By Tasie Theodore – Owerri

Chief Fan Ndubuoke (KSC), former national president of the sports writer’s association of Nigeria (SWAN) (1992-
1996), has identified the shift from professional excellence to political patronage as one of the most damaging but often overlooked causes of declining creativity in the nation’s sports journalism.

He expressed sadness that many practitioners no longer pursue mastery of their craft but rather position themselves for government Favour, political connection and easy money. Ndubuoke former chief press secretary to former sports minister, commodore Emeka Omeruah stated this in a paper entitled the Burden of finding a balance between patriotism and professionalisms” the ethnical questions” which he delivered at a workshop organized by Imo SWAN in Owerri.

According to him the unhealthy situation has retrogressively produced a generation of sports writers who are laid back unmotivated and Unwilling to challenge themselves.

The former SWAN kingspin who enumerated the consequences of the above to individe loss of investigative spirits erosion of independence and weakening of critical analysis, warned that when journalists become beholden to politicians, sports administrators, agents or scouts, they lose the independent required to elevate the profession dwelling extensively on illegality and the Ponzi structure of sports Administration in the country as well as the foundation of sports governance in the country, Ndubuoke also a former board member, NFA and Pioneer chairman of Imo State Sports Commission noted that when institutions lack lead clarity, they become tools for manipulation, while policies shift with political winds and appointments made on sentiments with funds sent without oversight.

This is why sports administration in Nigeria’s today resembles a Ponzi scheme money flows from government budget into the hands of a small aide of administrators and their allies while very little reaches athletics coaches or grassroots programmes”.

Ndubuoke warned that until the nation confront the institutional illegality and Ponzi style governance at the heart of her sports, over talks about professionalism, patriotism, ethnics would remain empty slogans.”

He also counselled that ethnical journalism demands truth Accuracy, fairness, objectivity, accountability, stressing that the sports writer must resist the temptation of unbalanced reporting that undermine sports manger.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

*The Kiloshele Campaign Organisation (KCO)* recorded a significant milestone as its principal, *Mr. Kiloshele* held a strategic engagement with key student leaders in the *Federal Capital Territory (FCT)* including representatives of *NAUS FCT,* *NANS FCT* and *YSCN* leadership.

The meeting, which took place at the *University of Abuja at noon on Monday, 13th April 2026*, highlighted ongoing efforts toward political alignment and coalition-building within the Nigerian student movement.

In a show of solidarity and institutional cooperation, the *NANS FCT JCC* Chairman formally received the NAUS presidential aspirant, reaffirming the importance of synergy between NANS and allied student bodies as vital stakeholders in advancing the collective interests of Nigerian students.

*The NAUS CMC* Chairperson, while apologizing for her late arrival, emphasized the importance of the engagement and commended the coordination among leaders, describing it as a reflection of respect, unity and political maturity.

A member of the *KCO* team presented *Mr. Kiloshele’s* candidacy, highlighting his impressive track record in student leadership, grassroots mobilization and consistent involvement in student advocacy. In his address, *Mr. Kiloshele* described himself as a tested and resilient leader, reiterating his sacrifices and long-standing commitment to the student movement, including his advocacy for the restoration of *Student Union Government structures.*

Anchored on the theme “*CAMPUS R.E.S.C.U.E Agenda*,” Mr. Kiloshele unveiled a reform-driven vision aimed at repositioning *NAUS* as a proactive, solution-oriented body. His agenda includes the establishment of an academic support e-commerce platform for students, the revival of the *National Entrepreneurship Training and Capacity Building (NETCAB)* initiative and the expansion of student economic empowerment opportunities. He also aligned his vision with national development efforts by acknowledging the Federal Government’s *NELFUND* initiative.

During the interactive session, stakeholders raised critical issues affecting students, including campus security, financial protection and effective institutional engagement. In response, *Mr. Kiloshele* proposed a decentralized campus security framework (Campus Policing), enhanced student sensitization programs and a results-driven engagement model with government and university authorities, anchored on experience, competence and strategic partnerships.

Participants further emphasized the need for inclusivity, loyalty to and equitable political representation, particularly within the FCT bloc. In response, Mr. Kiloshele assured stakeholders of an inclusive and broad-based administration, pledging to integrate all institutions into his political structure through the creation of a functional media architecture, security committees and strategic appointments.

The engagement concluded on a note of unity and optimism, as stakeholders expressed confidence in *Mr. Kiloshele’s* capacity to unify, reform and reposition *NAUS*. The meeting further strengthened political relationships and set the stage for sustained collaboration ahead of the forthcoming *NAUS* leadership process

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By David Owei,Bayelsa
‎Okoroma United of Okoroma have emerged champions of Nembe Local Government Area in Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, christened the Prosperity Cup.
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‎Okoroma United walloped Fantuo FC of Fantuo by six goals to nil in the Nembe LGA final to emerge as champions in an encounter decided at the Nembe City Stadium, Nembe on Sunday.
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‎The Nembe City centre winners wasted no time before stamping their authority in the game when Itaribo Opubo opened the flood gate of goals for his Okoroma-based side just six minutes into the game, after several misses from his side.
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‎Noble Erasmus headed the second goal for his team on 33 minutes of the game. Itaribo Opubo again, scored two quick goals to put the game beyond their opponents’ reach to make it 4-0, with his third goal being applauded by the fans present at the Nembe City stadium.
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‎Noble Erasmus added in his second goal for Okoroma United to make it 5-0 as talisman, Itaribo Opubo scored his fourth goal of the game to completely annihilate the helpless and hapless Fantuo FC.

Matters got worse for the Fantuo side when their keeper was given a straight red card for handling the ball outside the box.
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‎The winners of the Nembe LGA finals, Okoroma United will smile to the bank with the sum of ₦1,000,000, runners-up Fantuo FC went home with ₦500,000.
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‎In a remark, the Member representing Nembe Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. George Braah, said he was pleased with the performance of both teams, pointing out that the performance speaks volume of the avalanche of talents in the LGA and indeed the entire State.
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‎According to him, the tournament, over the years, has become a veritable platform for young players in the State to showcase their potentials particularly in football.
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‎He pledged the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦500,000) to the winners, Okoroma United while the runners-up, Fantuo FC received three hundred thousand naira ₦300,000.
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‎Chairman of Nembe Local Government Area, Chief David Alagoa, represented by the Political Secretary of the council, Hon. Ambrose Tari, appreciated the organizers of the tournament for the laudable initiative, stating that he was elated with the growth of the competition.
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‎The council boss announced a cash reward of one million naira (₦1,000,000) ‎to champions, Okoroma United and five hundred thousand naira (₦500,000) to the runners-up, Fantuo FC.

Chief Alagoa also pledged that the Council will take full responsibility of both teams for the rest of the competition.
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‎An elated Okoroma United Coach, Ebinimi Festus, in his post-match reaction praised his boys for the show of determination throughout the encounter, maintaining that their attention has moved to the Round 32 slated for later this month.
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‎Also, Fantuo FC coach, Omoh Alex bemoaned his side’s lack of proper training before the encounter that they will improve as the tournament progresses.
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‎The Prosperity Cup train will move to Ogbia LGA on Monday, 13th April, 2026 as enterprising Movers FC of Otuasega battle Edi 1 FC of Ayakoro by 1.00pm at the Imiringi Township Stadium.