Sanwo-Olu celebrates Oshodi’s rise to ATTF Presidency 

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has praised the election of Wahid Enitan Oshodi as the 6th President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Oshodi, a former Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Social Development, was unanimously elected at the Elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the continental body held at the African Union (AU) headquarters. The meeting was attended by 40 member nations of the ATTF, making Oshodi the second Nigerian to lead the continental sports body after Engr. Segun George, who served from 1988 to 1996. “We are indeed proud of a true Lagosian who has continued to put Nigeria and Lagos on the world map through his sheer ingenuity in sports. His rising profile within and outside the continent has not come as a surprise, as he has shown to be a reliable hand when it comes to sports development. “His keen interest in youth development has helped to unearth several stars like Quadri Aruna and Olajide Omotayo. He is loved by the athletes and genuinely takes a special interest in their welfare. Since he left office as Commissioner, he has kept faith in sports, and this has been confirmed by his unanimous election in Addis Ababa,” said Governor Sanwo-Olu. Sanwo-Olu also pledged the state’s support to Oshodi and called on other Nigerians to support their compatriot, who has continued to make the country proud with his international acceptance. Oshodi’s journey in sports administration began in 2000 when he was appointed to the Lagos State Sports Council Governing Board under the administration of then Governor Bola Tinubu. He later became the Chairman of the Lagos State Table Tennis Association (LSTTA). Under Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration, he was appointed Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Social Development in 2011, where he supervised the National Sports Festival, tagged: “Eko 2012”. He was subsequently elected President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), where he brought vibrancy to the sport, unearthing international stars for the country. Recognised by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), Oshodi was appointed Chairman of its Nomination Committee. In 2019, he was elected Deputy President of the ATTF, and in 2021, he topped the voting for the post of Executive Vice President of the ITTF, beating candidates from China and Europe. His ingenuity in sports administration has made Nigeria a hub for table tennis. With his election, Oshodi is currently the only Nigerian presiding over a continental sports body.

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Shettima embarks on 2-day visit to Sweden

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, will depart Abuja for Sweden on a 2-day visit to represent Nigeria in bilateral engagements with the Scandinavian nation. At the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice President, during the working visit, will engage in high-level bilateral talks with key government officials, including a meeting with Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and the Swedish Prime Minister. Senator Shettima will use the visit to explore opportunities for strengthened collaboration between Nigeria and Sweden in areas such as ICT, innovation, education, digitalisation, sustainable transport, mining, and agriculture. He will also meet with key stakeholders in both the Government and Private Sector. The Vice President will also meet with Norrsken, a Stockholm-based venture capital impact investor, which recently launched Norrsken22, a USD 205 million tech investment fund for Africa. Norrsken22 is a technology growth fund, backed by over 30 prominent unicorn founders, partnering with exceptional entrepreneurs building Africa’s next tech giants. The meeting with Norrsken will provide insights into how Nigerian entrepreneurs can benefit from this fund and further strengthen the technology ecosystem in Nigeria. Notably, 40% of the investments from Norrsken22 are expected to be allocated to Nigerian technology entrepreneurs. Twelve (12) Nigerian private sector companies that are doing business with Sweden are going independently as a private sector bloc. While in Sweden, VP Shettima is also expected to articulate Nigeria’s economic vision and the reforms being undertaken by the administration to create a business-friendly environment in Nigeria for investors. The myriad of opportunities that abound in Africa’s largest economy will also be showcased. The Vice President is expected back in the country on Saturday.

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Tuchel becomes England’s third foreign coach

Former Paris Saint-German head coach Thomas Tuchel was on Wednesday confirmed as the new boss of the England men’s national football team. The 51-year-old German, who claimed six trophies in his two years in the French capital, will take over from interim manager Lee Carsley in January after the draw for the qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup. “I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team,” said Tuchel. “I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already. “To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting.” During nearly two years at the English Premier League outfit Chelsea, he led the side to 2021 Champions League, the Uefa Super Cup and the Club World Cup. But he left the west Londoners after the club was sold to Todd Boehly in 2022. In his 15 months at Bayern Munich, he steered the German giants to the 2023 Bundesliga crown – an 11th consecutive Bundesliga title for the Bavarians – before an acrimonious departure involving public spats with an array of  senior players and executives. “We are thrilled to have hired one of the best coaches in the world,” English Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham said in a statement on Wednesday. Tuchel will be joined by his former Chelsea assistant Anthony Barry, who most recently worked with Portugal at the 2023 European championships. “Fundamentally we wanted to hire a coaching team to give us the best possible chance of winning a major tournament, and we believe they will do just that,” Bullingham added. “Thomas and the team have a single-minded focus on giving us the best possible chance to win the World Cup in 2026.” Tuchel will become England’s third foreign coach after Sven-Goran Eriksson from Sweden and the Italian Fabio Capello.

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Morocco to host 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League 

The Confederation of African  Football (CAF) has announced that Morocco will host the 2024 edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League Finals. The CAF Women’s Champions League Morocco 2024 will be played between 09-23 November 2024. Morocco hosted the 2022 edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League – the premium women’s club football competition in Africa. Eight (8) Clubs will contest the top prize. Winners will get USD 400 000 in prize money with runners-up walking away with USD 250 000.  Mamelodi Sundowns are the current holders – having won the competition twice in three years. Morocco’s ASFAR is the other team that has won the Competition – back in 2022 when they defeated Mamelodi Sundowns. Since it’s inception, the CAF Women’s Champions League played a key role in shaping women’s football in Africa. Morocco’s hosting of the CAF Women’s Champions League follows the nation’s successful hosting of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2022 which also enjoyed unparallelled success. Six Zonal tournaments took place to qualify 6 teams in addition to the host and the holder of 2023 title to the FT of CAF WCL 2024. The following teams are qualified: CAF Women’s Champions League Qualified Clubs: Holders: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) Host : ASFAR (Morocco) WAFU A  : Aigles de la Medina (Senegal) WAFU B  : EDO Queens (Nigeria) COSAFA  : University of Western Cape (South Africa) UNAF   : Tutankhamun (Egypt) CECAFA: CBE FC (Ethiopia) UNIFFAC: TP Mazembe (DR Congo)

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Peter Obi donates 32-seater bus to College of Nursing Sciences

Former Presidential Candidate of Labour Party Mr Peter Obi has donated a 32-seater bus and the sun of N5million to Grimard College of Nursing Sciences, Anyigba, Kogi State.  The former Anambra State Governor made the presentation at the College premises on Wednesday.  According to him; “Yesterday, I returned to Grimard College of Nursing Sciences in Anyigba, Kogi State, to honour a pledge I had earlier made three months ago. “I had, in my earlier visit to the College, donated ₦10 million to support learning. “Both the Proprietor and the Rector informed me then that their most urgent need for accreditation was a 32-seater coaster bus for the student’s clinical experience visits.  “In my further discussion with the Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Adaji, he mentioned that since a brand-new bus now costs over ₦100 million, a fairly used one costing between ₦20 million and ₦30 million would suffice. “Today, I returned to the College to present a fairly used bus within the range mentioned by the Proprietor, to assist the students in their critical clinical experience assignments.  “Additionally, I donated ₦5 million to cover the cost of registration, insurance, and other expenses for one year. “I extend my sincere thanks to the Proprietor, Management, and staff of the institution for their warm reception and commend their tireless efforts in contributing to the betterment of humanity through education and health apostolate. “I assured them that I would continue to support them in my modest  way as we work together towards a new Nigeria that is POssible.”

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Herbert Wigwe’s father denies 20% of late son’s estate 

Shyngle Wigwe, father of the late Herbert Wigwe, former Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, has denied reports alleging that he sought a portion of his late son’s estate. An online publication claimed that Pastor Shyngle and other family members filed a caveat at the Probate Registry to contest the distribution of Herbert’s estate as outlined in his will. The publication reported that the caveat was filed under Pastor Shyngle’s direction, backed by an affidavit from Christian Chukwuka Wigwe, who identifies as Herbert’s cousin. This legal action was said to aim at altering the directives specified by the deceased regarding the management of his estate. Further allegations included claims that Pastor Shyngle requested 20 per cent of Herbert’s estate, a demand that allegedly contradicts the will’s stipulation to distribute his wealth solely among his children. Herbert’s will had been lodged at the Ikeja Probate Court prior to his untimely death. In a statement issued by Emeka Wigwe on behalf of the family, Pastor Shyngle refuted these claims, stating, “At no point has Pastor Shyngle Wigwe requested 20 per cent of the estate of the late Herbert Wigwe. “Neither has there been any such request by other family members. The article’s claim that this demand contradicts Herbert’s will is entirely false and misleading. “The facts regarding the estate are already publicly available in the Probate Registry, where an affidavit clearly outlines the correct details. A simple search by your reporters would have revealed this truth.” Pastor Shyngle further urged the publication to correct the inaccuracies in their report and to practice greater diligence in fact-checking future stories. He emphasised, “During this painful time of grief, our family remains united, focusing on healing and growing stronger together. “We have no intention of engaging in a public defence because there are no sides to take. The only truth is that we are navigating this immense loss and will continue to do so with dignity.” “Herbert Wigwe’s legacy as a visionary banker and entrepreneur is paramount, according to the family. He is remembered for transforming Access Bank into a national leader and for his commitment to empowering others through initiatives such as The HOW Foundation, which focused on education and healthcare. “The family concluded that these values should take precedence over “unfounded speculation.” Tragically, Herbert Wigwe, along with his wife, Chizoba, and son, lost their lives in a helicopter crash on February 9, 2024, near a border town in California, USA.

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Mr Macaroni, Odunlade, Femi Adebayo nominated for Best Actor award 

A Nigerian actor, comedian and activist Debo Adedayo popularly known as Mr. Macaroni has been nominated for 2024 Nollywood Best Actor.  Mr. Macaroni was nominated for his role in the movie titled; Small Talk.  The elated thespian took to his official X handle on Thursday to celebrate his nomination.  “Honored to be nominated as Best Actor 2024 for my role as BABA DEE in SMALL TALK alongside some of the most amazing Actors in the industry.  “Thanks to you all for the support always,” Mr. Macaroni stated.  He is known for his online comedy skits and roles in films such as Ponzi (2021), Ayinla (2021), Aníkúlápó (2022), Freedom Way (2024), and Lisabi : The Uprising (2024). Other top contenders for the award are; Bimbo Manuel (My name is Misan), Odunlade Adekola (Orisa), Femi Adebayo (Jagun Jagun), Jide JBlaze Oyegbile (Damage done) and Deyemi Okanlawon (Unknown Soja).

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Lagos social club holds AGM, aims for greater heights 

A Lagos social club, Great Ifedinma Friends Club Of Nigeria, held its 2nd Annual General Meeting of the Association at the prestigious 4 Point By Sheraton Continental Hotel in Uyo Akwa Ibom at the weekend. The Club’s National President, High Chief Dr. Sir Prince Oduche in his address said; “I want to take a moment to reflect on our journey thus far, our club has consistently demonstrated resilience, dedication and a passion for excellence, I am honoured to lead such a dynamic group. “My humble  recognition goes to the members of the Boards of Trustees, who have been a very strong pillar to all the achievements of this great club. “I must not fail to recognise the executive members who have been administering the affairs of the club, we can never say  a word without thanking you all for your overwhelming support and understanding, with total commitment towards handling both the harsh and smooth moments our administrator has seen,” the president added. The President also made it known that the club has acquired a land at 721 Road Festac Town, which is a remarkable feat for strong financial ties to the club and it has been agreed that the building of fifteen units of two bedroom apartments in Festac Town, Lagos. “In just seven years, we are ranked as the top most influential club in Lagos, thanks to the unique formation of the club, we have been able to pool our resources together in different capacities to support each other, sharing business idea which we have tagged as one of the greatest benefits we enjoy among ourselves. “Finally,  my assurance is that we will never let this club down, I urge us to continue to strive for excellence, together we will build a future for our great club.” The Club is one of the leading club in Nigeria and it was established seven years ago with over 100 strong members.

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