April 2025 | Page 37 of 45

Rivers Hoopers Will Look to Bounce Back from Loss to Al-Ittihad

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago04 mins

Rivers Hoopers were handed their first loss of the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) campaign, falling 80-100 to Egypt’s Al-Ittihad in their third game of the Kalahari Conference at the Salle Omnisports Moulay Abdellah on Tuesday. Despite the result, the KingsMen had some strong individual performances. Madut Akec led the team with 18 points and 4 rebounds. Putney followed with 17 points, while Kelvin Amayo posted an all-around effort with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Maxi Shamba added 11 points off the bench. The Nigerian league champions showed flashes of their quality, even taking a brief lead in the second quarter. But costly turnovers and breakdowns in transition defense allowed the Egyptian side to take control, especially from beyond the arc. Al-Ittihad’s Kyle Vinales led all scorers with 26 points and 7 rebounds, proving decisive during key stretches of the game. With two wins and one loss now in the bag, Rivers Hoopers will look to bounce back when they face Morocco’s FUS Rabat on Thursday, April 10. A victory will be vital in their quest to secure a playoff spot in the Kalahari Conference. Rivers Hoopers suffer first loss in Basketball Africa League season five. Rivers Hoopers were handed their first loss of the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) campaign, falling 80-100 to Egypt’s Al-Ittihad in their third game of the Kalahari Conference at the Salle Omnisports Moulay Abdellah on Tuesday. Despite the result, the KingsMen had some strong individual performances. Madut Akec led the team with 18 points and 4 rebounds. Putney followed with 17 points, while Kelvin Amayo posted an all-around effort with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Maxi Shamba added 11 points off the bench. The Nigerian champions showed flashes of their quality, even taking a brief lead in the second quarter. But costly turnovers and breakdowns in transition defense allowed the Egyptian side to take control, especially from beyond the arc. Al-Ittihad’s Kyle Vinales led all scorers with 26 points and 7 rebounds, proving decisive during key stretches of the game. Rivers Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu admitted his team needs to do better in the next game. “We had 20 turnovers today, luckily they didn’t really score from there. We also need to box out better. With 41 rebounds? We can’t afford to play basketball like that,” Odaudu said. “We gave them so many second chance opportunities. These are part of the things we can’t afford to do in our next game. We lost badly and so we will go back and work on that.” With two wins and one defeat, Rivers Hoopers will look to bounce back when they face Morocco’s FUS Rabat on Thursday, April 10. A victory will be vital in their quest to secure a playoff spot in South Africa.

2,505 Athletes Set For MTN Champs Lagos Continental Relays

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago08 mins

The third season of MTN Champs continues with the Continental Relays scheduled to take place in Lagos from April 9 to April 12. Events will be held at the Yabatech and UNILAG sports complexes. This follows the successful Benin Classics held from March 13 to 15. A total of 2,505 athletes have registered for the Lagos Continental Relays, with 6,298 event entries from 155 secondary schools, with 1,598 male athletes and 907 female athletes. The senior category will also include international athletes from the Republic of Benin, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire. Athletes will compete in a range of track and field events, including the 100m, 200m, 400m, relays, high jump, and long jump, in four age categories: Cadet (U-14), Youth (U-17), Junior (U-20), and Senior. Speaking at a press briefing on April 8, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, said. “MTN Champs is a platform that continues to grow, transform and inspire the future of athletes and athletics in Nigeria. At MTN, we remain committed to supporting the dreams and aspirations of Nigeria, not only through innovative products, but involvement in socially impactful initiatives especially in football and athletics,” she said. MTN Champs was launched in 2023 to discover and develop young athletic talent across Nigeria. Twenty athletes identified as Most Valuable Players (MVPs) through the program are currently enrolled in a Lagos-based academy on a one-year scholarship. Deji Ogeyinbo, Country Manager at Making of Champions (MoC), MTN’s technical partner, highlighted the initiative’s impact. “MTN Champs was born out of a need to create structured training camps for athletes. We have been able to go to the remote villages in Nigeria, to discover exceptional athletes that otherwise would not have had the opportunity to showcase their talents,” he said. The Lagos Continental Relays are supported by the Lagos State Government, the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, reiterated the state government’s support for the MTN Champs initiative. “There is no better way to describe this event than saying that it is exceptional and inspirational. This is a motivation for us as the government,” he said. Fatodu also outlined plans to reform sports infrastructure in the state, including upgrades to the Teslim Balogun Stadium, to support broader sports development in Nigeria. The grand finale of MTN Champs Season 3 will be held in Uyo from April 30 to May 3 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. MTN Champs aims to invest in the future of Nigerian youth through mentorship, development programs, and scholarships, identifying talent at the grassroots and supporting the emergence of Nigeria’s next generation of sporting champions. XXXXXXXXX Gov. Seyi Makinde Hits 335Km Roads In Six Years The Oyo State Government, under the able leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, proudly announces the completion of 335 kilometers of roads across the state within six years of his administration, with more projects still in progress. This milestone was highlighted by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, as a testament to Governor Makinde’s unwavering commitment to transforming Oyo State’s infrastructure and driving economic growth. Since assuming office in May 2019, Governor Makinde has prioritized road infrastructure as a cornerstone of his administration’s agenda to connect all zones of Oyo State, enhance urban mobility, and boost economic activities. Prince Oyelade emphasized that this achievement surpasses the combined efforts of all administrations between 1999 and 2019, underscoring the governor’s strategic vision to address the state’s infrastructure deficit. Among the notable projects completed are the 65km Moniya-Iseyin Road, the 34.85km Oyo-Iseyin Road, the Adebayo Alao Akala road, and the recently commissioned 38.48km of feeder roads in Ibadan, alongside numerous other inter-zone and township roads totaling 335.77km as of mid-2024, with figures now updated to reflect ongoing progress. Additionally, 273.31km of roads remain under construction, signaling that the administration’s work is far from over. Prince Oyelade noted, “Governor Makinde’s approach has been deliberate and data-driven, focusing on roads that link production zones to consumption centers, thereby opening up opportunities for agribusiness and reducing rural-urban migration. “This is not just about building roads; it’s about building a modern Oyo State where every citizen benefits.” These accomplishments align with Governor Makinde’s promise to engineer a state where infrastructure serves as a catalyst for prosperity. As Oyo State continues to witness unprecedented development, the government reaffirms its dedication to sustaining this momentum, with plans for further road rehabilitations and expansions in the coming years. Governor Makinde remains committed to leaving a legacy of progress and institutional strength by May 2027, when his tenure concludes.

EPL: Ola Aina May Return Against Everton

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

Ola Aina would be back for Everton although that feels like a bit of a long shot, some reports had claimed. The 27-year-old was struck down with a calf problem against United and it’s not clear how long he will be out for. Now, a photograph has been shared on the player’s official Snapchat and it would seem that he’s still not walking without the aid of crutches. That does feel like a blow for Forest as the team will undoubtedly view the home games as winable and crucial in the quest for Champions League football. The Nigerian international has been one of the most consistent players this season and would be in the running for Player of the Year. Aina is very important to the way in which Espirito Santo wants his teams to play and the hope will be that he can be back on the pitch in no time.

The Return of the Alaafin: A Personal Reflection by Tunde Kilani

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago04 mins

Telling the story of The Return of the Alaafin, which reached its grand climax on Saturday, April 5, 2025, gave me the honour of witnessing and documenting one of the most important historical and cultural events of this decade. This moment is deeply personal. In 1971, I stood as a young trainee cameraman with Western Nigerian Television (WNTV/WNBS), recording the coronation of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III. Over 50 years later, I returned to Oyo as a filmmaker—with my dear colleague, Rahman Oladigbolu—to chronicle the coronation of his successor, Ikú Baba Yeye, Ọba Hakeem Abimbola Owoade. Full credit must go to the Oyo State Government and the Local Organising Committee for achieving the almost impossible: receiving and entertaining over a thousand guests from across Nigeria and the world, with grace, cultural splendour, and precision. The magnitude and complexity of the coronation could only be fully appreciated as we captured it for our documentary, The Return of the Alaafin, currently in production. Across Oyo, receptions and after-parties sprung up like joyous fires to honour the new reign—but nothing compared to the unforgettable cultural showcase hosted by Nigerian Breweries for their flagship brand, GOLDBERG. Known for promoting Yoruba heritage under their iconic ỌMỌLÚWÀBÍ platform, Goldberg delivered an evening of pure magic. It was beautiful, relaxing, and deeply enjoyable—sitting under the soft glow of a Yoruba sunset that melted into a starry night, surrounded by vibrant lighting, clear sound, a charismatic MC, and a set design that rivalled any world-class stage. The musical lineup featured two titans of Yoruba music: Saheed Osupa (Fuji) and Musiliu Haruna Isola (Apala), who thrilled hundreds of spirited guests dancing into the new reign of Alaafin Ọba lHakeen Abimbola Owoade. It all came together for me when I heard that Òróró himself was in town! That wasn’t coincidence—it was divine alignment. As if that wasn’t enough, I was invited on stage to pick the winning raffle tickets—a moment that brought smiles and warm applause. I felt proud to be part of it all, and I now see the incredible potential of building this vibrant celebration into our documentary. Supported by Goldberg, this film can become more than a chronicle—it can be a timeless celebration of Yoruba resilience, royal heritage, and artistic excellence. Ire ni o.—TK

Rice Cook Real Madrid With Stunning Freekicks To Double Fires Arsenal to 3-0 Win Over

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

Arsenal claimed a commanding 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium. Declan Rice was the star of the match, scoring two brilliant freekicks. His first came in the 58th minute, followed by another in the 70th, both of which left Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with no chance. Leandro Trossard assisted on the third goal, with Mikel Merino finishing in the 75th minute to seal the win for Arsenal. Real Madrid, the reigning Champions League holders, struggled to break down Arsenal’s defense and were left frustrated throughout the match. The result puts the Gunners in a strong position going into the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid. Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, acknowledged that while the team had a decent first half, their defensive frailties were exposed after Arsenal’s opening goal. Ancelotti took responsibility for the defeat, stating that improvements would be needed in defensive play if his side hopes to turn the tie around in the second leg. The match also saw Real Madrid’s midfielder Eduardo Camavinga receive a red card in injury time, which will add to their difficulties in the second leg. The stage is set for a thrilling return encounter in Madrid, with Arsenal holding a significant advantage.

Real Time Intelligence Sharing Is Paramount –Gaidam

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has stressed the importance of establishing a seamless and secure mechanism for real-time intelligence sharing to enhance proactive responses to security threats. Speaking at an Interagency Security Seminar organized by the Army War College Nigeria, Gaidam emphasized that optimizing multi-agency efforts for effective threat response requires addressing critical gaps in the country’s security framework. He highlighted the need for cross-agency training and scenario-based drills to foster operational interoperability and mutual trust among agencies, leveraging modern technologies like artificial intelligence and digital forensics to improve operational effectiveness. Gaidam outlined the complex security challenges facing Nigeria, ranging from insurgency and terrorism in the North-East, banditry and farmer-herder conflicts in the North-West and North-Central regions, to separatist movements in the South-East and organized crime in the South-South and South-West. He emphasized that these threats require a comprehensive approach involving the entire government and society. According to him, economic disparities, governance issues, and the increasing use of technology by criminal enterprises further exacerbate the situation. The Minister pointed out that traditional security approaches, which focus solely on military or law enforcement responses, are no longer sufficient. An integrated approach is necessary, one that brings together military forces, law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, and civil society. He stressed that multi-agency collaboration is not optional but essential to effective security management. Gaidam called for improved synergies between the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, DSS, NSCDC, NIS, and NCS. Gaidam also underscored the crucial role of the civilian population in security management. He advocated for strengthening police-community relations and promoting community policing initiatives, which will enhance intelligence-gathering capabilities and improve preventive security measures. The seminar’s guest lecturer, Major General Babagana Mohammed Monguno (Rtd), also reinforced the importance of military operations in restoring peace and stability. Despite the successes of ongoing military operations, he stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to effectively mitigate contemporary security threats across the country.

National Police Day: Nigerian Government Celebrates Maiden Police Day With Grand Ceremony In Abuja

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

The Nigerian Government marked its first-ever National Police Day with a grand ceremony in Abuja, celebrating the dedication and sacrifices of the nation’s police force. The event, held to honor the contributions of law enforcement officers, was attended by key government officials, security personnel, and citizens. During the ceremony, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acknowledged the tireless work of the Nigerian Police Force in maintaining peace and security across the country. He commended the officers for their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, despite the many challenges they face in their line of duty. National Police Day aims to recognize and appreciate the hard work of the police force, as well as boost morale and inspire further dedication among officers. The day’s activities included awards and recognitions for outstanding police officers, showcasing the government’s support for their efforts. The event underscored the importance of law enforcement in ensuring national stability, with calls for continued reforms to strengthen the police force. The government reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the welfare, training, and capacity of police officers to better serve the Nigerian people.

PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS THE PASSING OF BUSINESS ICON PASCAL DOZIE

President Tinubu Mourns The Passing Of Business ICON Pascal Ddozie

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the passing of renowned business icon, Pascal Dozie. In a statement, the president described Dozie as a trailblazer in the Nigerian business landscape whose contributions to the economy and society will be greatly missed. Dozie, a prominent entrepreneur and founder of the financial technology company, was known for his pioneering work in various industries. His leadership and vision played a key role in shaping the country’s business sector, making him a respected figure both locally and internationally. In his tribute, President Tinubu highlighted Dozie’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and creating opportunities for future generations of Nigerians. His legacy, the president noted, would continue to inspire and guide entrepreneurs in Nigeria and beyond. The passing of Pascal Dozie marks the loss of a significant figure in Nigeria’s business community. President Tinubu extended his condolences to Dozie’s family, friends, and the many lives he touched through his remarkable work.