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NNPP Chieftain, Ambassador Ajadi Mourns Kano Athletes, Sends Condolences to Governor Yusuf By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

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NNPP Chieftain, Ambassador Ajadi Mourns Kano Athletes, Sends Condolences to Governor Yusuf

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

In the aftermath of the devastating road crash that claimed the lives of 20 athletes from Kano State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a Southwest chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has joined the growing number of national figures mourning the tragic loss.

The athletes, who were returning from the National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, died when the bus conveying them plunged off the Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State on Saturday. The incident has since thrown the state—and the Nigerian sporting community—into deep sorrow.

NNPP Chieftain, Ambassador Ajadi Mourns Kano Athletes, Sends Condolences to Governor Yusuf
By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

In a heartfelt condolence message addressed to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the families of the deceased, Ambassador Ajadi expressed shock and deep grief over what he described as “an unspeakable tragedy that has befallen not just Kano State, but the soul of our nation.”

“My heart bleeds for the young and promising athletes whose lives were cut short in such a painful and untimely manner,” Ajadi said. “These were not just sportsmen and women—they were symbols of hope, discipline, and national unity. Their death is a monumental loss to our country.”

Ambassador Ajadi, who was the NNPP gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State during the 2023 general election, is well-known for his philanthropic initiatives and youth empowerment programs. Drawing from his deep concern for Nigeria’s youth and public safety, he called on both federal and state governments to take immediate action to improve the country’s decaying road infrastructure.

“We cannot continue to lose our best and brightest on roads that should have been fixed decades ago. This is a wake-up call. The Dakatsalle Bridge, like many other neglected structures across the country, is a death trap. We need action, not just words,” he added.

He also decried the lack of proper transportation infrastructure for athletes, pointing out the need for Nigeria to emulate developed nations in the way it treats its sporting talents.

“This ugly and avoidable incident could have been averted if good amenities and a conducive environment were provided for our talents. Our talents deserve good mobility like flights, which is the standard mobility that governments of developed countries provide for their athletes,” he said.

Ajadi went further to emphasize that the deceased athletes should not be forgotten or treated as mere casualties. Instead, he called for national recognition of their sacrifice.

“These young athletes should be acknowledged as heroes and heroines who died in the service of the nation. They are martyrs of Nigerian sport and unity,” he stated. “The federal government, alongside Ogun and Kano State governments, should provide for the families of the deceased and ensure that posthumous honors are awarded to them.”

The crash, according to eyewitnesses, occurred when the driver lost control of the bus near the aged and narrow bridge—an infrastructural relic that has long been the subject of public concern. Emergency responders and local residents quickly mobilized to rescue survivors, who are now receiving treatment at Kura General Hospital.

Ajadi echoed this sentiment in his message, describing the athletes as “ambassadors of peace and excellence who died in the line of duty.”

“Their sacrifice must not be in vain. Let us honor their memory not only with mourning but with reforms—real, sustainable reforms in the areas of athlete welfare, road safety, and national infrastructure,” he emphasized.

He further called for a national moment of silence during future sporting events and urged sports federations, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, and fellow political leaders to support the bereaved families beyond mere condolences.

As black ribbons and mourning banners rise across Kano’s sporting centers, the cries for justice and accountability grow louder. For now, families weep, a state mourns, and a nation reflects—hoping this tragedy spurs long-overdue change.

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Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade

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Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade

 

It was testimonies galore on Tuesday, March 31, the first day of the famous servant of God and founder of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman’s power-packed two-day crusade. The event documented impactful moments with the Gospel and miracles, emphasizing the power of faith and the tangible confirmation of God’s Word through signs and wonders. It was equally an atmosphere of miraculous healing, restoration of lives, and the strengthening of faith.

 

At the crusade, which was held at the SKD Sports Stadium in Paynesville City, and themed, “Liberia Outpouring Crusade” witnessed testimonies of impact and miracles with participants experiencing instant healing of various kinds of challenges.

 

Apostle Suleman’s first port of call was Paynesville, the office of Liberian government’s president, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who received him in an audience with his junior ministers. Apostle Suleman, who also met with the vice-president, Mr. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, was welcomed by the Liberian leader’s office as part of the president’s ongoing engagements with religious leaders aimed at fostering spiritual support for national development.

 

The president expressed profound appreciation to Apostle Suleman for the visit and continued prayers and intercessions by men and women of God on behalf of Liberia, emphasizing his firm belief that sustained spiritual guidance and prayer remain vital to the transformation and progress of the nation.

 

During the visit, Apostle Suleman offered prayers for President Boakai, his cabinet and the Liberian nation, invoking divine alignment, wisdom, and insight in Liberia’s path toward growth and stability. He prayed that the Almighty God would position Liberia for relevance and fulfillment of its national destiny.

 

Apostle Johnson Suleman, an evangelist who knows no bounds of where preaching the gospel comes to a stop, visited Liberia prepared with the message, compelling power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, and bringing people to a point of decision where they surrendered their lives to Christ.

 

Aside from being prophetic and timely, OFM sources disclosed that the servant of God’s visit underscores the importance of faith-based partnerships in supporting governance and national renewal efforts.

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Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace

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*Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace

 

The Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership following his decision to postpone an official engagement in Iperu in order to visit victims of the recent attacks in Jos.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, in Jos on Friday, the Forum said the President’s decision to personally identify with grieving communities sends a powerful message of solidarity and reinforces public confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government to the protection of lives and property.

“The Middle Belt Peace Forum warmly commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising compassion over ceremony. At a time of deep sorrow for the people of Plateau State, his decision to visit Jos stands as a mark of true leadership—one that listens, responds, and stands with the people in their moment of pain,” the statement read.

The Forum described the perpetrators of the recent attacks as “cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens,” stressing that such acts of violence are not only inhumane but also a direct assault on the unity and peace of the nation.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state,” Pastor Garba said.

The MBPF further used the opportunity to salute the courage, gallantry, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, noting that their continued efforts remain central to restoring stability across troubled parts of the country.

According to the Forum, the Armed Forces have demonstrated resilience and professionalism in the face of complex security challenges, often operating under difficult conditions to safeguard communities and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“We salute the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices. Their gallantry in confronting criminal elements and reclaiming territories is a testament to their dedication to national service. We recognise that the path to peace is demanding, and we honour those who stand daily in defence of our nation,” the statement added.

The Forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities as a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.

It also urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity within their communities.

The MBPF, however, expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies, particularly the role of the Nigeria Police in consolidating gains made by the military.

“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to rise fully to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the Armed Forces in stabilising and securing areas that have been cleared of criminal elements. Holding and policing such territories is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence,” Pastor Garba stated.

The Forum emphasised that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach in which the military clears and secures areas, while the police maintain law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.

The MBPF concluded by reiterating its commitment to peacebuilding efforts across the Middle Belt and expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, coordinated security efforts, and active citizen participation, lasting peace can be achieved.

“Together, through unity, vigilance, and collective resolve, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer and more peaceful Middle Belt,” the statement added.

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Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London

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Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London

 

Governor Dauda Lawal has been honored with the Outstanding Governor of the Year award by Triangle Media International Magazine.

 

The award was presented during the magazine’s 10th annual lecture and award ceremony, held on Thursday at the Grand Hall of King’s College, London, United Kingdom.

 

According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the awards recognize public and private sector leaders whose leadership positively impacts governance and service delivery.

 

He added that the lecture, themed “Harnessing the Roles of Nigerians in Diaspora for National Development,” brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

 

The statement read in part: “Yesterday, in London, Governor Dauda Lawal received the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Outstanding Governor of the Year.

 

“The 2026 edition coincides with the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine, which has over the years celebrated notable Africans across diverse fields.

 

“The award recognizes the Zamfara State Government under Governor Lawal’s leadership for achieving remarkable milestones in service delivery since his inauguration on 29 May 2023.

 

“The board of Triangle International noted that, despite inheriting an empty treasury, Governor Dauda Lawal has remained true to the Rescue Agenda’s campaign promise: to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.

 

“The award also reflects the state government’s innovative approach to indirectly curbing insecurity through educational advancement, demonstrated by the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector.

 

“This includes the state government’s swift payment of the outstanding N3.4 billion for WAEC and NECO examinations, as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.

 

“The international magazine finds these initiatives to be strategic interventions toward long-term efforts to make Zamfara State better.”

 

The colourful event was attended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Sahara Group’s Group Managing Director, Kola Adesina, among others.

 

Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London

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