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  PRESS STATEMENT 28 April,2024 BASH ALLI AND HIS SERIAL  BLACKMAIL MUST BE CONFRONTED AND DEFEATED Thank you, gentlemen of the press, for responding to this invitation at such short notice. I am constrained to address you today to speak to the trending video and open petition to the President wherein Bash Alli, a former World Boxing Champion threw caution and decency to the wind to allege that I demanded the sum of 'another '1  USD( One million dollars) from him  inorder to endorse his plan to stage what he calls the oldest boxers fight in Nigeria. When Bash Alli released his video and open letter to the President,with the sole aim to defame and destroy my reputation and integrity, some friends and associates advised that I totally ignore him and his blackmail gambit. They believe that by responding to Bash Alli and his vile campaign of calumy, I will validate and bring him to the limelight.  After a deep reflection, I have come to the inevitable conclusion that to ignore him

  Paris 2024: Nigeria Olympians Association Commends Sports Minister and Solicits for Synergy Inducts him as a member of the  Nigeria Olympian Association On Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, the Executive Board of the Nigerian Olympians Association visited the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, to commend his vision and achievements in the field of sports development since he assumed office. During the visit, Olumide Ayodeji OLY, the President of the Association, expressed their desire to not only support the Minister's vision but also contribute to the growth of sports in Nigeria through mentoring of athletes. He highlighted the Olympians' contributions to the country and urged the Minister to look into their welfare in line with his vision for sports development. Emmanuel Babayaro, a legendary member of the Nigerian football team that won a gold medal during the 1996 Atlanta Olympic games, described the Minister as a leader with a human face and assured him o

  NLO Bags SWAN As Most Improved League SWAN Confers NLO With The Most Improved League award NLO Gets SWAN Most Improved League Award The Nationwide League One will be conferred with the Most Improved League award by the national body of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).  This was contained in an official correspondence sent to the NLO and signed by Ikenna Okonkwo, Secretary-General of the Sports Reportage body.  According to SWAN, the nomination of the Nationwide League One as the Most Improved League in Nigeria, had been ratified by the National Executive Committee of SWAN after the screening committee's scrutiny which found the League worthy of the prestigious honour, based on its consistent track record of obvious improvements. The formal conferment of the prestigious award on the NLO will take place during the Council Meeting of SWAN on Thursday May 2, 2024, in Kano. It's on record the Nationwide League has made giant strides in the development of grassroot

NFF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT   NFF to inaugurate sub-committees on Wednesday   President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau will on Wednesday inaugurate five of the Federation’s sub-committees, viz Organizing Committee, Media Committee, Youth Football Committee, Players’ Status Committee and Protocol and Ceremonial Committee.   The inauguration will take place at the NFF Secretariat, Abuja by noon.   NFF 1st Vice President, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu is Chairman of the Organizing Committee, which also has NFF's 2nd Vice President, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye as Vice Chairman. Members are Sir Emmanuel Ochiagha, Mr. Calistus Ebare, Hon. Godfrey Gaiya, Mrs Dilichukwu Onyedinma and Abba Mouktar Mohammed.   The Media Committee is headed by Ms Aisha Falode, with another Member of the NFF Executive Committee, Mr. George Aluo as Vice Chairman. Members are Mr. Godwin Enakhena, Alhaji Shu’aibu Mungadi, Mr. Frank Ilaboya, Lirwanu Malikawa Idris and Mr. Gabriel Aborowa.   Alha

  FCT SWAN Electoral Committee Promises Free and Fair Elections  The FCT Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) electoral committee has promised its members a free and fair elections that will usher in a generally accepted executives to run the affairs of the Association for the next three years.  According to the Chairman of the Committee Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu), who was full of appreciation to the leadership of  SWAN at the national level, for restoring peace to FCT SWAN by unifying the members.  He also appreciated  the members of the FCT SWAN for the support given to his committee since their inauguration, and pleaded for their total support as the elections hold on Friday 26 April 2024.  Ngwaogu used the opportunity to Inform the Sports Writers that 12 candidates that were eligible to contest in the various positions at the elections. Among them are Tolulope Oguntimehin, Folusho Alade Oyekan, and Kelechi Onwudiwe for Chairmanship, Arinze Chukwunoso Maduabuchi, and Friday Jo

Minister, NFF President, FCT Director of Sports To Attend FCT SWAN Election Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)  President, Ibrahim Gusau and FCT Sports Director, Luka Istifanus will be special guests to monitor the 2024 FCT SWAN Election which holds on Friday, 26th April, 2024. Addressing the World Press Conference at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Tuesday, Chairman of the FCT SWAN Electoral Committee, Mr Patrick Ngwaogwu confirmed the attendance of the Minister of Sports, NFF President and FCT Director of Sports. According to the SWANECO chairman, the election will be secret ballot while the pictures and name of the contestants would be displayed on the ballot papers. While emphasising the importance of security on the day of the election, Odogwu as he is fondly called, assured the contestants and electorates that plans have been concluded to have armed policemen and men of  Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on ground o

  Too Many Factions, Hindering Sports Development..... Sports Minister  The Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh has revealed that the various factions in the Sports Fraternity have hindered the development of Sports in country.  The Minister who spoke when he received the Electoral Committee of the FCT SWAN in his office, commended the committee for a job well done, so far, advising them to be very fair to all the contestants, saying that factions emerge when losers feel they were not fairly treated.  He said since assuming office, he has been a victim of SWAN crisis and he was unable to openly show support for any of group. He said the unification of FCT SWAN chapter has sent a good signal to other factions in sports fraternity, saying that the  many factions in sports that has hindered the ethics of sports development to the fullest.  He said his ministry is ready to support the FCT SWANECO to get a credible election, and will extend such to the the incoming adminis

  Paris 2024 Olympics : Athletes preparations on course. Sequel to the rumors making the rounds, it is pertinent to bring updates from the AFN regarding preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Home based athletes are currently camped and preparing for the World Relays in the Bahamas which is scheduled for the 4th -5th of May . The American embassy in Abuja has scheduled a date to interview the athletes and officials.  The sports ministry understands the importance of attending the world relays, going by the position occupied by Nigeria amongst the 32 Nations that have qualified for the relays in the Bahamas hence the funding by the ministry. Furthermore,regarding the debt owed by the previous administration, The Honorable Minister of Sports Development in his proactive and intentional leadership style has directed that all outstanding debts be submitted to his office for attention. A prime focus of the federation is getting the athletes tested for the first compulsory three out of co

  Sports Minister Signs Three Groundbreaking MoUs in Quest to Bolster Sports Development and Funding Says the Renewed Hope Agenda offers best opportunity for sports development Driven by his undiluted resolve to boost sports development in line with the Renewed Hope mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh signed three Memoranda of Understanding, on Friday in Lagos. Senator Enoh announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited to relaunch the Challenge Cup as the President Federation Cup in collaboration with the NFF to reignite interest amongst fans and elevate it to global standards. The renamed competition will involve grassroots teams, create employment for approximately 500,000 Nigerians, engage over 100,000,000 football enthusiasts, and showcase our country's greatness globally. The President Federation Cup will become President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's

  SCRABBLE JAMZ: • UNILAG' Enock Nwali wins Asaph Zadok National Scrabble Championship in style for Lagos  ... Lagos claims individual and team, Delta finished second in team event  ...Hosts Ogun State finishes third in both individual and team event By Mishael Emmanuel                  The 1st of 4 events at the NSF National Scrabble Festival - Gateway 2024, sponsored and hosted by the Ogun State Government, the Asaph Zadok National Scrabble Championship lived up to expectations on the final day on Wednesday at the Adebowale Banquet Hall, at the serene and cozy Rolak Hotel and Suites, in the ancient and historical city of Ijebu-Ode, South-West, Nigeria.   University of Lagos health education student and current African Scrabble Champion, Enock Nwali, won the three-day championship as he scoped 20 wins, a draw, and a plus 1220 cumulative points from 28 rounds of games. Fellow Teammate, John Aiyedun claimed the 2nd spot with 19 victories, 9 losses and +701 points.    Excellent hosts

 "In Unity We can Achieve More"...Gusau President of the Nigeria Football Federation Ibrahim Gusau has expressed his excitement on the recent moves to unify the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria in the Federal Capital Territory. The President who spoke when members of Electoral Committee of the 2024 FCT  Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWANECO) led by Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu) paid  him a courtesy visit in his office. The President who expressed his joy on the unification of the FCT chapter of the association, saying that alot have been lost in the period of factionalisation of the Association in the Federal Capital Territory, but said with the present move of unifying the Association in the Capital city, that a lot of ground will be covered and much achieved. "I am very happy to hear about the news of unifying SWAN in FCT. This is so because these are the people we see on daily basis. The previous division was a huge set back, and because of that, since I assu

  Sports Minister Affirms Nigeria's Readiness for Paris 2024 Olympics says nation is due for gold medals after Atlanta 1996 heroics  The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has stated the Ministry is committed to seeing Team Nigeria achieve remarkable success at the upcoming 2024 Olympics in Paris. Drawing inspiration from past achievements and a vision for the future, the Minister emphasized Nigeria will be aiming for gold in Paris, in like fashion as the nation's heroics at the 1996 Olympic Games. "Like every area of human endeavor, we expect to build upon what we did at the last Olympics. After Atlanta 1996, the time has come for Nigeria to win at the very least, a gold medal at the Olympics," remarked the Minister. To fulfill this ambition, the Ministry has established a ministerial podium performance committee dedicated to strategic planning and execution. This committee is diligently assessing various sports where Nigeria holds a co

  SCRABBLE JAMZ: •  NSF 2nd National Scrabble Festival gets new venue ...Rolak Hotel and Suites Ijebu-Ode selected to host Nigeria's biggest scrabble feast By Maxwell Kumoye      The biggest and largest gathering scrabble players in Nigeria the 2nd edition of the NSF National Scrabble Festival, now has a new venue. Your authoritative news channel FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG understands that the National Scrabble Festival initially scheduled to hold at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, has been moved to the historic city of Ijebu-Ode, also in Ogun State, South-West Nigeria.   The President of Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), Engineer Toke Aka, said the week long Scrabble Festival was moved to city noted for it's hospitality and festival-like atmosphere because of some logistics reasons and the excellent hotel services offered by one of the hands, backing the event.  “The host State, Ogun, have put every logistics for a hitch free Festival in pla

  Sports Minister Says Ministry Working to Facilitate Early Release of Funds for 2024 Olympics Says private individuals and corporate sector not exempted The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has announced plans to ensure the early release of funds in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, underscoring the ministry's commitment to supporting Nigerian athletes on the world stage.  Senator Enoh emphasized the importance of securing funding in a timely manner to facilitate comprehensive preparations for the Olympic Games. He added that the ministry will actively pursue partnerships with private individuals and the corporate sector to bolster financial support and ensure that athletes are set up for success. Drawing from the successful model implemented during the African Games, where all athletes were insured, Senator Enoh affirmed the ministry's commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Olympians. Plans are underway to provide insurance c

  NTA Sports, Blend TV To Beam New Year Mega Lottery NLO Season Opening Game The Secretariat of the nation's third-tier league has informed that Africa's largest television network, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), via its sports channel and Blend TV will show the New Year Mega Lottery Nationwide League One season-opening game.  The Ahmadu Bello Stadium is billed to host the Kaduna Centre Match 1 fixture between  Kaduna United and Yoca Crocodiles FC at 3 pm on Saturday.  Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Ogunnowo told NLO Media Channel of the development.   “We are delighted to be able to showcase the best of the New Year Mega Lottery Nationwide League One football live "To our million viewers across Nigeria and beyond." "The opening new season match between Kaduna United and Yoca Crocodiles FC will be broadcast live on NLO TV and Blend TV.  "The live broadcast on NTA Sports will be delayed owing to a advertorial, while it will go live on Blend TV.  "

  PRESS RELEASE Integrity Group Commend SWAN President, FCT SWANECO , Urge Stakeholders To Remain Steadfast   In the light of the giant strides made by Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), the truth seeking alliance of sports journalists in the FCT, popular known as Integrity Group has hailed the leadership of SWAN under the guidance of President Isaiah Benjamin, for brokering peace and restoring sanity within the association in the FCT.   We note that SWAN has made positive strides since President Isaiah Benjamin took reigns of office, especially for restoring peace back to its FCT Chapter with the formation of the generally accepted *SWANECO*.  Since it's formation in late February/ early March, *SWANECO* has been accepted as true engineers of a peaceful process with distinguished individuals selected as members of the panel.   We also note that *SWANECO* is on the verge of making history by overseeing what could be the best election conducted within the FCT chapter in

SCRABBLE JAMZ: •  NSF 2nd National Scrabble Festival gets new venue ...Rolak Hotel and Suites Ijebu-Ode selected to host Nigeria's biggest scrabble feast By Maxwell Kumoye      The biggest and largest gathering scrabble players in Nigeria the 2nd edition of the NSF National Scrabble Festival, now has a new venue. Your authoritative news channel FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG understands that the National Scrabble Festival initially scheduled to hold at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, has been moved to the historic city of Ijebu-Ode, also in Ogun State, South-West Nigeria.   The President of Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), Engineer Toke Aka, said the week long Scrabble Festival was moved to city noted for it's hospitality and festival-like atmosphere because of some logistics reasons and the excellent hotel services offered by one of the hands, backing the event.  “The host State, Ogun, have put every logistics for a hitch free Festival in place

  Sports Minister Salutes Super Falcons’ Doggedness, as 16 Years Jinx is Broken Says team’s bold performance deserved Paris ticket Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has saluted the Super Falcons of Nigeria for qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris after edging South Africa over two legs.  The Minister commended the team for their bold, energetic, and tireless performance that earned them a goalless draw in Pretoria and a 1-0 win over two legs following the win in Abuja last week. With this result, Nigeria broke the 16-year jinx of absence from the Olympics since 2008, securing qualification against their rivals.  Enoh expressed immense pride in the Super Falcons' achievement, highlighting their performance deserved nothing short of the ticket to Paris. "Today, we salute the Super Falcons for their extraordinary display of tenacity and doggedness, breaking barriers and reclaiming Nigeria's spot on the Olympic stage. Their victory is

  Excitement, High Expectations As New Year Mega Lottery NLO Season Kicks Off Kaduna Derby Light Up New Year Mega Lottery NLO Season Kaduna Utd Tackles Yoca Crocodiles In New Year Mega Lottery NLO Season Opener  Kaduna Utd Battles Yoca Crocodiles In New Year Mega Lottery NLO Curtain Raiser After weeks of break, the wait is finally over as the New Year Mega Lottery Nationwide League One (NLO) 2024 Division One season opener will be a Kaduna Derby game between Kaduna United FC and Yoca Crocodiles FC. The match will be held at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna on Saturday, April 13th, 2024. Football enthusiasts residing in Kaduna and surrounding areas are welcome to witness the exciting grassroots football. The game is scheduled to start at 3 pm. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the league body, Olushola Ogunnowo states that the 2024 league season in NLO promises to be a very interesting showpiece of football at the grassroot in Nigeria and the league opener in Kaduna will give a gli