanted

Prince Odutola3 weeks ago3 weeks ago02 mins

Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has reacted after he was declared wanted by the Ogun State Police Command. Portable was declared wanted by the police for his alleged involvement in the assault on Ogun State government officials carrying out their lawful duties. In a series of posts on his Instagram story, the Zazu crooner denied the allegations against him, claiming the arrest warrant was meant to attack him. “I didn’t kill anybody. If anything happens to me, there will be trouble. They should post the evidence of where I fought them at my bar. They are evil people, and they are lying against me. Just kill me and let everywhere scatter,” he wrote. In another post, Portable begged the Ogun State government to forgive him, claiming he was under spiritual attack. “All this evil thing wey dey happen to me na spiritual attack. God save me. I’m facing a lot of sicknesses all over my body. I’m taking care of myself. Pain in my body. Make Ogun State government forgive me,” he pleaded.