Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairman, Jubril Yisa, has performed the groundbreaking for the construction of a Town Hall at Igbo-Elerin.

Jubril, represented by Vice Chairman, Ayodele Samuel, described the project as historic, stressing that it would serve as a symbol of unity, progress, and shared vision for the people of Iba LCDA.

He noted that the Town Hall had long been a dream of the community, which would now become a reality.

According to him, the facility will serve as a hub for civic engagement, cultural expression, youth empowerment, and developmental dialogue.

‘It will be more than just a building; it will be the beating heart of our Local Council Development Area,’ he said.

The council boss emphasized that development does not happen by chance but through intentional planning, collaboration, and commitment.

He lauded the contributions of traditional institutions, and community stakeholders, acknowledging their role in making the project possible.

Yisa also called on youths to see the project as a beacon of hope and an avenue to express their ideas, showcase talents, and shape their future.

He added that the Town Hall would also serve as a legacy for elders and a platform for intergenerational dialogue.

He said: ‘This is only the beginning. The responsibility of nurturing and protecting this dream rests on all of us. Together, let us ensure that this Town Hall becomes a space of peace, progress, and people-centered development.’

He expressed optimism that the project would be completed successfully and stand as a testimony of unity and determination in the community.

Nigeria’s Flamingos will slug it out with New Zealand and Paraguay in test games on October 10th and 14th barely two days after landing in Casablanca ahead of the FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup I Morocco.

The Flamingos expectedly departed Abuja in the early hours of today aboard Royal Air Maroc, as they begin the final phase of their preparations for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The team is scheduled to arrive in Morocco’s industrial and economic capital, Casablanca where they will settle into camp before heading to Rabat for the tournament proper.

The team will then move into the official FIFA hotel in Rabat on October 15, where all participating teams will be housed for the competition.

The Flamingos have been drawn in Group D, alongside Canada, France, and Samoa. Nigeria will kick off their campaign against Canada on Sunday, October 19, before facing France three days later – both matches scheduled for 8 pm Nigerian time at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 2) and Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 1) in the city of Sale.

Their final group stage encounter will be against Samoa on October 25, with kickoff set for 5 pm. at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 3) still in Sale.

Head Coach Bankole Olowookere’s side head into the tournament full of confidence, having played 10 tune-up matches, scoring an impressive 44 goals without conceding any. Their dominant form in camp so far, coupled with a well-balanced squad, underscores their determination to go one step further than their quarter-final finish at the last edition in the Dominican Republic.

Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr. Abisoye Fagade, has commended the commitment of stakeholders in the Travel, Tourism, Hospitality and Allied Trades sector to skills development and capacity building initiatives. He pledged his agency’s readiness, as the national Sector Skills Council, to champion initiatives that professionalize the sector and raise industry standards.

Dr. Fagade reiterated the critical importance of skills acquisition over reliance on academic paper qualifications, particularly in the travel, tourism, and hospitality value chain. Equipping young people with employable skills, he noted, is key to diverting them from social vices, strengthening national security, and addressing pressing challenges such as unemployment, poverty, social instability, and insecurity.

A further boost to the skills agenda came with the circular issued by the Head of Service of the Federation last year, which conveyed the approval by the National Council on Establishment for the inclusion of National Skills Qualification (NSQ) Levels in the Scheme of Service across all public service sectors.

This policy recognises that persons trained in any skill area, with qualifications from Levels 1-6, are employable and can be placed on salary grades corresponding to their certified competencies.

Explaining the framework, the DG highlighted that the NSQF is anchored on National Occupational Standards (NOS), statements of competence and performance required in specific job roles, alongside the necessary underpinning knowledge.

This, he noted, reinforces the vital role of the Sector Skills Council (SSC) and Awarding Bodies (ABs) in workforce development for travel, tourism, hospitality, and allied trades. Established in 2015, the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSSON), coordinated by NIHOTOUR, is mandated to engage employers and industry stakeholders to identify skills gaps, develop, validate, and implement NOS nationwide.

The DG disclosed that 12 key areas have been identified and their NOS developed and approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for the sector. These, he added, include: Airport and Passenger Service Operations, Event Handling Operations Food Preparation, Packaging, and Dispatch, Food and Beverage Production, Food Safety Services, Food and Beverage Service, Front Office Operations, Housekeeping Operations, Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Operations, Tour Operations, Travel Agency Operations, Travel and Tourism Advisory Services.

These NOS, according to him, are subsequently developed into National Skills Qualifications by the designated Sectoral Awarding Body.

NIHOTOUR boss stressed that the functionality of the SSC relies on strong collaboration between the NBTE, which approves the NOS, and the Awarding Body, which develops qualifications for nationwide implementation.

‘The entire system is designed to give trainees access to knowledge-based, practical skills and workplace ethics rooted in established occupational standards,’ he noted.

Awarding dodies, he added, go beyond issuing certificates, they are custodians of quality assurance and industry relevance. They set and enforce standards across training institutions, thereby safeguarding educational integrity and ensuring qualifications meet labour market demands.

To enhance effectiveness, Fagade outlined that the ‘SSC must be strengthened through strong institutional support, robust industry linkages, up-to-date skills standards, continuous capacity building, effective advocacy, and rigorous monitoring.’

‘The Awarding Body must ensure credibility, global benchmarking, strong quality assurance systems, digital innovation, active industry engagement, and visible policy advocacy to establish itself as the trusted authority for professionalising travel, tourism, and hospitality,’ he said.

Looking ahead, analysts envision a Nigeria empowered by a highly skilled, adaptable, and entrepreneurial workforce, capable of meeting the demands of a dynamic global economy.

They posit that such a workforce will not only reduce unemployment but also drive national development and boost Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage.

On attaining the target goals of the NSQF in the sector, Fagade opined that it requires the collective responsibility of all stakeholders, including, government, industry, educational institutions, and awarding bodies.

‘Sustained investment in skills development is not just an educational cost, but a strategic national investment, a pathway to dignity, productivity, and prosperity for all Nigerians,’ he noted.

2. LASRAB honours Adebowale for contributions to archiving, history

By Ozolua Uhakheme

The Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) has honoured distinguished individuals who have contributed immensely to the preservation of Lagos’ cultural and historical heritage, during its commemoration of the International Archives Day. Among the awardees was the Founder and Creative Director of ASIRI Magazine, Oludamola Adebowale, who received the Friends of Lagos State Archives Award in recognition of his relentless commitment to documenting, preserving, and amplifying Nigeria’s history.

The award was presented by Mr. Babatunde Onibanjo, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of LASRAB, in the presence of the agency’s Director-General, Ms. Toyin Ogunlana.

The event, themed ‘A Greater Lagos Rising: Preserving Our Past, Inspiring Our Future’, underscored the importance of archives as tools for cultural memory, civic identity, and societal development.

Other distinguished awardees included His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal (Oniru of Iruland), Erelu Abiola Dosumu, and Olasupo Shasore, SAN, alongside other eminent figures who have played vital roles in safeguarding the legacy of Lagos.

Celebrating a Modern Archivist and Historian

For more than a decade, Adebowale has emerged as one of Nigeria’s leading archivists, historians, and cultural curators, with his pioneering platform, ASIRI Magazine, serving as a digital and physical repository of Nigerian history. Since founding ASIRI in 2013, Adebowale has worked tirelessly to document Lagos and Nigeria’s heritage, bridging the gap between history and contemporary culture.

ASIRI Magazine, widely regarded as one of the most authoritative cultural history platforms in Nigeria, has preserved and told stories ranging from pre-colonial traditions and post-independence milestones to the lives of significant Nigerian icons. Its accessible format-online archives, exhibitions, and collaborative projects-has made history engaging for new generations while reinforcing the importance of preserving collective memory.

As a cultural archivist, Adebowale has curated exhibitions, delivered talks, and collaborated with museums, universities, and heritage institutions across Nigeria and internationally. His approach to preservation is not only scholarly but also creative-bringing archives to life through storytelling, digital curation, and public engagement.

The Friends of Lagos State Archives Award is one of LASRAB’s highest honours, celebrating individuals whose work embodies the bureau’s mission of safeguarding memory and inspiring the future. This year’s International Archives Day celebration highlighted how archives serve as living testaments that shape identities, foster inclusivity, and inspire civic pride.

Adebowale’s recognition alongside traditional leaders, historians, and cultural custodians underscores his standing as one of Nigeria’s foremost modern archivists-a bridge between history and contemporary cultural discourse.

In a demonstration of seriousness attached to Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, an impressive 18 players yesterday underwent Super Eagles’ first training in Polokwane, South Africa.

In the mix under Coach Eric Sekou Chelle and his assistants, were the team’s leaders including captain

Wilfred Troost Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi , Moses Simon , Victor Osimhen and African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman.

There was the also the full contingent from England-based stars including the Fulham’s trio of Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze as well as Frank Onyeka, Tolu Arokodare and defender Semi Ajayi.

The three invited goalkeepers including South Africa-based Stanley Nwabali as well as Tanzania -based Amas Obasogie and Greece-based Adebayo Adeleye were also at the team’s first session in the Limpopo province of South Africa. They were complemented by the quartet of Chrisantus Uche, Bruno Onyemaechi , Benjamin Fredrick and Terem Moffi who’s making a return to the fold after a long injury-enforced absence.

The 18 players that trained yesterday in Polokwane represented over 75 per cent of the players invited for the upcoming double header against Lesotho and Benin as the Super Eagles intensify their training sessions for the two must-win encounters in this October International window starting with Friday’s away match to Lesotho and next Tuesday’s match in Uyo against The Cheetahs of Benin.

Though there was no official statement, the late arrivals of the remaining five players including

Akor Adams (Sevilla), Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen) , Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City) and Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution), might not be unconnected with delay in procuring an entry visas to South Africa as widely reported on Monday.

A top official of the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) had hinted on Monday that just three players were in dire straits as per getting entry visas into the former apartheid enclave.

SUPER EAGLES’ ALREADY IN POLOKWANE :

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adebayo Adeleye (Volos FC, Greece)

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Benjamin Fredrick (Dender, Belgium)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey), Chrisantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium), Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France).

PLAYERS YET TO ARRIVE IN POLOKWANE:

Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno , Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA),Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain), Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia).

Big Brother Naija Season 10 finalist Kola has stated that he has no intention of pursuing a romantic relationship with Dede outside the show.

This declaration comes in response to Dede’s recent comments, where she mentioned that she wouldn’t consider dating Kola even if she were single, signaling their incompatibility.

Kola, in a recent interview with GOTV, emphasised that his focus is now on himself, his career, and personal development.

‘The show is over. I’m focusing on my myself. I’m focusing on my career, work and what I’m bringing to the world.

‘Right now, the show is over and I’m in the next phase of my life. This is where I’m currently headed,’ he said.

Celebrated UK-based DJ and cultural ambassador, DJ Remmy (Remigius Onyemesim), has clinched the Best DJ of the Year title at the 2025 Ebony Ambassadors African Youth Empowerment Awards (EAAYE). The prestigious ceremony took place on June 7th, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, London, gathering some of the most influential figures across Africa’s creative and cultural landscape.

The EAAYE Awards honour exceptional Africans and allies in the diaspora whose work uplifts communities, inspires positive change, and celebrates cultural heritage. DJ Remmy’s recognition is a testament to his dynamic artistry, deep cultural awareness, and unwavering commitment to using music as a tool for connection and empowerment.

Known for his genre-blending sets and magnetic stage presence, DJ Remmy has become a driving force in championing African music and identity on global stages. His craft extends beyond entertainment; it builds bridges. Whether behind the decks or mentoring young creatives, Remmy continues to inspire through his innovation, mentorship, and advocacy for unity.

His Best DJ of the Year win acknowledges his remarkable impact in shaping contemporary African sound and his dedication to nurturing creativity within his community. The Ebony Ambassadors Awards continue to celebrate visionaries like him who redefine excellence and leadership within the African and diaspora experience.

Based in Bradford, UK, DJ Remmy is a culture-conscious DJ and creative known for his electrifying fusion of Afrobeat, Amapiano, Dancehall, and global club sounds. Deeply rooted in his Nigerian heritage, he brings a sense of home and belonging to every performance.

He has performed at notable events such as the Nigerian Festival UK and Blankets and Wine African Festival, consistently creating spaces of joy, unity, and shared identity. Beyond his performances, DJ Remmy actively promotes mental health awareness and creative wellbeing, using music as a healing language that crosses borders and generations

A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of ex-governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two others has claimed that the transactions carried out in accounts belonging to the state government violated no known banking regulations.

The witness, Mrs. Abimbola Williams, who is a Compliance Officer with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), featured as the third prosecution witness.

Bello is being prosecuted before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He is being prosecuted with Umar Oricha (Director General, Kogi State Government House) and Abdulsalami Hudu (an Accountant with the state government).

The EFCC is, in the 16-count charge, alleging criminal breach of trust to the tune of N110.4 billion.

Under cross-examination by the lawyer to Bello, Joseph Daudu, Williams said she was not the relationship or account manager of the Kogi Government House account.

She added that the account is domiciled in Lokoja (the capital of Kogi State), while she works in Abuja.

The witness said the banks do not enquire from customers the purpose for which they were making cash withdrawals, but that such a question could be asked when making transfers, and the relationship with the beneficiary in cases of high-volume transactions.

Mrs. Williams said that as a compliance officer, her duties involve protecting the integrity of her employer from legal penalties, reputational damage, and financial losses.

She said no withdrawal went beyond N10 million in all the transactions presented before the court, adding that she has worked with UBA for 19 years.

The witness, who said she was familiar with the duties of a cashier, which she said included paying cash and receiving cash, added that a customer could withdraw his/her money as much as he/she prefer as long as the mandate is correct.

The witness told the court that she had not met Bello in person before and that she had equally not met or had business dealings with Oricha.

Under cross-examination by lawyer to Hudu, A. M. Aliyu (SAN), the witness was handed a bank statement which reflected the various withdrawals made.

She stated that the narration on the credit entry in the statement was the governor’s security fund, adding that it was a credit entry of N100 million, in two tranches of N50 million each.

On whether she could state that the funds were not used for security purposes, the witness said: ‘My Lord, I am not privy to the details of the transaction and cannot categorically answer that question.’

Earlier, while being led in evidence by the lawyer for the prosecution, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), Mrs. Williams was handed documents relating to the account of the Kogi State Government House.

The lawyer took the witness through the documents from which she narrated how withdrawals were allegedly made by Hudu.

She said cheque transactions totalling 64 at N10million per transaction, amounting to N640 million, were allegedly made within six days (between 31st July and 6th August, 2019) by Hudu.

She added that she was not in a position to know why the withdrawals were made.

She also confirmed transfers, in tranches, by one Bello Abdullateef, on July 5, 2019, but noted, on cross-examination, that her bank did not breach any regulations in allowing the withdrawals or transfers.

The prosecution also called in its fourth witness, Jesutomi Akanni, a Compliance Officer with Ecobank.

The prosecution tendered a 13-page statement of accounts from 2016 to 2024 and some other documents through the witness.

The witness gave details of some transactions in the account, following which the defence lawyers cross-examined the witness.

The prosecution called its fifth witness, Victoria Oluwafemi, who, like Akanni, was a subpoenaed witness from Polaris Bank.

Earlier, Daudu informed the court about his client’s pending application, challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

He urged the court to hear the application, a request Pinheiro objected to, arguing that it was not ripe for hearing.

Hearing in the case, before Justice Maryanne Anenih resumes on Thursday.

Thousands of residents received free medical care, including fibroid, hernia and eye surgeries at the Mountain Of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Bayelsa Mega Axis, with the headquarter at Okaka, Yenagoa during an outreach.

The free medical outreach backed up with healing prayers was aimed at giving hope to the medically challenged.

The health programme included general consultations and laboratory tests, surgical interventions in gynecological cases, obstetrics and ophthalmic, among others.

There was also general health education and counselling especially for communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS. Those with serious ailments that cannot be treated at the field offices were referred to tertiary health institutions for more comprehensive care.

At the week-long medical mission, the sick and infirm from several communities in Bayelsa state and beyond, came out in search of healing.

The church MFM Okaka, and designated Health facilities for the medical outreach and surgeries was swarming with activities as the sick and their caring relatives thronged the place for medical attention from the visiting medical team.

The crowd of the old and the young was attended to by medical team put together by the church’s medical professionals.

According to the Mega Regional Overseer (MRO), MFM Bayelsa Mega Regional Headquarter, Pastor Emmanuel Akinola, the free medical services fully sponsored by the church ensured that individuals/residents accessed quality healthcare.

He emphasised that those unable to afford medical care received the necessary attention, diagnosis, and treatment as well as surgeries and free recommended glasses.

He added the gestures were part of the Explosive Evangelism Initiative (EEI) of the church to capture more souls for Christ there by depopulating the kingdom of darkness.

Akinola, said gesture was in line with the vision of the General Overseer, MFM Worldwide, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, which was to touch lives beyond denomination and religious biases as well as to capture souls for Christ, added that the medical outreach along with other humanitarian programmes are part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the church.

He thanked Olukoya and wife for their utmost passion to ensure that souls are won for Christ, souls are delivered from the jaws of darkness, lives are transformed positively, while needs of the people are also met physically.

The MRO said Olukoya has given a marching order to the churches across the world to ensure that lives are touched physically through different corporate social responsibility programmes apart from the Biblical teachings and Deliverance prayers the church believes in.

Akinola informed the MFM Bayelsa Mega Axis has been involved in several CSR such as food evangelism, foodmart, scholarship to indigents but brilliant and different skills acquisition.

He said the church has empowered and engaged youths in taking them off the streets while teenagers have been empowered capturing them for Christ.

The medical outreach, according to Akinola, targeted the vulnerable members of the community, the state at large particularly women, children, men and youths as well as the aged who cannot afford the cost of medical attention.

Beneficiaries, thanked God as well as the church for bringing health care services closer to the people at no cost it .

Some stated that if not for the free medical outreach carried out in they would not bother testing for malaria or typhoid but would rather self diagnose and treat malaria and typhoid themselves.

Majority of Nigerian workers will not pay tax on what they earn when the new law takes effect in January.

Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, said about 98 per cent of Nigerian workers will be exempted from Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) .

Oyedele spoke during a session at the ongoing 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES31) in Abuja.

Under the new tax structure, he said, poor Nigerians would be exempted from personal income tax, while high-net-worth individuals would be subject to higher rates.

‘The poor will not pay personal income tax,’ he said.

‘Those who earn more and have greater means will pay more. That is how fairness works in a modern economy.’

Oyedele stated that small and low-income companies would also enjoy tax exemptions to strengthen their operations and create more jobs.

He said: ‘We are considering tax-exempt stickers for nano businesses to protect them from harassment by state and local government officials.

‘These are the smallest operators – street vendors, petty traders, artisans – they should be allowed to thrive.’

He explained that the tax reforms are designed to protect low-income earners and those living around the poverty line, while ensuring a more equitable and efficient tax system.

‘The more inequality you create, the more time bomb you have,’ Oyedele said.

‘These reforms are designed to strengthen governance around revenue generation, improve accountability, and ensure that tax revenues are effectively utilised.’

According to him, the comprehensive tax reforms, which form part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader fiscal policy agenda, aim to enhance Nigeria’s sovereign credit rating, lower borrowing costs for both government and businesses, and stimulate private-sector investment.

Oyedele said the reform effort was not without personal risk, revealing that he had received death threats because of his role in driving the initiative.

‘Reform is tough,’ he said. ‘I have suffered all kinds of things, including death threats. But I am not scared. I recently celebrated my 50th birthday.

‘Even if anything happens, I have done my bit. The reforms belong to Nigerians. The reforms don’t belong to Mr. President.’

He said the reforms seek to build a fairer system in which wealthy individuals and large corporations contribute more to the country’s development.

‘If we don’t pay our taxes in an orderly manner, we’ll pay them in a disorderly manner.

‘We’ve seen that in the past few years with over N30 trillion printed, which is part of the inflation we’re dealing with and the devaluation of the naira.

‘We don’t want that to happen. We’ve seen countries like Zimbabwe where prices double every other day.’

Responding to concerns that state and local governments might resist the reforms, Oyedele assured that members of the Joint Tax Board (JTB), representing all 36 states and the FCT, were fully part of the committee’s deliberations and had expressed support for the new framework.

According to him, the new system would not deprive states of revenue but would, in fact, help them earn more from the Federation Account without burdening vulnerable citizens.

‘Last year, all the states generated N3.36 trillion from taxes imposed on their people,’ he said.

‘If that N3.36 trillion is not generated in 2026, the states will not do worse. We are convinced that no state will be bankrupt. We can’t do better by not taxing our most vulnerable.’

Oyedele cited recent improvements in national revenue distribution as evidence that the fiscal reforms were already beginning to yield results.

‘Last month, the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) shared N2.2 trillion to the three tiers of government,’ he said.

He also criticised outdated and regressive tax provisions that burden the poor, citing examples such as the so-called ‘wheelbarrow tax.’

‘Some of the tax provisions in our constitution are retrogressive,’ Oyedele said.

‘How will you ask anyone to pay wheelbarrow tax? That is why we have sent ten amendment proposals to the National Assembly to amend sections that need to change in line with the tax reforms.’

According to him, the committee is also working on expenditure reforms to ensure that tax revenues are used efficiently and transparently.

‘We have worked on the expenditure side,’ he explained.

‘We are working seriously on fiscal regimes to ensure transparency and prudence in government expenditure so that Nigerians get full benefits of their taxes.’

Veteran Scrabble player Chinedu Okwelogu, fondly known as Chinedu Thorpe or Sidespin, is brimming with excitement at the prospect of representing Nigeria at the 2025 World English Scrabble Players Association Championship (WESPAC) in Ghana.

While many of his contemporaries are settling into retirement and grandparenthood, the 60-year-old Okwelogu is defying age barriers and proving that scrabble is a lifelong sport as he prepares to battle it out on the world stage against some younger opponents.

Sidespin is one of the 15 players selected by the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), to represent the country at next month’s biannual competition holding in Accra, Ghana.

For Okwelogu, the thrill of competing among the best minds in global scrabble is not just about personal glory-it is a testament to the longevity and employability that the game offers.

Having first picked up Scrabble tiles in 1973 before a decade-long detour into table tennis, Okwelogu turned professional in 1983.

His love for the game eventually helped him achieve academic success, earning his O-Levels in 1986 after several unsuccessful attempts.

His passion for scrabble also opened professional doors, leading to his employment within the Scrabble community in Kano State.

Now set to retire from the Federal Civil Service on November 7, Okwelogu remains fully active in the sport as a Tournament Scrabble Consultant, illustrating what he calls the ‘uncommon reality’ of scrabble as a lifelong profession.

‘Scrabble can employ a human being for life in multiple capacities,’ he said. ‘I’m fulfilled just by being an example of that truth.’

In both Nigerian and international circles, it is not unusual to see players well into their 70s still competing-and winning prize money. Okwelogu takes pride in being part of that enduring tradition.

Looking ahead to WESPAC 2025, the veteran aims to break into the Top 10, determined to better his previous outing at the 2009 Championship in Malaysia, where he finished around 68th position.

Before heading to camp with the rest of his teammates, his preparations have been intense, focusing particularly on mastering two- to six-letter words, a key component of elite-level Scrabble success.

Team Nigeria will be camping in Lagos for about two weeks before leaving for Accra.

As Okwelogu counts down to Ghana, his journey stands as an inspiring reminder that passion and persistence can indeed make age just another word on the board.

By virtue of Nigeria’s leading role and state in the World, the country has been given 15 slots for players representation at the global event which runs from the 9th to 17th November in Accra.

Nigeria is currently ranked second in the World and that’s our lowest ranking in the last ten years.

After a series of National and Continental championships and Qualifiers the most revered and respected NSF Technical Committee has carefully selected 15 players who will represent Nigeria at the World Championship.

The list include, current African Champion, Oluwatimilehin Doko, former African Champion Rex Ogbakpa, PANASA President’s Cup winner Victor Godwin and Africa number two player George Ezinore as well as number three ranked player on the continent and highly rated in the World, Abdulmumin Jimoh.

The rest of Team Nigeria are very experienced serial winners at national and international competitions in the last five years.

TEAM NIGERIA SQUAD

Oluwatimilehin Doko – Continental Champion

John Aiyedun – All Africa Championship winner

George Ezinore – Africa’s No 2 and NSF Green Jacket holder

Victor Godwin – President Cup winner

Rex Ogbakpa – Continental Champion

Abdulmumin Jimoh

Tega Okiemute

Samuel Adebola

Chinedu Thorpe

Emmanuel Umujose – EEAST winner

Larry Etuwa

Ben Quickpen – 2024 NSF golden medallist

Tuoyo Mayuku – The most decorated female of all time in Africa

John Curtis Ebomah

Peter Ebomah