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From Stadiums to Revenue: Oyo Targets Growth Through Sports Tourism
The Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging sports tourism as a key driver of economic expansion under Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the 2025 Oluyole Golf Tournament scheduled for August, Olatubosun said Governor Makinde has strategically invested in enabling sectors like infrastructure, sports, and security to unlock the state’s tourism potential.
“Sports form a vital component of tourism and hospitality,” the commissioner noted. “Events like golf tournaments attract large numbers of visitors who stay in hotels, explore tourist sites, and patronise local businesses, thereby stimulating the economy.”
He praised the governor for establishing critical success indicators—particularly improved infrastructure and robust security architecture—that have created a conducive environment for tourism to thrive. He highlighted ongoing upgrades to the Ladoke Akintola Airport as another key asset that will boost accessibility for both local and international tourists.
According to Olatubosun, the upcoming golf tournament offers participants a unique opportunity to explore Ibadan and other parts of the state, thanks to a secure environment and extensive road network.
He also applauded the event’s convener, Folarin Laosun, for his unwavering support for the culture and tourism sector. Olatubosun described Laosun as a reliable stakeholder who played a significant role in the recent World Egungun Festival held at Liberty Stadium, which attracted attendees from across the South-West and the Republic of Benin.
“Our ministry is always willing to support initiatives that promote tourism,” he said. “Laosun has consistently shown that commitment, and this golf tournament is no exception.”
The commissioner hailed Governor Makinde as the “number one tourism ambassador” in the state, noting his membership in the Ibadan Golf Club and strong support for youth-focused development initiatives.
“When people come into Oyo for tournaments, they spend on hospitality, explore our sites, and engage with the local economy. That is how sports tourism fuels economic growth,” he added.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Ibadan Golf Club, Seyi Alaba, lauded the state government for its steady support, stressing that golf could serve as a powerful tool for attracting investors and boosting Oyo’s global image.
Laosun, the tournament initiator, described Oyo as a fertile ground for investment and announced plans to expand his business into the state. He noted that the tournament, now in its fourth edition, has evolved into a national open event expected to attract between 120 and 150 players across Nigeria.
“The first three editions were single-day events. Now, we’re hosting a full two-day amateur open tournament, which is a major leap for the golfing community,” Laosun said.
Olatubosun concluded by commending the Ibadan Golf Club for the infrastructural improvements at its facility and for preserving a lasting legacy for the people of the state.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Friday and Saturday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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All Progressives Grand Alliance Unveils 2027 Primary Timetable, Sets Presidential Form At ₦25M.
The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has unveiled its provisional timetable and schedule for the conduct of primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The party also announced the fees for its expression of interest forms for aspirants vying for various elective positions.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ejimofor Opara, APGA noted that the timetable is in line with the revised schedule released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The statement explained that the schedule complies with INEC’s updated timetable for the 2027 general elections, dated February 26, 2026, and is backed by provisions of the APGA Constitution 2019 and the Electoral Act 2026.
According to the party, the sale and submission of expression of interest forms will run from April 20 to May 8.
Screening of aspirants will follow, with National Assembly hopefuls slated for May 11, State House of Assembly candidates on May 12, and governorship aspirants on May 13.
The sale and return of nomination forms will then take place from May 14 to May 21.
APGA reiterated that expression of interest forms will be sold separately from nomination forms, noting that only aspirants who pass the screening process will be eligible to purchase nomination forms.
The party also detailed the cost of forms for various positions. Presidential aspirants are to pay ₦25 million, senatorial hopefuls ₦6 million, House of Representatives candidates ₦4 million, governorship aspirants ₦10 million, and State House of Assembly candidates ₦2 million.
All primary elections are scheduled to hold on May 23, 2026, using the Option A4 system, while appeals arising from the primaries will be addressed on May 28, 2026.
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My Dad Was Sentenced To D!e By Firing Squad Over Coup Against Babangida – Daniel Etim-Effiong.
Nollywood actor Daniel Etim Effiong has shared a deeply emotional story about a difficult period in his family’s history.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
He recounted how his father narrowly escaped death after being implicated in an alleged coup during Nigeria’s military era.
Speaking in an interview, the actor explained that the incident occurred while he was still an infant. His father, Colonel Moses Effiong, was arrested after being linked to a plot reportedly aimed at removing former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida from power.
According to him, the situation began when his father was informed of the alleged plan by a close colleague in the military. This left him in a tough position—whether to keep silent or report the information. However, when the plot was eventually uncovered, the colleague was arrested and later mentioned Colonel Effiong during interrogation.
This led to his father’s arrest and subsequent trial, where he was convicted and handed a death sentence by firing squad.
Daniel revealed that in a dramatic twist, his father was spared on the day the execution was meant to take place, surviving what appeared to be a certain fate.
He added that the experience left a lasting impact on their family, shaping much of his early life as they lived with the memory of that traumatic period.
He said: “He was arrested over a coup against Ibrahim Babangida. A close friend in the army had confided in him about plans to remove him from power. The dilemma was whether to report his friend or stay silent. When the plot was exposed, his friend was arrested and named my dad. He was also arrested, tried, and sentenced to death by firing squad—but somehow, he survived.”
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