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Another sporting history beckons as the Federal Capital City, Abuja, bubble ahead of the maiden international African Chovken championship billed to hold between November 5 and 8.

Chairman of the African Region of the International Chovken Federation (ICF), Nura Sani Kangiwa , stated that Nigeria has been selected to host the maiden regional continental championship-a milestone event expected to attract teams from across the continent and spotlight the country’s equestrian sports capabilities.

Kangiwa listed continental sporting power houses like Egypt, Morocco, South Africa and Ghana as the other countries expected to vie for honours during the four days African festival in Nigeria.

He also confirmed that the sporting fiesta would hold at the foremost Guards Polo Resort in Abuja, stating that choice of Nigeria as first ever African host of the glamorous event, follows the country’s sterling performance at the maiden International Chovken Championship held in Baku, Azerbaijan last year, where Nigeria finished third in pool of 10 countries from across the world.

‘Hosting this championship will not only boost Nigeria’s image internationally but also stimulate interest and investment in equestrian sports across the country,’ Kangiwa said. ‘Countries like Kenya, and several others have already expressed readiness to participate.

‘We are working with private and public stakeholders to ensure a seamless hosting experience. This is a legacy project that could redefine equestrian sports in Nigeria and indeed Africa,’ he added.

Kangiwa pointed out that since the game of Chovken resonates with Nigeria’s globally revered rich cultural and heritage, the organizers would be devoting a whole day during the event as Cultural Day where all the participants, invited dignitaries ICF officials and thousands of enthusiasts and tourists would witness the best of Nigerian cultural displays.

The proprietor of NSK Polo Ranch who recently led a delegation on a courtesy call to the leadership of the National Sports Committee (NSC) as part of the build up to this continental event, said championship will bring together the finest riders and teams from across the continent and beyond, showcasing the pinnacle of equestrian excellence.

NSC Chairman, Alhaji Dikko who received the delegation pledged the commission’s support, noting that hosting such an event aligns with the federal government’s goal of expanding the country’s sporting portfolio beyond mainstream events.

‘We are pleased to see a traditional and culturally rich sport like Chovken gaining ground in Nigeria,’ the NSC boss said. ‘This championship is not just a sporting event-it’s an opportunity to showcase our hospitality, talent, and readiness to engage with global sporting communities.’

Chovken is an equestrian team sport with historical roots and striking resemblance to the popular Polo sport. The game is played by two teams of four horse riders who drive a small leather ball into an opponent’s goal using curved wooden mallets.

It is a fast-paced, strategic equestrian team sport with ancient roots -and a legacy that predates and inspired modern Polo.

While Polo became globally known through colonial expansion, Chovken evolved organically in the Caucasus and Central Asia, preserving its authenticity, ceremonial richness and deeper cultural resonance.

A typical Chovken match features two teams of four horse riders competing to score goals with a small leather ball and curved wooden mallets. It is played in two 15-minute halves. The sport was recently added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, further elevating its global profile.

What distinguishes Chovken from Polo is its allowance for closer physical contact, open-field freedom, and more cultural expression in play, offering a sport that is both athletic and ceremonial.

Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of speed, skill, and tradition as the Nigerian team perfect strategies to conquer the continent and write country’s name on the sands of times as the first ever winner of the inaugural Chovken African championship

The CEO/Technical Director, 1XCup Grassroots Football Tournament, Engr Waidi Akanni, has confirmed that winners and all other awardees have received their prizes barely days after the 2025 edition.

Ikorodu City Football Academy emerged winners of the 2025 1XCup Grassroots Football Tournament after defeating ISAGT FC 1-0 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Lagos Island.

The Ikorodu Oga Boys went all the way to the title unbeaten in the tournament and deservedly got rewarded with the N10 million winners’ prize money. Emmanuel Okeh scored the lone goal winner. ISAGT were rewarded with N5million as runners up of the 2025 edition of the biggest grassroots football tournament in the country.

Speaking yesterday in Lagos, Akanni who is the brain behind the tournament, expressed gratitude to sponsors 1XBET for fulfilling the promise of N20million prize money for the second year running.

‘The winners, Ikorodu City Football Academy have received their N10million winners’ prize money. Same way the runners up , ISAGT FC have also collected their N5million prize as runners up. All individual prize winners have been paid as well.

‘This is promise made and kept to the teams. We remain grateful to our sponsors, 1XBET,’ noted the former Super Eagles player.

Similarly, all the individual prize winners have also collected their moneys.

Uche Emeribe emerged the Highest Goals Scorer with five goals and got N300,000 for his effort. Abdullahi Suleiman emerged the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament while Adewale Quadri was the MVP. Ikorodu City FA’s Wellington Egor was the Tournament’s Best Coach. They all received N300,000 each . Expectedly, Ikorodu City FA also emerged Team of the Tournament while Highlight of the 2025 edition was Dosu Joseph FC.

Akanni also praised the fans of the various teams and other spectators that made the final played on Thursday October 17, 2025 memorable.

He confirmed that preparations will commence in earnest for the 2026 edition.

The wife of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) 2023 presidential candidate, Mrs. Lilian Adebayo has said that her husband, Prince Adewole Adebayo, will be on the ballot for the country’s highest office in 2027.

She also foreclosed any plan by her husband to dump the SDP for any other opposition party to actualise his presidential ambition in 2027.

Adebayo spoke in Abuja shortly after receiving an award of honour from the Forum of SDP State Chairmen led by Lagos Chairman, Hon. Femi Olaniyi (Ferrari),

She emphasised her husband’s readiness to serve, noting that his consistency and passion for the SDP demonstrate his vision for a better Nigeria.

‘Prince Adewole Adebayo is not just in politics for ambition; he is in it for service. And if Nigerians will be true to themselves, he can defeat anybody in 2027,’ she asserted.

Assuring the sub-national party leaders of her husband’s unshakable loyalty to the party, Mrs. Adebayo said the 2023 presidential candidate would not jump ship to another political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

She maintained that her husband has been a consistent member of the party since his teenage years and has resisted pressure to defect to bigger parties despite numerous offers.

‘My husband, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has often said it publicly that he joined the SDP at the age of 19 and has never left. He had several opportunities to move to other parties, including the PDP but he chose to remain in the SDP. By the grace of God, in the next election, he is still going to be there. He’s not leaving SDP for another party whatsoever,’ she said.

Commending the party’s conflict resolution mechanism, Mrs. Adebayo also applauded the leadership for effectively managing the party.

‘Like every other party, we’ve had our share of challenges, but the SDP has always handled issues internally. Whenever there’s a problem, it gets resolved amicably. So, I’m not scared of anything. Peace will always reign in our party,’ she affirmed.

On the issue of women’s inclusion in politics, Adebayo called for greater representation of women in governance, saying their compassionate and balanced approach to leadership can contribute meaningfully to national development.

‘Women deserve more representation. They rule with empathy and fairness. If we truly want a balanced and progressive society, we must allow more women to participate in leadership,’ she said.

She also dismissed the notion that women do not support each other in politics. She argued that oftentimes men are responsible for the seeming disagreement between women by creating unnecessary rivalry among women.

‘I don’t believe women don’t support women. If men leave us to sort ourselves out, we’ll always stand by one another. I was so happy to see the only female among the SDP chairmen; I gave her a big hug. If she contests for any position, I’ll definitely support her.’

Born Saidat Ashabi Balogun but popularly known by her alias ‘Omoge Saidat,’ a moniker bestowed upon her by the legendary Fuji maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, she is a 55-year-old jeweler based in the United Kingdom.

Until recently, Omoge Saidat had maintained a low profile, blending seamlessly into the backdrop of high-society events and glamorous parties. However, her life took a dramatic turn when she found herself at the center of a scandal that shook her world.

Last week, during the extravagant celebration of Gaming Mogul Sir Adebukunola Adebutu’s 90th birthday at the prestigious Eko Convention Centre, her private videos were leaked online, thrusting her into the spotlight. Initially, the situation felt surreal to Saidat as she watched her private moments being circulated and discussed across various social media platforms.

The videos quickly gained traction, captivating those unaware of her previous existence and prompting many to delve into her personal life and background.

The impact of the leaked nude video was devastating.

Overcome with emotion, Saidat wept bitterly, grappling with the sense of betrayal and violation she felt. Friends and acquaintances soon began speculating about who might have orchestrated the leak, igniting a flurry of accusations and rumors. While some condemned the person responsible for sharing such intimate content, others questioned Saidat’s decision to record and share the video with her partner two years prior.

As discussions continued to swirl, whispers began circulating that the Adebutu family may have had some involvement in the video’s release, prompting Saidat to seek clarity on the matter. In an effort to address the storm surrounding her and restore her reputation, she was invited to a private meeting with the Adebutu family at their opulent Ikoyi mansion on October 28 at 10 AM. Present were Baba Adebutu, his wife Kofoworola, Hon Ladi Adebutu, Abibat Adebutu Kasunmu and several other family members, all determined to confront the unfolding drama.

Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is partnering with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) to accelerate national fish production and close Nigeria’s estimated 2.2 million metric ton supply gap through a coordinated policy that will produce a National Fish Production Acceleration Roadmap (NFPAR).

Speaking at the opening of a two-day Round Table Discussion on Accelerating National Fish Production in Lagos, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the collaboration with NIPSS marked a critical step in implementing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises food security, job creation, and economic diversification.

‘Current output meets only about 38.9 per cent of the 3.6 million metric tons of fish required annually; this leaves a deficit of over 2.2 million metric tons, forcing Nigeria to rely heavily on imports. This trend is unsustainable – economically, nutritionally, and environmentally,’ Oyetola said.

He said the round table aims to produce a National Fish Production Acceleration Roadmap that will guide strategic investments and reforms in the fisheries and aquaculture subsector.

He noted that new policies and legal frameworks, including the Fisheries Bill and the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, are being developed to strengthen sustainability and governance.

He also highlighted digital reforms within the Ministry, including the automation of fisheries operations and the establishment of a Blue Data Bank in partnership with the World Bank’s PROBLUE Programme. He said initiatives such as the Green Money Project are already empowering youth and women to engage in aquaculture through input support and training.

In his address, Director-General of NIPSS, Prof Ayo Omotayo, reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to supporting evidence-based policymaking that can help Nigeria achieve fish self-sufficiency. He said NIPSS would continue to work with the ministry to translate the outcomes of the round table into actionable strategies.

The two-day forum, which has experts, operators and other stakeholders in attendance, is expected to generate recommendations that will inform national policy and investment decisions aimed at boosting fish production, reducing imports, and promoting sustainable growth within Nigeria’s Blue Economy.

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has said Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit, estimated at over $2.3 trillion, will require sustained annual investments of about $100 billion until 2043 to overcome.

The commission said the renewed investor confidence, following Nigeria’s recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, would boost the inflow of new financing and accelerate efforts to address the country’s infrastructure challenges through well-structured Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and private-sector-driven financing models.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the ICRC said the FATF delisting marked a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s investment climate.

It described the development as a magnet for global financiers seeking credible opportunities.

‘The ICRC believes this milestone will serve as a magnet for institutional investors, impact funds, and global financiers seeking credible, transparent, and rewarding investment opportunities in Nigeria’s infrastructure space,’ it said.

The commission noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has provided a clear policy direction that has repositioned the ICRC for greater efficiency and impact in managing Nigeria’s PPP portfolio.

‘Under this leadership, the ICRC has streamlined PPP processes to fast-track project delivery, secured and implemented Presidential approval for new project approval thresholds of N20 billion and N10 billion for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to accelerate smaller projects, and issued a comprehensive regulatory framework providing clear, step-by-step guidelines from project conception to hand-back,’ the statement said.

The ICRC urged local and international investors to seize the opportunity presented by Nigeria’s improved financial standing to collaborate with the government on transformative infrastructure projects across critical sectors, such as transportation, power, water, healthcare, and technology.

‘Nigeria is open for business like never before,’ said ICRC’s Director-General, Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh.

‘With FATF’s delisting and our strengthened PPP framework, the stage is set for a new wave of infrastructure investment that will redefine Nigeria’s economic landscape.’

Ewalefoh noted that the country’s removal from the FATF grey list not only enhances Nigeria’s credibility in the global financial system but also improves its risk profile for international investors.

‘Nigeria’s clean financial bill means lower risk premiums, smoother cross-border transactions, and renewed investor confidence,’ he said. ‘It directly strengthens our mission at ICRC to attract innovative financing that bridges Nigeria’s infrastructure gap.’

The commission reaffirmed that the current policy environment provides an unprecedented opportunity for partnerships that can deliver sustainable and inclusive infrastructure growth, positioning Nigeria as a major investment destination in Africa.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has passed eight of the 14 associations seeking registration as political parties.

The commission said they have met the criteria to proceed to the next stage of the registration.

They are: All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA), Abundance Social Party (ASP), African Alliance Party (AAP), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Green Future Party (GFP), National Democratic Party (NDP), and Peoples Freedom Party (PFP).

The commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, announced this in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

He said the eight associations successfully uploaded the required information on INEC’s dedicated portal at the close of the exercise on October 18.

The commission had prequalified 14 associations out of about 171 that submitted letters of intent for registration as political parties.

The statement reads: ‘Further to the commission’s earlier update on Thursday, September 11, 2025, on the ongoing process for the registration of political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held its regular meeting today, Thursday, October 30, 2025, and, among other issues, reviewed the progress made since that announcement.

‘Following the briefing held for 14 pre-qualified associations on Tuesday, September 17, 2025, the commission opened its dedicated portal for the upload of required documents from Wednesday, September 18, to Friday, October 18, 2025 at midnight.

‘As of Saturday, October 19, 2025, eight out of the 14 pre-qualified associations successfully completed the upload of all necessary information and documentation.

‘The associations are: All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA), Abundance Social Party (ASP), African Alliance Party (AAP), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Green Future Party (GFP), National Democratic Party (NDP), and Peoples Freedom Party (PFP).

‘The next step in the registration process is the detailed assessment and verification of the information and documents submitted by each association. This stage will ensure conformity with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022).

‘The commission wishes to reaffirm its commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and the deepening of Nigeria’s democratic culture.’

Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella will not be available for Super Eagles selection for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs.

In just over two weeks, the Super Eagles will resume international duty. They will take on Gabon in the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup playoffs. If they survive, they will then face the winner of the game between DR Congo and Cameroon a few days later.

Going into those games, coach Eric Chelle would need all the quality he can get, as Nigeria’s World Cup qualification is on the line.

But according to , Soccernet.ng reports, the Franco-Malian tactician will be missing the services of one of Nigeria’s finest attackers Nathan Tella.

This is as Bayer Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand has stated that the Super Eagles star is yet to recover from a knee injury, which he has been struggling with since last month.

‘With Nathan Tella, the injury was more difficult and complicated than we first thought,’ Hjulmand said per Werkself Xtra. ‘I think he’ll need the international break as well. It’s looking better and better, but I can’t say when he’ll return exactly.’

Tella’s absence will be a minus for the Super Eagles is a blow, as it limits coach Eric Chelle’s attacking options.

But he won’t really be missed, provided the other Nigerian attackers like Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon are fit and ready to go.

Tella will be hoping to heal quickly and return to action for Bayer Leverkusen soon enough.

With new defections yesterday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) now has two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives.

Already, the ruling party has two-thirds majority in the Senate.

Six opposition members, one from Labour Party (LP) and five from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State cross over to the majority side of the aisle.

The defectors said they moved with Governor Peter Mbah who this month defected from the PDP to the APC.

Governor Mba, along with APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda were in the House to witness the defection.

Also with them is a former minister Mrs. Fedelia Njeze.

Those who defected are Daniel Asama Ado (LP), Chidi Mark Obetta PDP-Enugu), Phillips Anayo Owuegbu (LP-Enugu), Nnaji Nnolim (Enugu), Denis Agbo (Enugu) and Martin Oke (Enugu)

The defection brings the number APC members in the House to 243, leaving the PDP with 72 members.

Other parties in the House have members as follows: LP (21 members); New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP 15 members,) All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA 5), Social Democratic Party(SDP 2), African Democratic Congress (ADC 1), and Young People Party (YPP1).

In their separate letters read on the floor of the House by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, they cited lingering leadership crisis in the two parties as reasons for their defections.

Two of the defectors, Denis Agbo and Chidi Mark Obetta, who were elected into the House on the platform of the LP, had previously defected to the PDP on May 1.

Nnaji, Deputy Leader of the Southeast Caucus in the House, reiterated their collective support for the governor.

He said: ‘Today, we stand before you filled with joy, conviction, and purpose. With your blessing and in line with our collective decision to stand firmly with our visionary Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah, we will this day – October 30, 2025 – during plenary at the House of Representatives, formally announce my defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

‘This is not just a political move – it is a bold step into the future. A step borne out of courage, clarity, and our shared determination to reposition Enugu state for greatness.

Other parties in the House have members as follows: LP (21 members); New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP 15 members,) All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA 5), Social Democratic Party(SDP 2), African Democratic Congress (ADC 1), and Young People Party (YPP1).

In their separate letters read on the floor of the House by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, they cited lingering leadership crisis in the two parties as reasons for their defections.

Two of the defectors, Denis Agbo and Chidi Mark Obetta, who were elected into the House on the platform of the LP, had previously defected to the PDP on May 1.

Nnaji, Deputy Leader of the Southeast Caucus in the House, reiterated their collective support for the governor.

He said: ‘Today, we stand before you filled with joy, conviction, and purpose. With your blessing and in line with our collective decision to stand firmly with our visionary Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah, we will this day – October 30, 2025 – during plenary at the House of Representatives, formally announce my defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

‘This is not just a political move – it is a bold step into the future. A step borne out of courage, clarity, and our shared determination to reposition Enugu state for greatness.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that a legal practitioner, Ahmed Abdulrahman and four others, be remanded at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Area 10 Abuja till November 10 after their arraignment for allegedly cyber-bullying a serving Senator, Shehu Baba Umar.

Justice Rita Ofili Ajumogobia issued the order yesterday shortly after the five were arraigned on an eleven-count, bordering on cyber bullying, advance fee fraud and extortion, brought against them by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

The other defendants are Daure David, Ishaq Abubakar Muhammed, Abdulrashid Abdullahi Musa and Nasiru Usman Abubakar.

The five were accused of blackmailing Senator Umar, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

They pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them, following which the prosecuting lawyer, Victor Okoye requested the court for a date the commencement of trial and asked that the defendants be remanded in Kuje prison in Abuja.

Lawyer to Abulrahman, Afeez Matanmi subsequently moved the bail application he filed for his client, who he described as a lawyer, who will not interfere with police’s investigation and prosecution’s witnesses if granted bail.

He reminded the court that police, on their own, granted the first defendant administrative bail which he did not jump because, as a lawyer, he knows the consequences of jumping bail.

Okoye, however, objected to the bail request, staying that shortly after the lawyer was admitted to bail, he engaged in two other cyber-bullying activities and featured prominently in five out of the eleven counts contained in the charge sheet.

Okoye argued that, although, the first defendant is confirmed to be a lawyer, he does not deserve any preferential or special treatment because there is no provision in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and the Constitution that confers any special treatment on any legal practitioner involved in criminality.

After taking arguments for and against the bail application, Justice Ajumogobia ordered that, the defendants be remanded at the Force CID till November 10 for the lawyer to the first defendant to file further affidavit and reply on point of law to the weighty allegations contained in the counter affidavit of the prosecution.

The Judge subsequently adjourned the matter till November 10.

The suspect was alleged to have stated that Senator Umar is a sponsor of banditry and called for his investigation.

David was accused of attempting to collect N5 million from Senator Umar under false pretense that the money will be used to settle those planning to protest against him.