Nigeria have been placed second best overall nation in weightlifting event of the on-going 2023 Africa Games in Ghana with a total of 32 medals.

While Nigeria came second overall on the weightlifting medals table, the female lifters came first in their category winning 11 gold and two silver medals, second placed Egypt had 11 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze medals.

Represented by 12 lifters made of six male and six female with four coaches, Nigeria lifters won 16 good, 10 silver and 6 bronze medals to come second behind leading country Egypt.
On their part, the Egyptians who also won the weightlifting event in 2019 Rabat Games had a total of 24 gold, 4 solve and 4 bronze medals to once again show their superiority in the sport.

All the 12 Nigeria lifters won medals with the exception of Morufat Folarin who was injured on Day 1 of the competition and could not continue.

King Kalu and Favour Agboro led the curtain raiser on Sunday after they won five medals two bronze in 55kg and two silver and a bronze in 61kg, respectively.

On Day 2 of the weightlifting event, Nigeria was dominant after all the three lifters won a combined 9 gold collectively, each winning three gold medals respectively. They were Edidiong Umoafia (67kg), Adijat Adenike Olarinoye (55kg) and Rafiatu Lawal (59kg).

Day 3 of the competition saw Nigeria win six more gold medals by Ruth Ayodele (64kg) and Joy Eze in 71kg, each winning 3 good medals in that order.

Competing on Day 4 were Desmond Akano (Men’s -96kg) who won 2 Silver, and a Bronze medals while Abayomi Adeyemi (Men’s 102kg) claimed a silver and 2 bronze.
Nigeria won another gold medal on Day 5 after Mary Osijo and Lucky Joseph combined to win six more medals.

Competing in Women’s 87kg, Ọsịsọ won 1 Gold and 2 Silver medals while Joseph won all the three silver medals in Men’s +109kg category Nigeria Weightlifting team were coaches by Ajei Emeka Godson , Ayodabo Kehinde, Lawal Patience and Okuofoh Evelyn. The General Secretary of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, NWF, Mrs Melvina Ashinedu Apeh is also part of the team.

The 2023 Africa Games Weightlifting event which began on Saturday, 9th March was rounded off on Friday, March 15, 2024 at the University of Ghana, Legon.
Nigeria weightlifting team will return home with their shoulders held high having retained their second position which they achieved in Rabat Morocco, four years ago.

Nigeria’s Weightlifting Medal Results

1. Kalu King – 55 kg – 2 Bronze

2. Favour Agboro – 61 kg – 2 Silver & 1 Bronze

3. Edidiong Umoafia – 67 kg — 3 Gold

4. Adijat Olarinoye – 55 kg. —- Gold 3

5. Rafiatu Lawal – 59 kg. — Gold 3

6. Ruth Ayodele – 64 kg — Gold 3

7. Joy Eze – 71 kg —- Gold 3

8. Desmond Akano – 96 kg – Silver 2 & 1 Bronze

9. Abayomi Adeyemi – 102 kg – Silver 1 & 2 Bronze

10. Mary Taiwo Osijo – 87 kg – Gold 1 & 2 Silver

11. Lucky Joseph – +109 kg – Silver 3

Total Medals:-
Gold – 16
Silver – 10
Bronze – 6

There are Indications that the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) may have resolved to hire another foreign tactician to replace Jose Peseiro as Super Eagles head coach.

Following the recent announcement by NFF, asking interested coaches to apply for the plum Super Eagles job after expiration of the former coach contract, no fewer than 40 coaches, both local and foreign, are said to have applied for the position that many Nigerian football stakeholders now feel should be occupied by an indigenous coach.

Former Nigerian internationals, Emmanuel Amuneke, Finidi George who served as assistant coach to Peseiro, Daniel Amokachi, Sunday Oliseh, Salisu Yusuf Sylvanus Okpala are among Nigerian coaches who have applied for the job.

Micheal Nsien, a Nigerian coach who is currently handling the USA U-17 and U-19 national teams, is also in the race for the juicy position.

One-time Indomitable Lions of Cameroon Portuguese coach, Antonio Canceicao is one of the foreign tacticians who is said to be highly favoured to land the job.

However, a member of the NFF Technical Committee, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he doesn’t the power to spoke on behalf on the committee, said what the Super Eagles need right now is a sound foreign technical adviser who will not only impact positively on the senior national team but help in developing other aspects of Nigerian football.

He reiterated that there is nothing wrong with hiring a foreign coach, but whoever is coming must be a world-class coach with a track record of achievements as manager of a renowned football nation.

“I have nothing against indigenous coaches, but I will say that the person we need at the moment is a foreign coach with the prerequisite experience to handle the Super Eagles. He must be the type of coach who will come and support in the overall development of our football.

“The Super Eagles as presently constituted are too big for the indigenous coaches that Nigerians are clamouring for. They are not bad coaches, but they are not yet at the level that they can effectively handle the senior national team.

“If you talk to most of my colleagues in the committee, they will tell you the samething. Most of us are for a foreign coach for the Super Eagles. I believe the NFF will see reason with some of us on this matter,” the very influential member of the NFF Technical Committee said.

Recalls that the Technical Committee met recently in Abuja to scrutinise the applications received by the football federation after it advertised the vacant positions of the head coach of the Super Eagles and the Golden Eaglets.

Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State in the Southwestern part of Nigeria is an ancient Yorùbá city founded by warriors. But unlike other Yorùbá towns and villages, Ibadan has an age-long unique obaship system.

Maybe not totally strange, but Ibadan has further validated the state as a ‘pace setter’ in recent times, in terms of little twist to ascension to the first-class stool of Olubadan.

In this article, we’ll explore 6 things you should know about the Obaship system in Ibadan.

1.Olubadan Ascension Ladders

There are two lines of ascension to the throne of Olubadan. These are the Olubadan (Civil) Line and Balogun (Military) Line. After clinching the title of Mogaji from one’s compound. Depending on the line, such a person has 22 stages to climb in the Civil Line while that of the Military Line is 23 towards the throne of Olubadan.  Both lines start from Jagun. 

Chieftaincy Stages in the Civil Line (Olubadan or Egbe Agba)

22. Otun Olubadan
23. Osi Olubadan
24. Asipa Olubadan
25. Ekerin olubadan
26. Ekaarun Olubadan
27. Abese
28. Maye
29. Ẹkẹfa
30. Agba- Akin
31. Aare – Alasa
32. Ikọlaba
33. Asaju
34. Ayingun
35. Aare – Agọ
36. Laguna
37. Oota
38. Aare – Egbe – Omo
39. Gbonnka
40. Aare – Onibon
41. Bada
42. Ajia
43. Jagun

Chieftaincy Stages in the Military Line (Egbe Balogun)

23. Balogun
24. Otun Balogun 
25. Osi Balogun 
26. Asipa Balogun 
27. Ekerin Balogun 
28. Ekarun Balogun 
29. Abese
30. Maye
31. Ẹkẹfa
32. Agba- Akin
33. Aare – Alasa
34. Ikọlaba
35. Asaju
36. Ayingun
37. Aare – Agọ
38. Laguna
39. Oota
40. Aare – Egbe – Omo
41. Gbonnka
42. Aare – Onibon
43. Bada
44. Ajia
45. Jagun

2. Civil and Military Lines Rotation 

The two lines of the chieftaincy structure produce Olubadan on a rotational basis. Though there is also one Seriki line, it is meant to be a youth group fused into the Balogun line just as Iyaloja is, to the Civil line. That’s just by the way. 

Back to the focus here. The stool of Olubadan is alternated between the Olubadan line and Balogun line. For instance, Oba Dr. Moshood Lekan Balogun Alli Okunmade II that recently joined his ancestors was from the Olubadan (Civil) line. He succeeded Oba Saliu Adetunji Aje Ogugunso 1 from the military line, who joined his ancestors on 2nd of January, 2022. 

Therefore, the next Olubadan is expected to come from the Military line. 

3. No Specific Royal House(s)

In most of the Yorùbá Obaship structure, there’s usually two or three ruling houses (or even more) who constitute the royal families. For those places, the ascension to the throne is rotated between only the royal families. 

But the Obaship system in Ibadan is different. Anyone can become Olubadan, inasmuch as you’re a true son of Ibadan — and must climb either of the two ladders to the top. 

4. Promotion of Lesser Oba

Though this practice is new to the system. It started when the former Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, in an attempt to modernise the system, promoted some High Chiefs and Baales to Oba. 

After a fierce battle for the soul of the age-long Ibadan Obaship system, Ajimobi’s successor, Governor Seyi Makinde, withdrew their crowns as part of the condition to settle out of court. 

However, the Governor subsequently sought approval of the state House of Assembly to allow traditional heads (high chiefs) to wear beaded crowns by amending section 28 of the Oyo State Chieftaincy Law 2023. 

Therefore, the governor re-elevated the 10 high chiefs in Olubadan-in-Council to the Obaship status of in July, 2023. But the ascension line of Obaship system remains unchanged.

With this, Ibadan is arguably the first Yorùbá town/city where a lesser Oba is being promoted to become another or better put: a superior Oba. 

5. Aged Monarch 

For most places in Yorùbá land, the attention has shifted to youths in selection of king for their respective town. However, one of the amazing characteristics of the Ibadan Obaship system is how it produces an aged monarch. 

This is obviously due to the number of stages one has to pass through before being ranked next in line, and eventually become Olubadan. The promotion in either of the two lines occurs when a successor is picked from the line. 

For instance, with an 84-year-old Oba Owólabí Olakulehin succeeding late Ọba Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, there will be promotion in the Balogun (military) line of the Obaship system. 

However, the Civil line, headed by the current Otun Olubadan and former Governor of Oyo State, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, remains unchanged until the next in line is picked as successor of Oba Owólabí Olakulehin, as new Olubadan.

Note: Death can also influence promotion on the ladder.

6. Longest-serving Olubadan 

Due to the Ibadan Obaship system, most of the past Olubadans ascended the throne at old age. Let’s take a look at the most recent.

Oba Saliu  Adetunji, Aje Ogugunso 1, became the 41st Olubadan on April 4, 2016 at the age of 87 years and passed away in 2022 at the age of 93 years.

His successor, Ọba Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, was crowned 42nd Olubadan on March 11, 2022 at the age of 79 years and died on Thursday, 14th March 2024 at the age of 81 years. 

However, while many of these Obas had short-lived reigns as Olubadan, Oba Okunola Abaasi Alesinloye Isale Ijebu reigned for 16 years. He ruled between 1930 and 1946.

The leaders of the Fulani nationals in Nigeria, expressing concern over the challenges faced by pastoralists, have issued a stern warning, threatening to halt the sales of livestock nationwide if their grievances are not addressed.

The Communique issued at the end of the Fulbe National Security Summit, organised by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), was presented by the National President of MACBAN, Baba Othman Ngelzarma.

Ngelzarma emphasised that pastoralists have been unfairly targeted for crimes in the country.

Joined by leaders of Tabital Pulaaku International and Fulbe Global Development and Right Initiative, Ngelzarma alleged that the government has not made significant progress in addressing the root causes of the current conflict and the challenges faced by the Fulani community.

He said that the Fulbe pastoralists do not enjoy Government patronage and are often made scapegoats for most atrocities. He further stated that the Fulbe often suffer intimidation, segregation, molestation, and all forms of deprivation in the hands of Security Agents and Vigilantes groups thus forcing them out of their occupational livelihood and ancestral homes.

Reading the resolutions of the Communiqué, he said the Summit “acknowledged the passion and commitment of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu in addressing the security challenges by accepting to implement the recommendations of the Prof Attahiru Jega chaired the National Conference report on Farmer/Herder conflict organized by the then Executive Governor of Kano State – Dr Abdullahi Umar.

“The summit advised that membership of the implementation committee should consist of persons with the knowledge of the culture of the pastoralists.

“That the registered Fulbe socio-cultural groups and associations do not support any crime or criminality such as banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling, as the Fulbe have also been the major victims.

“That the current security challenges confronting the country and especially the Fulbe communities ranging from banditry, kidnapping, socio-economic marginalization, youth restiveness, drug abuse, cattle rustling, and proliferation of arms should be addressed as a matter of urgency and the necessary need to integrate the Fulbe to the larger society through education and social interaction.

“That there has been resentment and wrong profiling of the Fulbe across the nation. The summit calls on the Government to partner Fulbe socio-cultural associations/opinion leaders andSecurity Agencies to curtail the current trajectories.

“The summit opined that the Fulbe pastoralist will be compelled to stop selling livestock across the nation if immediate action to curtail the current challenges by all tiers of Government are not addressed.

“The summit noted the serious encroachment and dilapidation of grazing reserves throughout the country and the need to channel resources arnd preserve them in all states where they exist, this is necessary in the view of the intent of settling of the entire pastoralists in the reserves for ranching-

The Summit also resolved that the committee constituted to implement the recommendations of the Orasanya Report, to consider as a necessity the retention of the National Commission for Nomadic Education as an Agency of the Federal Ministry of Education with specialised mandate of ensuring the delivery of functional basic education to nomadic communities.

“This is in consideration of a research report on out-of-school children in Nigeria, that 8 million out of over 10 million out-of-school children in the country are pastoralists children.

“Therefore, not retaining the commission with sufficient funding to educate the children is an eminent danger to our dear nation, the Communiqué said.

“Federal and State Governments should create Ministries of Animal Resources to enable the channeling of more resources towards developing the nation’s livestock industry to feed the nation’s ever growing population.

“All states should acknowledge that the pastoralists are citizens of this country protected by the Constitution and are only practicing their Occupational trade in their states and their movement are as provided by the ECOWAS trans-human protocol of 1998 of which Nigeria is a signatory.

“That there is a concern about the setting up of community guard/Vigilante groups by various state Governments that includes the local demography except the Fulbe pastoralists. In this regard, the summit appreciates and commend the Oyo state Government for being the only state
that included Fulanis in their vigilante grOup. Other state Governors are advised to emulate the footsteps of the Oyo state Governor for desired result.

“All participants agreed on the importance of education and called on all pastoralists to enroll their children into schools, especially nomadic education school in order to be productive in their future life and useful to humanity.

“The federal Government should revise and adopt a non-kinetic approach to ending banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling, as the kinetic ways used over the years have only achieved very little result.

“That the trend in social media is further fueling the conflict and current challenges of the Fulanis, unfortunately the social media is not regulated. The hate speeches in the social media targeted at the Fulanis should be addressed by the Government”, the Communiqué added.

Brigadier General, Tukur Gusau has explained how military personnel were attacked during a peace mission in miDelta.

This was released in a press statement via the @DefenceInfoNG X handle on Saturday, 16th March, 2024.

Tukur said that the soldiers from the 181 Amphibious Battalion went to OkUOMA community in Bomadi Local Government Area, Delta State, to help keep peace.

However, things turned bad when some young people from the community surrounded them and killed them on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

This happened during a fight between the Okuama and Okoloba communities nearby.

Even when more soldiers came to help, they were also attacked. The leader of the soldiers, called the Commanding Officer, and others like two Majors, a Captain, and twelve soldiers were killed too.

Reacting swiftly to the harrowing incident, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), wasted no time in issuing directives for an immediate investigation and apprehension of those responsible for the grievous crime.

The Delta State Government was promptly informed of the appalling occurrence, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Despite the heart-wrenching setback, the military stands resolute in its unwavering commitment to upholding peace and security across the nation.

While initial arrests have been made, efforts are underway to untangle the motives behind this brazen attack.

Additional updates on the investigation are expected to follow as the authorities diligently pursue justice for the fallen soldiers and their families.

Renowned Nigerian DJ, DJ Neptune, has launched a scathing criticism against the Nigerian Senate, accusing its members, under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio, of prioritising personal gain over national interest.

The DJ’s comments came in the wake of the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi, who had raised allegations of budget padding during a tumultuous session of the Senate on Tuesday.

In his outspoken critique, DJ Neptune condemned the actions of the Senate, asserting that the institution is plagued by self-serving agendas rather than a dedication to the welfare of the nation.

The suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi, for daring to expose alleged budget irregularities, further underscored Neptune’s indictment of the Senate’s leadership.

Neptune’s remarks were particularly pointed, as he lamented the apparent lack of genuine public service among Nigerian senators.

“No senator is serving Nigeria but their pockets,” the DJ declared, reflecting a growing sentiment of disillusionment among many Nigerians towards their political representatives.

The controversy surrounding the 2024 budget, exacerbated by Ningi’s suspension, has reignited concerns about transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s legislative body.

The uproar during the Senate’s plenary session underscored the deep-seated tensions and divisions within the institution, as lawmakers grappled with allegations of misconduct and malfeasance.

As a prominent figure within the Nigerian entertainment industry, his criticism carries weight and may galvanize further scrutiny of the Senate’s actions and policies.

TV host and social media personality, Toke Makinwa, may have subtly revealed her wish to become a mother someday.

Makinwa recently opened up about her heartfelt desire to embrace motherhood.

In a touching message shared on her social media platform, she expressed profound affection for her goddaughter, whose presence has illuminated her life.

She described the impact the child has had on her, admitting that the love she feels for her goddaughter has stirred a longing within her to become a mother herself.

Acknowledging her goddaughter’s influence on her maternal instincts, Toke expresses gratitude to her sister for entrusting her with the role of godmother.

This gesture, she implies, has provided her with a sense of fulfillment and purpose, reinforcing her aspiration to nurture and care for a child of her own.

Despite not having given birth yet, she radiates anticipation for the eventual fulfillment of her dream of motherhood.

“I cannot wait to be a Mother, I know it’s in the cards for me and it’ll happen soon, till then I’ll celebrate my first ever Mother’s Day as your godmother.”

Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States, Lee Satterfield will travel to Nigeria on a working visit from March 17 to 22.

This was disclosed in a press statement by the office of the spokesperson with Satterfield scheduled to visit the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja and Lagos State.

“While in Nigeria, Assistant Secretary Satterfield will advance key bilateral priorities, including expanding access to education and bolstering economic opportunities through the creative arts,” the statement read.

According to the statement, Assistant Secretary Satterfield’s trip to Nigeria builds on a recent visit by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken.

Satterfield’s trip also reinforces the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to Africa by focusing on people-to-people connections between Americans and Nigerians.

The Northern Elders Forum has supported plans by Kaduna-based Muslim cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, to engage in dialogue with bandits who abducted about 287 schoolchildren from Kuriga Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

It stated that Gumi may be able to secure their release and prevent future abduction.

Insecurity has continued to increase in the Northern region, particularly in Kaduna and Borno states, in recent times.

In less than 24 hours, insurgents abducted 200 internally displaced women in Borno and 287 pupils and teachers from the two schools in Kaduna.

The terrorists reportedly invaded Kuriga shooting at their targets before whisking away the pupils and teachers from the schools.

In a bid to secure their release, the prominent Islamic scholar urged President Bola Tinubu to allow him to negotiate with the bandits.

He also urged the President not to repeat the mistake made by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who refused to dialogue with the bandits.

But the Federal Government on Wednesday said it would not pay “a dime” as a ransom for the release of school children, adding that they would be “brought back to safety”.

In an interview with Saturday PUNCH, NEF’s Spokesman, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, said Gumi should be supported “to bring about a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Kaduna”.

According to him, negotiating with bandits did not mean “condoning their actions or granting them impunity,” adding that it was a strategic move to “de-escalate” the situation and save the lives of victims.

He said, “While some may question the legitimacy of negotiating with criminals, it is important to consider the potential benefits of engaging in dialogue. In conflict resolution, dialogue is often seen as crucial to finding peaceful solutions.

“By engaging with the bandits, Gumi may be able to understand their grievances and motivations, which could potentially lead to the safe release of the abducted children. Additionally, opening lines of communication with the bandits could pave the way for addressing underlying issues such as poverty, lack of education, and marginalisation that contribute to the cycle of violence.”

Speaking further, Suleiman said, “Moreover, pursuing a dialogue with the bandits does not necessarily mean condoning their actions or granting them impunity. It is a strategic move to de-escalate the situation and protect the lives of innocent victims.

“By initiating talks, Gumi may be able to secure the release of the schoolchildren and potentially prevent future abductions. While dialogue with bandits may seem controversial, it can be a necessary step in resolving conflicts and ensuring the safety of hostages; Gumi’s intention to engage in dialogue should be supported as a means to bring about a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Kaduna.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced that its Maiduguri Zonal Command has arraigned two Bureau-De-Change (BDC) operators, identified as Ahmadu Haruna and Kabir Iliyasu, for conducting business activities without the necessary license.

The defendants were arraigned on a one-count separate charge before Justice Fadimatu Aminu of the Federal High Court sitting in Damaturu .

The charge against Haruna read, "That you, Ahmadu Haruna, between the month of June 2023 and 2024 in Damaturu, Yobe State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did carry on other financial businesses, to wit, bureau de change business without a license issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria contrary to sections 57 and 59(5) of the Bank and other Financial Institutions Act, 2020."

However, the defendants pleaded "not guilty" to the charges raised against them by the EFCC when they were read to them.

The prosecution Counsel, Mukhtar Ali Ahmad, thereafter, prayed the court for a trial date and to remand the defendants in prison custody. While counsel for the defendants I. Abdulmalik prayed the court to admit his clients to bail pending the determination of the case.

Justice Aminu, in her decision admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N5,000,000 and two sureties in like sum.

The judge further ordered that one of the sureties must be a traditional ruler or religious leader while the other should be a respected elder and all must be residing in any Local Government Areas of Yobe State.

She adjourned the matter till April 16, 2024, for the commencement of trial and remanded the defendants in Potiskum Correctional Facility pending the fulfillment of their bail conditions.