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AFN holds extra-ordinary congress in Yenagoa …Commends state’s resurgence in Athletics

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Gov.Douye Diri of Bayelsa state

By David Owei ,Baylesa

Following Bayelsa’s emergence as champions of the first ever Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo, the President of Athletics Federation Nigeria, AFN, Chief Tonobok Okowa, has congratulated the state for its rising profile in athletics, which obviously was instrumental to their success at the festival.

Recall that Bayelsa won a total of nine (9) medals in athletics, comprising of three(3) gold, five (5) silver, and one(1) bronze, while the Para-athletes garnered ten (10) medals – four (4) gold, three(3) silver and three(3) bronze, making it one it’s highest number of medals in athletics in recent times.

Chief Okowa, who was speaking with newsmen shortly after the AFN’s Extraordinary Congress held in Yenagoa on Thursday, urged the state to sustain their recent feat in athletics, assuring that the federation will now beam its searchlight on the state for rising talents that will make the country proud at subsequent events.

The AFN President who also commended the initiative of the state Governor, Senator Douye Diri to build a new modern stadium, assured that the federation is working towards becoming the first to attract a major championship to the state, when the stadium is completed.

“We have promised the Governor that when the stadium is ready, we will be coming here and I pray that athletics will be the first to use that stadium, by the Grace of God, and I can tell you that anytime there is any athlete we feel is good to be discovered, we will pick up that athlete, just as we are happy with one of your daughters in school, who is still making wave this year, that is Tima Godbless, so same thing we will do when we see more”, he said.

Speaking on the resolution of the AFN congress attended by delegates across the country, Chief Okowa noted that an elective committee has been set up to plan and conduct the next Federation election billed for next month in Delta State.

“We deliberated on a lot of matters, which of course you know that our electoral congress is already around the corner, so we looked into some grey areas in our constitution that will help fine-tune our electoral guidelines.”

“We have appointed a seven-man electoral committee and a secretary. This committee will organize the elections and they will follow the guidelines as stipulated by the constitution.”

“We also picked up dates, the zonal elections will come up between 14th and 16th of May, and that of the President, the first and second Vice President will come up on the 31st of May.”

He noted that the current board under his leadership has done well judging by its achievements throughout its tenure, while emphasizing that the poor performance of Nigeria’s athletic contingent at the last Paris Olympics has been thoroughly looked into, with a view of ensuring that the country performs better at subsequent Olympics and other world championships.

“This board has done a very good job. We had issues but we were able to surmount them. Though what happened in Paris was a shame to Nigeria. A lot of things went wrong, and I can tell you that we didn’t prepare like a country preparing for Olympics, because we didn’t have funds until two weeks to the Olympics, and what can we do at that point?”

“Some of our athletes are abroad while others are here in Nigeria, we have just discovered about four young athletes and we have taken their names down for testing, and will follow them up between now and the World championships in May in Tokyo because that is what is next for Athletics now. We also have a championship coming up in May and that’s the world relays, and it will avail us the opportunity to qualify in all our relays for the next championship, so we pray that we prepare well, and the Sports Commission will help us prepare well so we rewrite all our wrongs.”

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria President concluded by appreciating the Governor for all his doing for sports development in Nigeria, which among other things include the hosting of the Nigerian Olympic Committee NOC, Nigerian Referees Council NRA, and now the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.

Prior to the extraordinary congress the state governor, Senator Douye Diri, received board members of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, where he welcomed them to the state and wished the federation a happy and successful deliberations.

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Mr. Kiloshele (NAUS Presidential Candidate)* Engages *NAUS FCT,* *NANS FCT* and *YSCN* Leadership; Receives Strong Grassroots Support

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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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Ruthless Okoroma United Wins Nembe LGA Final….As lawmaker LGA Boss,Splash cash on Team

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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.

‎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.

‎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.

‎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.

‎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.

‎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.

‎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.

‎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.

‎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.

‎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.

‎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.

‎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.

‎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.

‎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.

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Igali Gets Commonwealth Games Ambassadorial Role*

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Honourable Daniel Igali

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Honourable Daniel Igali, has been unveiled as one of Nigeria’s ambassadors for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

The Olympic and world champion alongside Bayelsa’s finest Blessing Oborodudu, as well as other stakeholders like, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Mallam Saleh Ahmadu, Dr Amos Adamu, Chief Patrick Ekeji, Alhassan Yakmut, and Gbenga Elegbeleye highlighted a blend of technical expertise and athlete representation in a deliberate effort to foster inclusivity, credibility, and performance-driven preparation.

The initiative remains a powerful tool for national unity, youth engagement, and international visibility.

Also, the importance of coordinated stakeholder involvement in ensuring that Team Nigeria is adequately prepared to compete at the highest level.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 2 August 2026,

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