Author: gqSbgCfmna

The road to the 2026 Osun governorship election is narrowing as visions, hopes and aspirations become clearer. Amidst claims, insinuations, and strategic calculations, choices are coming into sharper focus. Pundits and far-sighted sages are already donning their binoculars to view the upcoming contest through a sincere perspective.

The recently amended Electoral Act has moved the polls to August 15 this year, rather than the earlier date of August 8. Gladiators and their respective parties are hoping for the best prospects from the festival of democracy slated for that date. Speculations vary widely, and opinions differ as to how events will play out and what results the elections will produce at the end of the day.

One thing is clear: predicting how candidates will fare in elections is always a hard nut to crack. The truth that must be told well ahead of the polls is that the most favored candidate will not require ‘padding,’ ballot-stuffing, or any fraudulent gimmicks to emerge.

The clear choice of the people will prevail in determining the next helmsman of Osun in the full glare of all stakeholders and the entire world.

This year’s edition of ‘Osun Decides’ will be the fourth in the series of off-cycle elections held to determine who holds the reins of power in the state. The first was held in 2014, following the first tenure of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, whose mandate was initially secured through the Federal Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan. That 2014 election was clouded by dicey issues and pre-election speculation, largely because the party at the centre, the Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP) was different from the then-metamorphosed All Progressives Congress (APC). The rest is history; Aregbesola won, and that era produced a successor in 2018.

Going down the memory lane, the baton changed four years later as the electorate opted for a different path. The incumbent governor, for reasons better shelved for another write-up, will be slugging it out for a second tenure under the platform of the Accord Party.

As the situation stands today, one characteristic that often plays out in the Nigerian body politic ahead of significant elections is the expectation that the party at the centre will throw its weight around forcefully to install its candidate. This was the same expectation in 2014, but the will of the people prevailed.

All indications today point to a high possibility that the APC candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji – popularly known as AMBO – will emerge victorious from the contest. The factors making this proposition realistic are many, and they subsist firmly with elements of certainty.

AMBO has rendered a stellar account of himself through his retinue of antecedents. He performed excellently in his first major public engagement in Osun as the Chief Executive of the Osun Investment Company (OSICOL). As a fantastic administrator, he transformed the utility not only by broadening its capital base but also by making it a household name, providing essential needs at affordable prices. The feats recorded by this corporate magnate at

Osun Investments crossed the borders of Osun into other Southwestern states and neighbouring Kwara and Niger states.

On the heels of this performance, he served as a commissioner for two consecutive terms under two successive governors. His steadfast stance as a political juggernaut and his constancy with the progressives – coupled with his unwavering support for progressive ideologies – have endeared him to the hearts of the electorate, not just within the APC but across all political divides.

Beyond the political front, AMBO is a pious, practising Muslim who has put his influence behind activities aimed at promoting the faith, while never undermining the interests of other religions. Oyebamiji became popular across faiths without a taint of discrimination. A philanthropist par excellence, he has influenced student bodies, trade groups, and professional associations through his magnanimity. Unlike many who scramble for office, his current quest was born out of popular demand.

Until recently, Oyebamiji served as the Chief Executive of the National Inland Waterways

Authority (NIWA). Rendering a brilliant account of himself in this role, he intervened copiously in the wave of boat mishaps across the nation. The rate of water-related calamities was significantly reduced under his careful watch. He was a conspicuous mover and shaker in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prior to his resignation to contest the Osun polls.

Even in the pursuit of this ‘AMBO-for-Governor’ mission, he stands tall as a ‘jolly fine’ politician, building bridges and mending fences. His human relations skills are fantastic.

Within the APC, he has extended an olive branch to those who contested the ticket with him.

Outside the party, he is loved by a multitude of voters who will not hesitate to endorse him come August 15.

His acceptance across all districts is intimidating. His milk of kindness drew civil servants to him during his nearly eight-year stint as Commissioner for Finance. Furthermore, his relationship with the traditional palaces and local communities is deep. In his hometown, Ikire, and throughout the Irewole/Isokan/Ayedaade axis, Oyebamiji is clearly the ‘apple of the eye.’

No doubt about it, ‘Osun guber 2026’ will come and go, but what remains for Osun will be beyond mere winning. The enigma that is Bola Oyebamiji is a promise of service. Having been part and parcel of earlier administrations, he is not a ‘fresher.’

AMBO will hit the ground running, picking up a job he has long prepared for, adding immensely to the prosperity of the people.

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) officially launched its sixth season at the SunBet Arena in South Africa, buoyed by a record-breaking roster of 15 marketing and merchandising partners and a global broadcast reach spanning over 200 countries.

The 2026 season opener in Pretoria marks a significant milestone for the league, which has expanded its commercial appeal by welcoming five new high-profile partners: Amazon Web Services (AWS), FLEXX, PUMA, Qatar Foundation, and South African Tourism.

The influx of new sponsors joins a stable of returning foundational and official partners, including the Rwanda Development Board, Wilson, and Afreximbank. BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall noted that the diverse partnership roster reflects the ‘sustained growth and momentum’ of the African sports industry.

‘We look forward to working with these amazing companies to engage BAL fans across the continent and around the world in new and creative ways,’ Fall said.

The partnerships extend beyond simple branding, focusing heavily on infrastructure and community development as PUMA assumes the role of Official Outfitter, supplying all team uniforms and referee apparel.

While AWS will serve as the Official Technology Provider, integrating cloud AI and machine learning into the league’s operations, Afreximbank continues its support of the ‘BAL4HER’ and ‘BAL Future Pros’ programs, aimed at developing young professional talent in the sports sector.

Wilson returns as a Foundational Partner and Official Game Ball Partner of the BAL

The 2026 season is set to be the league’s most accessible yet. Games will be broadcast across all 54 African countries via partners such as Canal+, RTS, and TV5 Monde. Internationally, fans can tune in through NBA TV, the NBA App, and various FAST channels in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

The season structure for 2026 features a 42-game schedule. The Sahara Conference holds between April 24 and May 3 in Rabat, Morocco.

The Kalahari Conference group phase which started yesterday continues through April 5, featuring 12 club teams from 12 different African nations competing for a spot in the May playoffs. The Playoffs and Final is slated for May 22 to May 31 in Kigali, Rwanda.

It was a solemn occasion meant to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of one of Africa’s brightest leaders, the late Gen. Murtala Ramat Mohammed, who was murdered in a bloody coup led by Lt. Col. Bukar Suka Dimka.

Gathered at the venue were prominent African leaders, including Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former President Goodluck Jonathan, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to mention a few.

Discussions at the venue had centred on African leadership, and those present had taken turns to discuss the dynamic example provided by the late Gen. Mohammed in the six-month period he held sway as Head of State.

Of particular concern, however, was the failure of successive African leaders to provide Mohammed’s kind of leadership for their citizens. So, when it was his time to speak, it was vintage Jonathan, then 67-year-old, who got up to deliver his antidote to Africa’s leadership crisis, arguing vehemently that the way out of the quagmire was to ensure that Africa is led by leaders whose age is not more than 70.

Leaders below the age bracket, he argued, were guaranteed to be more dynamic than others above it. Unknown to him, he had just handed the Akume, the oil with which he would be roasted.

So, when it was his turn to speak, the SGF got up with his usually graceful mien and began to extol Mohammed’s leadership qualities. And while the audience was captivated by his imaginatively packaged and arrestingly delivered speech, Akume dropped a bombshell that hit Jonathan right below the belt.

He began on a note of agreement that African leaders could, indeed, draw serious inspiration from Mohammed’s leadership style. Then he delivered the sucker punch: ‘Because of Murtala, they say younger people are better. But we had a president who was not 70 when he became president, and there was a serious challenge: hundreds of students were abducted from a secondary school.

‘But even when security reports indicated where the abducted students were, the government of the day lived in denial. So, when great action was needed, the government was indecisive.

‘All we were hearing was ‘There is God o’. That was not a question of age; it was a question of capacity.’

Pin-drop silence fell on the audience as Akume’s words sank in like dry Harmattan air. But he proceeded by adding that now, under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, actions are prompt, kidnapped people are rescued, decisions are taken, and people can tell the difference between then and now.

Obasanjo wriggled in his seat in obvious discomfiture as Akume delivered his punches. And when the time came for group photographs, Jonathan reportedly nudged Akume and jokingly told the SGF that his punch hit him below the belt.

Music producer and entrepreneur, Mansa Jabulani, has taken a bold step towards reshaping the independent music landscape with the launch of his digital distribution company, Music Distro Entertainment Global Ltd (MDEG).

Jabulani, whose real name is Damilola G. Alonge, is widely recognised for his work as a mix and mastering engineer, as well as his growing influence behind the scenes in the Nigerian music industry. With over a decade of experience, he is now channeling his expertise into building a platform aimed at helping independent artists gain global visibility.

Speaking on the motivation behind the initiative, Jabulani noted that many artists struggle with navigating distribution channels, revenue structures and audience reach.

‘Music is universal, but reaching the right audience isn’t always simple. A lot of creators face fragmented platforms and unfair revenue systems. With MDEG, we are providing the tools and structure for artists to grow sustainably,’ he said.

The platform offers global distribution services across major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music, while also focusing on playlist curation, publishing administration and performance analytics.

Jabulani, who featured on Omo Ologo by Seyi Vibez, said his experience working on commercially successful projects exposed the challenges artistes face beyond music production.

‘It became clear that talent alone wasn’t enough. Many artistes spend more time trying to understand distribution and royalties than focusing on their craft. That gap is what inspired MDEG,’ he added.

According to him, the company adopts a ‘quality-driven distribution’ model that combines technology with human oversight, ensuring that songs are strategically positioned to reach the right audience.

Since its launch, MDEG has worked with a growing number of independent artistes, distributing music across international markets and curating playlists designed to boost engagement and discoverability.

Jabulani maintained that the platform is not structured like a traditional record label, as artistes retain full ownership of their work while benefiting from professional support systems.

‘We are not here to take ownership. We are here to empower creators with the infrastructure and transparency they need to succeed,’ he said.

Looking ahead, the music entrepreneur revealed plans to expand the platform’s capabilities with more advanced tools and global partnerships, positioning MDEG as a key player in the evolving digital music ecosystem.a

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and NKENNEAi, a pioneer in African linguistic intelligence recently convened a strategic session with the aim to solidify a partnership poised to revolutionize the integration of African dialects within the global AI landscape.

The collaboration focuses on building scalable translation and language technologies capable of supporting: Government services (multilingual citizen interfaces), Healthcare systems (patient communication in local languages), Financial platforms (banking in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo), Digital applications (chatbots, voice assistants, customer service), The challenge is real: Nigeria has over 500 languages. Traditional AI models-trained primarily on English, Mandarin, Spanish-struggle with tonal African languages where a single word’s meaning shifts based on pitch, context, and cultural nuance. Google Translate works for Swahili basics. It fails spectacularly for Yoruba idioms or Igbo proverbs.

Director of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), Dr. Bunmi Ajala, outlined NITDA’s ambitious goals during the engagement: 70% digital literacy by 2027, Strong AI talent pipeline, AI integrated into public service delivery, High-performance infrastructure (GPUs, TPUs, GovNet initiative).

Furthermore, Michael Odokara-Okigbo, CEO of NKENNEAi, believes the partnership validates a dreams since 2020 that African languages aren’t just worth preserving but worth building AI infrastructure around.

‘NKENNE started as a cultural mission to help preserve and teach African languages,’ Odokara-Okigbo said. ‘As our community grew to hundreds of thousands of learners, we realized the data and linguistic insights we were building could power something far bigger. NKENNEAi is about building the infrastructure that allows African languages to exist, scale, and thrive inside artificial intelligence systems.’

The project represents a shift from theoretical goals to operational deployment. If successful, it would establish Nigeria as the first African nation to maintain indigenous AI infrastructure tailored to its specific linguistic requirements, rather than relying on adapted Western models.

Odokara-Okigbo built NKENNE (which means ‘of the mother’ in Igbo). A community based language learning platform focused on African languages. Not Duolingo with Swahili added as an afterthought. A platform designed specifically for the tonal, contextual, and culturally rich nature of African languages. Today, NKENNE teaches Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa (Nigeria’s three major languages), Swahili (East Africa), Twi (Ghana), Somali (Somalia), Nigerian Pidgin (Nigeria’s most widely spoken language) and more than 13 other African languages.

The maiden edition of the Black Merit Awards is set to hold tomorrow, Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the Shell Zenith Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

According to a statement by the Creative Director and Founder of the awards, Mrs Oluwatoyin Black, the Black Merit Awards is a prestigious annual event aimed at celebrating outstanding individuals of African descent who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and impact across various fields.

Black noted that the awardees cut across sectors, from the arts to enterprise, science to social advocacy, adding that the initiative is designed to spotlight Black excellence and amplify voices shaping the future.

She revealed that some of the honourees include the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who will receive the Black Merit Grand Medal Distinguished Leader Award; veteran actor, Alhaji Adebayo Salami, as an Iconic Legend; and Daddy Showkey as the Street Music Icon.

Other awardees include Yemi Solade, Mercy Aigbe, Ruggedman, and Obesere, among others.

‘The awards are about celebrating our stories, honouring our greatness, and inspiring future generations.

‘It is also designed to showcase excellence in leadership, recognise visionaries transforming industries and communities, highlight creative innovation by artists pushing boundaries, and celebrate change makers building a more equitable world, as well as rising stars making early impact and icons whose enduring contributions continue to inspire,’ she said.

Black further stated that the platform aims to bridge continents by bringing global attention to Black excellence across Africa and the diaspora.

‘Whether in Lagos, London, Atlanta, or Accra, the Black Merit Awards serve as a beacon of celebration.

‘Representation is not just visibility; it is validation. By recognising those who dare to lead, create, and uplift, the awards foster pride, motivation, and cultural preservation.

‘Our goal is to celebrate excellence globally by honouring individuals, organisations, and initiatives that authentically represent and shape the narrative of the Black experience across the world,’ she added.

The member representing Ekiti North Federal Constituency II in the House of Representatives, Akinlayo Kolawole, has said that he has attracted projects worth over N1 billion to his people since he was inaugurated in 2023.

He, however, dismissed speculations that federal lawmakers collect huge sums of money as constituency allowances.

He explained that lawmakers are only allowed to nominate projects that will be sited in their constituency, adding that he has attracted projects worth N1bn to his people to bring a facelift and development of Ekiti State in the last three years.

A statement issued by his media office stated that the APC lawmaker had offered quality representation and provided succour for his constituents in infrastructure, education and employment generations.

The federal lawmaker also said that he has effectively collaborated with Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration to uplift the standards of living of Ekiti residents.

He said his approach to governance is focused on tangible impact, rather than political patronage, adding that ‘although a total sum of ?200m was allocated as constituency project funds, we have been able to facilitate projects worth over ?1bn through a combination of federal interventions, capital projects, and partnerships with agencies such as the World Bank. This is to complement what our beloved governor is doing.

‘There is no constituency allowance as often misconstrued. What we have are constituency projects and zonal interventions, and I have maximised these opportunities for the benefit of my people,’ he said.

Speaking of his achievements in the area of infrastructure, Akinlayo cited road projects, including the Osan-Ora boundary road and several other interventions aimed at improving access and connectivity within rural communities. He also acknowledged that the Ikosu-Erinmope Road was executed by the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

He said the health sector has received a significant boost, with the remodelling of general hospitals in Iye and Otun-Ekiti, alongside the renovation of health centres in Eda-Oniyo, Ikosun and other communities, and modern equipment has been procured to enhance service delivery in those health facilities.

He disclosed that solar street lights have been installed across parts of the constituency to boost security, while transformers have been provided to boost the electricity supply.

‘To enhance security, fencing was carried out to ensure the safety of pupils under the administration of Governor Oyebanji. Beyond infrastructure, over 750 students have benefitted from scholarships and financial support, while books and learning materials have been distributed to schools’.

The lawmaker also emphasised his commitment to human capital development, noting that skill acquisition programmes and training initiatives have been introduced to empower youths and women, with employment opportunities facilitated for constituents.

On employment, Akinlayo said over 30 individuals have been engaged in various roles, including recent placements for five beneficiaries. He added that coordinators have been appointed in each community to monitor projects and ensure accountability.

He also disclosed that he had sponsored bills to establish a Federal School of Nursing and Midwifery to support the Federal Teaching Hospital in Ido Ekiti.

He further pledged his loyalty to the ruling party and expressed confidence in securing the party’s ticket ahead of future elections. He stated his preference for direct primaries, describing consensus arrangements as often favouring weaker candidates.

Ten states are participating in the ongoing National Darts Trial Competition aimed at ranking players and selecting the best talents for a national camp.

The Darts National Competition holding in Ikeja Club, Lagos, rounds off Saturday.

The states include Abia, Kwara, Imo, Delta, Bayelsa, Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Rivers and Edo, with each state represented by two teams – the Police team and an Academy side.

A total of 62 players are taking part in the competition, made up of 38 males and 24 females, with selections determined through a chart system progressing from the quarter-finals to the semi-finals.

The competition is played using the 501 format, where the first player to reduce their score to zero emerges the winner.

In the men’s category, players who progressed to the quarter-finals include Pius Israel (Delta), Evans Oninikpo (Abia), Amadon Denyefa (Edo), Miracle Nwakobi(Abia), Lawal Sunday(Rivers), Mohammed Abdurauf(Edo), Jacob Chinecherem (Abia) and Nnamdi Ukaegbu (Abia).

In the women’s category, Conscience Ikponwobsa(Edo), Adodo Victoria (Police), Mayowa Ogunremi(Police), Favour Okehie (Imo), Bukola Hussein (Kwara), Grace Williams (Police), Felicia Idu (Bayelsa) and Osasu Ogbomwan (Edo) also made it to the quarter-finals.

Results from the quarter-final matches in the women’s category saw Adodo defeat Conscience 3-0, Favour beat Mayowa 3-0, and Grace overcame Bukola 3-1, while Felicia narrowly edged Osasu 3-2.

In the men’s category, Pius defeated Evans 3-0 and Amadon overcame Miracle 3-0, while Lawal beat Mohammed 3-1 and Nnamdi saw off Jacob 3-0.

The grand finale will hold on Saturday, with the semi-finalists battling for the title of the best darts player in the country.

A late-night fire outbreak has destroyed a popular timber market in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, leaving goods and property worth millions of naira in ruins.

The incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on March 27, 2026, at the timber market located beside the Police Barracks in Akim.

Preliminary reports suggested the fire may have been triggered by a spark from the public power supply within the market. Eyewitnesses, however, said the flames intensified because diesel was stored in one of the shops.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Cross River State Police Command, Sunday Eitokpah, said a coordinated emergency response was immediately activated.

According to him, police patrol and tactical teams were swiftly deployed to the scene, with the operation personally supervised by the Commissioner of Police, Rashid B Afegbua.

He added that the combined efforts of the police, the Cross River State Fire Service, and the University of Calabar Fire Service helped contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading to the nearby Police Barracks.

The fire was eventually brought under control at about 1:55 a.m. on March 28. No casualties were recorded, although extensive damage was done to timber and other materials.

Eitokpah said investigations into the cause of the fire have commenced and urged residents to adhere strictly to fire safety measures, particularly in markets and other public places.

The incident is reported to be one of the most severe in the state this year, coming days after a gas explosion destroyed a filling station in Calabar South.

An eyewitness, Tony Oyom, expressed concern over the state’s firefighting capacity, calling for improved emergency response systems to mitigate future incidents.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has reaffirmed the union’s commitment to empowering women journalists, as she called for greater inclusivity and professionalism in the media space.

Comrade Ike made this known at a capacity-building training organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, in partnership with the German Embassy, to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day in Abuja.

Represented by the Treasurer of the Council, Comrade Sandra Chukwugekwu, the NUJ Chairman described the theme of the training, ‘Empowering Women Journalists for Democratic Governance and Social Change,’ as both timely and necessary.

‘It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of pride that I welcome you all to this important event,’ she said. ‘Women journalists continue to play a critical role in shaping narratives, holding leaders accountable, and amplifying the voices of the underserved.’

She, however, acknowledged the persistent challenges facing women in the media, including gender bias, limited leadership opportunities, and safety concerns in the field.

‘This is why gatherings like this are so important. They provide not just a platform for learning, but a space for reflection, growth, and solidarity,’ she added.

Comrade Ike reaffirmed the NUJ FCT Council’s dedication to promoting professionalism and inclusivity, particularly through capacity-building initiatives targeted at women journalists.

She also commended the leadership of NAWOJ FCT, led by Chairperson Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, for organising the training, and appreciated the German Embassy for its continued support towards media development and gender empowerment.

‘This collaboration is a strong reminder that when institutions work together, the impact is deeper and more sustainable,’ she noted.

Earlier, the Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, said the training was designed to equip female journalists with essential skills in investigative reporting, ethical journalism, gender-sensitive storytelling, and leadership.

‘At a time when the media plays a pivotal role in shaping public discourse, it is essential that women journalists are not only visible but empowered to influence narratives and promote accountability,’ Ikpang stated.

She described the initiative as a deliberate effort to build a strong and resilient network of women journalists capable of driving social change.

Representing the German Embassy, Spokesperson Mr. Felix Haala said the partnership was aimed at strengthening the capacity of female journalists and amplifying their voices in Nigeria’s media landscape.

‘Nigeria has a large media landscape with many talented women journalists. Strengthening their capacity and networks will ensure their voices are heard. Without female journalists, there is no development,’ he said.

In a keynote address, NAWOJ National President, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, urged participants to go beyond storytelling and become advocates for truth and drivers of societal transformation.

She described the collaboration between NAWOJ and the German Embassy as commendable, noting that the national body would continue to support initiatives that promote women’s development.

Delivering a lecture, CEO of Valor Communications, Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe, emphasised the importance of investigative journalism and fact-checking in combating misinformation.

‘No matter the pressure, the golden rule remains: when in doubt, leave it out,’ he advised.

Also speaking, former NAWOJ National President, Comrade Ladi Bala, encouraged participants to embrace gender-sensitive reporting and support one another in leadership roles.

She noted that women remain underrepresented in media narratives and called for more inclusive reporting.

‘The issue of justice, rights, and action is needed in the media space. Women are still grossly marginalised in the pattern of our reportage,’ she said.

Participants at the training described the programme as insightful and impactful, expressing confidence that the knowledge gained would enhance their professional practice and storytelling.