Category: Auto Guid

The 2025/2026 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership kicked off with a flurry of goals, dramatic finishes and spirited comebacks as matchday one delivered entertainment across all centres.

In Yenagoa, Bayelsa Queens edged Edo Queens 3-2 in a gripping South-South derby decided by a last-gasp penalty.

Edo Queens struck first through Rebecca Adegbemile (23′), but Bayelsa responded with goals from Kindness Ifeanyi (45′) and Janet Akekoromowei (48′) to flip the contest.

Edo Queens fought back, with Robiat Taofeeq (85′) making it 2-2. Just when the visitors thought they had secured a point, Bayelsa Queens won a stoppage-time penalty, coolly dispatched by Blessing Illvieda (90+7′) to seal a dramatic home victory.

In Owerri, Heartland Queens recovered from an early setback to down Ekiti Queens 2-1 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.

An early concession rattled the hosts, but they levelled through Chizoba Johnson’s 13th-minute penalty before grabbing the decisive winner in the second half to complete a determined comeback.

In Lagos, Dannaz Ladies claimed a pulsating 3-2 win over Osun Babes. With the match locked at 2-2 deep into stoppage time, Nofisat Ayegbami (90+6′) struck a dramatic winner to ignite celebrations.

In Lafia, Nasarawa Amazons produced a strong performance to beat Delta Queens 2-1. Delta took an early lead through Nora Davies (4′), but the Amazons responded through Imoh Jones (40′) before Hembanfan Ayatse (45′) completed the turnaround just before halftime.

Adamawa Queens opened their campaign with a solid 2-0 win over Pacesetter Queens. Goals from Ifeoma Damian (37′) and Mary Sunday (66′) secured all three points in Makwada.

The only away win of the day came in Akure, where FC Robo Queens defeated Sunshine Queens 1-0, courtesy of Marvellous Oladunni (45′).

Three matches ended with shared spoils: Confluence Queens 2-2 Abia Angels, Naija Ratels 0-0 Ibom Angels and Ahudiyannem Queens 0-0 Remo Stars Ladies.

With late winners, penalties, comebacks, and away successes, the opening day of the NWFL Premiership set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable season.

In a determined effort to stem the tide of drug and substance abuse among students and youths in Calabar, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in strategic partnership with Devongnosis Education Ltd, has intensified its commitment by organizing a high-impact sensitization rally across Calabar state.

This initiative is in commemoration with the International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, underscoring the urgency and global significance of the fight against substance abuse.

The comprehensive campaign aims not only to raise awareness but also to instill lasting behavioral change and resilience among young people who remain vulnerable to the pervasive influence of drugs.

The rally, themed; ‘The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention, Break the Chain, Say No to Drug Abuse,’ brought together stakeholders from across the community, including the NDDC Calabar state office led by the state Director, Chief Daniel Ajunwa PhD, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), NYSC members, the Police amongst others.

The march covered key strategic locations, including Mary Slessor Road, Calabar Technical College, General Hospital, and the University of Calabar, ensuring that the message reached a broad and diverse audience. Participants actively engaged in distributing educational materials, including colorful banners, informative flyers, T-shirts, and caps, all designed to reinforce the campaign’s anti-drug message.

Beyond the rally, the campaign incorporated vital health talks and counseling sessions aimed at equipping students with factual knowledge and practical tools to resist peer pressure and avoid drug experimentation. Several secondary schools, including Government Secondary School State Housing, West African People’s Institute (WAPI), Government Girls Secondary School Big-Qua, Government Secondary School Barrack Road, and Government Secondary School Akim-IBB way, among others, embraced the campaign, demonstrating a united front against substance abuse.

The event garnered robust participation from students, NDDC staff, youth corps members, security agencies, and community leaders, highlighting the collective responsibility and collaborative spirit needed to address this societal menace.

The Director Calabar state office, Chief Daniel Ajunwa, along with coordinators from Devongnosis Education Ltd, addressed the audience with compelling insights into the dangers of drug abuse, emphasizing its detrimental effects on mental health, academic achievement, and overall well-being.

‘It is deeply alarming to witness the rising cases of substance abuse among adolescents. This not only undermines their mental and physical health but also jeopardizes their academic futures and societal contributions,’ the speakers cautioned.

They strongly advocated for early prevention education as a frontline defense, urging students to embrace drug-free lifestyles and become champions of positive change in their communities.

The speakers further underscored that drug abuse is not merely an individual problem but a wider social challenge fueled by a network ranging from cultivators to traffickers, hence the necessity for a comprehensive, community-wide response. They encouraged vigilance, awareness of drug abuse indicators, and a collective commitment to breaking the cycle.

School representatives expressed deep appreciation to the NDDC and Devongnosis Education Ltd for spearheading such a transformative initiative. They lauded the campaign’s role in empowering young people to make informed decisions and resist negative peer influences.

This landmark event embodies a significant stride towards fostering sustained community engagement, enhancing drug prevention education, and ultimately promoting a healthier, drug-free generation.

The partnership between the NDDC and Devongnosis Education Ltd has set a powerful example of how strategic collaboration can empower youths with the knowledge and resilience they need to flourish without reliance on harmful substances.

Moving forward, this campaign lays the groundwork for ongoing initiatives aimed at nurturing a safer, stronger, and more enlightened youth populace across Calabar and beyond, demonstrating a resolute stand against the scourge of drug abuse in the Niger Delta region.

The Indian city of Ahmedabad will stage the 2030 multi-sport Commonwealth Games 100 years after the inaugural edition was held in Hamilton, Canada, organisers have confirmed.

The choice of Ahmedabad, also known as Amdavad, was ratified by the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow following a recommendation from the executive board.

India has its eyes on a bigger prize, having submitted a formal letter of intent last year to the International Olympic Committee to host the 2036 Summer Olympics.

‘We are deeply honoured by the trust shown by Commonwealth Sport,’ said Dr PT Usha, president of the Commonwealth Games Association of India.

‘The 2030 Games will not only celebrate 100 years of the Commonwealth movement but also lay the foundation for the next century. It will bring together athletes, communities and cultures from across the Commonwealth in a spirit of friendship and progress.’

Ahmedabad is the key city in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state of Gujarat, home to a 130,000-seater arena which is the world’s biggest cricket stadium. The venue is named after the Indian premier.

Modi said he was ‘delighted’ and that India looks ‘forward to welcoming the world’.

The executive board announced in October that Ahmedabad was its preferred choice following a rival bid from Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.

Ahmedabad is the second Indian city to stage the Commonwealth Games, following Delhi in 2010, which was meant to showcase India’s status as an emerging global power.

However, they were marred instead by construction delays, budget overruns and corruption allegations that saw the head of the organising committee jailed.

The future existence of the event was in doubt last year when the movement struggled to find a replacement host for 2026 after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew for cost reasons.

Daniel Andrews, the then premier of Victoria, said two years ago that an initial estimate of Aus $2 billion (US $1.29 billion) needed to hold the Games would more likely be around Aus $7 billion, which he called ‘well and truly too much’.

The Scottish city of Glasgow stepped in and will stage a slimmed-down version of the multi-sport format, meaning that Britain will have hosted two editions in a row, after Birmingham in 2022.

In an age of increasing continental, regional and world championships across numerous sports, there have long been questions about the relevance of the Commonwealth Games, an event restricted to an international association where the vast majority of competing countries were once territories of the British Empire.

But Dr Donald Rukare, president of Commonwealth Sport, said on Wednesday: ‘India brings scale, youth, ambition, rich culture, enormous sporting passion and relevance, and I’m delighted to report strong interest from a range of nations to host the 2034 Games and beyond.

‘We start our next century for the Commonwealth Games in good health.’

Commonwealth Sport added between 15 to 17 sports will feature at the 2030 Games, which follows a programme review.

Athletics and para-athletics, swimming and para-Swimming, table tennis and para table tennis, bowls and para bowls, weightlifting and para powerlifting, artistic gymnastics, netball and boxing have all been included.

The remainder of the programme is set to be finalised, with Ahmedabad able to either propose up to two new or ‘traditional’ sports.

Among those under consideration are T20 cricket, hockey, wrestling, badminton archery, rugby sevens, 3×3 basketball, cycling and diving.

A successful Commonwealth Games would strengthen any bid by India, the world’s most populous nation, to stage an Olympic Games, with the next two Summer editions set for Los Angeles (2028) and the Australian city of Brisbane (2032).

The wife of Kebbi State Governor Hajiya Zainab Idris has urged parents not to withdraw their children reunited with them yesterday after nine days in captivity from school.

She spoke during the reunification of parents and pupils at the Government House in Birnin-Kebbi.

She expressed happiness that none of the girls was violated by their abductors during the traumatic days.

She added that the 24 girl had been taken to the hospital for medical checkup.

‘You must not deny them education because of this incident. They must go back. Government is already putting in place necessary measures for their safety,’ she said.

Governor Nasir Idris said the abduction of the Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School Maga caused their parents, the people of the state and his government sleepless nights.

‘Since the pupils were taken by the bandits about nine days ago, the parents had been traumatised, but we thank God that it didn’t take long before the security personnel deployed to search for them were able to rescue them,’ he said.

They were brought to Birnin-Kebbi, the state capital, on Tuesday night from Bagega forest in Anka local government area of Zamfara State, where the abductors kept them.

The schoolgirls were then handed over to their parents by the governor.

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Halimatu Bande, said the period of the girls’ captivity was a trying period for the state.

‘We thank those who stood with us through this period and the security personnel who helped to rescue our girls,’ she said.

Champions Safety Babes took another step towards the defence of their title by whipping Ekiti Queens 49-22 on Matchday 2 of the ongoing 2025 Ardova Handball Premier League Second Phase tournament in Lagos.

The champions, who had defeated River Queens 40-27 on Tuesday, dominated the Ekiti team and made sure of victory with a commanding display.

The Ekiti girls who had beaten Defender Babes 35-27 on Tuesday could not keep up with the pace of the champions.

In some other games in the female category, Rima Queens defeated Rivers, while Defender Babes lost to

Omo Ogiefo Academy 29-22.

In the men’s category, COAS Shooters defeated Lagos Seasiders 36-28, while De Defenders lost to Rima Strikers 28-19. Also, Niger United walked over Adamawa Warriors to earn three points and 10 goals.

Niger United Coach, Adebayo Yekini, said that the league has become competitive so much that that is little between the top teams and others.

He said: ‘The league has become very competitive and all the team are putting in their best to win games. You can see that even the ones who lose games are putting in their best.’

The Ardova Handball Premier League Phase 2 enters Matchday 3 today at Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba, Lagos and all matches will be played there till November 30 before matches resume at the NIS Indoor Sports Hall.

The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) yesterday pleaded with the Federal Government to explore every means to curb insecurity.

Its President, Archishop Danial Okoh, made the plea at the opening ceremony of the 32nd Triennial General Assembly of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Wuse II, Abuja.

Speaking on the Assembly’s theme: ‘Demand for Justice and Righteousness,’ Rev Okoh said the current security situation threatens the nation’s soul and places fresh moral demands on the government.

He said: ‘The government has a constitutional, moral, and sacred responsibility to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians; without discrimination, without delay, and without excuses’.

The CAN President urged the CCN to continue standing with CAN in pushing for stronger national action, adding that the church must remain firm and consistent in demanding justice for affected communities.

Governor Dauda Lawal has approved full scholarships for all qualified Zamfara indigenes who want to pursue health-related courses at Igbinedion University, Benin City, Edo State.

This was revealed in a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of Zamfara State Scholarship Board, Professor Rasheedah Liman, on Tuesday.

The statement said, ‘We are pleased to inform the general public that Zamfara State students interested in studying health-related courses have been given full scholarships at Igbinedion University, Benin City, Edo State.

‘The students were interviewed and screened successfully and sent to the university to commence their studies.’

She said the ‘students are fully sponsored by the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Dr Dauda Lawal.’

Professor Liman commended Governor Lawal for creating the educational opportunity for the deserving students.

Earlier, Governor Lawal had offered full scholarships to all Zamfara State indigenes pursuing courses at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.

He also paid for all the outstanding school fees and tuition for the state students studying various courses in Indian universities.

Governor Lawal, upon assuming office in May 2023, declared an emergency rule in education.

He vowed to overhaul the decayed sector for the overall well-being of the state by rebuilding infrastructure, payment of WAEC/NECO filing debts, improving teachers’ welfare and training and creating an enabling environment for learning across the state.

Prominent Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State and former Commissioner of Finance, Olorogun Bernard Okumagba has described the 2026 budget proposals presented by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as bold, promising and designed to unlock the growth potential of Delta State.

In a statement where he reviewed the highlights, Okumagba said he was delighted at the continued dedicated funding of infrastructure in the state, noting that under the Oborevwori administration, capital projects at 70 percent continue to take a huge chunk of budget allocation.

In his words: ‘The allocation of 70 percent of the ?1.664 trillion Appropriation Bill to capital expenditure indicates continued commitment to fund the infrastructure developments currently underway in Delta State. The impact on economic activities in the state will evidently be huge, especially as these projects are delivered from 2026. Governor Oborevwor’s focus on delivering comprehensively on the MORE Agenda will definitely improve on the economy of the state and impact lives.

‘ Also commendable is the allocation to agriculture, a sector where the state has massive potential. The increased allocations to the economic and social sectors will undoubtedly drive more growth and development in Delta State.’

The 2026 budget proposal of ?1.664 trillion is an increase of ?685 billion or 70 percent over that of 2025. Commenting on the ongoing development projects in the state, Okumagba said with the projects including the flyovers in Asaba, Agbor, Ughelli and Effurun; drainage systems in Warri-Uvwie and Asaba; and road rehabilitation across the state; ‘Gov Oborevwori is capturing critical needs in the state at this time.’

Okumagba also commended the allocations to education and health. Other areas that attracted the attention of Olorogun Okumagba include the social intervention program D-Cares under which 307,600 beneficiaries and 10,000 widows will receive monthly stipends and free health insurance.

On security, which had been a knotty issue in recent years, Okumagba commended the launch of a security trust fund and increased allocation to the sector which will provide for drone surveillance, border control, support for security services and strengthening vigilante networks. If followed through, Okumagba says, it should address the pockets of insecurity that need to be taken care of.

Okumagba urged Gov Oborevwori to stay the course which he has charted since his election in 2023, noting that ‘In two years the impact of the administration is unfolding brightly.’ He commended the governor’s vision to ‘build the Delta State of our dreams where no one is left behind.’

The Zamfara Government has reiterated its commitment to promote peace building and conflict resolution and commended partners and Civil Society Organisations support towards achieving sustainable peace in the state.

The state Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, gave the commitment in Gusau on Tuesday while declaring a one-day meeting on ‘Empowering Community Security (ECOS) Early Programme for Katsina and Zamfara’.

The meeting was organised by the Civil Society Organisation, Voluntary Aid Initiative (VAI), in partnership with NEEM Foundation.

The meeting was organised under a project ‘Empowering Community Security (ECOS)’, on Regional Early Warning -Early Response (EWER).

The meeting was attended by traditional and religious leaders, members of the Community Peace Committees, farmers, herders, CSOs, religious organisations, and other relevant stakeholders from Katsina State and Zamfara.

The deputy governor described the meeting as one of the key achievements of the ECOS project in both Katsina and Zamfara.

‘This is timely, considering the needs and importance of peace and stability to society.

‘This aligns with the state government’s commitment under Gov. Dauda Lawal’s administration to promote peacebuilding, community dialogue, and conflict resolution and to ensure sustainable peace and stability among communities in the state.

‘As we all know, Gov. Lawal was fully prepared and committed to continue partnership with local, national, and international NGOs to promote peace, stability, and general development of Zamfara.

‘On behalf of the state government, I would like to commend VAI and NEEM Foundation for their contribution to peacebuilding in the state.

‘This initiative is not only timely but commendable considering the choice of the time and the target stakeholders from the two states currently affected by insecurity,’ Mummuni said.

In their separate remarks, the Emirs of Gusau, Abdulqadir Ibrahim-Bello and Kaura Namoda, Dr Sanusi Muhammad, assured the commitment of traditional institutions in the state to continue supporting projects for peace building.

The Salvation Army Church has resolved to hand over its school, Salvation Army Secondary School -SASSCO-, Akai Ubuim, to the Akwa Ibom State Government.

The decision followed an appeal by the school’s Old Students Association during its reunion night, which held last week.

The President of the Alumni Association, Chief Joseph Udoeshiet, lamented the dilapidated condition of the school, which he described as a former pride and a training ground for men and women of calibre.

He urged members of the association to support efforts to revive the institution.

Territorial Commander of the Salvation Army, Lt. Col Sunday Ayanam, expressed appreciation to the old students.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, the Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, who is also an alumnus of the school promised to convey the development to the governor and commended the organizers of the reunion for hosting an the event that reunited old classmates after many years.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to Eno; the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, who is also an alumnus; and other distinguished old students.