Sports
Nigeria’s Taekwondo Community Unites at 3rd FCT Unity TKD Cup
Nigeria’s Taekwondo Community Unites at 3rd FCT Unity TKD Cup
By Ifeoma Ikem
The 3rd FCT Unity TKD Cup, Nigeria’s premier civil-military sports event, has successfully concluded, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s taekwondo landscape. Held at the state-of-the-art HQ DAPT Multipurpose Indoor Gymnasium in Giri, FCT, Abuja, the two-day tournament brought together 187 athletes from 19 clubs across Nigeria, fostering unity, excellence and growth in the sport.
According to Ogunmuyiwa Gbolahan, Chairman of the Organising Committee, the event’s primary objective was to “bridge the technical gap between elite and amateur taekwondo athletes in Nigeria.” This goal was achieved through the provision of a platform for emerging poomsae and kyorugi athletes to hone their skills, thereby enhancing their competitiveness.
The tournament’s focus on technical development is particularly significant, given Nigeria’s growing presence in international taekwondo competitions. By nurturing homegrown talent, the country can increase its chances of producing world-class athletes.
The 2024 edition of the FCT Unity TKD Cup marked several significant milestones. Notably, adult competitors participated in the seniors category for the first time, expanding the tournament’s scope and providing a more comprehensive competitive experience.
The introduction of electronic taekwondo sparring for seniors, juniors and cadet competitors was another notable innovation. This technology enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of the competition, aligning Nigeria’s taekwondo events with global standards.
Other notable achievements included accommodation for referees and the Main Organising Committee on-site, ensuring seamless event management; and the utilisation of two courts throughout the tournament, streamlining the competition.
The event also celebrated 50 years of taekwondo in Nigeria (1974-2024), highlighting the sport’s growth and impact on the country’s athletic landscape. This milestone underscores the dedication and perseverance of Nigeria’s taekwondo community.
The participation of a university team, courtesy of GM Sirajo Yusuf, Director of Sports, Federal University Lokoja, marked another significant first. This development signals the expanding reach of taekwondo in Nigeria’s educational institutions.
Nigeria Army emerged the overall winner on the medals table with 7 gold medals. The tournament equally honoured outstanding athletes with prestigious awards. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards recognised exceptional performances in various categories.
In the kids category, Victor Martins and Crown Umeh emerged the top male and female; while Chijioke Kalu and Unique Umeh were top Teens. Others were Benjamin Okuomose and Eno Mfon James (Adults); as Ameh Emmanuella and Progress Kebonkwu emerged top Cadet and Junior Female for the Youths Empowerment Foundation Award.
The FCT TSCON Awards recognised outstanding contributions to taekwondo development such as Taekwondo Father of the Year: Pharm. Ameh S. Ameh;
Taekwondo Mother of the Year: Barr (Mrs) Idada; Taekwondo Boy of the Year: Daniel Gashinbaki; and Taekwondo Girl of the Year: Igweike Olisanyelu.
The event also recognised notable figures who have contributed to the growth of taekwondo in Nigeria, including: Gen CG Musa, Chief of Defence Staff; Lt Gen TA Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff; Brig Gen AR Bello, Director of Army Physical Training, GM Dominic Bassey, most senior TKD Pioneer in Nigeria, GM Abdulmumin Yusuf, VP Nigeria Taekwondo Black Belt College and GM Abdullahi Saidu Baba, president, Nigeria Taekwondo Federation.
The 3rd FCT Unity TKD Cup has set the stage for future taekwondo competitions in Nigeria, promoting unity, excellence and growth in the sport. As Nigeria’s taekwondo community continues to thrive, events like this tournament will play a vital role in shaping the country’s athletic future.
The tournament’s success is a testament to the dedication of Nigeria’s taekwondo community and the support of key stakeholders. As the sport continues to grow, Nigeria’s athletes will undoubtedly make their mark on the international stage.
Sports
22 Years After: Arsenal Clinch the Premier League Title as Prophesied by Dr Chris Okafor
*22 Years After: Arsenal Clinch the Premier League Title as Prophesied by Dr Chris Okafor*
When God speaks, none of His words go unfulfilled.
Just a week ago, the Generational Prophet and popular Lagos cleric, Dr Chris Okafor, declared that Arsenal would win the 2025/26 Premier League title. Despite doubts and predictions favoring defending champions Manchester City, the prophet stated clearly that he had received the word directly from God.
On May 19, 2026, that prophecy came to pass.
After Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, Arsenal were confirmed as Premier League champions with one game to spare. It marked the end of a 22-year wait for the Gunners, whose last league title came in the 2003/04 season.
Football fans across the globe are now congratulating Arsenal Football Club on their historic victory. For many believers, it’s another reminder that true prophecy still speaks today.
Dr Chris Okafor is one of the well-known prophets who many say hears directly from God. With this fulfillment, he joins the list of voices whose words have come to pass on the global stage.
By Sunday Adeyemi
Society Herald
Sports
PROF. MONDY SELLE GOLD ANNOUNCES SERVICE OF SONGS FOR LATE MOTHER, MA BEDAGBERE JENNIFER GOLD*
*PROF. MONDY SELLE GOLD ANNOUNCES SERVICE OF SONGS FOR LATE MOTHER, MA BEDAGBERE JENNIFER GOLD*
_A Life Celebrated: Family and Community to Honor 114 Years of Legacy in Newark, New Jersey_
*NEWARK, NEW JERSEY* — Prof. Mondy Selle Gold, Chairman of the Ijaw Diaspora Council and Chairman of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) in the United States, has announced the _Service of Songs_ in honor of his late mother, *Ma Bedagbere Jennifer Gold (nee Ozikozi), Amaokosuere of Torugbene*, who passed away at the age of 114.
In a public statement, Prof. Gold wrote with a deeply reflective heart to invite family, friends, well-wishers, and members of the Ijaw diaspora community to a sacred gathering celebrating the life, quiet strength, and enduring love of the matriarch.
_“This sacred gathering, set aside to celebrate her life, her quiet strength, and the enduring love she shared so generously, has been scheduled as follows,”_ Prof. Gold stated.
The Service of Songs is scheduled to hold on *Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM* at the *Abundant Grace Christian Center (The Newark Foursquare Church), 708 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ 07108*. And her Burial is slated on 12th -14th July 2026
A reception will follow immediately after the service at the same venue.
The family has indicated that the dress code is optional, suggesting *formal black or white, or all-white attire* in celebration of Ma Bedagbere’s life.
*A Life of Legacy and Cultural Significance*
Ma Bedagbere Jennifer Gold, fondly remembered as _Amaokosuere of Torugbene_, lived 114 years marked by resilience, faith, and generous love for family and community. As a matriarch and custodian of Ijaw cultural values, she was widely respected for her wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to her family and people.
Her passing has drawn condolences from across the Ijaw diaspora and beyond, with tributes highlighting her role as a pillar of strength and a unifying figure within the community.
Prof. Gold humbly requested the prayers, presence, and spiritual support of all attendees as they gather _“to celebrate a life well lived and a soul now at rest in the Lord.”_
_“With sincere love and gratitude,”_ Prof. Gold concluded in his announcement.
*About Prof. Mondy Selle Gold*
Prof. Mondy Selle Gold is the Chairman of the Ijaw Diaspora Council and a prominent voice in diaspora advocacy, politics, cultural preservation, and community development for Ijaw people worldwide. He also serves as the Chairman of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) in the United States, where he continues to champion engagement between the diaspora and homeland development initiatives.
Sports
University Farms Urged to Drive Innovation, Boost Revenue
University Farms Urged to Drive Innovation, Boost Revenue
A former Director in the Directorate of Environmental Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Dr. Akinpelu Basiru Ojo has called for the transformation of university farms into centres of innovation and sustainable revenue generation.
Dr. Ojo made this call at the 2026 Pre-Season Farming Seminar organised by the Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS), held recently at FUNAAB.
While delivering his keynote address on the theme of the seminar, “The University Farm as an Incubation Ground for Innovation and Revenue Generation,” Dr. Ojo noted that university farms have evolved beyond their traditional roles into dynamic hubs for research, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration.
He identified key areas where university farms could drive innovation, including research and development, student entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He further urged DUFARMS to explore opportunities in commercial agricultural production, value addition and agro-processing, consultancy services, research partnerships, agritourism, and intellectual property commercialisation.
Highlighting potential challenges confronting university farms, the former Director listed inadequate funding, weak industry linkages, climate change, environmental risks, and limited commercial orientation. He, however, proposed strategies for optimisation, including the adoption of agribusiness models, integration of modern technologies, strengthened partnerships, promotion of student-led enterprises, and the development of sustainable value chains.
Reflecting on the evolution of DUFARMS, Dr. Ojo paid tribute to past Vice-Chancellors, beginning with the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nimbe Adedipe, whose vision led to the establishment of the University Farm. He also acknowledged milestones recorded under successive administrations, including the expansion of cashew and oil palm plantations, as well as the establishment of processing facilities for value addition.
He further commended the contributions of past and present staff, alongside former students who have attained notable academic positions, encouraging staff to uphold discipline, integrity, and continuous professional development.
As part of his recommendations for future growth, Dr. Ojo proposed the establishment of crop collection plots, revival of underutilised crops, exploration of cashew nutshell liquid production for revenue generation, and expansion of tree crop plantations such as cashew and oil palm.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, who declared the seminar open, emphasised the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning in achieving institutional objectives. He described the seminar as timely and essential, noting that the University was established not only for teaching and research but also for meaningful community engagement, particularly in supporting farmers to enhance productivity.
Prof. Kehinde also commended DUFARMS for its efforts, especially its introduction of value addition initiatives, and urged staff, particularly in livestock production, to scale up activities in poultry, beef, pork, and egg production to improve the visibility and impact of the University Farms.
The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment by participants to reposition DUFARMS as a hub for innovation, practical training, and sustainable revenue generation, in line with global best practices.
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