The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has applauded the decision of a sport enthusiast, financier and owner of betnaija, the largest sport betting company in Nigeria, Mr Kunle Soname to invest in sports in the state.
Prince Abiodun who made this known in his office, while hosting the owner of the sport betting company, assured the sport enthusiast of governments support, adding that his coming home would inspire other sons and daughters to also follow his path.
” We want to assure you that our state will give you all the cooperation that you indeed deserve, you are a stakeholder, you are a son of the soil,if we encourage you, if we create an enabling environment for our own son to invest in the state, you will be an example to those who are not our sons to come and invest here,” he said.
The governor opined that that he had challenged the sport enthusiast to come and invest in the state by rebranding an redefining sport in the state, adding that he believed he could also help with the state owned football team that was currently struggling.
” We want you to come and help us rebrand our sports in Ogun state, particularly the football aspect of our sports, I want you to come and help us rebrand it, come and help us redefine it.
” You have invested in a football team in Europe and yet we have a football team in Ogun State struggling, so today, Mr. Soname is here, I have put it on him that he will come and help us see how we can now define how sport is played in Ogun State,” he said.
Abiodun also disclosed that the sport commission to be set up to rebrand and redesign sport in the state would be headed by the sport enthusiast, adding that the necessary laws would be visited to help in its formation.
” We are going to ensure that we create an Ogun state sport commission, we will look at the necessary laws and ensure that the laws assist us in creating a sport commission, I have asked Mr Soname to be the chairman of the commission when it is in place and he has graciously accepted,” he said.
In his remark, Mr. Kunle Soname noted that he would partner the state in terms of grassroot development of sports, adding that he would also invite his friends to come and invest in Ogun state sports.
” We are going to partner the state in terns of grassroot sports development, we will be putting our resources into grassroot sports development for the state, not just sport, we have seen that the drive of these administration is about public private sector participation and we are actually going to try to bring our friends, not only from Nigeria, but all over the world to come here an invest in the state because of the confidence that we have in these government,” he said.
On the upcoming match that could decide the faith of the state owned football outfit, Gateway United, Soname said that the only thing that could be done was to pray things goes well for the team, adding that sporting excellence couldn’t be achieved overnight.
He opined that for sustainable success in football, development must start from the grassroot, adding that his own idea of sport development was to start from the grassroot.
ABIODUN APPLAUDS SPORT ENTHUSIAST ON DECISION TO INVEST IN OGUN SPORT
The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has applauded the decision of a sport enthusiast, financier and owner of betnaija, the largest sport betting company in Nigeria, Mr Kunle Soname to invest in sports in the state.
Prince Abiodun who made this known in his office, while hosting the owner of the sport betting company, assured the sport enthusiast of governments support, adding that his coming home would inspire other sons and daughters to also follow his path.
” We want to assure you that our state will give you all the cooperation that you indeed deserve, you are a stakeholder, you are a son of the soil,if we encourage you, if we create an enabling environment for our own son to invest in the state, you will be an example to those who are not our sons to come and invest here,” he said.
The governor opined that that he had challenged the sport enthusiast to come and invest in the state by rebranding an redefining sport in the state, adding that he believed he could also help with the state owned football team that was currently struggling.
” We want you to come and help us rebrand our sports in Ogun state, particularly the football aspect of our sports, I want you to come and help us rebrand it, come and help us redefine it.
” You have invested in a football team in Europe and yet we have a football team in Ogun State struggling, so today, Mr. Soname is here, I have put it on him that he will come and help us see how we can now define how sport is played in Ogun State,” he said.
Abiodun also disclosed that the sport commission to be set up to rebrand and redesign sport in the state would be headed by the sport enthusiast, adding that the necessary laws would be visited to help in its formation.
” We are going to ensure that we create an Ogun state sport commission, we will look at the necessary laws and ensure that the laws assist us in creating a sport commission, I have asked Mr Soname to be the chairman of the commission when it is in place and he has graciously accepted,” he said.
In his remark, Mr. Kunle Soname noted that he would partner the state in terms of grassroot development of sports, adding that he would also invite his friends to come and invest in Ogun state sports.
” We are going to partner the state in terns of grassroot sports development, we will be putting our resources into grassroot sports development for the state, not just sport, we have seen that the drive of these administration is about public private sector participation and we are actually going to try to bring our friends, not only from Nigeria, but all over the world to come here an invest in the state because of the confidence that we have in these government,” he said.
On the upcoming match that could decide the faith of the state owned football outfit, Gateway United, Soname said that the only thing that could be done was to pray things goes well for the team, adding that sporting excellence couldn’t be achieved overnight.
He opined that for sustainable success in football, development must start from the grassroot, adding that his own idea of sport development was to start from the grassroot.
Buratai Lauded by Top African Literature Scholar for Honouring Ekwensi
The posthumous conferment of the inaugural T.Y. Buratai Literary Initiative (TYBLI) Young Adult Literature Award on legendary Nigerian author Cyprian O.D. Ekwensi has drawn international acclaim. One of Africa’s most renowned literary scholars, Prof. Ernest N. Emenyonu, described it as a “historic honour” and a vindication of Ekwensi’s enduring legacy. In a personal letter to Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (Rtd), Chairman of the TYBLI and the Tukur & Tukur Foundation, Prof. Emenyonu, emeritus Professor of Africana Studies at the University of Michigan-Flint and Editor of the globally recognised African Literature Today, expressed profound gratitude for the initiative. He praised the recognition of Ekwensi as a timely intervention that will inspire a renewed appreciation of Young Adult Literature (YAL) in Nigeria.
If Cyprian Ekwensi were alive today, he would cherish this award as his most indisputably merited recognition as a Nigerian writer,” Emenyonu stated. “This award is a clear and firm vindication of his pioneering contributions to Young Adult Literature in Nigeria.”
The professor, who has written two seminal books on Ekwensi—Cyprian Ekwensi (1974) and The Essential Ekwensi (1987)—revealed that he is currently editing the late author’s unpublished autobiography, which Ekwensi had entrusted to him shortly before his death in 2007.
“This award has added enormous inspiration and momentum to my work on his autobiography,” Emenyonu noted. Responding with appreciation, Lt. Gen. Buratai (Rtd) expressed humility and joy at the commendation, reiterating his commitment to celebrating icons of Nigerian literature. He said the TYBLI Award aims to highlight and reward authors who have shaped the nation’s literary landscape, particularly in the realm of youth literature. In his letter, Buratai affirmed: “Your words of praise and acknowledgment of the significance of the award in the global literary community encourage the efforts of the Initiative… I look forward to the publication of Ekwensi’s autobiography.” The TYBLI Award, created to honour authors of Young Adult Literature in Nigeria, was launched to elevate the genre’s status and promote literacy among younger generations. Cyprian Ekwensi was recognized as the inaugural recipient in November 2024, cementing his place in Nigeria’s literary hall of fame and energized ongoing efforts to immortalize his work for future generations. Prof. Emenyonu concluded his letter with heartfelt thanks, writing: “Personally, too, the award has added enormous inspiration and momentum to my work now on his autobiography. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” This transatlantic literary exchange marks a historic moment in Nigerian cultural recognition, uniting past and present champions of literature through honour, memory, and continued scholarship.
Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends: The About Time Tour Coming to the UK in August 2025
Laffmattazz, the electrifying comedy experience that has captured the hearts of audiences across Nigeria, is excited to announce its upcoming UK tour, “The About Time Tour,” featuring the renowned Gbenga Adeyinka and a lineup of four heavyweight comedians. This highly anticipated tour will take place in August 2025, bringing laughter and entertainment to cities across the UK.
Laffmattazz has become a household name in Nigeria, known for its unique blend of comedy, music, and performance. The live shows have consistently sold out, enchanting audiences with their captivating humor and vibrant atmosphere. The About Time Tour promises to deliver an unforgettable experience to UK audiences, showcasing the best of Nigerian comedy.
The tour will kick off in:
– Cambridge: August 22, 2025
– Nottingham: August 23, 2025
– London: August 25, 2025
– Manchester: August 29, 2025
In addition, we are thrilled to announce that SB Live Band will be joining us for two of the cities, adding an extra layer of excitement to the performances.
We are currently in discussions with additional promoters to expand our reach to more cities throughout the UK, ensuring that as many fans as possible can enjoy this spectacular show.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this incredible tour! Tickets will be available soon, and we encourage everyone to stay tuned for further announcements.
About Laffmattazz:
Laffmattazz is a premier comedy platform in Nigeria that brings together top comedians for an extraordinary entertainment experience. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka, Laffmattazz has consistently provided laughter and joy to audiences through its innovative shows and events.
“#NatashaLied: Senator Akpoti’s Defenders Accidentally Confirm Ties With Sandra Duru Despite Public Denial”
ABUJA, NIGERIA — A spiraling scandal is engulfing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as her own media allies appear to have unintentionally exposed the truth she publicly denied — that she indeed held private conversations with US-based activist Dr. Sandra Duru.
The controversy erupted after Onyekachi Francis, a vocal online supporter of the senator, admitted during a live session with journalist Adeola Fayehun that she had received voice recordings and scripts from Natasha’s camp — materials that detail private conversations between the senator and Dr. Duru.
This comes in direct contradiction to Senator Natasha’s earlier categorical denial of ever knowing or speaking with Dr. Duru. In a Facebook post last week, the senator dismissed the activist as an “attention-seeker” who fabricated claims, including allegations of a falsified sexual harassment narrative involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
However, Onyekachi’s remarks have now unraveled that version of events.
“She [Natasha] said she was happy Sandra was supporting her,” the influencer disclosed during the live broadcast. “She never mentioned bringing down any Yoruba government or attacking Oby Ezekwesili in the audios I was sent.”
The comments, meant to deflect accusations against the senator, have instead triggered a political firestorm — confirming to critics that Natasha did indeed communicate with Sandra, despite her public denials.
Even more damaging, the influencer revealed she had been asked to voice over a script from Natasha’s team to discredit Sandra but chose to edit out defamatory sections and avoided using her own voice to avoid legal consequences.
This public relations misstep has set social media ablaze. Within hours, hashtags like #NatashaLied and #Lietasha began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with users accusing the senator of lying to the Nigerian public and attempting to manipulate the narrative through media proxies.
“If Natasha said she never knew Sandra, how come her defenders are confirming that her team sent them personal audios and political scripts?” asked one outraged analyst. “This goes beyond PR damage — this is a serious credibility crisis.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Sandra Duru has maintained her stance, claiming to possess original recordings, call logs, and text messages that support her story. According to her, the senator shared sensitive political plans and personal trauma, including alleged harassment by high-ranking officials.
With the situation spiraling, pressure is mounting on the National Assembly and relevant agencies to launch an independent forensic investigation into the recordings and claims of perjury or misrepresentation.
As of press time, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her media team have refused to respond to multiple inquiries seeking clarification.
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