News

As Ogun Prepares To Host Historic, First-of-its-kind National Sports Festival…

Published

12 months ago

April 11, 2025

IN just a matter of days, all roads will lead to the Gateway State for the 26th edition of the iconic National Sports Festival (NSF).

The festival, a celebration of Nigeria’s rich sports and cultural heritage, is billed to feature athletes competing in 33 sporting events, and is bound to be Nigeria’s best so far given the huge investments that the Ogun State Government has made into it. A visit to the facilities, state-of-the-art in every sense, will confirm the readiness of the Dapo Abiodun-led administration to give Nigerians a fiesta to remember, a tournament like no other, and a moment of magic. The 22nd NSF is set to kick off, and excitement is in the air in the Gateway State. Speaking during an assessment of the work done on the facilities being prepared for the festival, including the stadium, the Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, and the handball court behind the main bowl, as well as the Alake Sports Centre, all in Abeokuta, last week, Governor Abiodun hinted that they will not only be used for the upcoming festival but also other competitions, national and international.As he noted, the Gateway International Stadium, which is being renovated in preparation for the NSF, has already been selected by the African Athletics Federation to host the Under-20 athletics competition in 2026, which is why the stadium will no longer be available for non-sporting events in the state once it receives the finishing touches for the NSF. There is, of course a silver lining for owanbe (party) lovers and fun seekers who may feel short-changed by this decision: the government is constructing a pavilion behind the stadium to cater to non-sporting events.

Sports, the Governor seems to be saying, is big business and the Gateway State is poised to treat it as such, in line with global thinking. That is why the newly laid tracks, including the long distance tracks, long jump track, tennis court, basket ball court, handball court and squash hall at the mainbowl and the Alake Sports Centre, including the multipurpose hall, are such a beauty to behold. Go to the mainbowl of the MKO Abiola Stadium and behold the synthetic grass: it’s simply breathtaking.

Hear an apparently excited Governor Abiodun: “The track that we installed here has already begun to reap benefits. The African Athletics Federation, because of the quality of our tracks, has chosen Ogun State to host the athletics competition in 2026 for the Under-20. So, you find that based on what we have done, Ogun State will now become home to other world-class competitions across the country, across Sub-Saharan Africa, and even internationally. For us, we are already excited that this investment has begun to yield dividends. This will be one of the legacies of our administration. Let me assure you that the stadium will only be used for sporting activities. To that extent, we’ve chosen to construct a pavilion somewhere behind the stadium, and that pavilion will now be used for rallies, parties, march pasts, October 1 celebrations, Labour Day celebrations, community days, and Democracy Day. “Our MKO AbiolaInternational Stadium has now gone beyond being just an MKO Abiola International Stadium; it is now an MKO AbiolaSporting Complex.”

With no less than 15,000 people billed to attend the NSF, the Abiodun government has been busy re-engineering the entire Ogun landscape. Among other things, it is giving the OlumoRock Tourist Center and other adjoining tourist centers a massive facelift to give visitors an unbeatable experience as the festival goes underway. The Governor articulates his vision so masterfully: “The festival itself will allow us to host maybe 15,000 people in the city of Abeokuta. You can imagine that those people will be eating and drinking; they will be transported back and forth. They will be buying recharge cards and water. They will be visiting our tourist sites. We are getting Olumo Rock and other adjoining tourist centers ready for the games. There will be a lot of visitors sleeping in hotels. The economic impact of this festival on the economy of this state can best be imagined; the multiplier effect will be felt more after the games.”

As an aside, the Ogun helmsman is engineering moves to make the Gateway State to get a fat slice of this year’s DettyDecember visits by Nigerians in the disapora, taking advantage of the state’s proximity to Lagos. In any case, ahead of the NSF, Ogun State is partnering the arts and culture company, Terra Kulture, to establish a film and entertainment village in the state.As Governor Abiodun posited, the film village will help the state to preserve the legacies of those who have pioneered and excelled in the fields of music, film, drama, and entertainment.Governor Abiodun made this known when he received the Chief Executive Officer of Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen Peters, in his Oke-Mosan office in Abeokuta. His words: “From the onset of our administration, we always wanted to have some sort of creative arts and entertainment zone, but when we assumed office, the government was laden with so many priorities. We wanted to ensure that we first paid attention to matters that touch the lives of the people directly. Because it is only when you are comfortable and happy that you will begin to think of relaxing and being entertained; we had to do that. We are confident that we have not just accomplished that; we’ve made the most of it, and our focus in the last year has been how to push the frontier in the areas of culture, music, and entertainment.”

Only an ignoramus will doubt the view that the NSF creates an opportunity for new talents to be discovered for both national and international sporting meets. It cannot but be cheering news that what the Abiodun administration has done with the investment in sporting facilities in the state is second to none.Indeed, in choosing Ogun as the 2024 NSF host, the Federal Government took ample notice of the massive infrastructure upgrade across the state, and it is in fact no coincidence that Bukola Olopade, the man that the Ogun State Government chose as the chair of the festival’s Local Organising Committee (LOC ), has just been appointed as the chairman of the National Sports Department Agency. It is certain that he will bring his wealth of experience to bear on the assignment and help Ogun make history as it hosts the NSF. The Ogun State government, as attested to by many, has created an enabling environment for business, and investors are moving into state in droves, buoyed by the deeply enhance infrastructure outlay.

-Leadership

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NFVCB Boss Urges Stronger Distribution Channels As Coal City Film Festival 2026 Opens In Enugu

Published

41 minutes ago

March 27, 2026

Olumide Ojo

The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr Shaibu Husseini, has called for stronger distribution frameworks within Nigeria’s film industry to ensure that locally produced content achieves global visibility.

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‎Dr Husseini made this call while delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2026 edition of the Coal City Film Festival, held in Enugu.
‎Welcoming participants to the festival, Dr Husseini expressed his personal delight at hosting the event in Enugu, his birth state, noting the city’s rich cultural heritage and longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s creative landscape.
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‎He commended the festival organisers, particularly the Festival Director, Uche Agbo, for their resilience and commitment in sustaining the initiative.
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‎ According to him, the Coal City Film Festival has grown into a significant cultural platform and a must-attend cinematic event in South East Nigeria.
‎Speaking on the festival’s theme, “Local Stories, Global Screens,” Dr Husseini emphasised the importance of authenticity in storytelling. He noted that films rooted in local realities, languages, and cultural truths often resonate more strongly with global audiences.
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‎He cited notable Nigerian productions such as “King of Boys” by Kemi Adetiba, “The Wedding Party” by Mo Abudu, “Anikulapo” by Kunle Afolayan, “Black Book” by Editi Effiong, and “Lionheart” by Genevieve Nnaji as examples of culturally grounded stories that have gained international recognition on platforms such as Netflix and at global film festivals.
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‎While acknowledging the growth in film production across Nigeria, the NFVCB boss identified distribution as a major bottleneck in the industry. He observed that many high-quality films struggle to reach audiences both locally and internationally due to limited distribution channels.
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‎Dr. Husseini therefore urged film festivals across the country to evolve beyond networking platforms into active marketplaces where filmmakers can secure distribution deals. He stressed that festivals must attract distributors, exhibitors, streaming platforms, and marketers to create tangible opportunities for filmmakers.
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‎“Film festivals must become gateways to distribution where filmmakers leave not just with applause, but with real opportunities,” he said.
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‎Reaffirming the Board’s commitment to industry development, Dr. Husseini stated that the NFVCB has continued to reposition itself as a partner in progress by engaging stakeholders, improving classification processes, and promoting a balance between creative freedom and social responsibility.
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‎However, he raised concerns over increasing non-compliance with regulatory requirements, noting that some filmmakers bypass the Board by releasing unclassified films or operating without proper licensing.
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‎He reiterated that all films and video works must be submitted to the NFVCB for classification and registration before being released on any platform, including digital platforms such as YouTube.
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‎“This is a legal obligation, and the Board will not hesitate to take decisive action against defaulters,” he warned, adding that regulation is essential for protecting the industry, audiences, and national values.
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‎Looking ahead, Dr. Husseini assured stakeholders of the Board’s continued collaboration with filmmakers and festival organisers to build a structured, sustainable, and globally competitive Nigerian film industry.
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‎He concluded by commending the organisers of the Coal City Film Festival for their vision and contribution to Nigeria’s cultural economy, urging filmmakers to continue telling authentic stories that can resonate across global screens.

-Leadership

News

Wike Reaffirms Nigeria–EU Ties, Moves To Reclaim Encroached Diplomatic Lands

Published

7 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Olumide Ojo

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the European Union, while announcing steps to recover diplomatic lands in Abuja allegedly taken over by land grabbers.

Wike made this known on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja.

He emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation between Nigeria and EU member states, noting that the partnership aligns with the broader policy direction of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“We will continue to engage EU member countries to further strengthen bilateral relations,” the minister said.

Addressing concerns over diplomatic land allocations, Wike disclosed that several plots originally designated for EU countries had been unlawfully occupied over the years. He noted that the FCT Administration has begun reclaiming such lands.

“We discovered that some lands allocated to EU member countries were taken over by land grabbers. In recent weeks, we have moved to recover those lands by removing illegal structures,” he stated.

He added that the government would formally communicate with the affected countries to determine their continued interest in the properties and ensure rightful ownership is restored.

“We are writing to those countries. If they still intend to retain the lands, we are willing to return them. We will not allow land grabbers to take advantage,” Wike said.

The minister also commended the EU for its contributions to governance and justice sector reforms in the FCT, particularly in court digitalisation and improved justice delivery.

“I am aware of your support, especially in strengthening the administration and dispensation of justice. We will continue to partner with you to deepen these initiatives,” he added.

On requests for land allocation for local EU staff, Wike assured that applications would be considered based on due process, stressing that such processes must ultimately benefit the public.

He further addressed infrastructure concerns at the IBB Golf Club, confirming that a caretaker committee has been constituted, with rehabilitation works expected to commence soon.

In his remarks, Mignot described Nigeria as a key strategic partner for the EU, noting that both parties are entering a new phase of deeper engagement.

“The European Union remains one of Nigeria’s foremost trade and development partners. Our relationship is strong, mutually beneficial, and evolving into a more significant phase,” he said.

He highlighted ongoing EU-supported programmes in the FCT, including judicial reforms, court digitalisation, human rights initiatives, and support for victims of gender-based violence.

Mignot also invited the FCT minister to engage further with EU ambassadors to explore collaboration in areas such as waste management, urban planning, and water infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Wike recently ordered the demolition of buildings illegally constructed on land designated for foreign embassies in the diplomatic zone of Katampe Extension, Abuja.

He explained that the land, originally allocated on March 18, 2008, for residential use by diplomatic missions, was later encroached upon by an unauthorised developer who commenced construction without approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority.

The affected diplomatic missions include Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

-Leadership

News

Inspector-General Disu Submits 75-Page Framework On ‘State Police’ To Senate As Push Gains Momentum

Published

7 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Olumide Ojo

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President, the document titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police” was presented at Jibrin’s office within the National Assembly complex.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has submitted a 75-page framework on the establishment of State Police to the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, in a fresh move to advance decentralised policing in Nigeria.

The report was delivered on behalf of the IGP by Prof Olu Ogunsakin, who chairs the Nigeria Police Force committee set up to develop modalities for instituting State Police.

Disu said the document encapsulates the Force’s professional input following extensive consultations and a thorough evaluation of the legal, operational and administrative implications of decentralised policing.

“The report covers the considered views, professional insights and strategic recommendations of the Force, derived from extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the operational, legal and administrative implications of instituting State Police in Nigeria,” Disu said.

“It is our expectation that the contents of this report will meaningfully contribute to ongoing deliberations and assist in shaping informed, balanced, and pragmatic decisions on this critical aspect of national security architecture.”

The police chief noted that the framework has been formally submitted to the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution as the Nigeria Police Force’s official contribution to the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

Responding, Senator Jibrin commended the IGP for what he described as a proactive step aligned with the security agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The Deputy President of the Senate commended the IGP for his proactiveness on the establishment of State Police in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to fully secure the country,” the statement read.

He assured that the Senate Committee reviewing the Constitution would carefully examine the framework alongside other submissions as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s legal foundation.

The proposed framework is expected to outline the operational structure, governance model, and coordination mechanisms between federal and state policing systems— marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Disu inaugurated an eight-member committee in March to drive the implementation of State Police, declaring that the reform was irreversible.

At the inauguration in Abuja, the IGP insisted that decentralised policing “has come to stay,” dismissing concerns that it could threaten the roles of existing police personnel.

“State Police has come to stay, and the police should be able to contribute their part in making it succeed. The police are not afraid, our jobs are not being taken,” he said.

He described the committee’s assignment as urgent and critical, giving members one month to submit their report amid rising security challenges across the country.

Disu stressed that the move towards State Police is aimed at strengthening internal security by bringing law enforcement closer to communities and enabling faster, more targeted responses to threats.

“Across the nation, we continue to confront evolving security challenges. These require innovative thinking, strategic collaboration, and the willingness to explore reforms,” he added.

The push for State Police has gained renewed momentum following President Tinubu’s assurance that the plan would not be shelved, urging stakeholders to support the initiative.

-Sahara