Sports
AKASSA’s Enduring Contribution to National Sports Development
By Dave Ikiedei Asei
In the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War, the AKASSA clan played a transformative role in rebuilding the country’s social fabric through sports. The conflict had scattered youths across various communities, but the resurgence of sports provided a vital platform for reconciliation, unity, and social reintegration. Sports became more than recreation—it evolved into a vehicle for healing, bonding, and national cohesion.
Recognizing this unifying potential, the federal government introduced key initiatives aimed at rehabilitation and social harmony. These included the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NIFEST), the National Sports Festival, National School Sports Competitions, the Principal’s Cup, Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) tournaments, and the Shell Cup. These platforms laid the groundwork for both grassroots and elite sports development in Nigeria.
The post-war period also marked a strategic investment in regional sporting infrastructure. The construction of stadiums and sports facilities across geopolitical zones boosted competitive sports and gave birth to formidable regional teams such as Spartans of Owerri, Enugu Rangers, Racket Rovers, Redevils of Rivers State, and Stationery Stores of Lagos. These clubs became breeding grounds for talent and incubators of national pride.
The 1972 FESTAC Games stood as a cultural and athletic milestone. Communities from across the nation, including AKASSA, participated robustly. The AKASSA clan distinguished itself by contributing athletes and coaches who represented their region with excellence, inspiring further engagement with sports across the Niger Delta.
In line with the national revival, AKASSA communities responded by establishing local football clubs that would significantly impact regional sports. Notable among them were Redevils FC, Atlantic Ocean FC, and Atlantic Waves FC—founded by Hezekiah Ikio of the Apparabie community. From the 1970s through the late 1990s, these clubs flourished in Brass, Nembe, and Igbomotoru in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, nurturing a new generation of athletic talent.
Prominent athletes who emerged from this era included Hon. Ebieri Jones, Tom Febo (a teammate of national legend Friday Okoh of the Green Eagles), Living Appreye (a.k.a. Dombraye and the first major discovery of late Coach Sinclair), and Felix Bokouru, discovered through school competitions. Additional notable figures such as George Ikelemo—who played under the esteemed Coach Taiwo Ogunjobi at Julius Berger Ajaokuta—also rose to prominence. The list continues with Brantein Dordor, Itari Dordor, Perry Kombo Dadigi, and the late Bob Wendi Digitemie.
The AKASSA clan’s impact on Nigerian sports extends far beyond the football field. The community produced swimming champions like Gentle Ofoin, a medalist at both the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, and Maria Jonah, a former national swimming titleholder. Their achievements placed AKASSA on the global sports map.
Ogrija Ogrija, a war veteran and revered swimming coach stationed at the Isaka Sports Institute, was instrumental in nurturing swimming talent in Bayelsa State. His influence in aquatic sports development remains unmatched.
In the discipline of weightlifting, John Bull Bussa from Sángana made a significant mark. His accomplishments advanced the sport in Bayelsa and laid a foundation for future athletes. Similarly, Friday Okoh transitioned from a brilliant playing career with the Green Eagles to coaching and eventually served as a director in the defunct Rivers State Sports Council.
There has been neglect of pioneers and ,hence there is urgent need for recognition
Despite their substantial contributions, many of these AKASSA sports icons passed on without the honors they rightfully deserved. Neither the Bayelsa State Sports Council nor its predecessor in Rivers State, nor even the National Sports Commission, has adequately recognized these trailblazers. This neglect has ignited public outcry and a growing movement to reevaluate how Nigeria commemorates its sports pioneers and accord the recognition due them.
Hon. Uroh Kiani, a member of the planning committee celebrating the 50 years of grassroots sports development spearheaded by Chief (Amb.) Ogunu Miebi Samson, has called for a cultural shift. He denounced the prevailing trend of posthumous recognition, advocating instead for the celebration of sports heroes during their lifetimes.
Celebrating CHF (Amb.) Ogunu Miebi Samson’s Lifelong Impact
One of the most notable figures in Bayelsa’s grassroots sports development is chief (Amb.) Ogunu Miebi Samson from the Apparabie community in Brass LGA. For over five decades, he has committed his life to identifying and nurturing sports talent at the grassroots level. His mentorship has shaped the lives of countless youths and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s sporting advancement.
In recognition of his dedication, the celebration planning committee is rallying support from government institutions, corporate bodies, and well-meaning individuals to honor CHF Ogunu. This celebration aims not only to acknowledge his lifetime achievements but also to establish a precedent for how Nigeria values and uplifts those who serve the nation through sports.
A Clarion Call to the Nation
The story of AKASSA’s indelible impact on Nigerian sports is a compelling testament to the transformative power of grassroots engagement. From producing elite athletes and legendary coaches to serving as a model of post-conflict reintegration, AKASSA has consistently demonstrated that talent knows no geographic bounds.
It is time for both state and federal authorities to institutionalize the celebration of living sports legends. The planned recognition of CHF Ogunu Miebi Samson should mark the beginning of a broader movement—one that appreciates contributions in real time and inspires the next generation of athletes to dream, compete, and lead.
AKASSA’s Historical Significance
Historically, AKASSA has long held strategic national relevance. Between 1871 and 1890, it served as a prominent British post. The community hosted customs operations and functioned as a key node for the Royal Navy, the Marine Ports Authority (now NPA), and Inland Waterways before operations were relocated to Lagos. Its historical legacy, combined with its contributions to Nigeria’s sporting evolution, cements AKASSA’s status as a community of enduring national significance.
Sports
NLO Confirms that Prosperity Cup Selected Side, Bayelsa Starlets Academy Will Participate in the U-19 Youth League…
By David Owei,Bayelsa
The Nationwide League One has confirmed that Bayelsa Starlets Academy will participate in the 2026 National League One (NLO) U-19 Youth League
The confirmation, contained in a letter by the league body, and titled “Confirmation of Status of Bayelsa Starlets Football Academy (U-19 Youth League)”, was signed by the Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Olushola Ogunnowo.
According to the letter, the Bayelsa Starlets Academy, which is affiliated to FC Barcelona of Spain, Technical Advisers to the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, took over the slot of De-Gideon FC of Abuja.
The letter further stated that the club, being an affiliate of the Bayelsa State Football Association, shall play all its home matches in Bayelsa State and operate in line with league statutes, except where the NLO Congress directs otherwise.
According to the letter dated Thursday, 21st of May, 2026, “The Nationwide League One Secretariat hereby confirms that the above-named Football Academy, affiliated to the Bayelsa State Football Association, will from the 2026 season, join the Nationwide League One, U-19 Youth League. The Academy took over the slot of De-Gideon FC of Abuja.
“The Nationwide League One Secretariat has received the details of the transaction between both parties and can confirm that De-Gideon has no known liabilities”.
The letter advised the Academy to liaise with the Bayelsa State Football Association for further information regarding players’ registration and other documentation required for participation in the 2026 NLO season.
Reacting to the development, the Chief Executive Officer of Bayelsa Startlets Academy and Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr Ono Akpe, said the news reflects the government’s commitment towards giving the youths in the State a better life through sports, maintaining that the NLO U-19 Youth League would open another chapter for young players in the State.
According to him, screening for the Bayelsa Starlets Academy commenced immediately after the season 8 of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, under the supervision of a FIFA renowed instructor and Technical Adviser, Coach Edema Fuludu, ably assisted by Ebezener Atayero and other experienced coaches, pointing out that all the players in the academy are products of the just-concluded edition of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged, the Prosperity Cup.
He noted that he was pleased with the growing confidence of the players in the team, stating that the momentum in the team reflects the commitment and determination of the lads.
Mr Akpe commended the governor, Senator Douye Diri, the deputy governor, Dr Peter Akpe the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali for investing in the youths through sports, stressing that the governor’s passion for sports development was the reason behind the tournament’s success story.
He also saluted the lead sponsors of the tournament Premium Trust Bank for their commitment to sports development saying ” the commitment and support of Premium Trust Bank to sports development is unprecedented and must be commended across the country. We salute the Chief Executive and Managing Director Dr Emmanuel Emefienim and the entire bank for thier faith in the youths of Bayelsa, the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole”
It will be recalled that the Bayelsa Starlets Academy, founded in 2019, and now upgraded and expanded, participated in the African Youth Championship in Cape Verde where they finished third among international clubs, and later went on to win the Bayelsa State League in 2020.
Sports
Fuludu Hails Bayelsa Starlets Academy Establishment. … As Screening Exercise Enters Day Three
By David Owei
Former Nigeria international, Edema Fuludu has hailed the foresight of the Bayelsa State Government in establishing the FC Barcelona-affiliated Bayelsa Starlets Academy.
Fuludu made this known during the Under-15 and Under-19 screening exercise to assemble players for the establishment of the Academy, whose Memorandum of Understanding, MoU was signed last week during the final of the season eight of the Prosperity Cup.
He noted that the only way for grassroots players to excel was to create a platform for them to get better, maintaining that the establishment of the academy would be a breeding ground for the state-owned team, Bayelsa United and other cadet national teams in the country.
Fuludu, who described grassroots as the foundation of football in any society, said the Bayelsa Starlets Academy would reduce restiveness among youths in the State because the youths would be positively engaged with the academy.
He expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the quality of players that showed up on day two of the exercise, pointing out that his team of coaches have identified an avalanche of talents during the exercise.
According to him, “over a hundred players took part in day two of the screening compared to day one that had seventy players comprising both U-15 and U-19 players”.
He explained that 39 players have been selected among the 100 players that came for the exercise, adding that one of the criteria for trimming down the number of players was age, because some of the players were above the age limit for the programme.
He further explained that the exercise is still open, that more players would join the exercise tomorrow, maintaining that at the end of the programme, 40 players would be selected, pointing out that those picked on day two could still be dropped if they fall short of the standard.
The exercise enters day three on Friday, 15th May, 2026 at the Samson Siasia Stadium with proceedings commencing at 10.00a.m.
By David Owei,Bayelsa
The Commissioner for Sports Development in Bayelsa State, Daniel Igali, departed Nigeria on May 9, 2026 and arrived in Samokov, Bulgaria on May 10, 2026 to serve as Technical Delegate at the 2026 European U17 Wrestling Championships.
The assignment, which runs from May 11 to 17, 2026, was officially communicated by United World Wrestling through its Secretary General, Carlos Roy, in recognition of Igali’s continued contributions to international wrestling administration and governance.
Aside from being a Bureau Member of United World Wrestling, Igali is also a key member of the UWW Technical Commission, widely regarded as one of the most pivotal organs of the international federation due to its central role in the technical organization, regulation and conduct of wrestling competitions across the world.
As Technical Delegate, Igali will oversee the technical organization and conduct of the championships involving some of Europe’s most promising young wrestlers across freestyle, Greco Roman, and women’s wrestling events.
The assignment further reinforces Bayelsa State’s growing international visibility and reputation in sports development, as well as Nigeria’s continued relevance within the global wrestling community.
Igali, a World Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee and Olympic gold medallist, is expected back in Bayelsa on May 19, 2026 following the completion of the assignment.
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A’Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance demands Gas flaring accountability, community justice, reversal of executive order 9 - says failure of compliance will attract stiff protest By Emmanuel Ikpe, Uyo Coalition of civil society organizations, youth groups, community advocates, academic scholars and media in Akwa Ibom have petitioned the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission to address cases where corporate organizations are profiting from Gas flaring and pollution while host communities bear the cost. Addressing journalists just after a peaceful demonstration and presentation of the petition letter to representative of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission in Eket, Eket LGA on Friday by Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reward,Helen Bassey Eyo, the coalition which was convened by Clement Isong Foundation with support from Actionaid Nigeria under the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) II, says the exercise was part of activities to commemorate the 2026 World Environmental Day with a call to end gas flaring, defend rights and build future. According to them, Gas flaring penalties exceeding $10.4 million dollars became payable on OML 13 alone between 2021 and 2023. They therefore called for accountability of $270 million dollars in outstanding penalties owed to host communities from 2021 to 2025. “nationally, oil companies paid $646 million dollars in Gas flare penalties in 2025, the highest in five years, yet Nigeria flared 301.3 million scf of Gas in 2024, up from 278.3 million in 2023, and did not meet its 2025 zero-flare target”. The Akwa Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance noted that in communities like Ikot Town, Elekpon and Atabrikang in Eastern Obolo LGA of the State Gas has been burning continuously since NEPL/NOL began production on OML 13 in May 2024. Eight villages in Eastern Obolo have no electricity yet OML 13 holds over five trillion cubic feet of Gas. The energy being burned over these communities could instead be used to power them. Speaking to newsmen, the Director, Clement Isong Foundation, convener of Akwa Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance on behalf of the 15 CSOs including academia, media, women and youths groups noted that in Ibeno LGA of the State, Network Exploration and Production Limited continues to flare gas at Mkpanak with documented impact on air, water and soil across Ibeno, Onna, Eket and Esit Eket. “rain water in Ibeno is no longer consumable, Itakabasi community has been lost to coastal erosion accelerated by environmental degradation. Seplat Energy which acquired Mobil Production Nigeria Unlimited from ExxonMobil in December 2024, now operates OMLs 67, 68, 68 and 104 in Akwa Ibom, inheriting an operational history that includes over fifty years of environmental liabilities that coastal communities are still waiting to see them addressed”, they added. Accordingly, the alliance have asked President Tinubu to reverse the presidential executive order 9 of February 13, 2026 which suspended all Gas flare penalties remittance into the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund and and redirected them to the Federation Account. “the Order 9 has remove a financing mechanism established under the PIA 2021 specifically to support environmental remediation and community development in host communities. AKEJA is calling for this to be reversed and for the original framework to be restored”. Meanwhile, the Civil Society Organizations have stated that if their demands are not met as at when due, they will pull out all their members to protest to the office the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission with stiff penalties to ensure their plights are giving desire attention.
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