Politics
Council approves Squash for Sports Festival as Federation celebrates Obasanjo @ 82
It was a double celebration for Nigeria Squash Federation (NSF) family on Friday, as the game formally got the approval of the National Council on Sports (NCS) to be a compulsory sport at the biannual National Sports Festival (NSF).
The National President of the Squash Federation, Boye Oyerinde broke the news when he led members of the Ogun State Squash Association to mark the 82nd birthday celebration of the former President and Grand Patron of the Federation, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Pent House residence, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In a release by Obasanjo’s Media Aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, Oyerinde said that the approval by the NCS to have Squash on the list of compulsory games for the Sports Festival and coming to celebrate the former President (today) was a double celebration of sorts to the Squash family in Nigeria.
According to the NSF boss, “I have a good news, which I just received on my way here. The game of Squash has been approved by the National Council on the list if compulsory Sports and I will be breaking it here first.”
Shedding more light on the outcome of the Extra-Ordinary meeting of the National Council on Sports, Oyerinde said that Council reached the following decisions;
“A maximum of 32 sports shall feature at the Festival (27 compulsory and 5 optional) This is in line with practices obtainable in the organization of major International Games i.e. Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Continental Games etc. It is to reduce the burden of hosting, organizing and participating in the festival.
The compulsory sports were selected based on;
-Popularity of the sport in the 36 states and FCT
-State entries in the sport in previous Festivals
-Standard of Nigeria’s participation in the sport at the International level.”
He stated further that in alphabetical order, 27 compulsory sports, including Squash on number 20 have been approved, while only five out of 24 other sports got the nod as optional for the country’s National Sports Festival.
“To me, this is a double celebration for the Squash family in Nigeria, as we are equally celebrating our grand Patron today. If you say it is a coincidence, yes, because, having observed the birthday on March 5, God has destined it such that today that we choose to celebrate him, is the same day that we are getting the good news for this great sport,” Oyerinde disclosed.
He described Obasanjo as “a great Nigerian, who has been a pillar of the game of Squash in Nigeria. If you have observed quite well, there is always a Squash court around him. This is the passion he has shown to this sport. Our prayer is that all your efforts to make the sport grow higher and higher will manifest in your life,” the NSF President.
The Chairman/President Governing Council of the BELLS University of Technology, Rev. Dr. Wilson Badejo who was on a similar birthday visit to Obasanjo, said the game of squash has been “one of the secrets of Baba Obasanjo’s agility and good health.”
The former General-Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church admonished the former President for his support and passion for the game, even as he prayed for him, his family and the Squash Federation.
A retired Judge of the Court of Appeal, Justice Deinde Soremi, who is also a Squash player eulogized Obasanjo for his tremendous interest and concern for the game.
The Ogun State Chairman of Squash Association, Dipo Akingbade thanked Obasanjo for creating time to be around for the celebration.
Obasanjo in his reaction disclosed that his passion for the game started during his military training in India. “I saw it as a fascinating and challenging game. It is a very fast game and it was from there I picked interest in it.
“When I built my first house there was a Squash court. In my farm house also, we created space for a squash court. At the Hilltop residence, there is also a court. When we were building this place, I had to appeal for a Squash court to be located within the premises as one could not be attached to the library.
“I want to thank the Federation and Ogun State body for supporting and popularising the game. And they should be commended also for drawing sponsors for competitions.”
Politics
APC Group Endorses Fubara for 2027, Calls on Tinubu and APC to Prioritise Performance Over Politics in Backing Governor’s Second Term Ambition
*APC Group Endorses Fubara for 2027, Calls on Tinubu and APC to Prioritise Performance Over Politics in Backing Governor’s Second Term Ambition*
The APC National Vanguard has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support a second term in office for Siminalayi Fubara, citing what it described as “impressive and verifiable developmental strides” across Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National President, Dr Gbenga Salam (JP), the group said its position followed an extensive assessment tour of key infrastructure and public service projects executed under the Fubara administration.
The APC National Vanguard said the appeal was based strictly on performance, arguing that governance outcomes should outweigh partisan considerations, particularly in a state as economically significant as Rivers.
“We respectfully urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to support the continuity of Governor Siminalayi Fubara beyond his current tenure, in recognition of his commitment to development, prudent resource management, and people-focused governance,” the statement read.
According to the group, its delegation visited multiple project sites across the state, observing ongoing and completed works spanning road construction, urban renewal, and public infrastructure upgrades.
It noted that the scale and distribution of these projects reflect a deliberate effort by the state government to extend development beyond traditional urban centres and into underserved communities.
“Our findings from the tour reveal a government that is not only active but intentional in its development agenda. The execution of capital projects across various parts of Rivers State demonstrates a clear understanding of the needs of the people and a commitment to addressing them,” Dr Salam said.
The group particularly commended what it described as prudent financial management by the administration, noting that the projects reviewed showed evidence of careful planning and efficient allocation of resources.
“At a time when economic pressures are evident across the country, it is commendable that the Rivers State government has managed its resources in a way that delivers visible and impactful development without signs of fiscal recklessness,” the statement added.
The APC National Vanguard further observed that despite political tensions in the state, the Fubara administration has maintained focus on governance, ensuring continuity in project execution and service delivery.
The group argued that such stability is critical for sustained development and should be encouraged rather than disrupted.
“Leadership must ultimately be judged by results. In Rivers State, there is clear evidence of progress—projects that are not only announced but executed, and policies that translate into real benefits for citizens,” Dr Salam noted.
The group warned that discontinuity in leadership could stall ongoing projects and reverse gains already recorded, stressing the importance of allowing a performing administration to consolidate its achievements.
“Rivers State is at a pivotal stage where continuity will allow for the completion of ongoing initiatives and the deepening of development gains. Supporting Governor Fubara for a second term is, therefore, a decision in the best interest of the people,” the statement said.
In addition to its call on the APC leadership, the group reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu, expressing confidence in his administration’s broader economic and governance reforms.
The APC group urged Nigerians to remain supportive of efforts aimed at stabilising the economy and strengthening public institutions.
“We reiterate our endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, in recognition of his leadership and commitment to national development. With sustained support, the administration can consolidate its reform agenda for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Dr Salam added.
The APC National Vanguard concluded by calling on political actors to prioritise development and public interest over partisan divides, insisting that governance should always be guided by performance and accountability.
“Where leadership demonstrates prudence, delivers development, and remains focused on the welfare of the people, it deserves continuity. This is the position we have reached after a careful and independent assessment of Rivers State,” the statement added.
Politics
Renewed Hope Ambassadors Shift to Grassroots Mobilisation Ahead of 2027
*Renewed Hope Ambassadors Step Into the Next Phase
Fresh from the successful APC 2026 National Convention, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors National, Zonal, and State leadership gathered in Abuja over the weekend, for its fourth strategic meeting, setting the tone for nationwide grassroots activation ahead of 2027.
Chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma (Imo State) the Director General and National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, alongside Deputy Director-General, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State as Secretary, the session reinforced one clear direction: One Party. One Message. One Mobilization whilst also laying out a strategic roadmap for the activation of the network across all communities in Nigeria.
Backed by the strength of 31 APC-led states, the Renewed Hope Agenda is taking Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of progress and reform to every corner of Nigeria.
From bold economic restructuring to initiatives like NELFUND, the increase in the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, and strategic investments in critical sectors, including PNiCGI, the mission remains clear: helping Nigerians understand both the purpose and the progress of the Renewed Hope vision.
This is coordination at scale. This is grassroots engagement with purpose. This is the next phase of Renewed Hope with One Party, One Message, and One Mobilisation framework
#RenewedHopeAmbassadors #APC #WeAreAPC
Politics
Governor Bago Inaugurates APC Digital Media Sub-Committee Ahead of National Convention
Governor Bago Inaugurates APC Digital Media Sub-Committee Ahead of National Convention.
Governor Umaru Bago has inaugurated the Digital Media Sub-Committee for the forthcoming National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), scheduled to hold on March 27 and 28, 2026 in Abuja.
Chairing the sub-committee, Governor Bago tasked members with the responsibility of effectively communicating the party’s manifesto to the public.
He emphasized the need to leverage social media platforms to highlight the achievements and ongoing efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that communication gaps have posed challenges that must now be decisively addressed.
The Co-Chair of the sub-committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, echoed the Governor’s position, urging members to project the activities of both the party and the government to a broader audience.
He called for a deliberate and coordinated effort to showcase the party’s achievements and policy direction, stressing the importance of shaping a compelling and consistent narrative across all digital platforms.
Delivering a presentation to the committee, Otega Ogra, SSA to the President on New Media, who serves as Secretary of the sub-committee, outlined strategic focus areas to guide the team’s operations.
His presentation highlighted communication priorities and actionable steps to achieve the committee’s mandate and strengthen the party’s digital engagement.
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