August 2025 | Page 23 of 31

Sports

SWAN Demands Immediate Inauguration of National Sports Commission Board

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago05 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to immediately inaugurate its 17-member governing board. Established in 1964, SWAN, the umbrella body for all Sports Editors, Reporters, Producers, and Presenters, warned that the Commission is operating in gross violation of its establishing law with the delay of a properly constituted NSC board. SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement through Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Sunday, said the Commission has been functioning without a statutory board since its creation in October 2024, contrary to the NSC Establishment Act 2023. “As a statutory board member of the NSC, I’m compelled to urge the Chairman and Director-General to take all necessary steps to inaugurate the board without further delay,” President Benjamin said. “Operating without a duly constituted board for nearly a year is not only a breach of the law but also undermines transparency and accountability.” He said Section 2(1) of the Act “is very clear” on the composition of the board, which includes representatives from ministries, sports bodies, the organised private sector, academia, medical field, military, persons with disabilities, the Nigeria Football Federation, the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria, and SWAN. “There is no lawful way to run the National Sports Commission without a properly constituted board. “All major decisions made since October 2024 lack legal backing in the absence of the board,” he added. The SWAN President also linked the situation to a wider pattern of governance lapses in Nigerian sports, citing ongoing litigation involving the Nigeria Football Federation and controversies surrounding the Athletics Federation of Nigeria elections. “The NSC cannot continue to function as a two-man entity – comprising only the Chairman and the Director-General – while 15 other constitutionally mandated positions remain unfilled. “This issue will remain on the front burner until the law is obeyed,” he warned. SWAN further lamented the neglect of the association in the scheme of operations, particularly in overseeing the engagement of experienced, qualified, and skilled Communication Managers to handle media operations of various sports federations. According to President Benjamin, this would “complement the service of the NSC, enhance promotion, and boost the digital marketability of sports for sponsorship drives.” He added, “Ignoring SWAN’s expertise in this regard is a missed opportunity to leverage professional sports journalism for national sports growth.” SWAN also noted that a situation where National and International events are carried out unilaterally without necessary inputs by the professional sports media body was unacceptable. “One of the major reasons why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his wisdom approved a National Sports Commission is to enable accelerated and holistic growth and development of Sports in Nigeria. What obtained in the past when sports was under Ministry or bureaucratic encumbrances is supposed to be a thing of the past with the emergence of NSC. “A situation where unnecessary political/non-professional application or approach is deployed in the day-to-day operations of the Sports Commission is by far not the way to go,” the statement said.

2025 NBPL Gets Tip-Off Date as Rivers Hoopers Seek Three-Peat

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

Reigning Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) champions Rivers Hoopers BC will be among a total of sixteen teams to vie for the 2025 NBPL title. According to an official communiqué signed by League Chairman Babatunde Ogunade and Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Secretary General Amina O. Amanchi, action at the 2025 NBPL is scheduled to run from 28 August – 16 November. This will be preceded by a registration period between 11-28 August. The 2025 NBPL is structured to run in four phases (Group, Inter-Group, Playoff, and Final Four), as the sixteen (16) participating teams have been divided into four (4) groups of four (4) teams each across Savannah and Atlantic Conferences (2 groups per Conference), with games to be staged at yet to be named venues. Defending champions Rivers Hoopers have been paired alongside Delta Force, Oluyole Warriors, and Kwara Falcons in Group B of the Atlantic Conference, with Group A consisting of Comets, Police Batons, Lagos Legends, as well as Hoops & Read. In the Savannah Conference, Nile University, Nigeria Customs, Gboko City Chiefs, and Correctional Service make up Group A, while Group B houses Kano Pillars, Plateau Peaks, Gombe Bulls, and Bauchi Nets. Each team is expected to play six (6) games against the other three (3) teams during the Group stage (home & away basis), after which all eight (8) teams (Group A & Group B) from each Conference will meet at a central venue for the Inter-Group Stage. During the Inter-Group Stage each team will play seven (7) games (one against each of the other teams). The top four (4) teams from each Conference (making a total of 8 teams) will then converge for the Playoffs Round which will be played in a knockout format. The Final Four teams will play each other once in a round robin format, with the team accruing the highest points tally after that, crowned 2025 NBPL Champions. Recall that Rivers Hoopers won their sixth league title by defeating Hoops & Read 71-54 in the playoff final of the 2024 NBPL season last November, and will look to retain their crown for the third straight year.

NCAA Blacklists K1 De Ultimate From Commercial Flights for Six Months

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has blacklisted renowned Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Anifowoshe — popularly known as K1 De Ultimate — from all commercial flights in Nigeria for a period of six months. This disciplinary measure follows a recent incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, during which the artist reportedly displayed unruly behavior that disrupted airport protocol and interfered with standard boarding and departure procedures. Speaking to TVC News, the Director of Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, confirmed the action, stating that the musician’s behavior posed a threat to airport order and violated civil aviation regulations. In a related move, the pilots involved in the incident have also had their licenses temporarily suspended, pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation. Achimugu emphasized the NCAA’s unwavering stance on passenger conduct, noting that aviation safety, professionalism, and respect for procedures are paramount and must be upheld — regardless of social status or influence. Addressing widespread speculation on social media, the NCAA director dismissed rumors that K1 De Ultimate’s close ties to the presidency would shield him from sanctions. “The fact that he is a well-known figure or even close to the President does not exempt him from the law,” Achimugu stated. “President Bola Tinubu himself is a respecter of the law and would not condone any act that undermines public safety or the authority of the NCAA.” The agency reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for misconduct by both passengers and aviation professionals, stressing its commitment to ensuring Nigerian airspace remains safe, secure, and governed by impartial regulations.

FTAN AGM: Musawa Rallies Stakeholders to Reposition Tourism as Pillar of Nigeria’s Prosperity

Fola Badmus1 month ago2 months ago03 mins

By Kamal Yalwa The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s strong commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s tourism and creative economy as a key driver of national development. Speaking at the 28th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) in Abuja, Musawa emphasized that the tourism sector holds immense potential in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “This is our moment to build, unite, and transform tourism into a true pillar of national prosperity,” the Minister stated. Musawa described the AGM as a vital opportunity to strengthen public-private sector collaboration, urging industry stakeholders to align with the government’s transformative vision for tourism. She commended FTAN for its continuous advocacy, describing the federation as a strategic partner in unlocking Nigeria’s tourism potential. She pledged that her ministry would continue to drive inclusive and forward-looking policies, while creating platforms that encourage investment, innovation, and global competitiveness in the sector. The Minister also praised FTAN President, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, for his unwavering commitment to the growth of the industry, and Aare Dr. Abisoye Fagade, Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), for leading ongoing reforms in training and regulation. “NIHOTOUR plays a critical role in building a globally competitive tourism workforce. We fully support its mandate to raise the bar across the sector,” Musawa said. The AGM brought together key players from across the tourism value chain, including private sector leaders, government officials, and policy influencers, as discussions centered on repositioning Nigeria’s tourism landscape for sustained economic impact.

Netanyahu’s Gaza Occupation Plan Faces Opposition from Israelis, Military

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

Jerusalem — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly pushing for the full occupation of Gaza, despite opposition from the public, senior military officers, and the international community. Israeli media quoted an aide as saying: “The die is cast – we are going for a full occupation of the Gaza Strip,” even if it risks the lives of remaining Israeli captives held there since Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack. After nearly two years of war — killing more than 60,000 Palestinians and pushing Gaza to the brink of famine — critics say Netanyahu’s move is aimed at prolonging the conflict to maintain his political coalition and delay his ongoing corruption trial. Military and Public Resistance Analysts warn the Israeli army is overstretched, with troop shortages of over 100,000, widespread PTSD, and growing refusals to serve. Several senior officers, including Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, reportedly oppose further escalation. More than 600 former Israeli security officials signed an open letter urging US President Donald Trump to push for an end to the war, arguing Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat. “From the military point of view, Hamas is destroyed. But as an ideology, it’s growing stronger,” said Ami Ayalon, ex-head of Shin Bet. Political Gamble Public frustration is rising over Netanyahu’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire that could secure the captives’ release. A May poll found most Israelis believe he prioritises staying in power over winning the war. “This is madness,” said Yossi Mekelberg of Chatham House. “Any decent leader would have resigned long ago. Everything with Netanyahu is about political survival.Netanyahu wants to ‘occupy Gaza’, what do Israeli people, military think?

Ghana’s Defence, Environment Ministers Killed in Military Helicopter Crash

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Accra, Ghana — Ghana’s Ministers of Defence and Environment have died in a military helicopter crash in the central Ashanti Region, along with six others, government officials have confirmed. Chief of Staff Julius Debrah announced at a press conference that Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among the eight fatalities in what he described as a “national tragedy.” The Ghana Armed Forces said the helicopter, carrying three crew members and five passengers, went “off the radar” shortly after takeoff from Accra at 09:12 local time (GMT) on Wednesday. The aircraft was en route to Obuasi, a gold-mining town, for a national event when the crash occurred. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the accident. President John Dramani Mahama has ordered flags nationwide to be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims. On behalf of the president and government, the chief of staff extended condolences to the bereaved families and “the servicemen who died in service to the country.”

When Protest Turns to Personal Drama: The July 21 Sowore Spectacle

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago05 mins

Protest is a constitutional right — powerful when purpose-driven, goal-focused, and well-coordinated. But when agitation becomes a theatre of personal drama, it risks losing its soul and inviting cynicism. That appeared to be the case on July 21, 2025, when a demonstration purportedly staged in support of retired police officers took a strange turn under the spotlight of Omoyele Sowore. Multiple video footages from the protest show moments that raised more questions than they answered. In one widely circulated clip, Sowore and a group of co-protesters are seen physically shoving uniformed officers while chanting “Pay Police!” — a curious scene of protesters demanding the police pay… the police. In another video, Sowore is caught on camera pushing a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) to the ground during a heated attempt to breach the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja — a secured facility that is neither responsible for pensions nor gratuities. The confrontation hardly fits the definition of a peaceful protest. Then came the twist. In the middle of his forceful advance, Sowore reportedly lost his eyeglasses. Suddenly, the core issue — pension justice for ageing officers — took a back seat as his post-protest commentary focused on the missing glasses rather than the plight of the retirees. Clips from that day also reveal a pattern in Sowore’s approach: confrontations with officers marked by disdain and public humiliation, even when the officers attempted civil engagement. For many observers, his sudden solidarity with police retirees rang hollow, given his longstanding antagonism towards the institution. This is not without precedent. Sowore has faced similar criticism in the past, particularly after the EndSARS protests, where he was accused by some activists of turning youth-driven struggles into personal platforms — earning the satirical moniker “cashtivist.” The choice of protest location deepens the suspicion. The Force Headquarters has no jurisdiction over pensions; that lies with other government bodies. But the headquarters is home to the current Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun — a figure Sowore has publicly insulted on multiple occasions. Was this protest a genuine call for reform, or a calculated bid to provoke a direct clash with the IGP for viral effect? If there were legitimate gains from the demonstration, they were drowned out by the spectacle — the pushing, the grappling, the grandstanding, and the glasses. The retirees deserve better representation. Better will not come through chaotic chants, forceful incursions into secure premises, or the theatrics of personalities who place themselves at the centre of the story. Given the documented footage of Sowore physically assaulting a uniformed officer and attempting to force entry into a secured national facility, it is fair to ask: should this not warrant an official review or questioning? If such conduct is left unchecked, where is the line to be drawn?

Israel Strikes UN Clinic in Gaza, 23 Killed Since Dawn

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago01 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: Gaza | August 6, 2025 Israeli forces have killed at least 23 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip since dawn, including in a strike on a United Nations clinic sheltering displaced civilians in Gaza City, according to reports from the ground. The attack comes amid escalating military operations, with aid agencies warning of a worsening hunger crisis and over 50 Palestinians reportedly killed in recent strikes on Gaza aid distribution sites. At the UN Security Council, UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported plan for the full occupation of Gaza “deeply alarming”. European Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera condemned the move as an “unacceptable provocation.