IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

By Onyinyechi Nwankwo and Wilson Amaefule

Imo State athletes have expressed high spirits and strong optimism as preparations intensify for the second phase of the Niger Delta Games scheduled to hold from February 20 to 27, 2026, in Benin City, Edo State

The Games, organised by Dunamis Icon Limited and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will bring together athletes from the nine mandate states of the Niger Delta to compete across several sporting disciplines, in what is expected to be a keenly contested celebration of grassroots sports development.

Speaking on his readiness, Emmanuel Kelechi Kingsley, a 400 metres athlete in the male category, said preparations were in top gear, noting that the competition offers a valuable platform to showcase talent at a regional level.

“We are really preparing for the Niger Delta Games coming up in February in Benin City. We want the NDDC to give us a fair playing ground to show our best, and with the level of our training, I am hopeful of clinching the gold medal,” he said.

Also expressing confidence, Sophia Chika, who will compete in the 400 metres female athletics event, described the training sessions as intense but rewarding, adding that she is determined to make Imo State proud at the Games.

From the table tennis arena, Udeh Success Favour of Owerri West Local Government Area said she was optimistic about her chances, expressing faith that consistent training and discipline would translate into victory at the competition.

Basketball player, Chukwuka Onyeise Harrison from Ezinihitte Mbaise described the Edo Games as a unifying sporting platform, while appreciating the NDDC and Dunamis Icon for creating opportunities for young athletes to develop and pursue their passion.

For Precious Adindu from Obowo Local Government Area, the excitement is even more personal, as the Edo 2026 Games will mark her first appearance at the Niger Delta Games, an opportunity she described as both motivating and inspiring.

She expressed confidence in a strong outing, stating that she is determined to compete creditably and return home with honours for Imo State.

‎Bayelsa State was the surprise winner of top position on the medals table at the inaugural edition of the Niger Delta Games in Uyo, edging Delta State by an odd gold medal on the last day of competitions.

The state finished top with 46 gold, 29 silver and 15 bronze medals, a total 86 medals, and some of the athletes preparing to represent the state at the 2nd edition in Benin, Edo State have expressed confidence to successfully retain the pole position.

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In separate ‎interviews at their camp in Yenagoa, the state capital, some of the athletes spoke shortly after training, and didn't mince words in expressing their determination to dominate at the Games holding from February 20-27.

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One of those who spoke is wrestler, Emmanuel Okike, and he was adamant that the goal of Team Bayelsa is to retain the first position on medals count at the Niger Delta Games. Okike pegged his claims on the level and quality of preparations they have been undergoing, citing the wrestling team's drills.

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‎"I am very happy to be part of the Niger Delta Games, we have been doing well in all the competitions we have attended so far such that I can confidently say that Bayelsa has gone beyond participation to winning tournaments", Okike declared while trying to catch his breath after a bout with another team mate.

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Echoing the same sentiment is a 61kg freestyle wrestler, Ebiere Frank, who insisted that Team Bayelsa is going to Benin to affirm its dominance in wrestling. He pointed out that the State would use the games as preparatory championship for other competitions slated for later in the year.

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Like Okike, Ebiere commended the foresight of the Games originator, Dunamis-Icon Limited and the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for their partnership that birthed the games for youths. Ebiere is of the firm conviction that the region stands to benefit from the continuous staging of the games in the area of discovery of talented sportsmen and women.

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‎Gonibo Jessica, a basketball player, asserted that Team Bayelsa would return with the gold medal in basketball, stating that the competition has become a stepping stone for young athletes to excel at national and international sporting events. 

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While describing the games as a laudable initiative, urged the Commission to sustain their sponsorship of the competition which has become a launch pad to the development of sports at the grassroots.

As per the rules of the games, Bayelsa State would be fielding male and female athletes in all the 16 sports events.

Photos:

1. Gonibo Jessica

2. Emmanuel Okike

3. Ebiere Frank 

Organisers of the Niger Delta Games say the competition will continue to be an integral part of the sporting calendar of the National Sports Commission for the overall objective to change the trajectory of Grassroots sports development in Nigeria.

This is according to Mr Malik Ikpokpo, chairman of Dunamis Icon , organisers of the Niger Delta Games during a courtesy visit to the Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade.

Mr Ikpokpo said his visit to the NSC is to formally brief the Director General on the preparations towards the successful staging of the games this year in Edo state.

He stated that the successful organisation of the first edition of the games last year in Akwa Ibom state was largely due to the strategic support of the NSC under the leadership of Mallam Shehu and Hon Bukola Olopade.

” We are very excited at the Niger Delta games that we have a very cordial relationship with the NSC and they have been very supportive in providing us with every form of technical and logistic assistance.

” This is why I am here to let the DG know our level of preparation as regards what our sponsor, NDDC are doing and how far we have gone with our host, Edo state, in their readiness to welcome the entire nine Niger Delta states”.

He added that the Niger Delta Games is not just another competition but a sustainable breeding ground to discover and nurture Nigeria’s future talents.

” The Niger Delta games align perfectly with the new vision of the NSC to have a vibrant and sustainable sports economy that works through organisation of regular domestic competitions of international standard”, he concluded.

The 2026 Niger Delta games is scheduled to hold from February 20th to 26th in Edo state. 

Imo State is wearing a new glow of confidence and optimism as it prepares for the 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games. Across the state, the atmosphere is charged with excitement, unity, and renewed belief in the power of sports to inspire, heal, and transform communities. From grassroots athletes to seasoned administrators, there is a shared determination to showcase Imo State as a hub of talent, discipline, and sporting excellence.

The government’s sustained investment in sports infrastructure and youth development has begun to yield visible results. Training facilities are being upgraded, athletes are better motivated, and technical crews are working tirelessly to ensure a smooth and memorable outing. Beyond competition, the Niger Delta Games represent a platform for cultural exchange, regional unity, and the discovery of future champions who will carry the nation’s colours with pride.

For Imo State, this edition is more than a sporting event; it is a statement of readiness and ambition. It reflects a people eager to compete with honour, embrace teamwork, and project a positive image of resilience and progress. As the countdown continues, Imo State stands upbeat and prepared, ready to make a strong impression and reaffirm its place as a leading force in sports development within the Niger Delta and beyond. 

Some athletes from Rivers State have spoken excitedly about opportunities and potentials for a brighter future ingerent in the Niger Delta Games (NDG)

Some of these athletes who will participate in athletics, basketball, table tennis and others have taken to their social media accounts promoting the games and speaking of their expectations.

ThecRivers State basketball players, seen training for the second edition of the NDG coming up in Benin, Edo State, said they are excited at the prospect of defending the gold medal won in the event at the last edition of the NDG in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. 

At the Basketball Court on Niger/ Bende Streets in Port Harcourt township, the players said they have been training hard to ensure that they defend their title.

Dalhati Wealth expressed confidence that his team will emerge victorious as they are learning new techniques and tactics to ensure victory.

“As you can see every player is putting in good effort to be mentally and physically fit, including learning new tactics to be ready and maintain the level that saw us go all the way at the last Games.

”We started our preparation early because we want to achieve success at the end of the day. You know that if you don’t train and do not prepare early, you can’t perform when the chips are down “, Wealth said.

He used the opportunity to commend the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC) for initiating the sports programme with the vision to develop, empower and provide and enduring platform for youths in the region.

”This competition will no doubt discover talents in the region, and it will equally expose us to both local and foreign scouts because you can never tell.

“You know we only have one Youth Games every year but this has added to the calendar towards sports development and the engagement of young people, especially, at the grassroots level” he stated.

A very young looking Kelvin Harrison was seen in a promotional social media post boasting that his team would win gold for Rivers State.

"Hello Rivers people, my name is Kelvin Harrison, a handballer for Rivers State. I'll be joining over 3000 other athletes participating in the 2nd Niger Delta Games in Benin, Edo State from February 20-27. I am so excited and can't wait to be there. See you there as I go for gold", Harrison said in the viral video.

Ebenezer Obas, added drama and fun when he rallied other basketball players on their training ground to add a psychological war dimension in a video. After introducing himself and speaking of their determination to retain the gold medal from the last edition, he invited others who stood behind him as they chorused "let's go Rivers" as they broke into an opponent daring chant.

Also speaking, another athlete, Hector Tobogu

also commended NDDC for the initiative, saying that the tournament has discovered hidden talents in the area.

“This competition has helped many youths develop interest in different sporting activities and is another way to showcase talents. As an athlete if you don’t compete in tournaments or competitions, you will not know your strength and improvement would be very difficult”, Tobogu said.

Pictures: Ebenezer Obas and his team mates 

About 3,000 athletes and officials from nine oil-producing states are expected in Edo State for the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, scheduled to hold from February 20th – 27th, 2026.

The multi-sport event, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will feature 17 sports. These include football, basketball, boxing, badminton, among others. The event will also feature a cultural night designed to showcase the region’s rich heritage.

The organiser of the event, Itiako Ikpokpo, told sports journalists in the State capital, Benin City, that the games were strictly designed for young talents.

Ikpokpo said participating athletes must be indigenous to the competing states and must not exceed 20 years of age.

According to him, meaningful sports development must begin at the grassroots, as the local government level is the true foundation for talent discovery.

“We must go back to school sports to discover more young talents for the country,” he said.

Ikpokpo, however, decried the poor commitment of state governments to sports development.

He said low budgetary allocations for sports across states had continued to undermine growth in the sector, while weak administration had prevented sports from becoming a viable economic venture.

“There is a need to elevate the conversation on sports in this country,” he added. “The reason sports has not become a money spinner is the way it is being managed by administrators.”

Ikpokpo also condemned the prevalence of age cheating in sports, describing it as “shameful” and called for collective action to end the practice.

He further urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to look beyond Uyo for the hosting of international matches, arguing that the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City meets global standards.

“Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is as good as the Uyo Stadium and should be considered for international fixtures,” he said. 

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Joint Task Force North East, have recorded another major success in the ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in Borno State, rescuing 86 kidnap victims and arresting 29 others over the supply of logistics to the criminals. The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, confirmed this in a statement.

Uba said troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion, under Sector 2 OPHK, on 9 November 2025, encountered Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists at Dutse Kura after discovering that terrorists were abducting civilians and vehicles along the Buratai–Kamuya Road. “The troops thwarted the attack, pursued the terrorists towards Mangari, and overpowered them in a follow-up encounter near a camp, forcing the insurgents to flee in disarray. A search of the area led to the discovery of 11 makeshift terrorist structures and the rescue of 86 kidnapped victims, comprising men, women, and children,” he said in a statement.

Some of the items recovered from the criminals include one AK-47 rifle, five magazines with 73 rounds, four PKT ammunition belts, five civilian vehicles, five motorcycles, eight bicycles, and two logistics tricycles. The terrorists’ camp was destroyed in situ after clearance operations. Meanwhile, troops deployed at Mangada arrested 29 terrorist logistics suppliers en route to Chilaria with several items. The troops recovered items such as two pickup vans and a tricycle loaded with Premium Motor Spirit, approximately 1,000 litres of petrol in jerricans, four gallons of engine oil, two new gun truck tyres, a substantial cache of medical supplies, and large quantities of foodstuffs and provisions from them.

“All operations were conducted successfully with no casualties on the part of our troops. The Military High Command commended the gallantry and professionalism of the troops while charging Operation HADIN KAI to sustain operations to deny terrorists freedom of action across the North East theatre,” the statement read. 

The US Congress is debating a bill to sanction 12 northern Nigerian governors, judges, and traditional rulers accused of enabling Christian persecution through blasphemy laws.

Spearheaded by Senator Ted Cruz and backed by Donald Trump, the bill seeks visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Act.

Nigeria’s government dismissed the claims, while CAN backed the probe and MURIC warned against bias. Analysts say the move could strain US–Nigeria relations.

In Igbo culture, the phrase Ezigbo Mmadụ is not used lightly. It describes a person whose character, compassion, and deeds radiate goodness, truth, and integrity. Such a person embodies kindness, fairness, and a sense of responsibility toward others. In our time, one figure who truly reflects this ideal is Ugwumba Uche Nwosu. His life, leadership, and contributions to humanity have made him an outstanding representation of what it means to be a genuine and selfless human being.

Ugwumba Uche Nwosu’s journey is one deeply rooted in service and humility. From his early years, he showed signs of a man destined to uplift others rather than pursue only personal ambitions. His leadership is not anchored on the usual struggles for power or influence but on a sincere desire to make society better. In every capacity he has served, Ugwumba has left behind testimonies of integrity and selfless contribution. His open-heartedness toward both the mighty and the lowly reflects the Igbo adage that “a good man is not known by his wealth but by his deeds.”

One of the hallmarks of Ugwumba’s life is his philanthropy. Beyond politics or social status, he has consistently demonstrated a heart for giving and sharing. He has sponsored educational programs, empowered youths with entrepreneurial support, and provided relief for widows and the less privileged. For him, true wealth lies not in accumulation but in distribution, ensuring that others rise along with him. Such gestures have earned him not only respect but also deep affection from communities across Imo State and beyond.

Leadership in today’s society often comes with challenges of trust, but Ugwumba Uche Nwosu has proven that good leaders can still exist. His style of leadership is one that combines vision with compassion. He believes that governance should not be about titles or positions but about tangible impacts in the lives of people. Those who have encountered him describe him as approachable, empathetic, and genuinely interested in their welfare. This rare trait sets him apart as a model of the true meaning of ezigbo mmadụ.

Furthermore, Ugwumba is a man of peace. He is not known for bitterness, division, or unnecessary conflicts. Rather, he uses his influence to bridge divides, reconcile differences, and foster unity wherever he finds himself. This is in line with Igbo values that celebrate individuals who preserve harmony within the community. To be an ezigbo mmadụ is to be a peacemaker, and Ugwumba has consistently lived up to this calling.

Ugwumba Uche Nwosu is not just a man of influence; he is an embodiment of ezigbo mmadụ. His kindness, philanthropy, humility, and peace-loving nature make him a shining example of the Igbo ideal of a good man. In a society where many pursue self-interest, Ugwumba reminds us that greatness lies in selflessness, and true honor comes from service to humanity.

Wilson Amaefule is a Public Affairs Analyst and writes from Umuhu-Okabia in Orsu Local Government Area. 

Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, has ordered the arrest of security operatives involved in the shooting near Emeka Offor Plaza, Onitsha Main Market. At least one person died after task force operatives opened fire in a market in Anambra state on Tuesday.

Shortly after the incident, Soludo directed that the suspects be arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution, and that the medical needs of those who sustained injuries be taken care of. This was disclosed in a statement by the state Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor.

Mefor said the Anambra State Government was aware of the disturbance that occurred at the market. “We appreciate the swift intervention of the Police, who have restored calm and order to the area. An investigation into the incident has commenced, and the government will ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” he stated. “Regrettably, one of the victims, Miss Chinwe Igwe, was confirmed dead on arrival. Her body has been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy and preservation. The other victims are currently receiving treatment and are responding positively.

“Meanwhile, Mr Governor has directed that the suspects be arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution, and for the medical needs of those who sustained injuries to be taken care of.

“Normalcy has since been restored in the area by the Police, while patrols and monitoring continue by law enforcement agents to ensure sustained peace.”

The Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra Brigade, otherwise known as “OCHA Brigade”, is a special enforcement unit created to enforce environmental and sanitation regulations in the state.

Thomas Tuchel spoke like a man who knew the best night of his England reign was coming from the moment he landed in Belgrade. The German heard questions about his methods after the dire World Cup qualifier win against Andorra on Saturday - a fourth successive competitive victory, but one that ended with thousands of supporters at Villa Park voting with their feet long before the end.

"I see what I see. I feel what I feel. I am convinced we will improve, then get better and better," said Tuchel before England's qualifier against Serbia. He echoed that message as he basked in the elation of Tuesday night's 5-0 triumph. Tuchel's side delivered on that promise - and then some - with a masterclass that swept Serbia aside in their own Belgrade fortress, the predicted hostile crowd silenced from virtually the first whistle by a performance of total domination.

And, on what was the perfect night for Tuchel, he not only got the emphatic victory that puts England only five points away from World Cup qualification with three games left, he left Belgrade with the most pleasant of selection headaches to resolve. England finally showed attacking flair, doing it without Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham and Arsenal's Bukayo Saka - regarded as certain starters by most observers. Chelsea forward Cole Palmer was also missing, as was Phil Foden, hoping to rebuild his international career through his Manchester City performances.

In their absence, Noni Madueke excelled with a goal and a fine individual display. He has now made five goal contributions in nine England appearances. Elliott Anderson built on the good impression he made on his debut against Andorra, while Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers was an increasing influence, looking at home at this elite level. Bellingham is always regarded the natural for England's number 10 position, but Rogers staked his claim and showed Tuchel he has alternatives should he want to utilise them. 

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Wednesday met with officials of domestic airline operators in the country. The meeting held in Abuja followed concerns raised about flight disruptions, the attitude of some airline staff, among other issues.

According to sources in the Authority, the purpose of the engagement was to speak to regulatory issues around unruly passenger behaviour and passenger handling protocols, unresolved refund or compensation issues, as well as the enforcement of phone switch-off instructions, protection for cabin crew, and improved travel experience for passengers.

Core TV News reports that the engagement stems from the increasing concerns from some recent confrontations between air customers, crew members, and airline operators.

NCAA stated that there has been an increase in the number of complaints from customers. The regulator urged operators to stick to its regulations in their operations. 

The Federal Government has published the full list of 26 trade areas approved under its revised technical-education curriculum. A statement signed on Wednesday by the Federal Ministry of Education, the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Bon Folasade, said the revised curriculum will convert all Federal Science and Technical Colleges to Federal Technical Colleges from the 2025/2026 academic year.

Announced by Education Minister Dr. Maruf Alausa and Minister of State Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, the overhaul requires each college to offer a minimum of six and a maximum of ten trade courses. Students are expected to offer between nine and ten subjects (one core trade, five to six general subjects, two to three trade-related subjects, and one elective).

The ministry said the streamlining and modernisation of these trades responds to current industry demand across construction, energy, agriculture, automotive, creative media, and digital services sectors.

“The reform is designed to reduce overload, build strong trade competencies, align with global standards, and prepare young Nigerians for the jobs of the future,” the statement read. The reform also introduces Citizenship and Heritage Studies alongside core science and language subjects.

Below is the full list of the 26 approved trades:

1. Brick laying, block laying and concreting

2. Woodwork, carpentry and joinery

3. Plumbing and pipe fitting

4. Computer hardware & GSM repair and maintenance

5. Refrigeration & air-conditioning works

6. Mechanised agriculture (mechanisation / smart agriculture)

7. Autobody works

8. Catering craft practice

9. Solar PV installation and maintenance

10. Fashion design and garment making

11. Livestock farming/animal husbandry

12. Fish farming (aquaculture)

13. Motorcycle & tricycle repairs

14. Painting, decoration and finishes (interior design)

15. Welding & fabrication

16. Auto-electrical wiring

17. Automobile mechanics

18. Beauty therapy & cosmetology

19. Creative media (digital media production/operations)

20. Electronic systems maintenance craft

21. Furniture making & upholstery

22. Networking & system security (including satellite TV antenna installation and maintenance)

23. Social media content creation and management

24. Tiling & cladding (tiling and decorative stonework / floor-cover installation)

25. Automobile CNG conversion and maintenance

26. Leather works 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by a former senate president, David Mark. The confirmation which was displayed on the website of INEC on Wednesday.

The recognition came after an internal restructuring that resulted in the emergence of national officers to reposition the party further ahead of the 2027 general elections. Aside from Mark, who was appointed as the interim chairman, INEC listed a former Osun governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary. Other principal officers now officially recognised by the electoral body are a former Edo governor, Oserheimen Osunbor, as National Legal Adviser; Ibrahim Mani as National Treasurer, and Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary.

The opposition coalition officially adopted the ADC as it political platform on July 2, 2025, with the aim of contesting the presidential and other elections in 2027. The coalition said it was set to rescue the country from collapse and rebuild its democracy. “Let it be known to all that this coalition of national political opposition groups goes beyond gaining political power. It is a concerted effort to rebuild the crumbling pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.

“The mission is clear: Rescue Nigeria. Rebuild Nigeria. Return power to the people,” said Mark. The former leader of the senate alleged that the Federal Government led by the All Progressives Congress (APC) had hijacked all democratic institutions, and sent the country on a “creeping descent into total civilian dictatorship” in the last two years. Mark also said the current government was “consumed with politicking” and had abandoned governance.

“The blatant destabilisation and infiltration of all major opposition political parties is aimed at achieving only one objective: to enhance total state capture and leave Nigerians with no alternative or options in 2027. This coalition is to prevent our country’s descent into a one-party sadded. he added. 

Former Leicester striker Jamie Vardy said "age is just a number" as he opens a new chapter of his career with Italian side Cremonese. The 38-year-old, who is regarded among Leicester's greatest players, left the club at the end of last season, calling time on a 13-year spell at the club where he scored 200 goals in 500 appearances.

He notched 24 of those in their Premier League title-winning 2015-16 season. Vardy signed for newly-promoted Serie A side Cremonese on a free transfer earlier this month and he could make his debut for the northern Italian side on Monday, against Verona. Asked if he, and other veterans such as Kevin de Bruyne and Luka Modric who have also moved to Serie A this summer, are still motivated to perform at the highest level, he replied: "You must be one of the doubters. You're one that I'll have to prove wrong.

"For me age is just a number. As long as my legs are doing exactly what they used to and still feel as fresh as they do then I will carry on. "At the moment there are no signs of them slowing down so I'll keep going and I will be giving my all for this club. "I will learn Italian, but [for now] it is not a problem: football has its own language, with the ball," he said. Cremonese have enjoyed an impressive start to the season, opening their campaign with a surprise 2-1 win over AC Milan before beating Sassuolo 3-2.

"The main task is making sure we stay in the league, and that's how it was when I was at Leicester," Vardy said. "It was never any, 'we are going to go for this', it was always, 'we need to stay in the league', that's the main thing. So all you do, you go out, you take each game one-by-one, give your all, what will be will be." 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has faulted what it described as “premature” campaigns by political parties and candidates in the lead up to the 2027 elections. INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, who spoke at a One-Day Stakeholders’ Roundtable on Premature Political Campaigns organized by The Electoral Institute (TEI) at its headquarters in Abuja, highlighted the commission’s major challenge in tackling the issue: a gap in the electoral legal framework.

Citing Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which stipulates the 150-day campaign period. Yakubu revealed that “there is no sanction whatsoever concerning breaches for campaigns earlier than 150 days to an election. Here lies the challenge for the Commission.” The INEC chief said the action, “undermine the Commission’s ability to track campaign finance limits as politicians, prospective candidates, and third-party agents expend large amounts of money that cannot be effectively monitored.”

In his keynote address at the event, a former INEC chairman, Attahiru Jega described premature campaigns as a “serious threat to elections” that “undermine the integrity of the entire electoral process.” Jega was particularly critical of the use of third-party groups and incumbent officials. The former INEC chief said, “premature election campaigns are actually being perpetrated by premature democrats,” and proposed that “all candidates and their parties, and especially incumbent office holders and their political parties, should be vicariously held responsible and penalized for premature campaigns for them by third parties.”

The roundtable featured presentations from the Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, the Inspector General of Police, and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), alongside contributions from the IPAC Chairman. Meanwhile, INEC has recognised the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by a former senate president, David Mark.

The development was displayed on the INEC website which indicated Mark as the party’s chairman. The recognition came after an internal restructuring that resulted in the emergence of national officers to reposition the party further ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned two senior commanders of Ansaru, a proscribed terrorist organisation. The suspects are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a Abbas/Mukhtar, and his deputy, Mahmud Al-Nigeri, also called Malam Mamuda.

The DSS filed a 32-count charge against them at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The suspects allegedly attacked the Nigerian Army’s Wawa Cantonment in Kainji, Niger State, in 2022, causing mass casualties.

They also allegedly received training in weapons handling, war tactics, and improvised explosive device (IED) fabrication from terrorist camps. The suspects are also accused of receiving training in war tactics from a terrorist organisation in Mali.

Security officials allege that Mamuda trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadist instructors. Justice Emeka Nwite is presiding over the arraignment of the suspects at the Federal High Court in Abuja. 

The city of Asaba came alive on Friday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, officially declared open the 9th National Youth Games, with athletes from 33 states and the FCT Abuja set for ten days of thrilling competition, Jazzy News can exclusively report.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sports as a tool for unity, empowerment, and global competitiveness, President Tinubu said the Games remain a breeding ground for future champions.

“From these young athletes, future national and international stars will emerge. Our government is committed to nurturing them with the right structures, facilities, and policies. Sports is not just recreation; it is a unifying force and a driver of national pride,” the President said.

The opening ceremony was a spectacle of color and culture, with a vibrant parade of athletes lighting up the Stephen Keshi Stadium. Nigerian music star Victor AD set the crowd buzzing with an electrifying performance that got fans on their feet.

Welcoming the participants, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, hailed the Games as a symbol of unity through healthy rivalry.

“The National Youth Games have produced stars now flying Nigeria’s flag globally. Delta is proud to host again, and we are ready to give athletes a safe, competitive, and memorable experience,” he said.

Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, urged the athletes to embrace fair play and give their best.

“This is where greatness begins. Compete with heart because you carry the hope of your states and the pride of Nigeria,” he charged, vowing that no raw talent will be left undiscovered.

The ceremony also featured the traditional athletes’ and officials’ oath-taking, led by Obiagu Faith and Comrade Obioha George respectively.

Over the next ten days, 37 sports will be contested as Delta—the defending champion of all eight previous editions—hunts for a record ninth straight title.

Asaba is now set for a festival of youthful energy, raw talent, and national pride, with the National Youth Games once again proving that sports is Nigeria’s greatest unifier.

The Orlu Renaissance Movement, a rising socio-political platform committed to advocating for good governance, accountability, and community development, has announced the appointment of Comr. Wilson Amaefule as its new Coordinator.

Mr. Wilson, a respected political commentator from Umuhu-Okabia in Orsu Local Government Area, brings to this role years of consistent engagement in political discourse and advocacy for policies that uplift the lives of ordinary people. Known for his courage in speaking truth to power, he has carved a reputation as a voice of reason and conscience within the Orlu zone and beyond.

The Orlu Renaissance Movement, comprising dedicated sons and daughters of Orlu Zone was founded to unite progressive minds towards a common vision of Integrity, Justice, and Development. With Comr. Wilson at the helm, the movement aims to deepen civic awareness, encourage citizens’ participation in governance, and hold leaders accountable to their promises.

In his acceptance speech, Comr. Wilson Amaefule emphasized that leadership is about service, sacrifice, and sincerity. He pledged to steer the Orlu Renaissance Movement as a platform that amplifies the people’s voices and ensures that the collective interests of the zone remain the priority.

“The era of silence is over,” Comr. Wilson declared. “We must rise above divisive politics and chart a course for good governance, unity, and prosperity in Orlu land. Our people deserve better, and the Orlu Renaissance Movement will work tirelessly to demand and achieve it.”

The announcement has been met with excitement among Stakeholders, Youths, and Community Leaders, who see Wilson’s emergence as a turning point for renewed advocacy and genuine leadership in the region.

From 2026, Danish high school students will be allowed to use AI tools to prepare for the oral component of their English exams, the education ministry announced. 

The pilot scheme aims to balance digital learning with academic standards, while parts of the written exam will remain handwritten to curb overreliance on technology.