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The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi, has ordered the deployment of 10,250 personnel to Anambra State ahead of the November 8, 2025, governorship election.

Prof. Audi said the deployment was aimed at ensuring a peaceful, credible, and orderly election, warning that anyone found violating electoral laws would face the full weight of the law.

He explained that the personnel were drawn from tactical units at the Corps’ national headquarters and various state commands across the federation.

Addressing state commandants and heads of tactical squads at the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja, Audi emphasised that the deployment aligns with the Corps’ mandate to collaborate with the Nigeria Police, which is the lead agency in election security management.

‘With effective coordination, cooperation, and collaboration among security agencies, there will be violence-free elections,’ he assured.

The NSCDC boss cautioned politicians and their supporters against making inciting statements or engaging in actions that could trigger unrest before, during, or after the polls.

‘The Anambra election is slated for Saturday, November 8. All intelligence and undercover personnel are to proceed immediately to man identified flashpoints,’ he directed.

‘Tactical forces are to commence round-the-clock patrols, while operatives deployed to polling units and collation centres must adhere strictly to the posting order.’

Prof. Audi reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to professionalism and respect for citizens’ fundamental human rights, in line with the resolution of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

‘The NSCDC, alongside other security agencies, will monitor the election process and provide adequate protection for election materials and officials on duty,’ he said.

He further disclosed that the deployed operatives were drawn from the National Headquarters Tactical Squad, Zone 13 in Awka, and the state commands of Edo, Kogi, Imo, Abia, Delta, Rivers, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Bayelsa, among others.

Oando Plc strengthened its earnings outlook with 164 per cent growth in net profit to N210.31 billion in the third quarter, underlining increasing attractiveness of the leading indigenous energy group.

Oando recorded the highest gain at the Nigerian stock market yesterday as the nine-month report was released at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).

Oando’s share price rose by 9.99 per cent, a notch below the 10 per cent maximum daily allowable change at the NGX.

Oando closed on bid at N46.80 per share, with market analysts expecting the rally to continue on the momentum of the third-quarter report.

Key extracts of the interim report and accounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 showed that net profit after tax rose from N76.3 billion in third quarter 2024 to N201.31 billion in third quarter 2025.

Earnings per share thus leapt to N16 by third quarter 2025 as against N6 recorded in comparable period of 2024.

Total assets also expanded from N6.43 trillion by December 31, 2024 to N6.77 trillion by September 2025.

Commenting on the results, Group Chief Executive, Oando Plc, Mr Wale Tinubu, said the group has further consolidated the gains achieved following its acquisition of NAOC’s assets last year.

According to him, the group’s assumption of operatorship has been transformational, granting it the agility to act decisively and execute with precision in driving production growth and operational efficiency.

He said: ‘Production uptime currently stands at 82 per cent, translating to a 59 per cent year-on-year increase in crude oil and gas production, which now averages 38,121boepd, clear evidence of the beginning of the dawn of unlocking the tremendous value our reserves possess.

‘During the period, we made meaningful progress in integrating operations, strengthening security and community relations, as well as resolving legacy issues inherited at the point of operatorship. Most notably, we achieved a partial recovery of substantial receivables that had remained outstanding for several years and made significant headway in renegotiating long-standing legal matters that had previously been fully provisioned for. These milestones underscore the depth of our leadership and our unwavering commitment to unlocking value’.

He noted that across the group’s trading business, refined products volumes remained under pressure, largely due to the well-deserved and expected success of the Dangote refinery in meeting Nigeria’s import needs.

‘Consequently, our focus had shifted to expanding global crude exports and leveraging structured pre-export transactions, an area in which we have continued to record robust success.

‘In addition, we also executed the first tranche of our share distribution programme, delivering a 5.33 per cent dividend yield, with the second tranche scheduled for early next year. This is yet another tangible demonstration of our focus on creating and returning value to our shareholders.

‘As we enter the final quarter of 2025, we remain focused on further strengthening our balance sheet, accelerating production growth, expanding our trading footprint, optimizing our cash flows, and sustaining long-term value creation,’ Tinubu said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday decorated the Service chiefs with their new ranks, giving them an order to ”flush out” terrorists and other non-state actors in all zones of the country.

”It is time to defeat the enemies. Clear them off; clear them out. ‘Nigerians need results, not excuses,’ the President told them.

Tinubu gave them tips on how they could effortlessly achieve the task. ”Be pre-emptive, innovative and courageous,” he challenged them.

The President said even with the ‘recent emergence of new armed groups,” Nigeria can no longer allow the insecurity that began to worsen in 2009 to continue.

”We are in a hurry to celebrate peace, ” he said, describing security as an essential element without which everything is rendered meaningless.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Olufemi Oluyede became a four-star general while the Service chiefs were elevated to three-star generals. The Chief of Defence Intelligence also became a three-star general.

Upgraded are: Gen. Oluyede; Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff); Air Marshall Kevin Aneke (Chief of Air Staff) and Vice-Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff) and Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiendeye (Chief of Defence Intelligence)

The President received assurances from Gen. Oluyede, who spoke on behalf of others, of the military’s readiness to deliver on the task, defend the Constitution and protect the nation’s democracy.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Akpabio, House of Representatives’ Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, witnessed the ceremony.

Other top government functionaries at the event, held at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, were Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru; National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara); Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Umar Namadi (Jigawa) and senior military officers.

President Tinubu said for the war against insecurity to become a thing of the past, the military must change its direction by deploying technology and superior joint planning to ‘defeat the enemies.’

‘I charge you also to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace, freedom and stability. Let us deploy technology where necessary. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. It is time to defeat the enemies,’ he said.

Tinubu said the ceremony ‘is beyond symbolism of decoration,’ describing it as ‘the beginning of our renewed effort to ensure the peace and security of all Nigerians.’

Stressing the essence of peace in driving development, the President said: ‘There cannot be sufficient development if this fundamental aspect of human need is unmet. Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the benefit of governance and democracy.’

While saluting the military’s sacrifices and past gains, Tinubu warned that threats are mutating, with the ‘recent emergence of new armed groups in the troublesome areas of Northcentral, Northwest, and parts of the South.’

He directed the military high command to be decisive and proactive: ‘We must not allow these new threats to fester. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.’

The President hailed troops for reclaiming once-occupied territories: ‘In dark times, when terrorists and armed marauders held significant portions of our land, that time is over. You. rose to the challenge and reclaimed those occupied territories, ”thank you for the rescue mission. Those areas previously under siege have been rescued, countless kidnapped citizens [freed], and you have significantly diminished the capacity of the terror groups.’

Tinubu paid tribute to fallen heroes and thanked their families, assuring them that their ‘sacrifices will not be in vain.’

He also appreciated the spouses and families of the newly decorated officers, ‘my deepest thanks and gratitude to you all on behalf of this grateful nation. The security is improving; the sacrifices you make will not be in vain.’

Calling for tighter inter-service and inter-agency coordination, the President directed them to ‘work together, compare notes, exchange information effectively and follow up proactively.” He added that they must ”work with other security agencies and defeat this enemy once and for all.”

CDS Oluyede: we’ll defend Nigeria’s democracy

The military has promised not only to defend democracy but also to intensify efforts to secure the country.

”We pledge our loyalty to Mr. President, and we will continue to support our flourishing democracy,” said CDS Oluyede shortly after taking over the mantle of leadership from his predecessor, Gen. Christopher Musa, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

Gen. Oluyede also assured Nigerians that the military would rid Nigeria of all forms of criminality and make our nation safer so that socio-economic endeavours can flourish.”

Thanking Nigerians for ”the support they have given the Armed Forces,” he said: ”I expect that they give us more so we can make Nigeria safer.’

Oluyede added that the military, under his leadership, would be guided by the core principles of professionalism, collaboration, discipline, innovation, and accountability, while fostering stronger synergy among the services and defence agencies.

The CDS noted that the complex and evolving nature of threats confronting our nation demanded that we remain vigilant, innovative, and united.

‘My leadership will, therefore, be guided by the principles of professionalism, discipline, innovation, and accountability,’ he said

Oluyede pledged to enhance intelligence-driven operations and deepen collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies, emphasising that their objective of restoring and sustaining peace, stability, and national cohesion in every part of our country remained incontestable.

‘Equally important is the welfare of our officers and men, which remains central to operational effectiveness,’ he said.

Immediate past CDS, Gen.Musa, described his tenure as challenging yet rewarding.

Gen. Musa lauded the media for being dependable in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the country.

COAS promises deployment of new strategies

At the Army Headquarters, also in Abuja, the new COAS, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu promised decisive action to curb insecurity in the country.

Gen. Shaibu described the security situation, which has led to the displacement of some Nigerians, as unacceptable.

‘We obviously live in tough times, but I do not doubt that we are tough people too.

‘I am aware of the developing situation in some parts of our country, which has put law-abiding citizens in economic hardship, fear and displacement. These situations are not acceptable and need my urgent attention,’ he said after taking over.

‘How maritime security will be strengthened’

CNS, Vice Admiral Abbas, pledged to intensify the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes undermining Nigeria’s economy.

. ‘I am not unaware that our maritime environment remains threatened by a scourge of crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and drug trafficking,” he said after assuming his new office at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja.

The Naval chief said he would enhance fleet capability through aggressive fleet renewal and increased deployment of technology, prioritise personnel training and welfare, and deepen collaboration with other security agencies.

Describing his appointment as a privilege, Vice Admiral Abbas vowed to discharge his duties with dedication, integrity and loyalty.

Improvement in security imminent, CAS assures Nigerians

CAS Air Marshall Aneke vowed to leave no stone unturned to bring about swift improvement in the nation’s security.

Aneke, who is the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff, took over from his predecessor, Air Marshall Hasan Abubaker, during a brief ceremony at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters

The CAS described his appointment as a call to duty, pledging his loyalty to President Tinubu and a commitment to prioritise the welfare of officers, airmen and airwomen of the Air Force.

‘I also pledge my loyalty and that of the Nigerian Air Force officers, airmen and airwomen to the government and people of Nigeria as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution,’ Air Marshall Aneke said.

He appealed to the National Assembly to continue its collaboration with the Air Force, describing legislative backing as vital to the success of ongoing security operations.

Innocent Onwunali, a serial entrepreneur and businessman, is the founder of IKI Leads, a company he co-established with his brother, Ikechukwu Onwunali. He has significantly impacted the Nigerian indigenous alcoholic beverage industry through his innovative approach and commitment to quality. Innocent first made waves with the successful launch of Pasa Bitters, followed by PoloClub Vodka, both of which quickly became household names across the country.

Building on this momentum, Innocent has expanded his product range to include a variety of local spirits, such as Aromatic Schnapps and Creams, as well as other unique alcoholic offerings. His latest venture, Doncoco, represents a new horizon in his business portfolio, showcasing a well-crafted spirit that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.

With a keen understanding of market dynamics, Innocent is strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing consumer preference for locally produced beverages. The Nigerian alcoholic beverage market is currently valued at over $7 billion, and Innocent is poised to leverage the rising costs associated with imported drinks, as more consumers turn towards homegrown alternatives.

To support this expansion, he is enhancing his production capabilities in Ogun State, where he is not only increasing output but also creating numerous job opportunities. Innocent’s operations are expected to directly employ hundreds of individuals, while also supporting many more through his extensive distribution network.

Former Senate Leade Ali Ndume has urged the new Chief of Defence Staff, Lt-General Olufemi Oluyede and the Service Chiefs to push for better remuneration for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces to boost their motivation.

The lawmaker gave the advice on in a statement in Abuja following the decoration of the new service chiefs with their new ranks by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

General Oluyede and three other service chiefs were screened and confirmed for appointment by the Senate on Wednesday.

Aside the new Chief of Defence Staff, others confirmed by the Senate were Major General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff.

The Senator representing Borno South, who incidentally was former Chairman Senate Committee on Army in the Ninth Senate, maintained that better remuneration is key in boosting the morale of the military in the fight against insurgency, banditry and other threats, inimical to security of lives and property of Nigerians.

Ndume said: ‘I have identified four pillars that would make our military formidable at all times and keep security threats at bay.

‘This is what I have tagged as TEAM. The first is Training, second is Equipment, Ammunitions and Motivations in that order.’

The lawmaker also advocated that the present administration should ensure that the military budget be accorded priority by being placed in the First Line Charge.

‘The annual budget of the Armed Forces and Other Security forces should be in the First Line Charge and it shouldn’t be discretionary. They should be front loaded,’he said.

The former Senate Leader noted the salary and allowances of officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces are nothing to write home about compared with their counterparts in neighboring West African states.

Ndume said: ‘In Ghana, the entry-level pay for a private soldier is equivalent to about ?180,000 per month; in South Africa, the basic pay for enlisted personnel starts at about ?250,000 monthly (when converted).

‘In Egypt, junior enlisted officers earn the equivalent of ?230,000-?280,000 monthly; and in Kenya, a private earns about ?200,000, excluding operational allowances.

‘In Nigeria, the average private soldier earns significantly less despite higher deployment frequency and operational demands.

‘The current remuneration and minimum entry-level wage for many personnel across these services have been outpaced by rising living costs, with knock-on effects on morale, recruitment, retention, and operational effectiveness, particularly for personnel deployed in high-risk theatres and remote locations.’

A store at the popular Jabi Lake Mall in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has been razed by fire.

The incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday, causing panic among responders and security personnel at the shopping complex.

It was gathered that the incident occurred at about 3am with the Adidas sports store in the mall razed by the inferno.

It was further learnt that firefighters from the Federal Fire Service, the Berger Fire Department, and the FCT Fire Service, as well as police officers, were deployed to the scene.

When contacted, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident, and said police officers were deployed to the location to secure the area and prevent looting.

‘We received a distress call at about 3:40 a.m. We immediately deployed our men there to secure the place and prevent any breach of public order,’ Adeh said.

The situation has since been brought under control.

The Action Alliance (AA) has collapsed its structure into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State.

The opposition party, led by its former state chairman and 2024 governorship candidate, Fred Akinuli, announced the formal defection yesterday in Akure.

Akinuli, who was received alongside the AA structures across the 18 local governments by APC state Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, said the decision was driven by his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

He said his move to collapse the AA structure into the ruling APC followed his appointment as the Deputy Director-General of the Progressives Network for Tinubu (PNT), under the leadership of Pastor Olumide Obadele and financed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Akinuli described the defection as a significant milestone in his 20-year political journey, noting that it was his first-ever defection since joining politics in 2005.

Receiving the new members, Adetimehin hailed them for joining what he described as a ‘progressive family’, urging them to return to their wards and contribute to the development and growth of the party.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who welcomed the defectors, lauded the cohesion within the state’s APC leadership and expressed confidence that Ondo State would deliver over 90 per cent of votes for President Tinubu in the next presidential election.

Tunji-Ojo, represented by the Director-General of the Asiwaju Mandate Group, Olumuyiwa Asagunla, said the support group would intensify efforts to attract more defectors to the APC and rally stronger grassroots backing for the President.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has dismissed recent insinuations surrounding the FIFA Goal Project in Kebbi State, describing them as misleading and politically motivated.

Speaking on the issue, Dikko, who disclosed that he was the first Nigerian to oversee a FIFA Goal Project in the country, affirmed that the Kebbi facility followed due process and met all FIFA standards before commissioning.

‘I was the first person to handle a FIFA Goal Project in Nigeria, hence I can speak to the Kebbi project issue,’ he stated. ‘The project was advertised as reflected on the requisite website before it was given. It totally followed due process and was certified and commissioned by FIFA.’

Dikko explained that the global football body released $1.2 million-equivalent to about ?300 million at the time-for the project, and that every expenditure was properly accounted for. He cautioned against drawing unfair parallels between Nigeria’s project and the ongoing Nairobi facility, which he said was a completely different undertaking by the Kenyan government valued at over $300 million.

‘It is absurd to juxtapose the Kebbi project and that of the Nairobi project being put in place by the Kenyan government at over $300 million,’ Dikko emphasized.

He urged journalists and sports stakeholders to always verify information before publication, noting that unverified reports could damage the integrity of national efforts and distract from pressing sporting goals.

‘As professionals, I advise that you always seek clarification and check before you jump into conclusion,’ he cautioned. ‘Is it this time we are struggling to qualify for the FIFA World Cup that we are supposed to bring unverified stories and spread by certain people based on politics and other issues?’

Dikko reiterated the Commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability in all sports development projects, assuring Nigerians that the Kebbi FIFA Goal Project remains a model of due process and compliance.

A new breeze is blowing through Nigeria’s sports administration following the recently concluded elections into 18 national sports federations – a process widely hailed as one of the most transparent and peaceful in recent memory. Conducted by the National Sports Commission (NSC), the elections have ushered in a crop of distinguished personalities – from captains of industry to seasoned technocrats and career administrators – all promising to bring renewed hope and direction to their respective sports.

From boxing to shooting, from aquatic sports to tennis, weightlifting to wrestling, the fresh leadership landscape signals a shift towards accountability, innovation and partnership-driven growth. For many stakeholders, it is the first time in years that the governance of Nigerian sports appears to be infused with both experience and professionalism. Therefore, Saturday, 25th October 2025, will surely go down as a watershed in the annals of Nigeria’s sporting calendar as it were.

Addressing the newly elected presidents and board members at the inauguration ceremony held at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, the NSC Chairman, Mallam Dikko , challenged them to view their emergence not as a reward but as a responsibility.

‘This is a call to serve, to innovate and to contribute to the nation’s economic and social development through sports,’ Dikko, the erstwhile 2nd Vice-President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) , said. ‘We expect leaders who will translate investments into tangible outcomes such as competitive athletes, good governance, youth engagement, and infrastructure development.’

Echoing same sentiment, the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, praised the credibility of the elections, urging the new leaders to prioritize integrity and transparency.

‘Our focus has been to restore confidence in the system,’ Olopade said. ‘These elections are a testament to our resolve to reposition Nigerian sports as a beacon of integrity and innovation.’

Indeed, many observers see this election cycle as a turning point. For years, sports governance in Nigeria was marred by internal wrangling, lack of accountability and the appointment of disinterested figures. This time, however, the NSC’s deliberately encouraged participation of heavyweight personalities in government as well as some storied professionals and philanthropists all in the bid to clean the augean stables of sports in Nigeria.

Of course, there is nothing new under the earth and indeed in the twists and turns of sporting administration in Nigeria and what the Dikko-led NSC has done was to borrow a leaf from the days of late Pa Isaac Akioye-led NSC which is often regarded as the best regime Nigeria ever had.

In a file interview with our correspondent in March 2003 , the late Akioye enthused how the NSC was able to set the compass of Nigerian sports on the right course and he was of the few that an ignoramus should never be allowed in the administration of sports if there are going to be successes than failures.

‘We changed the face of Nigerian sports while I was at the NSC,’ Akioye said in what was his last major interview before his demise in 2007.’ During our time at the NSC, we brought credible people from outside the civil service to contribute to supports development .

‘ The NSC then was able to attract a lot of good people; people like Alhaji Fashola who was the manager of Barclays Bank at Ojuelegba then. We brought the likes of late Mobolaji-Bank Anthony to support our programme.

‘But how many credible people today would want to go to the ministry to identify with sports all because they have turned administration of sports to personal gains rather than services?’

Offering panacea to Nigerian sporting problems and administration, the respected late technocrat who first made sporting headlines as a teacher at both Wesley College in Ibadan and Government College in Ughelli, said government should return to the old and tested route by resuscitating the NSC.

‘ What I want is for government to revert to NSC than having in place the Ministry of Sports,’ Akioye further said.’ A commission is an elastic administration which could accommodate credible people outside the civil service into sports administration.

‘ I’ve repeatedly suggested this to government because that was what can move our sports forward.’

Indeed, Akioye’s life-long dream for a new direction for Nigerian sports was partly answered with the scrapping of the Ministry of Sports Development and resuscitating of the National Sports Commission in October 2024 by the forward-looking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under his Renewed Hope Agenda for Sports.

In fact, One of the gains of the bold moves by President Tinubu was evidently the successful elections across 18 federations at the Indoor Hall of the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja last Saturday.

The ‘new kids’ on the block

Among the most talked-about winners in last Saturday’s electoral process is Commodore Mohammed Shettima (rtd.), the newly elected President of the Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF). His victory over incumbent Captain Ayoade Bamidele was as narrow as it was symbolic – eight votes to six – ending a prolonged internal stalemate that had paralysed the federation’s activities for weeks.

Shettima wasted no time outlining his reform agenda: ‘As I speak to you right now, we don’t have 100 percent accurate records of our members. We need a mechanism to ensure that every member and every weapon is properly documented. That can only be achieved through a constitutional review.’

The retired Commodore also spoke passionately about expanding the sport’s visibility through corporate partnerships, particularly with the defence and security sectors.

‘Every institution faces funding challenges,’ he noted. ‘We are already engaging foreign stakeholders who are willing to come in. We expect support from companies involved in the arms and defence sector as part of their corporate social responsibility.’

Despite a tense campaign, Shettima remains magnanimous in victory, describing his opponent as a worthy challenger and pledging to reunite the federation.

‘There must be people that will support A and people that will support B,’ he said. ‘We are not divided. We only had preferred candidates.’

Edun returns with magic wand to boxing

Perhaps, the most high-profile of the new sports leaders is Mr. Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, who emerged as President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF).

Mr. Edun is not new to pugilism at all . As the former Chairman of the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame, he has championed youth empowerment through boxing. His election is seen as a strategic move to reinvigorate the sport’s finances and global competitiveness.

‘The leadership of the NSC has shown professionalism in these elections,’ Mr. Edun said after his victory. ‘It’s now our responsibility to ensure a new dawn for Nigerian boxing.’

His presence in the federation brings credibility and importantly, the potential to attract corporate investment – a resource the sport desperately needs.

Corporate minds and sporting spirit

Another prominent figure joining the fray is Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, now President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF). Known for his discipline and strategic thinking, Adeniyi is expected to bring the same organizational acumen that has defined his tenure in public service. Highly regarded by stakeholders within and outside the wrestling federation, Adeniyi is regarded as one of the unseen hands behind the successful regime of his immediate predecessor, Honourable Daniel Igali.

Meanwhile in the cerebral arena of chess, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, former Governor of Gombe State, is now at the helms of the Nigeria Chess Federation. A chartered accountant and former Accountant-General of the Federation, Dankwambo’s background in financial prudence could help institutionalize chess development and competitions nationwide.

Equally notable is Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, who now heads the Nigeria Tennis Federation. Ochei, known for his corporate background and passion for youth empowerment, pledged to align tennis development with the NSC’s broader economic vision.

‘I am proud that Nigerian sports are in the hands of astute administrators,’ Ochei said. ‘I am committed to complementing the commission’s efforts in building a sustainable sports economy through tennis.’

Yet if one federation embodies the grassroots vision of the NSC’s new era, it is the Nigeria Aquatic Federation (NAqF), where Dr. Dunkwu Chamberlain Nnamdi emerged unopposed as President.

An advocate for riverine community development, Dr. Dunkwu’s election is viewed as an opportunity to transform Nigeria’s natural water resources into a talent pipeline for aquatic sports.

‘We are blessed as a nation with enormous aquatic potential – from the riverine areas of the Niger Delta to the lakes and coastlines of the North and West,’ he said. ‘Our mission is to harness that natural advantage, nurture raw talent, and attract sponsors who share our dream of making Nigeria a continental and global force in aquatic sports.’

Stakeholders at the inauguration hailed the diversity and competence of the new board, which includes regional and institutional representatives. With an eye on international competition and infrastructure development, Dr. Dunkwu’s leadership promises to bridge talent discovery with opportunity creation.

Mixed Reactions from stakeholders

While the elections have been widely celebrated, not everyone is convinced that the inclusion of high-ranking government officials as well as ‘money bags’ can translate into effective management if the sporting landscape is still the way it is right now.

Veteran journalist and former Sports Editor of the Nigerian Tribune Newspapers, Mr. Ade Somefun, voiced scepticism.

‘Haven’t we followed this kind of path before?’ he asked. ‘Most of these top government personalities may not have the time to devote fully to sports development. The NSC should have gone for passionate technocrats who understand the sports deeply.’

Somefun feared that political appointments could side-line true sports reformers. However, he admits that time will tell whether the new crop delivers on their promises.

‘I would have wished that the NSC went for people who were experienced enough and passionate about the sports they’ve been involved with over the years and I mean technocrat who can come up with good sporting policies and drive it well to get the necessary results by way of identifying local talents that abound around the country and nurturing them to stardom.

Anyway, I don’t want to cry more than the bereaved, time will tell,’ he added.

Another respected voice, Honourable Frank Ilaboya, former Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area in Edo State, offered a more optimistic take.

‘To me, whoever gets the opportunity to serve should do so with diligence,’ he said. ‘We saw what Uyi Akpata did with cricket while still in corporate service. The key word is passion. What Nigerians want to see is impact, not titles?’

Ilaboya commended the NSC for conducting transparent elections, describing the process as ‘a big improvement from the past.’

‘What Nigerians are expecting is the impact of those given the opportunity to serve, whether big government appointees or not,’ offered Ilaboya, the Executive Director, Sports Business Development, Marketing and Sponsorship at the Edo Sports Commission.

‘Most of the Federations that didn’t perform in the past were not led by government appointees, so the catch word here is the determination to add value.

What I would not personally want to hear is that because of government work, such federation is lagging behind or suffering.

‘ I want to congratulate the National Sports Commission for conducting a fairly transparent and rancour-free elections. There were pockets of dissent here and there but the processes leading to this year’s elections are a big improvement from the past.

‘It’s now left for those elected to brace for the big task ahead,’ he added.

Furthermore, an Olympian and former Nigeria’s 110m Hurdle Champion, Dr. Godwin Obasogie, equally shared Ilaboya’s sentiments.

‘ If anyone elected have sports knowledge, that is ok,’ the US-based Obasogie stated. ‘But for anyone who haven’t been to any sporting arena to manage sports is taking sports back.

‘It’s hard to take politics out of sports but for better results , we need sports’ knowledgeable people. One thing we found going on is appointing politicians to run sports and the politician bringing somebody who is supposed to hold that seat to work under him.

‘In the past and present, we have seen former sports men and women being used by these politicians to do their job. What can a politician who knows nothing about sports contribute in the world of sports meetings?

‘Look at a country like Jamaica who runs sports. Even in Senegal, see who is running the 2026 Youths Olympics. He is a former sports man. I don’t know if that will happen in Nigeria,’ he noted.

The road ahead amid Renewed Hope

Beyond personalities, what distinguishes this election cycle is the NSC’s reform-oriented approach. By emphasizing good governance, financial transparency and grassroots engagement, the Commission appears determined to shift Nigerian sports from a welfare model to a performance-driven ecosystem.

The NSC’s promise to enforce accountability through periodic evaluations and fiscal audits has also sent a clear message that sports leadership is no longer a ceremonial title.

As the new presidents settle into their roles, expectations are sky-high. With Nigeria’s sports sector increasingly viewed as a potential driver of economic diversification, this new leadership era carries both symbolic and practical weight.

If the words of Hon. Olopade are anything to go by, the NSC intends to hold all federations accountable for measurable progress.

‘We are not just inaugurating leaders; we are inaugurating a movement,’ he said. ‘A movement that will redefine how sports are run in Nigeria – through vision, integrity and impact.’

From Commodore Shettima’s bold reforms in shooting to Dr. Dunkwu’s grassroots aquatic mission, and from Mr. Wale Edun’s financial insight in boxing to Ochei’s corporate touch in tennis, a common thread runs through this new wave of leadership: a belief that Nigerian sports can – and must – do better.

Whether these new faces will translate renewed hope into sustainable change remains to be seen. But for now, at least, optimism is back on the field – and in the pool, the ring and the courts.

The National Industrial Court in Abuja has stopped the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) from carrying out its nationwide strike aimed at shutting down the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

In his ruling, Justice Emmanuel Sublim, granted and an interim order restraining PENGASSAN and its allies from cutting crude and gas supply to the facility. He warned that the planned strike could deal a heavy blow to Nigeria’s fragile economy.

The order also tied the hands of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) from carrying out any directive by PENGASSAN to choke supply lines to the refinery. The case has been adjourned till October 13 for hearing.

Meanwhile, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has assured Nigerians of uninterrupted supply of petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, kerosene and cooking gas despite threat by PENGASSAN.

The assurance comes amid reports of a planned attack on the refinery, allegedly involving PENGASSAN members and hired thugs. According to intelligence sources, the plot seeks to disrupt critical units of the facility, particularly those responsible for petrol production.

PENGASSAN had over the weekend ordered its branches in oil majors like TotalEnergies, Chevron, Seplat, Shell Nigeria Gas, Oando and others to shut down all crude oil valves to Dangote Refinery.

‘All crude oil supply valves to the refinery should be shut. Loading operations for any vessel headed to the refinery should be halted immediately,’ the union declared.

In response, Dangote Petroleum Refinery described the directive as ‘lawless acts and sabotage against Nigeria and its people,’ stressing that the union’s claims of anti-labour practices were unfounded. The company reiterated that its recent internal reorganisation was aimed at curbing repeated sabotage within critical units and was not directed at Nigerian staff.

‘More than 3,000 Nigerians remain fully employed at the refinery and continue to have unrestricted access to the facility,’ the company said, adding that only a very small number of staff were affected by the review process.

Sources confirmed that the refinery has requested heightened protection and surveillance, warning that the alleged plot was at an advanced stage.

‘We are calling on security agencies to be on alert as this plan is targeted at crippling the operations of the refinery and preventing the supply of refined petroleum products, especially petrol,’ one source noted.

The company further alleged that the planned disruption is part of a broader strategy to undermine Nigeria’s progress in domestic refining and push the country back into dependence on imported fuel.

‘Despite the sabotaging acts of PENGASSAN and its allies, Dangote Refinery is determined to continue with uninterrupted production and supply of petroleum products to the Nigerian people and businesses,’ noted the source.

The refinery stressed that heightened surveillance is vital as intelligence reveals PENGASSAN’s plot to physically sabotage its facilities, targeting critical units to enforce shutdown threats.