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Protest Shuts Down Akure Sports Complex Over Controversial Appointment.
According to Nivo News, activities were brought to a standstill on Tuesday at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure as sports stakeholders staged a protest against the appointment of Mrs Evelyn Lebi as Acting General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The protesters, comprising sports union leaders, coaches and athletes, argued that the appointment would not contribute to the revival of sports in the state, which they described as already grappling with prolonged decline. They maintained that the sector requires urgent leadership reforms to restore its lost glory.
Leading the protest, Coordinating Chairman of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, Coach Fisayo Bello, said sports development in Ondo State was in a critical condition and needed the intervention of a competent technocrat with clear vision and technical expertise. He stressed that the state required leadership driven by passion and professionalism rather than appointments that could further stall progress.
Bello insisted that stakeholders had previously opposed Lebi’s emergence and were maintaining the same position, calling for a more qualified individual capable of reviving sports development and restoring past achievements. He noted that the demand was not personal but rooted in the collective interest of athletes and officials.
Echoing similar concerns, the Vice Chairman of the union in the state and a boxing coach, Osifo Moses, described the appointment as disappointing, arguing that sports in Ondo deserved leadership that would rebuild confidence and inspire growth across all levels.
The Chairman of the Ondo State Professional Coaches Association, Joshua Ogunbiyi, also clarified that the protest was not directed at Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, whom he praised for his commitment to sports, but rather at the choice of Lebi. He alleged that her previous tenure at the Sports Council was marked by internal tension and questioned her suitability for the role, citing longstanding reservations expressed by stakeholders.
Adding his voice, the General Captain of Ondo State Athletes, Idowu Afun, appealed to the state government to appoint a credible, energetic and competent leader who would prioritise athletes’ welfare, development and competitive excellence.
In response, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Henry Omoyofunmi, dismissed the protest as unnecessary and unfounded. He defended Lebi’s appointment, describing her as a qualified professional with over 15 years of experience at the Sports Council and currently serving as a Director of Sports within the ministry.
Omoyofunmi explained that her redeployment followed the expiration of the former general manager’s tenure and was carried out in line with administrative procedures. He further alleged that the protest may have been influenced by external interests, insisting that the appointment would strengthen rather than disrupt sports administration in the state.
The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalising sports development in Ondo State, assuring stakeholders that efforts remain ongoing to reposition the sector for sustainable growth.
A group of Nigerians has staged a protest at the United Kingdom Parliament, calling for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The demonstrators reportedly gathered outside the parliamentary complex, expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership of the electoral body in Nigeria and demanding immediate action.
They insisted that the INEC chairman should be removed, alleging concerns over credibility and trust in the electoral process as the country prepares for the next election cycle.
The protest drew attention from passersby and security personnel, as the group maintained their position that electoral reforms and leadership changes were necessary to restore public confidence.
Sir Uyi has responded strongly to critics of his involvement in nightclub businesses, insisting that such ventures represent only a small part of his wider activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a firm reaction to recent criticism linked to Vaniti, he stated that people are focusing too much on his nightlife businesses while ignoring other aspects of his work and achievements.
He stressed that his nightclub operations do not define his entire identity or professional portfolio, adding that he is involved in several other ventures beyond entertainment and hospitality.
According to him, the criticism reflects a narrow perception of what he does, and he believes his broader contributions are being overlooked.
Sir Uyi maintained that he remains focused on his various commitments despite public scrutiny surrounding his nightlife business interests.
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven suspected militia herdsmen in connection with the abduction of passengers travelling in an 18-seater Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road last Wednesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The victims, which included candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) heading to Otukpo for their examinations, have all been successfully rescued.
Speaking while briefing Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi during the presentation of the freed victims, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said the rescue operation was achieved through coordinated efforts of multiple security agencies.
He explained that five of the abducted passengers were first released, while the remaining 13 were rescued on Sunday morning without injuries.
According to him, the combined pressure from security forces, supported by the state government and the Inspector-General of Police, led to the successful outcome of the operation.
Emenari further disclosed that eight suspects are currently in custody, adding that seven of them are strongly linked to the kidnapping incident, with some victims already identifying them.
He also noted that clearance operations have begun across forest areas in the state to flush out criminal groups, in line with directives from security authorities.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, while receiving the rescued passengers, expressed concern over rising cases of kidnapping in the state but welcomed the safe return of all 18 victims.
He confirmed that among those rescued were eight candidates on their way to write examinations, and called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the affected exams for them.
The governor assured that the state government remains committed to supporting the victims and strengthening security across Benue State, while also urging residents to provide credible information to security agencies.
He further directed the state health authorities to conduct medical evaluations for all rescued persons and promised government support for those affected.
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