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The President and Founder of HerGame Foundation, Dr Pat Ajuma Ayegba, says she expects the 2026 FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Council Football Tournament to unearth a new generation of talented female footballers capable of progressing to the professional and international stage.

Ayegba, also a Board Member of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA), spoke ahead of the tournament, which kicks off on Friday, August 21, with six Area Councils competing for honours.

The competition, organised by the FCT FA, is designed to strengthen women’s football at the grassroots while giving young female players competitive exposure and a pathway into the professional game. Ayegba said the tournament has already proved its worth as a talent-discovery platform, pointing to promising players who emerged from last year’s edition.

‘We are hoping to see new talents. We are hoping to have new emerging professionals, international stars,’ she said. ‘I am excited because last year, we found some good talents from this particular tournament. We saw some newbies, and I want to see their progress this year. A lot more is expected.’

She commended the FCT FA for its preparation and support for the participating teams. ‘To be honest with you, FCT FA has come up, and they are doing well with the whole preparation,’ she said.

Ayegba also disclosed that HerGame Foundation contributed directly to last year’s competition, revealing she personally supported each participating team with ?120,000. ‘Last year personally, I supported the teams with ?120,000 each, of which I saw the FA taking it up from there. And this is a lot. This is a lot. The FA has supported us a lot to make this happen, so we are grateful,’ she said.

The 2026 tournament will feature all six FCT Area Councils, split into two groups. Bwari, Gwagwalada and AMAC make up Group A, while Abaji, Kuje and Kwali form Group B. The group stage will be played on a home-and-away basis, with the semi-finals set for September 2 and the final on September 5.

Ayegba confirmed that Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, will attend the opening ceremony, describing her as a strong supporter of women’s football and girl-child development whose backing could help create further opportunities for young girls through the sport. Ayegba said her visit to the FCC chairman was aimed at building a stronger partnership around women’s football development, and she was pleased with Omidiran’s response.

‘She has done so much for us. To whom honour is due, honour should be given. I came here today to see her in person, and she is actually a jolly good fellow,’ Ayegba said. ‘She is more than what I have heard of-a true supporter, one who has heart for the game of football, like myself. Like I have heard, I saw it myself today.’

With the opening ceremony set for Friday, Ayegba believes the tournament can be more than a contest for Area Council bragging rights, serving instead as a scouting ground for players who go on to represent the FCT, professional clubs and the national teams.

‘Darkness returns to Long Bridge’. That was the screaming headline that introduced the story. The word ‘returns’ meant the place was in darkness before, that is; there was no light there and light was provided to illuminate one of the obvious dark spots on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

This was only last year.

Sadly, as at last week when the darkness on the bridge was reported, at least 168 of the solar lights installed on the about five-kilometre Long Bridge stretch connecting the OPIC end toward Wawa, had been stolen.

These were public facilities provided to illuminate the dark corridor, improve night visibility, and curb criminal attacks on motorists whose vehicles have the misfortune of developing faults on that part of the ever-busy expressway.

Of course, the next logical question is how? Long Bridge is not in any part of rural Nigeria.

The bridge is at the boundary between Ogun State and Berger Bus Stop in Lagos State, which is about 7.3 kilometres distance. It takes approximately 11 minutes travel time from Berger to the bridge.

Not only that, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is regarded as the busiest interstate highway in Nigeria. So, it is ever busy.

All of these should make one curious that some 168 solar lights could vanish from such a highway without anyone knowing.

One, such a number of lights could only have been stolen over a period.

Two, these lights are not within reach as the poles are very high. Therefore, removing the solar lights could only be possible with the use of special equipment that mainly those maintaining such facilities have access to.

It does not seem to us as something that can be done without the active connivance of some internal collaborators.

Unfortunately, we do not have a strong record of apprehending such criminals. That explains the impunity with which the criminals operate and the frequency of such crimes in the country.

Just imagine the vandalisation that has been occurring on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway that is still under construction, but which some miscreants and scavengers have been caught cutting and removing parts of its metal fencing, barbed wire, and structural iron fittings?

How do we explain the actions of rail vandals who remove rails or tracks, that is the metal path that guides the train safely along its route? This can lead to fatal accidents.

There is no reason for people to be so callous to the point that they can just strip public utilities without a thought for the lives of fellow Nigerians.

Mercifully, the Federal Government has swiftly responded to these thefts on the coastal highway by deploying a specialised security team – the Coastal Highway Guards- to patrol the corridor.

.People who vandalise public facilities do not deserve any pity. Apart from the economic loss to the country, they also make life difficult for fellow Nigerians. That is where the criminality of the vandals does not lead to the death of their compatriots.

Penalties for vandalism would seem stiff enough, ranging from 21 years in prison to life imprisonment, or even the death penalty under anti-sabotage laws.

Where the problem lies is in the arrest and prosecution of the suspects. This is where the government and Nigerians generally have to wake up.

The government must ensure that the facilities are well protected. It can deploy technology in monitoring such facilities. Like the coastal road that now has a security outfit after some of the road’s facilities had been stolen. There is need for proactiveness on the part of the government even as Nigerians must be vigilant, and report something when they see something.

The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) Wealthy Place Church Iyanaipaja Lagos has intensified efforts to equip children and young people with the character, leadership skills and values needed to make meaningful contributions to society.

Speaking at the church’s annual programme with the theme: ‘Talents for the Master’s Use’ the pastor in charge of the church Rev. Rotimi Adekunle Olukorede said the church places strong emphasis on character, integrity, honesty and leadership as part of its mission to prepare the next generation.

Olukorede explained that the programme was designed to go beyond spiritual instruction by helping young people develop healthy relationships, leadership abilities and strong moral values

According to him, the initiative has been running for several years, with children brought together from different TREM branches and other churches to participate in Bible studies, character-building sessions, leadership training, music, dance, recitation and other activities.

He said the programmes also encourages children to learn tolerance, relationship, forgiveness and teamwork while developing the ability to relate positively with others.

‘We bring them together, and then we try to ensure that they are able to relate with each other, have tolerance for each other and forgive each other,’ he said.

Beyond the annual programmes, Olukorede noted TREM had over the years supported children in its community by helping them pursue further education.

He therefore urged parents to complement the efforts of the church by becoming positive role models for their children.

‘Children learn more from our actions than even from what we say,’ he said, advising parents to demonstrate prayerfulness, honesty, integrity, hard work and responsible living.

Prizes, medals, awards, and trophies were presented to first runner up, second runner up, third runner up, to encourage them.

The Leader of the Women and Children Department and one of the coordinators of the Programme Mrs. Ayodeji Olukorede charged the children to be bold, take control, showcase their talent and not be ashamed of what God has placed in them.

‘This programme is a way of engaging their minds, taking them away from bad influence. Of course, we know we are in a technology-driven society but we are not taking them away from the technology but to bring out the best in them.

‘The talent impacts the society greatly, because developing, bringing them out and showcasing them, not only help to bless the church, but also, wherever they find themselves, are useful to the society. A child that can play the violin, can not only play in the church, but can also play in school, can also play at concerts,’ Olukorede said.

Churches that participated in the programme were TREM Wealthy Place, TREM branches from Ishuti, Oko oba, Ejigbo, Iju, Ambassador Mega Zone, Igando, Ikotun, RCCG Great Expectation, RCCG Ark of God, Christ Gospel Church of Praise,

Go Ye Pentecostal Mission International and Hour of Touch Bible Ministry.

The event featured Bible recitation, dance competition, Bible quiz, music competition,

Bible Sword, among other. TREM Wealthy Place emerged winner in most of the competitions with RCCG Ambassador Mega Zone as first position for Bible Sword competition.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Friday, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the Bill establishing the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology in Obio Akpa, Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

He also lauded Governor Umo Eno for promptly releasing the Obio Akpa campus of the Akwa Ibom State University to ensure the smooth take-off of the institution.

Akpabio made these remarks at the funeral service in honour of the former Majority Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, the late Hon (Elder) Imo Akpan Ibokette.

A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted Akpabio as saying, ‘I look forward to the admission of the first batch of students into the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology in this Senatorial District. Let me thank President Bola Tinubu for signing the bill which established the University. Let me also thank our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for releasing a campus of the Akwa Ibom State University for the commencement of academic activities this year.’

‘Late Ibokette, we are laying to rest today, was the first to call and thank me on hearing of the passage of the bill establishing the University. His death is a personal loss to me. The Ibokette family and I share an intimate affinity that spans decades. Even the weight of political differences did not attenuate the relationship we shared. So, I personally mourn his demise,’ he stated.

The funeral service in honour of the late lawmaker was held at the Abak International Nursery/Primary School in Abak Local Government Area and was conducted by the Apostolic Church Nigeria.

Akpabio described him as a patriot, a selfless leader, a loving father, and a hardworking personality who braved the odds to achieve what he did before his demise, saying, ‘He did his best and witnessed the uncommon transformation which he fought and worked for before his departure.’

The newly elected President of the Yola Polo Club, Abdulrahman Haske, has delivered a message of consolidation and steady promotion of the ‘game of kings’ to the Nigerian polo community.

?Speaking during an interactive media session following his election, Haske vowed to redouble efforts to promote polo in Adamawa State, across Nigeria, and on the international stage. He expressed gratitude to the Grand Patron of the club and Lamido of Adamawa, HRH Muhammadu Barkindo Musdafa, for the opportunity to serve, declaring that his management committee will elevate the sport to greater heights. Haske, who is also the patron of the Haske and Williams polo team, assured fans that the forthcoming 2026 Yola International Polo Tournament will be one of the most exciting in recent memory.

?Revered as the premier sporting attraction and social highlight of the North-East region, the 2026 festival is scheduled to run from September 8 to September 13 at the historic Lamido Musdafa Polo Ground in Yola. Confirming the dates, Haske noted that no sporting event captures the cultural heritage of the Adamawa Kingdom quite like this annual gathering. He recalled that since the inaugural edition was held at the Eastern Gate of the Lamido Palace in the mid-1930s, the tournament has grown steadily in both popularity and prestige.

?Traditionally hosted by the Lamido and supported by the Adamawa State Government alongside corporate and private sponsors, the tournament features several highly coveted trophies. Key prizes include the high-stakes Governor’s Cup and the historic Lamido Cup-the oldest trophy in the club’s 80-plus-year history. According to Yola Polo Captain Asharaf Yahaya, over 25 top teams from across Nigeria, featuring foreign players, are expected to compete. Other silverware up for grabs includes the Emir of Mubi Cup, INTEL Cup, ABTI Cup, General Hassan Cup, A.A. Mustapha Cup, and the M.C. Tahir Cup.

?Club Secretary Usman Saad highlighted the tournament’s role as a major tourist draw, noting that it regularly attracts visitors from neighbouring Cameroon, Niger, Chad, Sudan, and Europe. ‘We promise a much bigger Yola International this year, as the country’s top-rated players are set to battle for the four major prizes and various individual awards,’ Saad stated.

?The upcoming event follows a thrilling previous edition where the Jos-based Malcomines team and the local Haske and Williams contingent dominated headlines. Murtala Laushi’s Malcomines secured the Governor’s Cup, while Crown Club Resort claimed the Lamido Cup. Haske himself delivered strong performances last year, leading Haske and Williams and Bijou Africa Race to runner-up finishes in the Governor’s and Lamido Cups, respectively. Other winners included the Bauchi Valadora team and Jalingo’s Sadauki Starboys, who lifted the Emir of Mubi Cup.

Multinational professional services network, PricewaterhouseCoopers, also known as (PwC) has projected Nigeria’s real gross domestic product (GDP) growth by 4.3per cent in in the second half (H2) 2026 supported by higher crude oil production and stronger performance in dominant sectors.

‘Nigeria’s economic outlook remains positive, although the second half of the year will continue to be shaped by domestic and external risks. Real GDP growth is projected at 4.3% for 2026, supported by higher crude oil production and stronger performance in dominant sectors. Inflation is expected to moderate, although food-price pressures, other supply-side shocks and pre-election spending could create upside risks,’ PwC’s latest Economic Outlook released yesterday noted.

It said the naira is expected to remain broadly stable, supported by improved external buffers and foreign-exchange market reforms, but it remains exposed to shifts in oil prices, capital flows and domestic FX demand. Monetary policy is expected to remain relatively tight, with room for gradual rate reductions if the decline in inflation is sustained. Fiscal pressures may also persist as continued spending needs, the budget deficit, and government financing requirements place demands on available resources.

‘The central task for Nigeria in H2 2026 is therefore not simply to preserve macroeconomic stability. It is to make that stability work more effectively for households and businesses. Progress will depend on lowering essential costs, expanding access to finance, improving infrastructure and productivity, and converting stronger investor interest into productive investment and jobs.

‘Successfully navigating this next phase would allow Nigeria to move beyond stabilisation and begin unlocking the broader reform dividend through stronger incomes, improved welfare and more inclusive economic growth,’ it said.

According to its latest Economic Outlook released yesterday, PwC said fiscal pressures may persist in H2 2026, driven by continued spending needs, a persistent budget deficit and elevated government financing requirements.

In its bullet highlight of the report on exchange rate outlook, it said: ‘The naira is expected to remain broadly stable but susceptible to volatility from global oil prices, capital flows and domestic foreign exchange demand conditions.’

On interest rate outlook, it said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is expected to maintain a tight monetary policy stance, with scope for gradual rate cuts if the decline in inflation is sustained.

Co-authored by Partner, Chief Economist and Lead, Strategyand West Africa, Olusegun Zaccheaus; Partner, and Clients and Market Leader, West Market, Pedro Omontuemhen; Director, Akolawole Odunlami; and Manager / Lead Economist, Adesola Borokini, PhD, the report also examined the performance of the first six months of the economy,

According to PwC, economic activity remained resilient in the first half of the year, but the pattern of growth was uneven.

‘GDP growth in Q1 was driven by stronger activity in ICT, Finance and Insurance, Construction and Agriculture. At the same time, the PMI weakened during the second quarter, recovering only marginally to 50.1 in June. Agriculture remained in expansion, while industry, services and new orders were below the 50-point threshold. Seventeen of the 36 subsectors tracked were in contraction, highlighting the continued pressure on parts of the real economy,’ noted the report.

Foreign exchange conditions, it said, strengthened, there was improved official-market liquidity, and larger external buffers supported naira stability, while capital importation rose to $10.37 billion in Q1 2026. ‘Yet the composition of these flows remain important. Foreign portfolio investment accounted for $9.86 billion, or 95.1per cent of total capital inflows, while FDI (foreign direct investment) accounted for only 1.3per cent. This underscores the need to convert improved investor confidence into longer-term investment in productive assets, businesses, and infrastructure.

‘Fiscal revenue also strengthened, although execution pressures remain. Total distributable FAAC revenue rose to ?2.55 trillion in June, supported by stronger statutory revenue and VAT collections. At the same time, revenue performance against budget targets has been uneven, while continued spending requirements, government borrowing, and overlapping budget cycles may constrain fiscal flexibility and the pace of capital-project delivery.

‘For households, improvements in headline inflation have provided limited relief. Food inflation rose to 17.52per cent in June, while the cost of a healthy diet reached ?1,589 per adult per day in April. Buying conditions for consumer durables, vehicles, and property also remained weak; reflecting the continued pressure of essential spending on household budgets,’ PwC said in the H1 2026 outlook.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his Lagos counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, traditional rulers, ministers, lawmakers, captains of industry, and other prominent Nigerians converged on Friday at Ajamimogha, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, to celebrate the fifth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.

The anniversary, held at the palace, drew sons and daughters of the Iwere nation from across Nigeria and the diaspora. It featured homage-paying and colourful cultural performances by several Itsekiri groups.

Speaking at the event, themed ‘Global Homecoming: Celebrating Our Cultural Renaissance, Unity and Transformational Progress,’ the Olu of Warri said the vision of his reign transcended the Itsekiri nation, stressing that the traditional institution could play a significant role in projecting Nigeria’s culture and values to the world.

‘What God is doing through this throne is beyond Itsekiri; it is for Delta State; it is for Nigeria. And it just goes to say that we are trying to imbibe a spirit of excellence in our beautiful regal culture. Because I know that when we are excellent in displaying our culture, Nigeria will be the envy of the world.

‘It is not just this throne; it is the entire traditional institution, and it will radiate to the way we do things even in business, the way we do things in educating our children, and I could go on and on.’

The monarch attributed the achievements of his five years on the throne to God, saying: ‘We broke out in song, exactly five years ago. If I had time, I would sing again. I am forever singing in my heart, giving God all the glory, all the praise. I will say it again: everything you see here is not me; it is God that is shining through me; it is God that is expressing himself through me. Itsekiri, we are just privileged to be first partakers through this vessel of what God is doing.’

He added, ‘I want to say thank you all for coming. I am overwhelmed by your support. I am overwhelmed by your prayers, and may God continue to bless every single one of us.’

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, in his remarks, described the king as a monarch with uncommon leadership abilities and commended his contribution to the development of Warri and the state.

‘From the splendour of the coronation, it was clear to discerning minds that a new realm of glory is under Ogiame Atuwatse III. He is a unique leader with uncommon leadership abilities; he is a cerebral monarch, a bridge builder, an exemplary leader, a man of grace.

‘He leads from the front and has an undying passion for the progress of not just Warri but the entire state. I want to place it on record that the Olu has taken more than a passive interest in my administration,’ he said.

The governor also commended the monarch for his decision to endorse President Bola Tinubu and himself for a second term, saying the decision was significant because traditional rulers were expected to remain fathers to all.

‘There was one thing he did when the Itsekiri nation hosted me: a political endorsement of Mr President and me. It was not an easy decision to take, because you are father to all. I thank you for that.

‘I want traditional rulers, who are custodians of tradition, to be able to speak when necessary, and he spoke that day,’ he said.

Oborevwori recalled the Olu’s appearance on a scooter during an inspection of the almost-completed Ode-Itsekiri Road.

‘He was a model. People were saying all sorts of things; they did not know he was trying to showcase a place they thought roads could never reach. Today I tell you, it is memorable and gratifying. It is a show of support for my government.’

The governor urged the people of Warri, Uvwie and environs to preserve the peace and unity that had existed among the various ethnic groups in the area.

‘We have coexisted peacefully for centuries, and there is no reason why that cannot continue. I urge all and sundry to shun inflammatory remarks, sheathe their swords and avoid other divisive tendencies that threaten the peace and stability of our dear state,’ he appealed.

He also commended the Olu’s visit to the Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh.

Among the dignitaries at the celebration were Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas, representing Delta South; Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Arts, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, represented; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor; commissioners and other political leaders.

Traditional rulers from across the country also attended, including His Majesties the Alaafin of Oyo, Akeem Abimbola Owoade I; the Dein of Agbor, Keagborekuzi I; the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri, Igbi II; Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri, Monbene III; the Asagba of Asaba, Epiphany Azinge (SAN); the Obinof Aboh, Oputa III; the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi, Oba Elegushi Kusenla III; the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ogunoye III; the Emir of Zazzau, who also represented the Sultan of Sokoto; Oni of Ife, Ojaja II, represented by his wife, Olori Temitope Ogunwusi, among others.

Captains of industry and other dignitaries were also present.

Mavin Records boss Michael Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, has credited Afrobeats star Ayra Starr with changing his life, describing her as nothing short of a ‘dream Starrgirl’.

The record producer made the remark on X in response to a fan who praised his role in Ayra Starr’s career.

‘She has most definitely changed my own life too. I bless the day I was shown her Instagram freestyle o. And she has been nothing but a dream Starrgirl,’ Don Jazzy wrote.

The Mavin CEO discovered Ayra Starr through her viral freestyles on social media before signing her to the label in 2021.

Since then, she has become one of Afrobeats’ leading voices, with international collaborations and chart success.

Ayra Starr released her third studio album, Starrgirl, on August 14.

The 16-track project features Nigerian stars Wizkid and Rema, as well as international artists ZAYN, Leon Thomas, kwn, Theodora and Danny Ocean.

Wizkid appears on Gimme Dat, while Rema features on Who’s Dat Girl.

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, has called on the people of the Niger Delta to reciprocate President Bola Tinubu’s developmental efforts by voting en masse for him in the 2027 elections.

Otuaro spoke in Abuja, where the PAP sent a new batch of 150 postgraduate scholarship beneficiaries to universities in the United Kingdom.

A statement signed by Otuaro’s Special Assistant on Media, Igoniko Oduma, said the figure brought the total number of offshore deployments the PAP, under the leadership of Dr Otuaro, had made this year to 243, with 93 dispatched in January and May.

The statement explained that before the recent deployments, about 270 had been sent to study programmes such as cyber security, software engineering, data science analytics, law, forensic audit, fintech analytics, construction engineering management, global public health, and oil and gas engineering at universities in the United Kingdom.

Speaking at the pre-departure orientation for the 150 fresh beneficiaries held at the PAP headquarters, Otuaro described the scholarships as an investment in a greater tomorrow for communities in the Niger Delta and Nigeria.

He reiterated that the large-scale sponsorships were also aimed at sustaining peace and stability, closing the region’s human capital development gap, and building a substantial human resource base for the area.

Otuaro said, ‘We are again here to send some of the most brilliant and vibrant youths of the Niger Delta for postgraduate studies in select disciplines in the UK.

‘We are able to do this because our father and leader, Mr President, is committed to the peace, security and development of the Niger Delta.’

‘I must say that as a people, we should make sure we vote massively to ensure his victory in the 2027 general elections. This is the best way to show gratitude to a President who has taken these deliberate steps to help our people and the region.

‘This year, in January and May, we sent 93 beneficiaries for offshore post-graduate programmes. Now, we have 150 that we are sending abroad, and about 56 made first class while about 140 made second-class upper division. We already had 270 in UK universities before these recent deployments.

‘This exercise underscores our commitment to ensuring that the Niger Delta youths have greater access to higher education within and outside Nigeria as we build a solid foundation for the region’s future.’

According to him, the large-scale deployments were made possible by President Tinubu’s unprecedented support for the programme under his Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said, ‘As of today, we have 8700 in-country. That is what President Tinubu has done for the Niger Delta. By the grace of God, we will increase the number this year.

‘We have deployed 270 beneficiaries to offshore universities: 11 for undergraduate programmes, 238 for master’s degrees, and 21 for PhDs.

While 57 have graduated, many with distinction, 248 are in training. From onshore universities, we have recorded 54 master’s and doctoral graduates. In the 2024/2025 academic year, we recorded over 50 first-class and over 134 second-class upper division graduates.

‘That is our investment for a greater and better tomorrow because it will help our communities and our region tomorrow’, Dr Otuaro added.

He expressed appreciation to the President for his massive support, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his efficient supervision, deep insights and professional inputs that have helped the programme.

The PAP boss urged the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously and be good ambassadors of Nigeria and the Niger Delta, stressing that they are expected to come back home after their programmes and add value to their communities and nation-building in the spirit of patriotism.

He also advised them to respect the laws of the country in which they would be studying and the rules and regulations of their respective institutions.

Two of the beneficiaries, who spoke on behalf of others, Opukeme Gideon (MSc, Cyber Security, University of Aberdeen), and Afiyagba Peredisabofa (MSc, Oil and Gas, Coventry University), thanked President Tinubu and Dr Otuaro for the opportunity, pledging to study hard and make the nation and the region proud.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Dr Boladei Igali; Prof. Ben Binebai of the Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State; Niger Delta activist, AnnKio Briggs; Senior Policy Adviser to the Delta State Governor, Funkekeme Solomon; and the President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Dr Doubra Okotete, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for sustaining the programme and investing in the region’s youths.

They commended Otuaro for his vision and the expansion of the scholarship scheme, adding that ‘it is a legacy that will impact several generations.’

They also lauded the PAP helmsman for his sensitivity to gender parity in the painstaking selection process, pointing out that the female-to-male ratio was very pleasing.

At the event, the beneficiaries were sensitised on ‘Social and Cultural Dynamics’, ‘Academic and School Expectations of Your Trip’, ‘Security Dynamics of Schooling Abroad’, and ‘Obligations of the PAP Office to Beneficiaries/Economic Prudence’.

Other stakeholders of the Niger Delta present at the event were the PANDEF Secretary, Engr. Bekinbo Dagogo-Jack, and the Treasurer, Hon. Mrs Ifeoma Agbomah; and the Ijaw Women Connect (IWC) led by its President, Mrs Rosemary Oduone.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Deputy General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, MON, has pledged to continue promoting the ‘ideals, values, and image’ of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) wherever he goes, after his investiture as a University Ambassador on Monday.

In prepared remarks circulated alongside the investiture, Ikpeme described the honour as ‘not only a recognition of past contributions but also a call to greater service,’ and dedicated it to God, his family, mentors, colleagues and supporters.

Speaking at the ceremony, presided over by Vice-Chancellor Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, Ikpeme, said the honour carried personal significance.

‘It’s a great honour to be given an award by the university. Thank you very much, sir,’ he said.

Ikpeme was also given the opportunity to present his newly published book, Perspectives on Sports Development in Nigeria: Challenges and Ways Forward, to the university, donating five copies, three for the university library and two for his former department, Human Kinetics .

‘I felt I should make a contribution to sports in general, so I published a book, which was unveiled on 18 June,’ he said.

He further backed his pledge of continued service with a financial commitment, offering ?1 million annually as prize money for the university’s Vice-Chancellor’s football competition among students.

‘When I visited your office, I asked for clarification on the university’s annual Vice-Chancellor’s football competition for students. Having confirmed that, I want to donate ?1 million to that competition every year – ?500,000 for the winning team, ?300,000 for the runners-up, and ?200,000 for third place,’ Ikpeme said.

Egbewole, in his remarks, said Ikpeme was selected for the honour for having ‘consistently portrayed the university in a most favourable light’ through his public and professional engagements over the years.

Ikpeme lectured at the University of Calabar for several years and later served as Sole Administrator of the Cross River State Sports Council. He joined the NFF as Deputy Secretary General (Technical) in 2007 before rising to Deputy General Secretary in 2015.