The Kano State Government has officially launched the Torch of Unity Movement in preparation for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, set to take place in Ogun State in 2025. This symbolic event underscores the state’s commitment to fostering peace, unity, and excellence in sports ahead of the prestigious tournament.
According to reports, the flag-off ceremony, held in Kano, was attended by prominent government officials, including Secretary to the State Government Umar Farouk, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other key stakeholders. The Torch of Unity serves as a powerful emblem of harmony and strength, aiming to inspire collaboration and solidarity among athletes and citizens alike.
Speaking at the event, Umar Farouk emphasized the importance of teamwork in advancing Nigeria’s sporting potential. He noted that the state is dedicated to supporting its athletes by providing the necessary resources to ensure their success at the festival.
The 2025 National Sports Festival, tagged the “Gateway Games,” will be hosted in Ogun State from May 16 to May 30. It promises to be a grand showcase of talent, bringing together athletes from across the country to compete and celebrate sportsmanship.
Ibrahim Umar Fagge, Acting Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, described the festival as Kano’s version of the Olympics. He assured that the commission is committed to fielding the state’s best athletes and ensuring their optimal preparation for the competition.
Other dignitaries present at the ceremony included Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Sports, Sani Musa Danja, who commended the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and all stakeholders for their efforts in promoting the success of the upcoming festival.
The Torch of Unity Movement marks the beginning of an exciting journey toward the National Sports Festival, highlighting the critical role of sports in uniting communities and showcasing Nigeria’s athletic prowess on a national stage.
Call to Action:
Join the movement toward unity and excellence in sports! Follow the journey of the Torch of Unity as it makes its way across Nigeria, inspiring peace and collaboration ahead of the National Sports Festival 2025 . Stay updated on the latest developments, athlete preparations, and festival highlights by subscribing to our newsletter or following us on social media. Together, let’s celebrate the power of sports to unite and uplift communities!
👉 Subscribe Now | Follow Us | Share This Story
About the author
Nigeria’s House Inaugurates 21-Member Panel to Oversee Rivers State Emergency Rule
Abuja, Nigeria – The House of Representatives has launched a 21-member ad-hoc committee to oversee emergency governance in Rivers State, following President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State Assembly. The move aims to stabilize the oil-rich region amid escalating political tensions. Key Developments ⚖️ Emergency Rule Trigger: President Tinubu invoked emergency powers under Section 11(4) of the Constitution. Retired Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas appointed as Sole Administrator for six months. 🏛️ Committee Mandate: Monitor federal policy implementation in Rivers State. Scrutinize public spending and ensure legal compliance. Fast-track restoration of democratic governance. 👥 Leadership & Composition: Chairman: Majority Leader Hon. Julius Ihonvbere. Deputy Chairman: Minority Whip Hon. Ali Isa J.C. Members Include: Former Deputy Speaker Idris Ahmed Wase, Hon. Betara Aliyu, and 17 others. Speaker’s Directives 🗣️ Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas: “This is no routine task—it’s a litmus test for Nigeria’s democracy. Every action faces national scrutiny.” Ordered committee to operate with “zero […]
Pressure Mounts: Action Collective Demands Akpabio’s Resignation Over Sexual Harassment Scandal
Abuja, Nigeria – Socio-political group Action Collective has intensified calls for Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step down amid sexual harassment allegations, warning that his refusal to vacate office threatens Nigeria’s democratic integrity and sets a dangerous precedent for accountability. Key Demands & Arguments ⚖️ Immediate Resignation: Akpabio’s leadership deemed “morally indefensible” while under investigation. Cites Prof. Abayomi Fasina’s (FUOYE VC) precedent: stepped aside voluntarily during similar probe. ⚖️ Presidential & Judicial Action: Urges President Tinubu to intervene: “History is watching. End elite impunity.” Challenges judiciary to ensure impartiality: “A litmus test for Nigeria’s commitment to justice.” 📜 Hypocrisy Exposed: Akpabio co-sponsored 2020 Sexual Harassment Bill for tertiary institutions. Group demands same standards apply to National Assembly: “Laws can’t be selective.” Why This Matters Public Trust Crisis: Failure to act could erode faith in Nigeria’s institutions. Global Reputation: Ignoring scandal risks international condemnation. Women’s Rights: Tests Nigeria’s commitment to protecting women in power structures. Call to Action (CTA) 👉 Vote: Should Akpabio step aside? Yes […]
Nigeria, EU Deepen Defence Ties Against Terrorism – Badaru Leads Push
Nigeria and EU Strengthen Counter-Terrorism Defense PartnershipAbuja, April 15, 2025 – Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have pledged to deepen defense collaboration to combat terrorism and banditry, following a high-stakes meeting between Defense Minister Mohammed Badaru and EU delegation head Casmin Dirban in Abuja. Key Meeting Outcomes ✔ Enhanced Intelligence Sharing: Joint strategies to disrupt terrorist networks in Nigeria’s North-East and North-West.✔ Capacity Building: EU-backed training for Nigerian security forces on counter-insurgency tactics.✔ Tech Integration: Deployment of advanced surveillance systems to monitor high-risk zones. Strategic Focus AreasNigeria’s Priorities: Securing EU support for Operation Hadin Kai (NE counter-terrorism ops). Modernizing military hardware to counter bandit raids in Zamfara, Katsina, Niger. EU Commitments: Expanding funding for Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC). Strengthening maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. Why This Partnership Matters Regional Stability: Nigeria’s security impacts ECOWAS and Sahel regions. Global Threat: Terrorism links between Nigerian groups and global extremist networks. Economic Security: Banditry disrupts $3.8B annual agricultural output (World Bank). […]
Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Akpabio Flawed, Says Agbakoba
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Dr. Olisa Agbakoba has publicly disputed the sexual harassment allegations made by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, calling the claims “contradictory” and insufficient to meet global legal standards for proof. Key Arguments Against the Allegations 🔍 Timeline Inconsistencies: Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged harassment on December 8, 2023, but publicly praised Akpabio on December 9, 2023 via Instagram and X (Twitter). Agbakoba highlighted her “warm, celebratory tone” in posts lauding Akpabio’s birthday event in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, just 24 hours post-incident. 🔍 Legal Threshold Not Met: Agbakoba stressed that the allegations lack “evidence and fairness” required for legal credibility. Cited “pattern” of prior accusations by Akpoti-Uduaghan against ex-presidential aide Reno Omokri and an unnamed minister. 🔍 Formal Legal Challenge: Sent a letter demanding Akpoti-Uduaghan clarify contradictions. Warned Akpabio reserves the right to pursue “all legal options” for reputational damage. Agbakoba’s […]
2026 World Cup Hope Alive: John Utaka Charges Super Eagles to Fight for Qualification
Former Nigeria international John Utaka has rallied the Super Eagles to reignite their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, insisting the team’s fate remains in their hands despite a rocky start in Group C. Current Group C Standings 🌍 South Africa: 13 points (1st)🌍 Rwanda: 8 points (2nd)🌍 Benin Republic: 8 points (3rd)🌍 Nigeria: 7 points (4th)(After 6 matches) Utaka’s Rallying Cry In a candid interview with Brila FM, the ex-Portsmouth striker urged: “We have the talent to dominate this group. This position is unacceptable.” “Unity and focus are non-negotiable. We must mirror the hunger of smaller nations.” “Football is unpredictable. Four games left—we can qualify if we fight!” Path to Redemption 🔑 Key Requirement: Nigeria needs ~10 points from 12 to secure top-two finish. Fan Reactions 🇳🇬 “Utaka’s right! Eagles must wake up!” – @NaijaFootballFan🇳🇬 “Where’s the team spirit from AFCON 2023?” – @EaglesTracker Call to Action (CTA) 👉 Vote: Can Nigeria qualify? Yes/No👉 Comment: What changes do the Eagles need?👉 Share to rally support for the Super Eagles! […]
Plateau Killings: Activist Naja’atu Muhammad Accuses Politicians of Using Bandits as ‘Political Thugs’
Human rights activist Naja’atu Muhammad has launched a scathing indictment of Nigeria’s political class, alleging that politicians are deliberately weaponizing insecurity by colluding with bandits and stoking ethnic tensions to mask governance failures. Her explosive claims come amid escalating violence in Plateau State and across northern Nigeria. Key Allegations 🔥 Politicians as Enablers: “Top politicians openly work with bandits. One slaughtered 15 people during Eid and filmed it—yet he remains protected.” Accuses leaders of using bandits as “political thugs” to distract from unpaid salaries, poor education, and corruption. 🔥 Government Failure: “The common enemy is the government. They’ve failed their primary duty: protecting citizens.” Criticizes security agencies for inaction despite actionable intelligence. 🔥 Media Complicity: “Media outlets biasly choose which victims to highlight, deepening divisions.” Context: Plateau’s Unending Bloodshed Recent attacks in Plateau’s Irigwe Chiefdom left 49 dead, mirroring patterns of violence Naja’atu links to political manipulation. Northern Nigeria accounts for 80% of […]
Related
Why soccer might be Sweden’s way out of a gang crime crisis
Every Saturday night, deep in the heart of Gottsunda—a suburb on the outskirts of Uppsala, Sweden’s fourth-largest city—an unusual kind of football match takes place. Organized by Robert Wirehag, a local pastor and former youth player for Swedish club IK Sirius, these weekly games are more than just sport. They’re an intervention. Uppsala, known historically as a calm university town located about 70 kilometers (44 miles) from Stockholm, seems worlds apart from the energy in Gottsunda after dark. Here, instead of students and scholars, the streets are filled with boys aged 12 to 17. And according to Wirehag, they all have one thing in common: they’re potential gang recruits. “Why? Because they live in a specific suburb in the outer part of the city,” Wirehag explains. “All of them are at risk. Some are already involved in gangs, others are […]
Nigeria’s House Inaugurates 21-Member Panel to Oversee Rivers State Emergency Rule
Abuja, Nigeria – The House of Representatives has launched a 21-member ad-hoc committee to oversee emergency governance in Rivers State, following President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State Assembly. The move aims to stabilize the oil-rich region amid escalating political tensions. Key Developments ⚖️ Emergency Rule Trigger: President Tinubu invoked emergency powers under Section 11(4) of the Constitution. Retired Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas appointed as Sole Administrator for six months. 🏛️ Committee Mandate: Monitor federal policy implementation in Rivers State. Scrutinize public spending and ensure legal compliance. Fast-track restoration of democratic governance. 👥 Leadership & Composition: Chairman: Majority Leader Hon. Julius Ihonvbere. Deputy Chairman: Minority Whip Hon. Ali Isa J.C. Members Include: Former Deputy Speaker Idris Ahmed Wase, Hon. Betara Aliyu, and 17 others. Speaker’s Directives 🗣️ Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas: “This is no routine task—it’s a litmus test for Nigeria’s democracy. Every action faces national scrutiny.” Ordered committee to operate with “zero […]
Pressure Mounts: Action Collective Demands Akpabio’s Resignation Over Sexual Harassment Scandal
Abuja, Nigeria – Socio-political group Action Collective has intensified calls for Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step down amid sexual harassment allegations, warning that his refusal to vacate office threatens Nigeria’s democratic integrity and sets a dangerous precedent for accountability. Key Demands & Arguments ⚖️ Immediate Resignation: Akpabio’s leadership deemed “morally indefensible” while under investigation. Cites Prof. Abayomi Fasina’s (FUOYE VC) precedent: stepped aside voluntarily during similar probe. ⚖️ Presidential & Judicial Action: Urges President Tinubu to intervene: “History is watching. End elite impunity.” Challenges judiciary to ensure impartiality: “A litmus test for Nigeria’s commitment to justice.” 📜 Hypocrisy Exposed: Akpabio co-sponsored 2020 Sexual Harassment Bill for tertiary institutions. Group demands same standards apply to National Assembly: “Laws can’t be selective.” Why This Matters Public Trust Crisis: Failure to act could erode faith in Nigeria’s institutions. Global Reputation: Ignoring scandal risks international condemnation. Women’s Rights: Tests Nigeria’s commitment to protecting women in power structures. Call to Action (CTA) 👉 Vote: Should Akpabio step aside? Yes […]
Nigeria, EU Deepen Defence Ties Against Terrorism – Badaru Leads Push
Nigeria and EU Strengthen Counter-Terrorism Defense PartnershipAbuja, April 15, 2025 – Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have pledged to deepen defense collaboration to combat terrorism and banditry, following a high-stakes meeting between Defense Minister Mohammed Badaru and EU delegation head Casmin Dirban in Abuja. Key Meeting Outcomes ✔ Enhanced Intelligence Sharing: Joint strategies to disrupt terrorist networks in Nigeria’s North-East and North-West.✔ Capacity Building: EU-backed training for Nigerian security forces on counter-insurgency tactics.✔ Tech Integration: Deployment of advanced surveillance systems to monitor high-risk zones. Strategic Focus AreasNigeria’s Priorities: Securing EU support for Operation Hadin Kai (NE counter-terrorism ops). Modernizing military hardware to counter bandit raids in Zamfara, Katsina, Niger. EU Commitments: Expanding funding for Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC). Strengthening maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. Why This Partnership Matters Regional Stability: Nigeria’s security impacts ECOWAS and Sahel regions. Global Threat: Terrorism links between Nigerian groups and global extremist networks. Economic Security: Banditry disrupts $3.8B annual agricultural output (World Bank). […]
Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Akpabio Flawed, Says Agbakoba
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Dr. Olisa Agbakoba has publicly disputed the sexual harassment allegations made by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, calling the claims “contradictory” and insufficient to meet global legal standards for proof. Key Arguments Against the Allegations 🔍 Timeline Inconsistencies: Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged harassment on December 8, 2023, but publicly praised Akpabio on December 9, 2023 via Instagram and X (Twitter). Agbakoba highlighted her “warm, celebratory tone” in posts lauding Akpabio’s birthday event in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, just 24 hours post-incident. 🔍 Legal Threshold Not Met: Agbakoba stressed that the allegations lack “evidence and fairness” required for legal credibility. Cited “pattern” of prior accusations by Akpoti-Uduaghan against ex-presidential aide Reno Omokri and an unnamed minister. 🔍 Formal Legal Challenge: Sent a letter demanding Akpoti-Uduaghan clarify contradictions. Warned Akpabio reserves the right to pursue “all legal options” for reputational damage. Agbakoba’s […]
2026 World Cup Hope Alive: John Utaka Charges Super Eagles to Fight for Qualification
Former Nigeria international John Utaka has rallied the Super Eagles to reignite their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, insisting the team’s fate remains in their hands despite a rocky start in Group C. Current Group C Standings 🌍 South Africa: 13 points (1st)🌍 Rwanda: 8 points (2nd)🌍 Benin Republic: 8 points (3rd)🌍 Nigeria: 7 points (4th)(After 6 matches) Utaka’s Rallying Cry In a candid interview with Brila FM, the ex-Portsmouth striker urged: “We have the talent to dominate this group. This position is unacceptable.” “Unity and focus are non-negotiable. We must mirror the hunger of smaller nations.” “Football is unpredictable. Four games left—we can qualify if we fight!” Path to Redemption 🔑 Key Requirement: Nigeria needs ~10 points from 12 to secure top-two finish. Fan Reactions 🇳🇬 “Utaka’s right! Eagles must wake up!” – @NaijaFootballFan🇳🇬 “Where’s the team spirit from AFCON 2023?” – @EaglesTracker Call to Action (CTA) 👉 Vote: Can Nigeria qualify? Yes/No👉 Comment: What changes do the Eagles need?👉 Share to rally support for the Super Eagles! […]
Be the first to leave a comment