IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

D’Tigress secured their fifth straight FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title with a 78–64 win over Mali, extending their unbeaten run to 29 games since 2015.

With seven titles, Nigeria now ranks second behind Senegal (11 titles) in the tournament’s history. 

The International Press Centre has condemned the shutdown of Badegi 90.1FM by Niger Governor Bago, calling it an abuse of power.

IPC urged the immediate reopening of the station, warning against threats to press freedom in a democratic society. 

Torrential rain on Monday flooded major roads and homes across Lagos, leaving commuters stranded and vehicles submerged. Affected areas include Ikorodu, Lekki, Alimosho, and the Lagos-Abeokuta Motorway.

The Lagos government urged calm and issued safety advisories, while NiMet’s earlier warning of flash floods proved accurate. Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab assured residents of ongoing efforts and advised those in flood-prone areas to relocate if necessary. 

NITDA DG Kashifu Inuwa says bridging Nigeria’s digital gender gap could unlock $13bn in GDP growth over the next decade. 

Speaking at the IgniteHer Bootcamp in Abuja, he emphasized empowering women for inclusive development. The event, backed by JICA, also featured Women Affairs Minister Imaan Sulaiman and Japanese Ambassador Matsunaga Kazuyoshi. 

Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, has congratulated Nigeria’s women basketball team, D’Tigress, for their outstanding triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship in Abidjan. The commissioner praised the team for their commitment, resilience, and unity in securing yet another continental title for Nigeria.

Hon. Onyeocha expressed excitement over the team’s success, noting that their victory came just a week after the Super Falcons also made the nation proud by winning the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco. He described the back-to-back international feats as a golden moment for Nigerian sports and a major source of national pride.

He further applauded the contribution of Imo-born players Sarah Ogoke and Promise Amukamara, who were part of the D’Tigress squad. Onyeocha said their inclusion made the state proud, and revealed that the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, along with all Imolites, are thrilled by their achievement and will continue to support the growth of sports across all levels. 

In a thrilling display of appreciation for sporting excellence, the Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, has rolled out a heroic reception for eight indomitable Super Falcons players and officials from the state, rewarding them with ₦30 million each and a plot of land in Owerri. 

The celebratory gesture follows the Falcons’ sensational run at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where Nigeria clinched the continental title in dominant fashion.

The honourees include top-performing stars: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tochukwu Oluehi, Osinachi Ohale, Chiwendu Ihezuo, Jennifer Echegini, Michelle Alozie, assistant coach Ann Chiejine, and former Super Falcons captain Desire Oparanozie — all hailing from Imo State.

Speaking during a grand ceremony held at the Government House in Owerri, Governor Uzodimma hailed the players for flying both the Nigerian and Imo State flags high on African soil.

“We are gathered here to celebrate our national pride,” the Governor said. “When the history books are written, it will be recorded that the core of that victorious team came from Imo State. This is more than just a trophy — it’s about legacy, pride, and results.”

Governor Uzodimma emphasized that his administration is results-driven and committed to promoting excellence, particularly among women in sports. He further declared that the players will now serve as ambassadors for the state, setting the pace for upcoming talents.

“These girls deserve to be promoted because of this achievement. I’m not a sycophant or a mediocre — I pursue results. We want more of our girls in national camps bringing more trophies to Nigeria,” he said.

In a move reflecting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s precedent of rewarding sports heroes, the Governor announced the state’s reward package — ₦30 million in cash and a choice plot of land in the Imo State capital for each athlete and official.

Earlier, the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Obinna Onyeocha, highlighted the role of the state’s long-term investment in sports development.

“Your Excellency, I present to you our girls who went to Morocco and conquered every other African nation. Their triumph is proof that your investment in grassroots sports has paid off.”

The atmosphere was charged with pride and celebration as the athletes were individually presented and honored before a cheering audience of dignitaries, family members, and sports enthusiasts.

This victory marks a historic milestone for Imo State in women’s football and sets a new standard for state-level support for national athletes. As Nigeria continues to dominate women’s football in Africa, the contributions of these Imo-born champions will long be remembered.