Sports Minister Tasks Nigerian Referees to Deepen Capacity for Greater Participation in FIFA/CAF Flagged Competitions

Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh on Wednesday tasked Nigerian referees to deepen and strengthen their professionalism in order to attract greater participation in FIFA and CAF flagged competitions. Speaking during his interactive session with the 2024 FIFA Member Association Refereeing Development Course, the minister regretted that Nigerian referees are not playing critical roles in both FIFA and CAF flagged competitions as a result of failure to reach the performance and professional threshold set out by both international bodies.

Describing the situation whereby Nigerian referees are neglected and relegated to the background in the perking order by FIFA and CAF as unacceptable, he said that the current administration would do everything within its powers to reverse this ugly trend. The Minister stated that his engagement with the referees was part of ongoing efforts by him to get to the root of the problem and proffer solutions to solve the problem.

He recalled that at inception as minister, one of the early engagements that he initiated was to invite referees and critical stakeholders in sports for a parley when his attention was drawn to the fact that no Nigerian referee was considered qualified enough to officiate in the just concluded CAF flagged African Cup of Nations.
He said, “I thought that this was unacceptable. It was for this reason that I started series of engagements with Referee Associations, the NFF and other critical stakeholders. Sadly, even in the next AFCON, no Nigerian referee was listed to participate in officiating duties by CAF. This is a shame. As a country, it is important that we get right things that we are not doing right to change this ugly narrative.”

He challenged the elite referees to raise the bar in terms of their commitment to improving their professionalism adding that government is ready to support and work closely with them to put an end to this neglect.

Responding to the Minister, the lead FIFA Technical Instructor, Mr. Felix Tangwarinma thanked the Minister for his commitment to the development of Nigerian referees. He observed that not too long ago, Nigerian referees were doing very well as officials in international competitions but regretted that lack of continuity left a huge gap when they retired. The FIFA Technical Instructor stated that that training was part of ongoing efforts to close the gap.

He explained that one of the major problems that impacted the relegation of Nigerian referees in FIFA and CAF organized competitions is the fact that presently, there is no Nigerian referee is certified to officiate with VAR. He said that as a country, Nigeria needs to train the referees with VAR to enable them cover the required number of hours stipulated by FIFA and CAF to enable them to be picked to officiate in championships.

The FIFA instructor informed the Minister that the VAR equipment was very expensive to procure. Given the huge financial exposure, he called on the sports ministry to assist with funding since NFF may not be able to fund the procurement of the required number of VAR to be deployed for use in the national league. In the interim he suggested that Nigeria can bridge the gap by sending referees for VAR training in countries like Morrocco and Tunisia while it puts its house in order.

NUJ Correspondent Chapel Football Tournament: Onwudiwe charges Team FCT SWAN to win

The leadership of the FCT Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (FCT SWAN) has urged its football team to go all out to clinch the NUJ Correspondent Chapel Football Tournament, holding from July 11-13, 2024 in Abuja.

The chairman of the association, Mr. Kelechi Onwudiwe, conveyed this message on Wednesday during his visit to the team at the Area 3 training camp, Garki, Abuja.

Addressing the players, Mr. Onwudiwe encouraged the team to demonstrate that they are not only sports writers but active sportsmen.

The veteran broadcaster also expressed satisfaction with the turnout of players, assuring them that their commitment and dedication to the association will be duly recognized.

“Prove to everyone that we are not just observers but participants. Your dedication is commendable and will be rewarded,” Onwudiwe assured.

In response, Team Coordinator Mr. Tolu Oguntimehin and Team Coach Abdul Onimisi, speaking on behalf of the team, expressed gratitude to the association’s leadership and affirmed the team’s readiness to bring honour to FCT SWAN. “We are determined to make our association proud,” Oguntimehin affirmed.

They also called upon association members to turn out in large numbers to support the team. “Your support is invaluable; let’s come out and cheer our team to victory,” Onimisi encouraged.

Team FCT SWAN will face off against Team AIBEN on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, at 12 pm.

NUJ Calls for  Free, Fair, and Transparent Local Government Councils’ Election in Delta State

As the Local Government Councils’ elections approach on July 13, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, wishes to reiterate the critical role that journalists play in ensuring a transparent, credible, and peaceful electoral process. Journalists serve as the vital link between the electoral process and the public, providing essential information and education to the electorate.

In light of this, the NUJ Delta State Council emphasizes the following points:

1. Objective Monitoring and Reporting: Journalists are committed to monitoring the electoral process objectively. We urge all media professionals to report only the results declared by the official electoral umpire. It is crucial to maintain the integrity of the information disseminated to avoid creating unnecessary chaos or confusion among the public.

2. Respect for Journalists’ Rights: The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, guarantees the freedom of the press. Journalists must be allowed to carry out their duties without any form of restriction, intimidation, or harassment. We call on the electoral umpire, the police, and other security agencies to respect and uphold the rights of journalists during the forthcoming Councils’ poll.

3. Professional Conduct: We urge all journalists to adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct. This includes verifying information before dissemination, avoiding sensationalism, and ensuring balanced and fair reporting. Journalists should also keep their personal observations private to maintain objectivity and neutrality.

4. Collaboration with Security Agencies: While we advocate for the unrestricted operation of journalists, we also recognize the importance of collaboration with security agencies to ensure a safe and secure environment for the electoral process. We encourage open communication and cooperation between journalists and security personnel to facilitate a smooth and peaceful election.

5. Public Awareness and Education: Journalists have a responsibility to educate the public about the electoral process, their rights, and the importance of participating in the elections. By providing accurate and timely information, journalists can help foster an informed and engaged electorate.

The NUJ Delta State Council remains committed to supporting its members in carrying out their duties effectively and safely. We call on all stakeholders to work together to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election on July 13.

Together, we can uphold the principles of democracy and contribute to the development of our great state.

E-Signed:

Comrade Churchill Oyowe,
Chairman, NUJ Delta Council

Comrade Victor Sorokwu, Secretary, NUJ Delta Council.

Delta: Odohisi elected as Udu NBA Chairman

By: Akpokona Omafuaire 

THE Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Udu Branch Sunday elected its new executive with John Odohisi Esq, emerging as Chairman after pulling 57 votes to defeat his opponent B.M. Jamaho Esq, with 44 votes in a free and fair election conducted by the Caretaker committee led by Ayo Asala SAN.

This is as Austin Nyekigbe Esq, pulled 55 votes to defeat David Omage Esq, with 45 votes to emerge Secretary.

The election which held at the Wetland Hotel, Mofor in Orhuwhorun road has 106 accredited voters with 101 votes cast.

The election which commenced at about 2pm was concluded at about 4.24pm and

Announcing the results, Asala SAN said, “With J.E. Odohisi pulling the majority votes, I hereby declare Odohisi as returned as Chairman and Austin Nyekigbe having pulled the majority votes in the other election as Secretary.”

In a show of sportsmanship as experienced community leader, B.M. Jamaho hugged Odohisi and shook hands after the results were announced.

In his acceptance speech, Odohisi thanked members for the unity and turning out for the peaceful election.

According to him, “Today, history has been made. The branch has decided, I want us to keep the unity and work together to move the branch forward.

“I thank the Caretaker committee led by my learned Silk, Ayo Asala SAN and others who meticulously conducted the election. I thank my colleagues who also contested, we are all winners. Udu branch must move forward” he added.

Highpoint of the event was the swearing in of the Executive after taking Thier paths. The new executive compromise of J. E. Odohisi Esq, Chairman, Mrs. Oghale Ejiroghene, Vice Chairman, Austin Nyekigbe Esq, Secretary, S.G. Okpongu, Treasurer, Mrs. Ofuoma A. Hitler as Assistant Secretary.

Bill on Delta State Prevention & Prohibition/Destruction and Vandalization of Public Properties & Public Assets passes first reading

A Bill on Delta State Prevention and Prohibition of Destruction and Vandalization of Public Properties and Public Assets Bill 2024 has passed first reading on the floor of the State House of Assembly.

The Bill which has the Chairman House Committee on Public Accounts, Chief James Augoye, representing Okpe Constituency in the House as the lead sponsor, was read the first time at Tuesday’s resumed plenary session of the Assembly, presided over by the Speaker, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.

Chief Augoye had in two separate motions sought the leave of the House to bring in the Bill for legislative processing and for it to be read the first time.

The motions were unanimously adopted when put to voice votes by the Speaker who subsequently announced Wednesday, 17th July 2024 for second reading of the bill.

Augoye, a former Commissioner for Works in the State and together with 19 others, are seeking for enactment of a Law to provide for the prevention and prohibition of destruction and vandalization of public properties and other public assets in Delta State.

The House also took first reading on the Delta State Domestic Staff Service Providers Registration Bill.

At at plenary, the Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor announced constitution of a seven-man Special Committee on Nutrition and Food Security in the State.

The committee has the Chief Whip of the House and Chairman, House of Assembly committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Perkins Umukoro as Chairman and member representing Isoko South 2 State constituency, Ferguson Onwo as Deputy Chairman.

Members include Marylyn Okowa-Daramola, Ika North East, Bridget Anyafulu, Oshimili South, Festus Utuama, Ughelli South, Pereotu Oloye, Burutu 2 and Benson Obire, Warri South 2 as members, while Abigail Eseadi would serve as Secretary

Constituting the committee, the Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor said the development was in response to recommendation from a retreat by Conference of Speakers.

He said, “Distinguished colleagues, I wish to inform you that arising from a retreat by the Committee on Nutrition and Food Security of the House of Representatives with Speakers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly and other stake holders, held on 2nd to 4th May, 2024, it was observed that democratic governance, economic development, peace and security in Nigeria cannot be sustained amidst malnutrition and food insecurity aggravated by increasing poverty and security challenges.

“In order to combat this challenge and ameliorate the food crisis in the country, a communiqué issued at the end of the retreat recommended that all State Houses of assembly should each set up Legislative Committee on Nutrition and Food Security.

“In view of this recommendation, I wish to constitute the Special Committee on Nutrition and Food Security of the House” Guwor said.

The Speaker directed the Committee according to the Speaker, should liaise with the Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, House of Representatives for synergy in the area of nutrition and Food Security and Technical Support.

Okowa @65: Ifeadi Extends Hearty Greetings to immediate past Delta Governor

Arc. Kester Ifeadi, President of the Organisation For the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC) – the culture umbrella body of Anioma nation and CEO of Contemporary Group Limited, has congratulated the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa on the celebration of his 65 years birth anniversary.

In a statement, Ifeadi eulogized Okowa for being a phenomenal leader, focused administrator and generous politician who has brought visibility to politics and enormous gains to his people.

He further described him as one of the best things that ever happened to Anioma Nation, maintaining that Okowa rose from a dint of hard-work and consistency of positive character to become the first Anioma born politician to govern Delta State.

The culture enthusiast said that the journey of OFAAC cannot be evaluated without a mention of Okowa as one of the pillars of support to the Organisation.

According to him, “Let me use this medium to specially celebrate our leader His Excellency, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa remains a Godsent to Anioma people. He would forever be cherished by our people.

“I wish him a blissful birthday and pray that the splendour of the season finds expression in his life. It’s a great day for a great man; and with joy in my heart, I extend the cheers of my heart to him.

“Happy birthday sir. May you continue to find favour in the sight of God, may His wisdom continually be your portion and may joy, peace, sound health and long life never be far from you. More grace to you, Our Leader”, Ifeadi praised.

Uganda Wins Both Legs Of 2024 Mens Rugby Africa Sevens Tournament

Uganda Wins The 2024 Mens Rugby Africa Sevens Tournament Over the weekend 7th & 8th july 2024 in Mauritius and qualified alongside Madagasca for the world rugby men sevens series 2025

Uganda completed a double in Mauritius, securing the 2024 Africa Men’s 7s title in a thrilling 20 points -17 points final win over South Africa at Labourdonnais Sports Grounds in Mauritius. Tolbert Onyango’s charges won all 12 of their matches throughout the tournament’s first & second legs, earning their fourth Africa Men’s 7s title. They last won it in 2022.

All tournaments feature the same 12 teams. Teams compete for the World Rugby Series title by accumulating points based on their finishing position in each tournament. The bottom four teams play a repechange tournament against the top four teams of the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series.

The 2024 HSBC SVNS season will reach a dramatic conclusion in Madrid as the top 8 teams play in a ‘winner takes all’ series to become Series Champions, while the bottom 4 teams will play-off against the winning teams from the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger Series to qualify for the 2025 HSBC SVNS series.

Final Standings Of The 2024 Mens Rugby Africa Sevens Tournament

1. UGANDA (20 + 20) = 40 Points
2. SOUTH AFRICA (16 + 18) = 34 Points
3. MADAGASCAR (18 + 14). = 32 Points
4. ZIMBABWE (12 + 16 ) = 28 Points
5. BURKINAFASO (14 + 12) = 26 Points
6. KENYA (10 + 10) = 20 Points
7. IVORY COAST (8 + 4) = 12 Points
8. ZAMBIA (4 + 8) = 12 Points
9. TUNISIA (2 + 6) = 8 Points
10. MAURITIUS (6 + 1) = 7 Points
11. NIGERIA (3 + 3) = 6 Points
12. ALGERIA (1 + 2) = 3 Points

Uganda and Madagascar qualified for the 2025 edition of the World Rugby 7s Challenger Series on Africa’s ticket. South Africa and Kenya are already in the World Rugby SVNS Series.

Only four nations – Kenya (6), Uganda (4), Zimbabwe (3), and South Africa (1) – have won the tournament since 2000 when it was founded.

Previous Winners:

2000: Zimbabwe

2004: Kenya

2008: Kenya

2012: Zimbabwe

2013: Kenya

2014: South Africa

2015: Kenya

2016: Uganda

2017: Uganda

2018: Zimbabwe

2019: Kenya

2020 x Not held

2021 x Not held

2022: Uganda

2023: Kenya

2024: Uganda

From 2000 until 2012, the Rugby Africa Men’s 7s championship was held every four years. It became an annual tournament in 2013 and has, since then, been hosted around the continent every year. It was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The World Rugby Sevens Challenger (formerly the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series) is an annual series of rugby sevens tournaments for national teams run by World Rugby that includes men’s and women’s events. Sponsored by banking group HSBC, it is the second tier of competition below the SVNS. Teams on the respective men’s and women’s tours of the Challenger Series compete for promotion to the first tier as a core team.

New Zealand “All Blacks” 7s is the current title holder of World Sevens Series.

Compiled by
Obong Ntiense Williams
“Mr Rugby”

SWAN prays for safe return of abducted Kaduna members

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter has joined its Kaduna Chapter counterpart to ask for an unconditional release of two Sports Writers who were kidnapped by suspected bandits on Saturday night in Kaduna.

SWAN, Imo in a press release signed by its Chairman, Cosmos Chukwuemeka and made available by the Secretary, Tunde Liadi, said no sports journalist deserves to be made to go through such harrowing experience and has beckoned on their kidnappers to release them and their family members.

Alhaji Abdulraheem Aodu of the Blueprint Newspapers and The Nation Newspapers’ Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe along with their family members were both abducted in their various homes in Kaduna and SWAN, Imo is joining other sports journalists to repudiate the act and called for their immediate freedom.

“Sports journalists are peace loving people that do not deserve to go through what Alhaji Abdulraheem Aodu of the Blueprint Newspapers and The Nation Newspapers’ Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe and their families are going through in the hands of their kidnappers. We pray that they are released without condition and safely to reunite with their families,” the press statement read.

“SWAN, Imo urged the law enforcement agents to be steadfast with their job and strive to apprehend those behind the dastard act. SWAN, Imo also called on the Kaduna State Government and the Federal Government to do the needful to ensure they are released.”

Gov. Abiodun Splashes 500K, 350k, 250k Cash On Ogun State Scrabblers For African Games Performances

It was all smiles on the faces of Ogun State scrabble players and officials who were part of Team Nigeria to the delayed 2023 African Games as they were rewarded with cash prizes for their performances by the State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun.

“The scrabble team who converged at the State’s Sports Council, Ijeja, Abeokuta along with athletes, coaches and officials from other disciplines were presented with their rewards.

Athletes who won Gold medals were awarded 500,000 each, Silver medallists were given 350,000 each, bronze winners got 250,000 each while coaches and other athletes who couldn’t make it to the podium received 150,000 naira each.

The colourful reception which was part of Ogun State Mid-Year Sporting Activities Report, provided the opportunity for Governor Abiodun to appreciate Team Ogun members who were part of Team Nigeria to the Accra 2023 Games held in March.

Adebisi Adekansi created history as she became the first Nigerian to win two gold medals at the Scrabble event which was one of the demonstration sports at the ‘African Olympics.’

She won the top medal in the Women’s Single event and she would again, teamed up with Joy Ola another Team Ogun player to provide the push which ensured Nigeria claimed gold in the women’s Team Event.

Both gold medallists along with Jimoh Abdumumin and head coach Bukunmi Afolayan were appreciated with the rewards.

Commissioner of Sports Isiaka Wasiu who represented the Governor said the State was proud of Team Ogun for contributing to the success of Team Nigeria.

“To our own Ogun Athletes who made the list of TEAM NIGERIA at the 13th African Games in Accra Ghana, your dedication and perseverance have paid off, and your names will go down in history as champions. You have proven that, with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Your achievements will continue to inspire a new generation of athletes, and your legacy will live on for years to come.”

“For being so outstanding to have been picked from Team Ogun to represent our country, our sports loving governor, in his continuous effort to reposition sports in Ogun state has graciously approved a reward of N500,000.00 to all the gold medalist, N300,000.00 for silver medalist, N250,000.00 for bronze medalist while N150,000.00 goes to those that did not win and the coaches. You will recall that this gesture has become a norm with Prince Dapo Abiodun’s government as financial rewards were extended to medalists from the 2022 National Sport festival held in Asaba, Delta State.”

A total of 11 athletes from the state contributed to Team Nigeria’s 121 medal haul at the Games.