Sports
PBAT Sets a New Standard for Celebrating the Living
By Dave Ikiedei Asei
Rewarding Selfless Service Across the Nation
There is a wave of excitement across the country as the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) redefines national values by recognizing selfless service in a manner not seen in over six decades. For the first time in 65 years, the federal government has made an intentional move to celebrate outstanding contributors to national development while they are still alive. This symbolic shift, under PBAT’s leadership, is breaking the longstanding pattern of posthumous recognition and setting a new tone for national appreciation.
This was contained in a statement signed by the chairman of the planing Committee, Hon Uroh Kiani ,Esq.
Presidential Recognition and Renewed Hope is a welcome development which deserved the commendation by every patriotic Nigerian.
According to him,the turning point came with President Tinubu’s gesture toward the Super Falcons following their victory, as each team member received a $100,000 cash reward and a house in the Renewed Hope Housing Estate in Abuja. This act not only highlights the government’s renewed commitment to rewarding excellence but also underlines the importance of motivating individuals who bring pride and honor to Nigeria.
He said “Celebrating the Living,is Conscious Choice
This emerging culture of recognizing living legends mirrors the ethos behind the celebration of Chief (Ambassador) Ogunu Miebi Samson, a towering figure in grassroots sports development, who recently marked 50 years of tireless service to youth and sports in Nigeria. The planning committee for his anniversary emphasized the need to celebrate individuals while they are alive—a belief that is increasingly gaining acceptance at various national and community levels”
“A Lifetime of Dedication to Grassroots Sports
Chief (Ambassador) Ogunu Miebi Samson, President of the Independent Grassroots Sports Development Association, has devoted his youth and adult life to nurturing sports talents across the nation. His sacrifices have laid the foundation for sports growth in numerous local communities, fostering opportunities for the youth and creating a lasting legacy in the sports development sector”
“Unrecognized Sacrifice in a Society that rewards Conflict,
The committee lamented that in a society where acts of violence often attract more attention than quiet service, individuals like Chief Ogunu might have received more recognition had he chosen a more disruptive path. Had he blown up oil pipelines, it is likely that both international oil companies and governments at all levels would have intervened swiftly. But because his noble efforts in youth empowerment through sports did not disrupt the economy, they have largely gone unnoticed by major stakeholders”
“A Call to Action for Philanthropists and Stakeholders
In light of this, the planning committee is urging wealthy sports philanthropists, international oil companies, and all tiers of government to take part in this global celebration of Chief Ogunu’s legacy. His lifetime of service is a compelling reason to support and promote selfless individuals who invest in national development without expecting anything in return.
This of course ,will be inspiring a new generation of Patriots,hence
the committee believes that recognizing and celebrating the likes of Chief Ogunu will serve as a powerful motivation,worthy of emulation for the next generation as it will also be a source of mentorship and encourage and spur more Nigerian youth to commit to selfless service, knowing that such contributions can and will be honored in their lifetime. This approach will go a long way in building a better and more patriotic Nigeria”
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has sparked a timely and necessary shift in the national culture of recognition by celebrating the living not only boosts their morale but also deepens the sense of national purpose. The legacy of individuals like Chief (Ambassador) Ogunu Miebi Samson must be appreciated now—not when they can no longer hear the applause. This is how nations globally grow by honoring those who build quietly, serve passionately, and live selflessly”
Sports
More Talents Spotted in Bayelsa United/Prosperity Cup Tourney … As Competition Enters Matchday Three
By David Owei,Bayelsa
The quest to return Bayelsa United to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL next season is gradually gaining momentum with twelve participating teams showcasing their talents in the Bayelsa United/Prosperity Cup pre-season tournament.
The competition, targeted at discovering home-grown talents that would be integrated into the Bayelsa United team next season, has the 2026 Prosperity Cup finalists apart from champions, Okoroma United, whose players are currently undergoing trials in different teams outside the state.
Bayelsa Starlets Academy in the first match of matchday two showed class as they whitewashed AJ Inter Soccer Academy 4-1 with goals from Silas Benjamin, Udake Joel and a brace from Nathaniel Ojigbere.
Former champions, Krosaders FC of Peretorugbene were held to a barren draw by rugged and determined Brazil FC. Ereme Jackson humbled NDU Oilers FC by three goals to one while Bayelsa United Feeders in the last match of the day edged out Grassroots FC with two unreplied goals.
The tournament will enter match day three on Saturday, 25th July, 2026. Mountain of the Lord Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC will take on Grassroots FC in the first match at 11.00am, Bayelsa Starlets will keep a date with Mountain of Fire Miracle Ministry, MFM FC at 12.30pm
Prosperity Cup finalist, Akinima Biogbo will battle Ereme Jackson of Port-Harcourt at 2.00pm while Federal University of Otuoke, FUO Kings FC will lock horns with Brazil FC in the last match of matchday three at 3.30pm at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
Sports
Bayelsa United Chairman calls for synergy between Feeder,Senior Teams as Season begins
By David Owei
Chairman of the Interim Board of Bayelsa United Football Club, Dr. Peter Singabele has stressed the need for collaboration between the Feeder team and senior teams of Bayelsa United
Dr. Singabele made the call while addressing coaches and players of the Feeder team shortly after their training session at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa on Wednesday.
He noted that for the club to succeed in it’s aspirations of returning the team to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL that coaches from both Feeders and the senior team must work hand in gloves to achieve its objectives.
According to him, the Feeder team is the foundation of every club in the world and not a dumping ground for players but a veritable platform for nurturing talented players that are capable of gaining promotion to the senior team.
Dr Singabele asserted that the board was deliberate about the growth of the Feeder team and that they are desirous of seeing more players from Feeder graduate into the main team, noting that the Feeder team serves as a “breeding ground”.
He hinted that preparations are underway for them to have a fruitful season, maintaining that the registration process for the Nigeria Youth League has been completed successfully.
”The feeder team is not a dumping ground. You must be up to the task of playing for this club. We must not compromise the growth of Bayelsa United. Because If properly managed, the feeder team will be the future of the senior team,” he said.
He explained that the board would thoroughly scrutinize players before they are considered for promotion, insisting that only those who meet the required standards would be considered into the first team, urging players to be professionals in the discharge of their duties.
The chairman assured the players and coaches that the board remains committed to improving their welfare, stating that the board is poised to provide a conducive environment for them to perform at their optimum.
Dr Singabele who described the NNL as a more difficult league, urged the players to be determined in their quest to bring the team back to the top flight at the end of the season, saying that one of the objectives of the pre-season tournament is to discover talents that would feature in the team.
Also speaking, Bayelsa United Assistant Coach, Ngozi Elechi, charged the players in the Feeder team to make use of the opportunity before them, stressing that outstanding players would be promoted to the senior team.
Bayelsa United Feeders are currently preparing for the Bayelsa United/Prosperity Cup pre-season tournament aimed at identifying and developing home grown talented players for possible integration into the senior team ahead of the upcoming football season.
Sports
Bayelsa United Resumes Training, Targets NPFL Return
By David Owei,Bayelsa
Bayelsa United have resumed preparations for the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League, NNL with their first training session at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa
The session, which marked the start of pre-season activities for the club was supervised by the club’s technical crew, led by assistant coach Ngozi Elechi alongside Anderson West.

The Bayelsa united players
The players underwent light fitness drills and tactical routines as the coaching crew assessed their conditioning ahead of a more intensive build-up programme.
More players are expected to join the team in the coming days as preparations for the Bayelsa United/Prosperity Cup Pre-season tournament in Yenagoa gathers momentum in line with the vision of the governor, Senator Douye Diri to return the team back to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL at the end of the 2026/27 season.
Before training commenced, a member of the board, Godson Ekarde charged the players to approach the new season with discipline, dedication and a strong winning mentality, describing the campaign as “a season of serious business” for the club.
Mr. Ekarde, said the management is committed to providing the support the team needs to compete strongly in the NNL and secure promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.
He urged both players and the technical crew to justify the confidence reposed in them by delivering an improved performance and more consistent results throughout the season.
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