Our Reporters, Author at Trendbrio.com

SWAN partners Nigeria Customs ahead of African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago04 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has pledged full media support for the upcoming African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship, set to take place in Abuja from April 1-14, 2025. In a courtesy visit led by SWAN President Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, discussions centered on fostering a productive working relationship to amplify the championship’s impact and promote volleyball’s growth in Nigeria. The NCS volleyball team, Nigeria’s sole representative, is eager to improve on its fourth-place finish in 2021 and aims to leverage home advantage to make history as both hosts and potential champions. The Nigeria Customs Service, as the sole sponsor of the event, has committed significant resources to ensure a world-class tournament, making it the first-ever African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship hosted in the region. Speaking on behalf of the SWAN President, Secretary-General Ikenna Okonkwo praised the Customs Service for taking the bold step to bring Africa’s top club volleyball tournament to Nigeria. “This is a historic moment for Nigerian sports. Hosting an event of this magnitude is a testament to the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to sports development. As the sporting media, we are proud to partner with Customs to ensure this championship gets the visibility it deserves, both locally and internationally,” Okonkwo stated. FCT SWAN Chairman, Kelechi Onwudiwe, assured that the sporting press in the capital city would fully mobilise to give the event maximum coverage, working together with the SWAN National leadership. “We are committed to delivering a viral championship, one that will showcase the passion and dedication of the Nigeria Customs Service and its Comptroller General. This partnership goes beyond the championship; it is a foundation for a stronger relationship between Customs and the sporting media,” Onwudiwe emphasised. Responding, NCS Comptroller General CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR) welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the vital role of the media in making the championship a success. “We are not just hosting this championship; we are aiming to make history. With SWAN as a strategic media partner, we are confident that this event will leave a lasting impact. Beyond volleyball, we look forward to a sustained working relationship with the sporting media for the promotion of various sports under Customs,” the CG said. With this landmark collaboration, SWAN and the Nigeria Customs Service are set to make the 2025 African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship a defining moment for Nigerian sports. The SWAN delegation also included FCT SWAN Vice Chairman Victor Okoye, FCT SWAN Secretary Samuel Ahmadu, and FCT SWAN Welfare Officer Joan Iwuchukwu.

Sanwo-Olu appoints PR Professional as Tourism’s new Perm Sec

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture now has a new Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, following his swearing-in alongside seven other newly appointed Permanent Secretaries by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House, Ikeja. His appointment is part of the Lagos State Government’s commitment to strengthening public service leadership and ensuring the effective implementation of the THEMES Plus Agenda. With a dynamic arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, and a thriving entertainment industry, Lagos is a leading hub for tourism and creative excellence and Bajuilaye’s appointment is expected to inject fresh energy and strategic direction into the Ministry, reinforcing Lagos State’s position as a premier cultural and tourism destination. With him coming on board, the Ministry is poised to deepen collaborations between the government, private sector stakeholders, and cultural practitioners to foster policies that attract investment, boost cultural tourism, and promote indigenous creativity. Bajulaiye brings a wealth of experience from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Home Affairs. A seasoned public relations professional, he is a distinguished member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and a respected leader within the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). His appointment is expected to usher in a new phase of growth and transformation for the Ministry, ensuring that Lagos remains at the forefront of tourism, arts, and culture in Nigeria and beyond.

GOtv Boxing Night 33: Microbiology Graduate, Shogbesan, vows to floor opponent with Tech and Biology

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

Sikiru “Omo Iya Eleja” Shogbesan, Nigeria’s first graduate boxer, has vowed to use his knowledge of technology and biology to floor Segun Gbobaniyi when they clash at GOtv Boxing Night 33 on 26 April at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. Shogbesan, who was discovered at GOtv Boxing NextGen Search, the talent discovery and nurturing initiative that has produced many top boxers, holds a Higher National Diploma in Microbiology, Ordinary National Diploma in science laboratory technology, graduating with Upper Credit at both levels, and has completed the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps programme. Speaking at his training base in Lagos on Friday, Shogbesan said his knowledge of technology and biology has always helped in the ring and it would be put to use against Gbogbaniyi against whom he would fight in the lightweight category. “Segun (Gbobaniyi) does not know what is coming. Even if he does, he will not know how to deal with it. In the ring, I am guided by knowledge of technology and biology, both of which I studied in school. Both fields help me in determining what to do when I am in the ring. Segun will not go beyond three rounds. Mark my words,” he boasted. In the super featherweight division, Sodiq Oyakojo will face Lateef “Latest” Azeez. The super bantamweight category will see a fight between Durotimi Agboola and Sodiq Adeleke. The event will stage to light welterweight bouts. One will feature William “Kaki” Amosu and Emmanuel ‘Ability” Abimbola, while the other will see a clash between Tobiloba Ijomoni and Hassan Kareem. There will also be a female super flyweight female bout Ayisat Oriyomi and Olofintunyi Iyanuoluwa.

Osimhen revives Super Eagles’s World Cup hope in Kigali

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

A brace from Galatasaray of Turkey striker, Victor Osimhen were all the Super Eagles needed to revive hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by United States of America, Canada and Mexico. Osimhen broke deadlock in the 11th minute when he tapped in a free kick by his successor and the current African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman. Osimhen broke loose and shipped the ball past the onrushing Rwandan goalkeeper to increase the tally at the close of the first half of the tie. The former African champions now placed fourth with 6 points behind South Africa, who currently the log with 10 points, while the Republic of Benin and Rwanda are on eight and nine points respectively. Nigeria however must consolidate on her winning streak when they host the Warriors of Zimbabwe in Match Day 6 of the Qualifying series in Uyo next week, Tuesday. While Nigeria tackles Zimbabwe in Uyo, The Squirrels of Benin will play host to South Africa, and Lesotho would be Rwanda’s guests.

ECOWAS Marathon unveils prize money for West African runners

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has unveiled an exclusive prize money incentive for West African runners participating in the 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon. The announcement was made on Thursday at a press conference by the ECOWAS Commission, the sponsor of the marathon. According to ECOWAS Director of Youth and Sports, Amb. Francis Njoaguani, who also serves as the Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee, the first West African runner to cross the finish line will receive $1,000. The second-place finisher will earn $500, while the third, fourth, and fifth-place runners will receive $400, $250, and $200, respectively. This initiative is aimed at encouraging regional participation and celebrating homegrown talent. Njoaguani emphasized ECOWAS’ long-term vision to elevate the marathon to international prominence. He stated that the goal is to achieve the World Athletics Gold Label status within the next four years, positioning the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon among the most prestigious road races globally. Currently, the marathon stands as the most lucrative half marathon in Africa, offering an impressive prize structure for both men and women. Winners of the 21km race will each take home $10,000, while second and third-place finishers will earn $5,000 and $4,000, respectively. The fourth-place runner will receive $3,500, followed by $3,000 for the fifth, $2,500 for the sixth, $2,000 for the seventh, $1,500 for the eighth, $1,200 for the ninth, and $1,000 for the tenth-place finisher. In the 5km category, the first-place winner will receive $1,000, the second-place finisher $300, the third-place $250, the fourth-place $150, and the fifth-place $100. Njoaguani expressed his delight at the marathon’s rapid growth and increasing popularity. He recalled the challenges faced in its early years but noted that it has since evolved into a highly anticipated sporting event. The 2025 edition, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, is expected to attract over 5000 runners from across the globe. To mark this milestone, ECOWAS is fully sponsoring runners from all member states, both men and women, to participate. Additionally, significant interest has been shown by runners from Ghana, Senegal, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as from other regions beyond Africa, including the United States, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Switzerland. For this edition, some minor adjustments have been made to the race routes. The 21km race will begin and end at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters, ensuring a seamless and well-coordinated course for participants. Meanwhile, the 5km race will start Independence Drive by Sahad Stores and CDB and conclude at the ECOWAS Commission. Beyond its competitive aspect, the marathon serves as a unifying platform for West African nations. Njoaguani highlighted that the marathon is more than just a race, emphasizing that it is a means of fostering regional integration, bringing people together to interact, celebrate fitness, and strengthen the bonds within the community.

Arsenal ready £65m offer for Osimhen

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Arsenal are plotting a summer move to sign on loan Napoli forward Victor Osimhen in the summer transfer window, according to Italian outlet Tuttojuve. The Nigerian international attracted persistent interest last summer, with Chelsea coming closest to sealing a deal before it fell through. Amid an injury crisis upfront, Arsenal have now shown interest in signing the prolific forward, who has registered 25 goal contributions this season. According to Tuttojuve, Arsenal are preparing an offer to sign the 26-year-old from Napoli in the summer transfer window. The report adds that the North London club are ready to trigger his release clause by placing a €75m (£61m) bid to sign the forward. Amid interest from other clubs, Arsenal are looking to fast-track the transfer as the Italian outlet claims that the club will submit a bid to beat competition from other clubs, including Juventus, to sign the Nigerian star. Osimhen is currently on loan with Turkish League defending champions, Galatasaray, and he’s set to return to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this summer, where he’s expected to leave with a year left on his contract. During the last summer and winter transfer window, a prolific out-and-out centre-forward was believed to be high on Arsenal’s transfer list. It appears Mikel Arteta still has full confidence in Kai Havertz up front as the German international has been utilized in the centre-forward role for the Gunners this season. With nine Premier League goals and 15 in all competitions, the numbers do not entirely depict a bad output from the 25-year-old, who has also provided five assists this season. However, if the Gunners are to have a more potent shot at the title, the need for a prolific forward cannot be undermined. A swoop for Osimhen could hand Arteta a box dominator the team has lacked, and his all-around play, technicality, and goalscoring prowess could be vital assets to further reinforce the Gunners’ attack next season if he joins.

Kenyans, Ethiopians dominate half marathon at ECOWAS Marathon, Nigerians win 5 km race

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago06 mins

Kenya Harrison Muchira Wanjiru won the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon half-marathon on Saturday in 1 hour 04.39; on his heels was another Kenyan, Adam Sulaiman Muhamad, who was second 1.05.27, and a Nigerian Francis James Musa came third in 1.05 51. If Kenyans dominated the men’s race, the women’s race was dominated by Ethiopians. Lydia Natiyaka Wamalawa of Ethiopia won the women’s race in 1 hour 15.3, Aberash Minsewo, another Ethiopian, was second in 1.17.14, and like in the men’s race, a Nigerian Patience Dalyop was third in 1.21.15. Nigerian runners dominated the 5 km race, they also won most of the prizes reserved for ECOWAS citizens. Each one for his reason, thousands of runners pounded the streets of Abuja on Saturday as the 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon flags off at the ECOWAS Commission Yakubu Gowon Way a little after 8.00 am, while the 5 km race started shortly after. For the elite runners that participated in the 21-kilometer race of Africa’s most lucrative half-marathon, the focus was on the $ 10,000 prize money for the top finisher. Ditto for the top runners in the 5km race whose sights were also fixed on the prize money for the top five finishers. For former presidential aspirant Omoyele Sowore, a constant face in marathons and road races in Nigeria, America and other parts of the world, the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon was another medium to carry his message of justice for humanity to every part of the world. Sowore did not run alone; he ran with the #Run with Sowore Group and other members of his Lazy Man Athletics Club. But for the majority of the runners like Blessing Mozie, they participated because running has become a way of life. A staff member of the Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria, she ran on Saturday because running has become a part and parcel of Lagos-born Mozie’s life. Before moving to Abuja, Mozie participated in several editions of the Lagos City Marathon, running the full marathon, but she ran the 5 km on Saturday because she is not used to the Abuja roads. ”I was born in Lagos, I grew up there, so I am familiar with the route, but I am not too familiar with the Abuja routes. Maybe in future, I will run the half marathon and the full marathon in Abuja. “I think running is something everybody should do because of its immense health benefits. “For me, running is not a fashion statement but a way of life because it is good for the body generally, and I am encouraging everybody to embrace the culture of running; the benefits are immeasurable. An estimated 5,000 Nigerian and international runners battled for $71,000 prize money on Saturday. The men’s and women’s winners of the 21 km half-marathon race won $10,000. Also, all the first 200 runners to cross the line received bronze medals to show they had participated. The Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee and ECOWAS Director of Youth and Sports, Amb. Francis Njoaguani noted that the event was part of activities to commemorate ECOWAS at 50. Njoaguani stated that the initiative is aimed at encouraging regional participation and celebrating homegrown talent. He noted that the future goal is to achieve the World Athletics Gold Label status within the next four years, positioning the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon among the most prestigious road races globally.

President Federation Cup: NFF insists on this weekend for finals in all States and the FCT

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation has again declared that all 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory must stage the final matches of their 2025 President Federation Cup competition on Saturday, 22nd February or Sunday, 23rd February 2025. In a statement to secretaries of Football Associations in all the 36 States and the FCT, NFF’s Director of Competitions, Ruth David, reiterated: “Final matches are to be played ONLY ON 22nd/23rd, except in special cases and as approved by the NFF “Failure to adhere to the above attracts a fine of N1,000,000 (One million naira only).” The National Play-Off of this year’s competition has been scheduled for 5th March, with the National Draw one week later, while the Rounds of 64, 32 and 16 are scheduled for 19th March, 2nd April and 16th April 2025 respectively. The quarter-finals have been slated for 3rd and 4th May, with the semi-finals fixed for 17th and 18th May.