Sunshine Stars unveil 21 new players for 2024/25 NPFL season

Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure have added 21 players to their squad ahead of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

Leading the pack of the newly signed players are Seth Mayi, goalkeeper Emmanuel Ofori, Achi Nnaemeka who reunited with the team after spending two seasons with Remo Stars, Lucky Vandy (Gombe United), goalkeeper Obiosor David (Bendel Insurance), Seidu Salisu (Plateau United) and Stephen Chukwude who also returned from Heartland FC.

Other are Peace Dewan (Gombe United), Yusuf Olowoshile (Bendel Insurance), Adamu Umar (Doma United) Dozie Nnwana
(Gombe United)), Arunta Elmer (Enugu Rangers), Benjamin Iluyomade (Abia Comet), Segun Owoade (Inter Lagos) and Ismail Ayodele (Osun United).

The rest are Olaoluwa Okiki(Soccer talent Academy), Adeolu Gabriel (Solution FC), Manuwa Kayode and (Agbo Boys Academy).

Shettima Mongulo, Oluwole Kehinde, Ismail Amid and Precious Olowojesiku joined from the Sunshine Stars youth team.

Speaking at the event, President of Sunshine Stars, Bamidele Ologunloluwa appreciated the players for making the Akure-based side their first choice in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

Ologunloluwa assured the players of a better welfare package and charged them to give their best to be part of positive history.

“Our target as far as the 2024/25 NPFL programme is concerned is to compete for the top spot and play in CAF organized competition.

“I wish you all the best as we begin the journey of nine months together.”

Chairman of Sunshine Stars and Sunshine Queens supporters club, Tunde Adeboboye urged the players to show more commitment and play with their hearts.

“Sunshine Stars are a big team in Nigeria Premier Football League, I advise that you give your best to showcase your talents.”

Speaking on behalf of the players Sunshine Stars Captain, David Ariyo, thanked the management of the team for their support saying their coaches have prepared well for the task ahead.

“We understand that we are playing in our adopted home, Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, we know what it means but we are condemned to win and we will win.”

“Our fans are expecting much from us and we promised them that we will do our best for the team.”

Media Manager, Sunshine Stars, Femi Atolagbe notes that the Akure based team will begin the 2024/25 NPFL season against Bayelsa United in Ijebu – Ode.

Abia Warriors Thanks Governor Otti, fans others for support 

It has been an amazing one year for Umu-Chineke team, Abia Warriors Football Club and its growing fans and followers. The emergence of Governor Alex Chioma Otti OFR has indeed become a blessing for the club.

The sports loving number one citizen of the State has not only responded to the yearnings of the club, he also extended a helping hand to all the clubs in Abia State and the Sports Council. And this is the first time in the history of Abia State that such level of support is witnessed.

Governor Alex Otti Unity Games for all the Secondary Schools in the 17 Local Government Areas of the State took place this year. Games ranging from football competition, athletic events and other sports events were featured. Interestingly, all the athletes from the 17 Local Government Areas of the State were camped in the capital city of Umuahia venue of the Games. It has never happened before in Abia State.

The State has also hosted regional and national events such as the Southeast Basketball tournament, handball tournament, and most recently, the Teqball World Cup qualifiers.

It has been an amazing experience for the sports clubs in the State, all thanks to Governor Alex Otti.

For Abia Warriors, it has been a wonderful one year starting with the appointment of Coach John Obuh as the Chairman of the club. The latter’s appeals to the Governor in line with his vision to reposition the club did not fall on deaf ears. They were given favourable consideration.

Adequate funds to finance the club’s activities has been a major limitation. Luckily, the club now has a God-sent in the person of the Executive Governor of Abia State come to its aid.

Governor Otti gave unprecedented attention to Abia Warriors alias Umu-Chineke so much so that situations that would have been insurmountable for the club were addressed seamlessly. This included making funds available to re-grass the Umuahia Township Stadium turf, upgrade the VIP parking lot of the stadium, renovate the dressing room, and upgrade the Under-19 camp inside the stadium.

Another challenge that seriously affected Abia Warriors last season was a sound vehicle to convey playing staff and officials to match venues. This problem has been mitigated with the donation of a brand new 32-seater coaster bus to the Warriors by Governor Otti, and a promise to get a Sienna van for the board members, a Hummer bus for the coaches and a Hilux pickup for the Chairman.

Abia Warriors Football Club reached the final of the 2024 President Federation Cup for the first time in its history all due to the support of the number one citizen of the State.

During a reception ceremony he organised for the first runners-up of the competition, the Governor pledged a sumptuous amount of money to the team. Thankfully, he has redeemed his pledged.

This money has been put to good use, beginning with presenting cash gifts to the players (that partcipated in the President Federation Cup), those that left for other clubs this season inclusive. The club officials were not left out in this largesse.

More so, the cash gifts were also extended to Abia Warriors’ recently established fan base in Lagos, Lafia, Gombe and Benin for their various operations via their Co-ordinators.

The monetary gift from the Governor has also enabled the club to recruit quality players for the current football season campaign, and also get a camp for its youth and senior teams.

Also, it has enabled the club to make good preparations for the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League Season.

More importantly, the Governor has also pledged increased support for Abia Warriors Football Club, which indeed is a motivation of its own. It can only get better for the Warriors.

As Abia Warriors’ football season gets underway, we say a big thank you to Governor Alex Chioma Otti OFR for inspiring us to dream.

Edo Unity Forum showers encomiums on Okpebholo, says PDP has lost its direction

The Edo Unity Forum (EUF) on Friday showered encomiums on the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, describing him as a great asset to the state.

‘’Out of those jostling for the Edo State governor’s seat, it is doubtful if any of them is more focused, committed and level-headed like the APC candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo’’

The group in a statement in Auchi said that APC will convincingly coast home to victory in the September 21 governorship election.

‘’The PDP is suffering from factional divisions, problematic shallowness and lack of meaningful engagement with ordinary citizens. The party has lost its direction. The APC is solid in Edo State. The party’s candidate has heavyweights and traditional institution on his side and will coast to electoral victory’’

Signed by EUF National Chairman, Deacon Solomon Izevbigie, the group made up of business bigwigs, political leaders, senior civil servants, academics and members of civil society from Edo State denounced the PDP government for the breakdown of infrastructure in the state.

‘’We want honest, transparent and accountable leadership in Edo State. We want a governor we can trust. We want a governor with energy, vision for the rapid development of the state and dynamism to tackle challenges. Senator Monday Okpebholo wants to drive Edo State in the direction of economic growth, rehabilitate moribund industries and alleviate the suffering of the people’’

The statement underscored Opebholo’s deep love for Edo State, his excellent dedication to duty and sincerity of purpose.

‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo is an embodiment of sincerity, a lover of the downtrodden and a very compassionate gentleman’’

On the expectations of Edo people at home and abroad, the group said Okpebholo would pursue appropriate policies, create jobs, fight corruption, uphold the virtues of human rights, improve manpower development and our health care delivery system, guarantee equal opportunities and rekindle in the citizenry a faith in their fatherland’’.

The statement also emphasized Okpebholo’s pedigree in politics, administration and management of resources.

“Senator Monday Okpebholo will devote attention to the welfare of senior citizens, comply with the Beijing Manifesto and give consideration to the spread of development projects”, the group said.

Tribute Night For Wilson Santa Ebireri Holds September 18 In Sapele

A praise night for the late Wilson Ebireri, a Niger Delta businessman, is set to take place on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Wetland Event Centre in Sapele.

The family released details about Wilson Ebireri’s funeral arrangements Friday morning.

‘’The Night of Tribute will take place on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Wetland Event Centre. A funeral mass will begin from 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024.’’

Wilson Ebireri, warmly known as Santa, died on July 12, 2024, and will be laid to rest at Marford Close, Sapele on Friday, September 20, 2024.

Called “A Night of Tributes and Celebrations,” the event promises a delightful evening filled with melody, presentations and deepest tributes dedicated to a man of great integrity and wisdom.

‘’This gathering aims to extol the virtues of this exceptional and visionary leader, celebrate his wonderful life, higher vision, legacy, contributions to humanity and great sense of humour’’ a statement signed by Henry Ovie Ebireri said.

The family also announced Okotie-Eboh Grammar School, Sapele as reception venue.

‘’A special thanksgiving mass will take place on Sunday, September 22 at St John Paul 11 Catholic Church, New Ogorode Road, Sapele’’ the statement added.

NPC Commences free birth registration for children between zero to five years in Delta

The National Population Commission, NPC has commenced the Free Birth Registration for children between zero and five years in Delta State, with a call on parents to support the commission, by making children in that category available for the exercise.

The Federal Commissioner NPC, Delta State Mrs. Blessyn Brume-Ataguba, stated this in Asaba, at news briefing on the inauguration of the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics program, with theme: Strengthening the Linkage between Registration and Vital Statistics to Legal Identity Systems, through Digitalization for Enhanced Inclusion.

The NPC National Commissioner Delta State, Mrs Blessyn Brume-Ataguba, said the purpose of the media engagement was to increase public awareness on the importance of timely registration of vital events, particularly births and deaths in a functioning civil registration system.

Mrs Brume-Ataguba noted the exercise was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, aimed at providing effective leadership to strengthen civil registration and vital statistics systems in the country.

Hon. Brume-Ataguba said
“This event marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to ensure that every Nigerian is counted, and included in our national framework.”

The National Commissioner stressed the importance of the CRVS process, and urged residents to cooperate with NPC personel and AD HOC staff in their localities.

[She emphasized]
“Registration is the only access to establish and protect identity, citizenship and property rights.”

The State Director of NPC Mr. Patrick Lotobi, observed the commission had perfected plans to reach all parts of the litoral state, including the riverine and difficult to reach areas of the state.

[Chief Lotobi stated]
“With Birth Registration, census figures can be updated. And if well taken, census exercise will just be periodical, so to say.”

In Asaba Oghenero Eghweree of Radio Nigeria, reports that the State NPC ICT Lead, Mr Jeremiah Erumebe pointed one thousand two hundred AD HOC personel, and one thousand one hundred and ninety eight staff have been trained on birth and death registration and interface with communities for the CRVS exercise.

Iquaibom Returns From Olympics, Thanks A’ibom Govt, Friends For Support

Edidiong Stephen

Coach Lawrence Iquaibom has expressed gratitude to the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, the government and people of Akwa Ibom state for the support that was given him which led to his successful participation in the recently concluded 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Mr Iquaibom, who is a Category-A International Technical Official of the International Weightlifting Federation, served as a weightlifting referee at the Games.

Speaking with journalists in Uyo, Wednesday, the veteran described as massive the demonstration of love and support he enjoyed from his state of origin.

“I’m delighted to leverage this opportune moment to thank His Excellency, our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, my boss – the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Sir Monday Uko, the Chairman – Elder Paul Bassey, and members of the state sports stakeholders’ coordinating committee, the leadership and members of SWAN in the state, and indeed the entirety of our people for the massive love and support they gave me during the Games.” He said.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by all of you loving people and do pledge to continue to make you proud in all of my future endeavours,” he added.

On the poor performance of Team Nigeria at the Paris Games, Mr Iquaibom, who represented Nigeria at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles as well as other international competitions including the Commonwealth championship in Malta where he won a gold medal in 1983 before sojourning in the Akwa Ibom state civil service where he retired as Director of Sports, cited early preparation, proper funding, youth inclusiveness and regular exposure of our athletes to African, Commonwealth and World championships as necessary steps to be taken in order to turn around the country’s Olympics fortunes.

Public Hearing: DTHA calls for Memoranda On Human Trafficking Prohibition Bill

The Delta State House of Assembly has called for memoranda from stakeholders on a bill for law to prohibit all forms of human trafficking in the state.

The call for memoranda from critical stakeholders is sequel to the public hearing on the bill scheduled for coming Monday, 9th September 2024.

The public hearing being organized by the Assembly Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Girl Child Entrepreneur and Humanitarian Support Services, is to hold at the Press Center, State Assembly Complex, Okpanam road, Asaba, beginning at 10 o’clock in the morning.

A statement by the Chairman Assembly Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Girl Child Entrepreneur and Humanitarian Support Services, Hon Bridget Anyafulu, said inputs from critical stakeholders is key to the enactment of the proposed law.

The statement reads, “The public is hereby informed that at the Delta State House of Assembly sitting on Wednesday, 3rd July, 2024, the Delta State Human Trafficking (Prohibition) Bill, 2024 was read the second time and committed to the House Committee on Housing, Women
Affairs, Girl Child Entrepreneur and Humanitarian Support Services for scrutiny.

“Pursuant of its mandate, the Committee will welcome written contributions on
the Bill from interested organizations such as, Ministry of Justice, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Adviser to the Governor on Human Trafficking Matters, Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl Child Development, Ministry of Youth Development, and Ministry of Information.

“Others include the Delta State Job & Wealth Creation Office, Delta State Orientation Bureau, the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Traditional Rulers’ Council, NGO’s that specialize in counter-trafficking of persons, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Directorate of Peace and Security and the general public”.

Hon Anyafulu who represents Oshimili South Constituency in the House in the statement, said all memoranda should be in ten copies enclosed in sealed envelopes, addressed to the Committee marked “Delta State Human Trafficking Prohibition Bill” and forwarded to reach the Clerk of the Committee on or before close of work on Monday, 9th September, 2024.

“The Committee also wishes to invite interested organizations and the general public to its public hearing on Monday, 9th September, 2024 at 10:00am at the Press Centre, Assembly Complex, Asaba”, the Lawmaker stated.