Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun Receives Award for Philanthropy

In a momentous ceremony held at the highbrow Radisson Blu Hotel in GRA, Ikeja, High Chief Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, widely recognized as IBD Dende, received an illustrious Award of Excellence presented by the City of Brampton, Canada. This prestigious recognition highlights his outstanding contributions to philanthropy, empowerment, and entrepreneurial development in Nigeria, affirming the profound impact he has made on countless lives through his IBD Foundation.

The event was graced by a formal delegation representing the Mayor of Brampton, His Lordship Mayor Patrick Brown, led by Mr. Richard Forward, the Senior Manager of the Financial Advisory Budget Office. During the award presentation, the delegation emphasized Brampton’s dedication to cultivating international partnerships with distinguished leaders like IBD Dende, who is renowned for his philanthropy and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those in need.

The award acknowledged Dende’s extensive philanthropic initiatives, particularly through his IBD Foundation, which has spearheaded transformative projects in various communities throughout Lagos and Ogun States. The recognition also included a formal commendation letter sealed by Mayor Brown, praising Dende’s tireless efforts in economic development, community growth, and his active support for the recently concluded African Made Economic Growth Initiative (AMEGI) in Canada, a significant event that was attended by his wife, Mrs. Omolara Egungbohun.

During the ceremony, Mayor Brown’s representatives delivered a poignant message regarding the importance of recognizing impactful figures within the community, noting, “With a vibrant Nigerian community of approximately 12,000 residents in Brampton, it is vital to spotlight individuals like Chief Dende who are making a tangible difference in the welfare of others.” This statement illustrates Dende’s role as a beacon of hope and progress within the Nigerian diaspora.

The distinguished delegation included Mr. Imadu Maurice, an adviser and community engagement specialist from the Mayor’s Office, and Mrs. Kehinde Adelaja-Okoroafor, Founder of the Make Mee Elegant Foundation. Both speakers highlighted Dende’s deep compassion for the marginalized and his relentless drive to empower them through various initiatives.

As a gesture of ongoing collaboration and mutual support, Mayor Brown extended a warm invitation to Chief Ibrahim to participate in next year’s AMEGI event, set to be hosted by the City of Brampton. This event aims not only to strengthen economic ties but also to empower one thousand women, celebrating the rich contributions of the African diaspora to Canadian society.

Upon receiving the award, Chief Dende articulated his commitment to philanthropy, emphasizing how he has consistently demonstrated his wealth through substantial investments in empowerment initiatives, particularly benefitting the people of Yewa land. He praised Mayor Brown and his administration for their commendable efforts in making Brampton one of the finest cities in Canada, stating, “Your hands-on leadership in championing the Brampton Youth Empowerment Initiative, alongside the recent Affordable Housing Expansion Program, exemplifies public service that truly uplifts its citizens in real time.”

Dende further expressed his enthusiasm for deepening collaborative efforts with the residents of Brampton, especially during his upcoming visit to Canada next year. He hopes to extend his philanthropic and developmental programs to the city, thereby supporting local initiatives and fostering shared prosperity.

“Through the IBD Foundation, our mission remains clear: to restore essential human amenities to communities where they have been lost and to create opportunities where none currently exist. We have invested heavily in educational sponsorships, healthcare interventions, humanitarian relief, rural development, and initiatives to support women-led entrepreneurial ventures. Over the years, we have provided thousands of essential medical treatments, delivered millions of meals to those in need, and supported youth who require encouragement and belief in their potential,” Dende articulated passionately.

For Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, receiving this honour signifies not only individual achievement but also reflects the strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Canadian institutions and Nigerian leaders dedicated to societal improvement and resilience. It stands as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when people come together to uplift their communities.

Why We Signed the Ajanaku Siblings, by European Club NK Jedinstvo Bihać

Nigerian brothers Damilola and Jomiloju Ajanaku have officially joined NK Jedinstvo Bihać, a club competing in the First League of FBiH—the second tier of professional football in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

At a brief and vibrant signing ceremony held on Friday, September 27, the club’s president, Saša Smiljanić, explained that the decision to sign the siblings was based on their individual qualities and the rich footballing pedigree of Nigerian players.

“We decided to sign the two brothers because we recognize the immense talent Nigeria continues to produce—legends like Jay-Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, and more recently, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, who have both won African Footballer of the Year. We hope Damilola and Jomiloju can replicate that level of excellence, not only for our club but also for their national team,” Smiljanić said.

He also urged the players to give their best in helping the club return to the Premier League, following its relegation in the 2007/2008 season.

The Ajanaku brothers expressed their gratitude to the club’s management for the opportunity and pledged to repay the trust placed in them.

“We’re excited to join this historic club, the first football club in Bihać, founded around 1920. We’re confident we can contribute to the team’s journey back to the Premier League,” said Damilola. Jomiloju also thanked the club president and everyone who made the move possible, acknowledging the support of their family.

“This is a new chapter in our careers, and we’re deeply grateful to our parents for allowing us to pursue our dreams. It’s a big opportunity to showcase our talents and work toward representing Nigeria and playing for top clubs in Europe. We believe joining NK Jedinstvo Bihać will open doors for us in the near future.”

Ajanaku Siblings Sign with European Club NK Jedinstvo Bihać

Nigerian brothers Damilola and Jomiloju Ajanaku have signed with NK Jedinstvo Bihać, a club in the First League of FBiH—the second tier of professional football in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

At a brief but vibrant signing ceremony held on Friday, September 27, the club’s president, Saša Smiljanić, praised the duo’s talent and highlighted Nigeria’s reputation for producing exceptional footballers.

“We decided to sign the two brothers because we recognize the immense talent coming out of Nigeria—players like Jay-Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, and more recently, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, who have both won African Footballer of the Year. We hope Damilola and Jomiloju can replicate that level of excellence, not just for our club but also for their national team,” Smiljanić said.

He also challenged the siblings to give their best in helping the club return to the Premier League, following its relegation in the 2007/2008 season.

The Ajanaku brothers expressed their gratitude to the club’s management for the opportunity and pledged to repay the trust placed in them.

“We’re excited to join this historic club, the first football club in Bihać, founded around 1920. We’re confident we can contribute to the team’s journey back to the Premier League,” said Damilola.

Jomiloju also thanked the club president and everyone who made the move possible, acknowledging the support of their family.

“This is a new chapter in our careers, and we’re grateful to our parents for allowing us to pursue our dreams. It’s a big opportunity to showcase our talents and work toward representing Nigeria and playing for top clubs in Europe. We believe joining NK Jedinstvo Bihać will open doors for us in the near future.”

TY BURATAI emerges as the Champions of Seventh edition of ZAMAN LAFIYA COMPETITION in Maiduguri.

TY BURATAI Football Academy defeated FC Crack at the finals of the Seventh edition of Zaman Lafiya competition in Maiduguri on Sunday 3 August 2025.

In his relentless efforts in the restoration of peace and development as well as support toward youths development and engagement including after his service as the Chief of Army Staff, Ambassador General TY BURATAI (rtd) continues his support and youths engagement in Borno state

The most entertaining youths and historic football competition final match was played in Maiduguri between two powerful football Academy’s in the state, TY BURATAI football Academy slog it out against FC Crack Football Academy was played peacefully.

The match, which was played at the El-Kanemi Warriors Sport Centre Maiduguri, witnessed the turnout of hundreds of spectators as well as security agencies in the state.

Following a display of talents and skills from both teams with missing several scoring chances, the match ended in a goalless draw.

Meanwhile, it goes straight into the penalty shootout, TY BURATAI Academy won in a narrow score line after a player from FC Crack missed the first opportunity for them to win the trophy.

TY BURATAI Academy capitalizes on the opportunity and maintains the lead by seven goals to eight in favour of Buratai Academy.

On his remark after the final whistle, Alhaji Ibrahim Buratai President FC Buratai Academy congrats the team in putting efforts of winning tropy and call on youths to show love and togetherness among themselves.

Also adding that it’s a form of non kinetic war by engaging youths in the state so as to do away with all forms of social vices as well as embrace peace, discipline, and love for each other.

It could be recalled that Ambassador General TY BURATAI since his assumption into the office as the Chief of Army Staff has been applying various ways, techniques, and modalities of youth engagement as well as youths development in Borno state and the north east at large.

Highlight of the final match was a presentation of a set of Jersey to each and all the participated clubs and gifts to individuals that distinguish themselves, among other.

Dignitaries at the event include all football stakeholders in the state including Nigerian Football Federation NFF board member Alhaji Babagana Kalli Kachallah Ozogler, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed OC Crack Borno state, Alhaji Ibrahim Mainu Mustapha Chairman Elkanemi Warriors Football Club as well as Kabiru Dogo Technical Director of Elkanemi Warriors Football Club of Maiduguri.