Month: September 2026

The Man Reshaping Edo Sports: Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele and the Rise of a New Sporting Era

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When Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele took the helm as Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, few could have predicted just how quickly the tide would turn for sports in the state, and in a relatively short time, he has proven himself to be exactly what Edo sports needed, a goal getter and a team leader whose energy has become the heartbeat of a new sporting revival. What began as an appointment has grown into a mission, one that has seen him move through the corridors of the Commission not as a distant administrator, but as a hands on leader who understands that sports development is as much about people as it is about policy. Under his watch, the Commission has not merely managed sports in Edo State, it has reimagined what sports development can look like, pushing programmes from the grassroots to the elite level that are designed to discover hidden talent and nurture it into national and international excellence. His flagship initiative, the “Discovering Tomorrow’s Stars” Grassroots Talent Hunt, launched at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, reflects his conviction that the programme goes beyond winning medals and competitions, but is a strategic investment in the future of sports and youth development in Edo State, a vision he has said aligns closely with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Catch Them Young policy under the SHINE Agenda, a policy framework that places the discovery and development of young talent at the centre of the state’s sporting philosophy. Through this initiative, schools and communities across the eighteen local government areas of Edo State are being combed for raw talent, giving young athletes who may never have had access to structured sporting opportunities a genuine pathway to grow. None of this progress has happened in isolation, and Enabulele has been consistent in crediting Governor Monday Okpebholo for creating the enabling environment that has allowed Edo sports to flourish. When he received the Sportsville Leadership Award in Lagos earlier this year, an honour recognising his pragmatic leadership style and achievements within a short period of time he has been at the helms, he was quick to dedicate the recognition to the Governor, who gave him the opportunity to contribute his quota to sports development in Edo State, as well as to his board members, athletes and coaches, whose collective effort helped Edo State secure a top position at the second Niger Delta Games hosted in the state. That gesture, small as it may seem, says a great deal about the kind of leader Enabulele is, a Chairman who understands that no single individual builds a sporting legacy alone, and who has made it a point of duty to spread credit generously among everyone who contributes to the Commission’s success. The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter, has also taken note of his impact, describing him as an exceptional, visionary and result driven sports administrator whose sterling leadership has continued to redefine and elevate the standard of sports development in Edo State, the kind of endorsement that does not come easily in sports administration, and one that speaks to the discipline and clarity of purpose he has brought to the role. Sports administration in Nigeria has often been weighed down by inconsistency and a lack of long term vision, but Enabulele appears determined to break that pattern, building structures and programmes that can outlast any single festival or competition cycle. His leadership style is one built on partnership rather than command, and he regularly acknowledges the athletes, coaches, parents and teachers whose sacrifices power the success stories emerging from the state, most recently celebrating Edo parapowerlifter Esther Onyema after her silver medal performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, saying in his own words that with hard work, discipline and motivation, our athletes can compete favourably against the very best in the world, a philosophy that has become something of a personal creed for him as Chairman. He also took time during the Children’s Day celebration to speak directly to the young people of the state, describing children as the pride, hope and future of the nation, and encouraging them to remain disciplined, hardworking and focused on their education and talents, and it is this consistent engagement with young Edo people, not just as future athletes but as the true inheritors of the state’s sporting ambitions, that has endeared him to many across the sporting community. As Edo State looks ahead to the National Sports Festival coming up in November this year, the confidence around Team Edo has never been higher, and with a Governor firmly behind him and a Commission structured around talent discovery, discipline and result oriented leadership, Enabulele is positioning the state to compete for nothing less than the top spot. The signs are already there, from the state’s strong showing at the Niger Delta Games to the steady stream of grassroots talent now coming through the pipeline, and Edo State will be going into this festival not just to participate, but to win, carrying with it the hopes of a state that has invested heavily in rebuilding its sporting identity. With a goal getter at the head of the Commission and a team leader whose door remains open to athletes and administrators alike, Edo sports appears to be entering one of its most promising chapters, and Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele has shown, in a short space of time, that vision paired with strong governmental backing can move a state’s sporting fortunes forward, and come November, Edo will be watching to see that vision translate into victory. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Witness Tells Court He Lost Over N500 Million In Alleged Bitter Kola Export Scam

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The trial of the Chief Executive Officer of Onome Global Market Resources Limited and Lexicon Multi Concept Media Limited, Osabohein Alex Ologbose, and his wife, Hope Onome Oghelemu, continued before Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court, Abuja, with a prosecution witness narrating how he allegedly lost over N500 million to the couple and an accomplice. The defendants, alongside their two companies, are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on a seven count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, conversion of funds and money laundering totalling N740 million. The third prosecution witness, businessman Ikechukwu Chikelum, told the court he was introduced to the investment by his friend, Modestus Uche Okafor, who took him to Alice Ayeni, a director of Onome Global Market Resources Limited. Led in examination in chief by prosecution counsel, O.S. Ujam, the witness said he became interested in the companies in June 2023 after his friend told him about the couple’s business of exporting bitter kola to China and Hong Kong. He said Ayeni, whom he met at the Nigerian Export Import Bank, showed him a company profile containing the Chief Executive Officer’s photograph, the Corporate Affairs Commission certificate, an EFCC Special Control Unit against Money Laundering certificate and export promotion certificates, which convinced him the business was genuine. He told the court he initially transferred N31 million for 100 bags of bitter kola at N310,000 per bag, paid into an account provided by Ayeni, before subsequently transferring another N62 million for 200 additional bags after being encouraged to invest further. The witness said he went on to transfer N267,220,000 for 862 bags destined for China, followed by N220,150,000 for 710 bags destined for Hong Kong, and a further N20,400,000 for 60 bags of red kolanut intended for export to Indonesia. He told the court that all payment receipts were forwarded to Ayeni via WhatsApp and were acknowledged by her, yet he never regained his capital or received any return on the substantial sums he had invested. The trial continues as the prosecution seeks to establish the full extent of the alleged scheme before the court. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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KC Luxury Denies Charges Over N39 Billion Cocaine Haul Bound For London

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arraigned Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known as KC Luxury, and two alleged accomplices, Boniface Freeman Ochoche Sule and Ikechukwu Ekugo Patriarch, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over the attempted export of 184.5 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in five consignments destined for London. The defendants, arraigned before Justice Musa Kakaki on a 22 count charge bordering on cocaine trafficking, unlawful export of narcotic drugs and money laundering, all pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court. The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired between July 28 and August 1, 2026, with two others already arrested in London, to export the cocaine through a Lagos based courier logistics firm using consignments shipped under a false name. The charge sheet further alleged that Boniface procured Ikechukwu to facilitate the export, while Afolabi allegedly procured a staff member of the logistics firm to process the consignments and paid N13.2 million as consideration for the shipment. Sixteen additional counts relate to alleged money laundering, with the prosecution accusing Afolabi of moving several billions of naira through various companies to acquire vehicles and landed properties, allegedly to conceal the illicit origin of the funds. Following the not guilty pleas, NDLEA prosecutor Abu Ibrahim opposed the defendants’ bail applications, urging the court to remand them in custody pending trial given the gravity of the alleged offences. Justice Faji ordered that the defendants be remanded in an NDLEA facility and adjourned the matter until October 4, 2026, for a ruling on the bail application. Afolabi was arrested by NDLEA operatives on August 13, 2026, while allegedly attempting to leave Nigeria on a business class flight to Paris from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, following the interception of the cocaine consignment estimated to be worth about N39 billion. A subsequent search of his person and his Banana Island apartment allegedly led to the recovery of exotic vehicles, foreign currency and jewellery suspected to be proceeds of illicit trade, though the allegations remain subject to determination by the court. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Tinubu Tells UN, Africa Deserves A Real Seat At The Table, Not A Place On The Margins

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed calls for a radical shake up of the United Nations, insisting that reforms must begin with reconstituting the Security Council to grant Africa permanent seats. He warned that the continent can no longer afford to fill the Council’s agenda from the margins, pointing out that the world of 2026 cannot remain captive to the distribution of power that shaped global institutions in 1945. The Nigerian leader made the position clear in his address delivered by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, during the General Debate at the ongoing 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Specifically, he demanded at least two permanent seats for the continent, including full rights, responsibilities and veto power, along with a total of five non permanent seats for African nations on the Council. Quoting directly from the President’s address, Shettima told the Assembly that the reform of the institution must begin with the reconstitution of the Security Council, insisting that Africa cannot continue to fill the Council’s agenda while remaining absent from its permanent membership. The President anchored Nigeria’s demand in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, insisting that the authority to speak for humanity carries an obligation to represent it fully and equitably. Beyond Security Council reform, President Tinubu also issued a wake up call to world leaders, demanding an immediate end to global warfare and a total rejection of the rising tide of nationalism sweeping across the international community. The renewed push adds Nigeria’s voice to a long running African campaign for permanent representation on the Council, a demand that has repeatedly featured in the country’s statements at previous sessions of the General Assembly. Officials say the coming weeks of the General Debate will show how much traction the demand gains among other member states as reform conversations continue at the world body. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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AU And UN Renew Ties To Strengthen Peace Support Operations Across Africa

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The African Union and the United Nations have renewed agreements to strengthen their strategic partnership in operational support, in a ceremony held at UN Headquarters in New York. Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Selma Malika Haddadi, and Under Secretary General for Operational Support, Atul Khare, signed the renewed Memorandum of Intent on cooperation in operational support and a Memorandum of Understanding on the Knowledge and Expertise Exchange Programme. Both officials underscored the importance of moving beyond coordination toward greater strategic alignment, shared priorities and practical cooperation between the two institutions going forward. They highlighted sustained knowledge exchange and institutional capacity development as essential to strengthening the AU’s ability to plan, deploy and sustain peace support operations across the continent. Haddadi said the partnership must continue to evolve from coordination to strategic alignment, guided by shared priorities, mutual accountability and measured impact, as global and continental challenges grow increasingly complex. Khare said the cooperation has demonstrated the value of sustained and practical capacity development, adding that the renewed agreements provide an important foundation for the next phase of the partnership. The renewed agreements build on nearly a decade of cooperation under the Knowledge and Expertise Exchange Programme, established in 2016 and revitalised in 2022, with a growing focus on mission planning, supply chains and ICT. The inaugural STAR Programme, held in Algiers in July 2026, further demonstrated the value of this cooperation, bringing AU and UN expertise together to strengthen institutional capacity and operational readiness. The renewed frameworks reaffirm the importance of networked multilateralism and the AU UN commitment to African ownership and preparedness for future peace support operations. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Two Women Arrested Over Fake Fruit Juice Racket In Badagry

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State Command, has arrested two women, aged 48 and 50, over the production of adulterated fruit juice in Badagry, following a five day surveillance operation. A statement by the Command’s Civil Defence Public Relations Officer, SC Oluwaseun Abolurin, said the suspects were arrested in collaboration with an Army formation in the area after being monitored producing the fake product. The statement disclosed that the suspects were reportedly producing a product known as Barkas Juice using water, artificial flavourings, sweeteners, colourants and other additives, in conditions the Corps described as unhygienic. Items recovered from the operation included a truck, cartons of the finished juice, production machinery, chemicals, drums and a gas cylinder used in the manufacturing process. The NSCDC said the product was distributed to markets in Lagos, Benin City and other parts of the country, using a purported fake NAFDAC registration number to deceive unsuspecting buyers and retailers. State Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, said the suspects would undergo further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law, as the Corps works to trace the full extent of the product’s distribution network. Officials say the arrests form part of ongoing efforts to protect consumers from unregulated and potentially harmful products circulating in local markets. The Command has urged members of the public to report suspicious manufacturing activities in their communities to help curb the circulation of counterfeit food and beverage products. Further updates on the case are expected as investigations into the racket’s supply chain continue in the coming weeks. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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West Africa Gathers In Abidjan To Chart New Path On Water Governance

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The 13th Ordinary Session of the Technical Experts Committee of the Permanent Framework for Coordination and Monitoring of Integrated Water Resources Management opened in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, bringing together representatives of all ECOWAS member states, regional institutions and civil society. The session was convened to assess progress in regional water governance and formulate recommendations for the 6th Ordinary Session of the Ministerial Monitoring Committee, ahead of the First West Africa Regional Water Forum scheduled for later in the week. The forum, themed Valuing Water To Transform West Africa, is designed to strengthen transboundary water cooperation, accelerate implementation of regional water policies and mobilise sustainable financing across the region. The session was opened by Conservateur Général Elvire Joëlle Zouzou épouse Mailly on behalf of Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Water and Forests, Jacques Assahoré Konan, marking the formal start of the preparatory engagements in Abidjan. Speaking for ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS, Director of the ECOWAS Water Resources Management Centre, Kouassi Kouakou Alexis, underscored the strategic importance of integrated water resources management for regional integration and resilience. The meeting is being chaired by Senegal through Dr Bacary Fatty, while President of the Sub Regional Consultative Council on Water Resources, Dr Boluwaji Onobolu, called for stronger participation of civil society, women and youth in the process. The recommendations adopted by the experts will be submitted to the Ministerial Monitoring Committee and subsequently discussed during the regional forum, the first of its kind for West Africa. The forum is expected to bring together ministers, technical experts and development partners to define the next phase of West Africa’s water governance agenda in the coming years. Officials say the outcome of the Abidjan talks will be central to shaping how the region tackles shared water resource challenges going forward. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Tinubu Rallies Africa To Stop Exporting Its Mineral Wealth And Start Owning It

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a fresh continental push to end the historical exploitation of Africa’s critical mineral resources, urging African nations to unite and halt the export of raw materials without local processing. The Nigerian leader made the call in New York during the AMSG High Level Roundtable on Critical Minerals Development in Africa, held on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly and chaired by Tinubu alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima and Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake. In his address, delivered by Shettima, the President told African leaders that the continent cannot claim to be wealthy while its children wallow in poverty amid mines that enrich the world, insisting that Africa’s duty is to ensure the future being fashioned from its minerals has room for African ambition. He regretted that mineral rich communities lack infrastructure and jobs at a time when global demand for clean energy and advanced manufacturing has made Africa’s cobalt, copper, lithium and rare earth elements indispensable to global supply chains. Tinubu warned that no African country can achieve transformation alone, insisting that fragmentation leaves the continent exporting raw materials and buying finished goods at a premium, while cooperation would give African markets scale and negotiating authority. Back home, the President said Nigeria must require local value addition for new mining licenses, disclosing that mining revenue rose from about N6 billion in 2023 to between N68.1 billion and N70 billion in 2025, alongside major foreign investment commitments in Nasarawa State. He called for reliable partnerships grounded in mutual benefit and sovereign equality, urging AMSG member countries to speak with one voice to promote Africa’s collective interest in mineral negotiations. On the Continental Integration and Economic Assurance Declaration adopted at the Roundtable, the President said its authority must survive the signing ceremony through a binding programme with timelines, financing and public accountability. AMSG Chairman, Dele Alake, described the Declaration as a landmark framework for Africa’s mineral value chains, urging countries yet to join the group to do so, while Kenya’s Minister of Blue Economy, Hassan Ali Joho, stressed the importance of domestic resource mobilisation for the continent’s mineral ambitions. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Shettima Briefed On Nigeria’s UNGA Priorities As Governors Pitch States For Investment

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has received a comprehensive brief on Nigeria’s participation in the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, delivered by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim. Speaking with journalists after the session, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, said Nigeria will build on its previous position at the global body, where it strongly canvassed for a holistic reform of the UN’s contributions to developing countries. He noted that when the session formally opens, the Vice President will present President Tinubu’s message across different sectors, including Nigeria’s push for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim said the country’s participation would be anchored on deepening reforms at the global body to ensure significant impact on member states, among other strategic objectives for the session. On their expectations from the gathering, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule and Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris said they were seeking opportunities to open their states to global investments, particularly in solid minerals. The governors said the abundant mineral resources in their states placed them in a strong position to attract international investors and promote economic development at home. Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara said he was attending the summit to explore global partnerships capable of attracting more investment to his state, expressing optimism that Rivers State’s oil and gas resources would draw meaningful engagement. The governors said their participation was aimed at leveraging the international platform to promote their states and create new economic opportunities for their people. Also present at the briefing were Governors AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman of Kwara and Babagana Zulum of Borno, alongside Ministers Dele Alake, Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim and Doris Uzoka Anite. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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Power Minister Seals TBEA Deal In Beijing To Build Equipment Park In Nigeria

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During a working visit to Beijing to engage original equipment manufacturers and technical partners of the Presidential Power Initiative, the Minister of Power met with TBEA, one of China’s leading power and energy equipment manufacturers, at their headquarters. The outcome of the engagement is a commitment to establish a power and energy equipment industrial park in Nigeria, a move officials say changes the country’s long standing status as a net importer of power sector equipment. Officials described the park as positioning Nigeria as a manufacturing and export hub, building indigenous supplier capacity and creating jobs, with TBEA regarded as a long term strategic development partner rather than a mere contractor. The Ministry said its investment thesis is clear, seeking capital that comes with technology transfer and local capacity building attached, rather than short term contracting arrangements. Alongside the new park, TBEA renewed its commitment to accelerate delivery of ongoing transmission and distribution projects across Nigeria, work expected to unlock over 2,000 megawatts of stranded capacity and strengthen bulk power supply to the Federal Capital Territory. The Minister used the engagement to press for faster completion of Presidential Power Initiative works and to advocate for extending planned grid infrastructure to the East West corridor. Discussions were also opened on the feasibility of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, a new investment frontier as Nigeria’s grid modernises around renewable energy and storage. Officials said the outcomes reflect a broader shift underway in Nigeria’s power sector, from importing equipment to building it, and from stranded capacity to power that reaches homes and industries. The goal, officials stressed, is a power sector capable of supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation and sustained economic growth in the years ahead. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed

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