By David Owei
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International Partners of Bayelsa Starlets, FC Barcelona of Spain have commended the Bayelsa State Government for the practical steps it has taken to ensure implementation of the MoU it signed with the government.

FC Barcelona officials particularly commended the government for the facilities it has put in place for the comfort of Starlets’ players, pointing out that players’ comfort was not negotiable if they must perform well on the field of play.

‎They made this known during their three-day visit to Bayelsa while assessing the Onopa facility located behind Government House.

They expressed satisfaction with the temporary camp of the team situated at Onopa in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
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‎In the course of the visit, which coincided with the State’s 30th anniversary celebrations, Bernat Villa-Gorriz,Technical Director FC Barcelona for Europe and Africa, said he was impressed with facilities and the hostels he saw and that the facility reflects the government’s commitment to the Memorandum of Understanding, Mou signed in May this year.
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‎According to him, the environment is not only conductive, but is equally spacious for an academy and that beyond football the accommodation would create a strong bond amongst players as they are determined to see players combine their talents and education.
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‎He also applauded the Management of the Starlets for the quality of football displayed by the players in the two matches he watched, pointing out that the team has improved tremendously compared to the last time he visited.
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‎Gorriz commended the Director General of the Prosperity Cup and his team for their determination and steadfastness in ensuring that the lads realized their potential, stressing that the academy has given the kids a means of livelihood.
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On his part, MrBernat Villa-Gorriz,Technical Director FC Barcelona Sylvester Okonkwo of Whiz-Kid Ventures, Netherlands, who brokered the deal between the Spanish football giants and the Bayelsa State Government, noted that the temporary structure of the academy was indicative of government’s readiness to set-up the Bayelsa Starlets Academy in line with the MoU that was signed between FC Barcelona and the government.
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‎Also speaking, Director General of the Prosperity Cup Mr. Ono Akpe appreciated the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe and the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali for providing the facilities as well as the funds the government has extended to the team since the academy took off.

Akpe said immediately after the MoU was signed the management of the Starlets swung into action to assemble a team from the season eight of the tournament, stressing that the selection was headed by a group of coaches led by former international, Edema Fuludu.
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‎He explained that the painstaking step that was taken by the coaches was gradually yielding results having emerged champions in the NLO Youth League that was held in Yenagoa and the players have been in camp since then, with the organization being professionally run as an academy.
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‎In separate interviews, Secretary of the Bayelsa State Football Association, Mr Diseye Nwankwe and member of the Central Organizing Committee COC, Mr Zuzu Ebimotimi, urged the lads to be disciplined and be professional in the discharge of their duties.

Meanwhile, the Bayelsa Starlets Academy have been fine-tuning their preparations for the N-Youth League with a series of training matches with neighbouring clubs.
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‎Bayelsa Starlets Academy, affiliated to FC Barcelona of Spain, will kick-start their N-Youth League campaign away to Supreme Kings FA on the 13th of October, 2026 before returning home to face PSMA Pepperest on the 20th of October, at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.

By David Owei

The President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has urged members of Team Nigeria to display patriotism, commitment and determination as they prepare for the 2026 World Wrestling Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Adeniyi gave the charge when he visited the Nigerian wrestling team’s training camp in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Thursday, as the federation intensified preparations for the global competition scheduled for October 24th to 1st November

The NWF president said the athletes’ decision to remain in camp despite the October 1 public holiday demonstrated their dedication to national service and their determination to represent Nigeria on the international stage.

He commended the wrestlers for putting aside personal commitments to continue their preparations, describing their presence in camp on a national holiday as a reflection of the patriotic spirit required to excel at the highest level.

Adeniyi urged the athletes to remain focused and disciplined throughout the final phase of their preparations, stressing that their performance in Kazakhstan would be an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s strength and potential in wrestling.

He charged the wrestlers to approach the championships with confidence and the mentality of athletes capable of producing outstanding results against the world’s best.

The NWF boss said the federation was determined to use the World Championships to make an ambitious statement about the progress and potential of Nigerian wrestling.

According to him, the federation has made deliberate efforts to strengthen preparations for the competition, including providing the athletes with the necessary training environment and support.

“It is also Nigeria’s Independence Day, so I felt this was an opportunity to identify with our athletes. They have been in camp for about two weeks now, preparing for a very important competition in the coming weeks. They will be representing Nigeria at the World Championships in Kazakhstan, and they have been working hard to fine-tune their strategies and get themselves ready for the challenge.”

“We want to support and motivate them to achieve the best possible results for Nigeria in Kazakhstan. Olympic qualification tickets will also be at stake, so this is not just another World Championships.” he said.

Adeniyi expressed the commitment of the federation would be complemented by the dedication of the athletes, noting that success at the global level requires collective responsibility from administrators, coaches and wrestlers.

He encouraged the team to remain united and maintain a high level of team spirit, urging them to draw motivation from the privilege of wearing the Nigerian colours.

The NWF president expressed confidence in the quality and determination of the wrestlers in camp, while calling on them to seize the opportunity to take the wrestling world by surprise with their performances.

He assured the team of the federation’s continued support and urged the athletes to give their best in Astana, saying their efforts would contribute to further strengthening Nigeria’s reputation in international wrestling.

“For the women, where we have a very big chance, we’re going with about 10 of them. For the men, we’re going with three. And then we have our athletes who are also going to be representing them.”

“We want to wish them well, encourage them to remain focused and ensure that they have the support and motivation they need to perform at their best.” Adeniyi added.

Dignitaries present at the visit were UWW Bureau Member, Hon. Daniel Igali, NWF Board member, Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu, OON, Acting Comptroller Federal Operations Unit Zone C, Deputy Comptroller Adaniya Farouk among other officials

By David Owei

A Niger Delta based Non-Governmentla Organisation and gender advocacy group, the Do Foundation has outlined reasons for the moves to recognise and award few individuals in the region for exceptional Leadership and commitment to Gender Equality.

According to the Do Foundation, those nominated for the proposed “Gender Champions Hall of Fame ” are recognised for their fight against social injustice and all forms of inequality or oppression and violence.

The Gender Champions Hall of Fame event is a Project by DO- Dise Ogbise Foundation, and scheduled for the 9th, 10th and 11th of October, 2026 while the fund-raising gala night is fixed for the 30th of august 2026 @ Domaris hotel, Sanni Abacha Expressway, Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.

Speaking at the special media briefing, the President and Founder of the Do Foundation, Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry noted that the selection committee has been set up to identify, recognize and celebrate individuals who have distinguished themselves through outstanding contributions to gender equality, women’s empowerment, inclusion, social justice and the advancement of opportunities for boys, girls and women who have been affected by gender-based violence and social prejudice.

According to her, the initiative is founded on the conviction that societies progress when individuals who challenge discrimination, open doors for others and promote equal opportunity are publicly recognized and their contributions preserved for posterity.

She said “The Hall of Fame is therefore conceived not merely as an awards platform, but as a repository of exemplary leadership and service—a place where the stories of outstanding gender champions can inspire present and future generations.”

“The inscription of the honors will be in the form of an engravement or etching of inductees’ images, achievements and bios on a more permanent site or hall. Hence, the hall of fame.MANDATE OF THE SELECTION COMMITTEEThe Selection Committee is charged with ensuring that the process of identifying inductees is credible, transparent, inclusive and based on demonstrable achievement”

Dr. Dise Ogbise however announced that the selection committee have been charged with the responsibility of Identifying and considering deserving nominees from public service, politics, law, business, education, medicine, academia, civil society, media, entertainment, traditional institutions, philanthropy and other sectors.Assess measurable contributions to gender equality, women’s advancement, girl-child development, protection of vulnerable persons, including the boy child and access to education, economic empowerment and leadership opportunities.

She also said the committee is expected to recognise both established and emerging champions, including individuals whose contributions may not have received adequate public recognition.

According to her, they will “Maintain high standards of integrity and independence in the selection process, ensuring that induction is based on merit rather than political affiliation, personal relationships, social status or financial influence.Preserve the stories and achievements.”

She also pointed out that the Committee has devised two major categories for selection, viz: The INSTITUTIONAL CATEGORY; THE INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY.

“Under these two categories, we will give particular consideration to:Sustained commitment to gender equality and inclusion;Demonstrable impact on the lives of women, girls, boys and other vulnerable persons, (orphans etc);Leadership that has broken barriers or created opportunities for others;Advocacy for women’s rights and dignity;Contributions to education, economic empowerment and professional advancement;Legislative, judicial, policy or institutional reforms advancing gender equality;Humanitarian and community service;Mentorship and development of the next generation of women leaders;Courage, integrity and consistency in championing gender equity;”

” And the lasting or transformative nature of the nominee’s contribution.The Committee may also consider the extent to which a nominee has inspired institutional or societal change beyond personal achievement.INDEPENDENCE AND CREDIBILITY .”

“The Selection Committee recognizes that the credibility of any Hall of Fame depends fundamentally upon the integrity of its selection process.Accordingly, members of the Committee are expected to exercise independent judgment, disclose any potential conflict of interest and refrain from participating in the consideration of a nominee where their personal, professional or financial relationship could reasonably affect their impartiality.”

“The Committee will also seek appropriate documentation and credible evidence of achievement before recommending an individual for induction.This approach is consistent with the broader tradition of recognizing individuals whose careers have produced enduring contributions to society. ”

“The Gender Champions Hall of Fame is intended to answer an important question:Who are the men and women who have used their positions, talents, resources and influence to make it easier for others—particularly women and girls—to achieve their full potential?”

“The answer should not be determined merely by titles held or awards received. It should be determined by impact, courage, service, leadership and legacy.The Committee therefore encourages members of the public, institutions, professional bodies, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to identify individuals whose contributions deserve consideration.”

“The Selection Committee welcomes credible nominations and supporting information concerning individuals who have made exceptional contributions to gender equality and human development.The public is encouraged to focus on evidence of achievement and impact, rather than popularity or public visibility.The Committee believes that recognition can be a powerful instrument for social transformation. By celebrating those who have championed equality, the Hall of Fame can encourage others to become champions themselves.”

“The Gender Champions Hall of Fame seeks to build a lasting culture of recognition for people who have helped advance a more equitable society.The Selection Committee is committed to a process that is credible, transparent, merit-driven and worthy of the honour being conferred.The message is simple:Celebrate those who opened doors.”

” Honour those who broke barriers. Preserve their stories. Inspire the next generation.Gender Champions Hall of Fame Selection CommitteeRecognising Leadership. Celebrating Impact. Inspiring Equality.”