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Tag: Award

  • Salah makes history with PFA award

    Salah makes history with PFA award

    Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has secured a historic third PFA Players’ Player of the Year award after leading his side to last season’s Premier League title.

    The 33-year-old was Liverpool’s undisputed star player throughout their 2024-25 campaign, scoring an impressive 29 goals and providing 18 assists in his 38 Premier League games.

    Salah was named PFA Player’s Player of the Year during their annual ceremony at the Manchester Opera House on Tuesday evening.

    He has now picked up the award three times having previously won it in 2017-18 and 2021-22, making him the only player in history to do so.

    The Egypt international has continued his fine form into Liverpool’s first game of the season, bagging the final goal in their 4-2 win over Bournemouth on Friday (August 15).

  • HISTORIC ! Nigeria’s Favour Ofili breaks 150-metre world record

    HISTORIC ! Nigeria’s Favour Ofili breaks 150-metre world record

    Nigerian sprint sensation, Favour Ofili, delivered a historic performance at the 2025 Adidas Atlanta City Games on Saturday, breaking the world record in the women’s 150m with a sensational time of 15.85s (2.0m/s) at Piedmont Park in Atlanta.

    The 22-year-old became the first woman in history to run the event in under 16 seconds, shattering the previous mark of 16.23s set by Bahamian Olympic champion, Shaunae Miller-Uibo, in 2018.

    Ofili’s run headlined an impressive showing for Nigerians at the high-profile street meet, which featured top global athletes in a fan-friendly, open-air environment.

    World record holder and 100m hurdles star, Tobi Amusan clocked 12.53s to finish second in her heat behind American Keni Harrison (12.44s), qualifying for the final later in the day.

    Amusan, who previously ran 12.74s and 12.66s in Xiamen and Keqiao, respectively, is building momentum ahead of the summer championships.

    Sprinter Udodi Onwuzurike also impressed, running a season’s best of 10.20 seconds to finish second in his 100m heat behind South Africa’s Akani Simbine, who won in 10.13s.

    Onwuzurike’s performance was enough to earn a spot in the final and marks a strong return to form in his 2025 campaign.

    The Adidas Atlanta City Games is a unique street-style athletics event held outside traditional stadium settings, bringing athletes and fans closer in an electric atmosphere.

  • Egbabor urges Isoko North PDP Ward Chairmen to unite for 2027 victory

    Egbabor urges Isoko North PDP Ward Chairmen to unite for 2027 victory

    The Organising Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor has called on Ward Chairmen in Isoko North Local Government Area to prioritize party unity and work toward securing victory in the 2027 general elections.

    Egbabor made the appeal during a strategic meeting held today in Ozoro where the 13 ward Chairmen were all in attendance. He said the meet is aimed at ensuring unity among the ward Chairmen as well as the local government party chairman.

    He emphasized the importance of setting aside personal differences and consolidating efforts to deliver the party’s candidates at all levels.

    Highlighting the achievements of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, particularly in the Isoko nation and across the state, Egbabor urged the Chairmen to build on the administration’s performance to regain the support of former party members and attract opposition supporters.

    “We must unite and work together at the grassroots to ensure PDP’s continued success,” Egbabor said.

    “Let’s reach out, reconcile, and bring back those who left. We need every hand on deck.”

    Mr. Bernard Idisi, the PDP Local Government Chairman in Isoko North, sued for peace and unity between the ward Chairmen and promised to continue to work with all ward chairmen, stakeholders and party members in the local government for the overall interest of the party.

    In his response, Comrade Efe Sunday, Chairman of the Forum of Ward Chairmen, expressed gratitude to Egbabor for his leadership and commitment to party unity.

    He pledged the support of all Ward Chairmen in Isoko North toward delivering victory for the PDP in the forthcoming elections.

  • Delta leads ACJA implementation in Nigeria

    Delta leads ACJA implementation in Nigeria

    Delta State Government has yet again ranked first in the implementation of Administration of Criminal Justice Act among the 36 states in Nigeria.

    Speaking to journalists during the official handover of the award in Asaba, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, dedicated the award to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and officers in the ministry who had worked assiduously to maintain the state’s unassailable lead.

    While commending the Governor for his support and approvals, Ohwovoriole said the ministry’s efforts were geared towards the MORE Agenda of the Oborevwori’s administration.

    He said the state was adjudged best in the country due to reforms in giving legal advice on criminal matters among others.

    “In Delta State, we don’t spend more than six days on the average to render proper legal advice in criminal matters.

    “What we are trying to do in Delta State is to ensure that if you commit a crime, you will have to face your trial and at the same time we ensure that innocent persons are not unduly put through the rigors of trial.

    “We have also digitalised the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), this will enable us keep accurate record of all criminal cases and convictions.

    “The biometric record keeping of all criminal trial records will act as a deterrent in dealing with first and serial offenders,” he said.

    He said the state was implementing virtual hearings in the Correctional Centres to prevent high costs and risks of moving suspects to court.

    “By creating a court room inside the Correctional Centres and allowing our judges conduct the proceedings from the Headquarters in Asaba will save us from so much costs and speed of the case.

    “We have the approval of the Governor to implement this at Ogwashi-Uku and Okere Correctional Centres and we will be going live any moment from now.

    “Another major achievement is ensuring that all our laws in Delta State are hosted online through our website to ensure that any body can have access to them by paying a token,” he added.

    Earlier, Executive Secretary Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) in Delta State, Mr. Patrick Osisioma, said the state emerged winner in the National Technical Review and Evaluation Conference (NTREC) 2.0 on the implementation of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act/Law held in Abuja, Nigeria.

    He said a certificate of excellence signed by Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN, FCIArb, President, Centre for Social-Legal Studies (CSLS) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee was presented to Delta State as the overall winner for 2025 in addition to a plague, laptop and a work station.

    Mr. Osisioma said Delta State won the award in 2021 and repeated the feat again in 2025 after polling 90.9% to defeat Rivers State with 85%, Nasarawa 82%, Abia 78.5%, Ekiti 76% and Bayelsa 67.8% respectively.

  • Oborevwori bags integrity Man of the year 2024 award

    Oborevwori bags integrity Man of the year 2024 award

    Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has been conferred with the 2024 Integrity Man of the Year Award.

    The award was presented to the Governor at the 2024 Integrity Group Leadership Summit and Awards held in Asaba on Wednesday.

    Represented by the State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, Governor Oborevwori thanked the group for the honour, adding that he would continue to work for the overall development of the state.

    He said the policies and programmes of his administration were aimed at positively impacting on the socio-economic lives of Deltans and residents both those in urban and rural areas of the state

    He thanked Deltans for the unwavering support extended to his administration over the past 19 months, reiterating that the social policies of his administration such as the free health care programme for pregnant women, children under five years of age and the elderly as well as the various empowerment programmes were to enhance healthy living and strengthen the economic potentials of the people.

    “I thank Deltans for their unwavering support they have extended to my administration over the past 19 months. I understand it hasn’t been an easy journey, but I appeal to you to remain patient and continue demonstrating the understanding and commitment you have shown thus far.

    “To those who have provided constructive advice and voiced your concerns, I assure you that your input has been invaluable. Your voices matter greatly.

    “As Prince Unuafe highlighted, this administration remains steadfast in its commitment to progress. We ask you to judge us, not by rhetoric, but by the promises we made to you when we sought your votes.

    “You will recall that when we came to you, we did not make lofty promises or engage in empty slogans. Instead, we grounded our campaign in a clear and realistic manifesto: the More Agenda. This agenda is not just a document but a roadmap that continues to guide our actions and decisions.

    “It is particularly inspiring to hear that the Integrity Group has embraced the More Agenda as a guiding principle. This agenda, which I have personally broken down into actionable steps, is the foundation of our work.

    “As we move forward, I urge you to hold us accountable to these promises. Together, let us continue to build a future that reflects our shared aspirations,” the governor said.

    Speaking on the theme of the Summit, “Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda in Delta : A Way of Life”, Prince Obaro Unuafe said the More Agenda was more than a policy, pointing out that it has become a roadmap to impactful development.

    According to him, “the effects of the MORE Agenda are tangible as they are seen by all, felt even by the blind, and heard even by the deaf”, stressing that “it (the MORE Agenda) has sparked joy and celebration across Delta State, touching lives and reshaping communities.

    “Our governor has been rightly christened the inspiration of our time. His leadership has not only inspired growth but has also united Deltans across the globe. Today, we proclaim with pride that Delta State is in safe and capable hands.

    “As we embark on this journey, let us appreciate the progress made so far. Let us recognize that appreciation is not just acknowledgment, it is a call to action for everyone to contribute towards the success of this administration”.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Convener of the 2024 Integrity Group Leadership Summit, Dr. Oke Idawene who said that the Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration was a divine project, disclosed that members of the group proudly stand in support of the governor’s MORE Agenda for Deltans.

    “Today, we proudly stand in support of the More Agenda, championing the vision of His Excellency, the Governor, and the First Lady of Delta State. Their unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership have inspired this movement and the gathering we see today.

    “The Governor has taken Delta State beyond all expectations, achieving remarkable progress across multiple sectors. This event has brought together representatives from the 25 local government areas of the state including men, women and youths who are united in their belief that His Excellency deserves another tenure to continue his transformative work.

    “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has accomplished what no other governor has done before. His efforts in enhancing security, economic development, capacity building, and healthcare delivery are unparalleled. His administration’s programmes, particularly those empowering our youths and supporting women, have been mind-blowing,” Dr. Idawene stated.

    During the Summit, the Special Adviser to the governor on Entrepreneurial Development, Dr. Donald Peterson and the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe spoke on economic/entrepreneurship development and security issues respectively.

    Also at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Godknows Angele was given the Commissioner of the year award.

    The highpoint of the summit was the unanimous endorsement of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for a second term in office by members of the lntegrity Group.

  • Delta wins $400,000 Bill & Melinda Gates PHC award

    Delta wins $400,000 Bill & Melinda Gates PHC award

    Delta State Government, Thursday, received $400,000 from the Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge, organized by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for outstanding performance in primary health care management.

    The award, which was organized by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Federal Ministry of Health, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and UNICEF was in recognition of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s initiative in the health sector for the past one year, in line with the MORE agenda of his administration.

    Nigeria’s Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, and the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, who is also Governor of Kwara State, were present during the handover of the prize and money to Delta State Government officials.

    Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, and the Director -General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), Dr Isaac Akpoveta, were on ground to receive the award on behalf of Governor Oborevwori.

    The award, which started in 2019, is to shore up performance at the Primary Health Care level so as to make healthcare more accessible to the people at the grassroots.

    It is the first time since the inception of the awards that Delta would be considered for mention in any category of recognition. It had never won any prize money.

    After receiving the award on behalf of Governor Oborevwori, Dr Onojaeme said that the award was a proof that the administration’s MORE agenda was on course and yielding positive results.

    He disclosed that Governor Oborevwori’s determination and commitment to revamping the health sector was not in doubt, adding that the recent approval for the renovation of over 150 Primary Health Care centers must have been pivotal to the state earning the award.

    Delta State was considered for the award after a visit of the technical committee set up to assess the state of PHCs in all 36 states and Abuja, the Federal Capital.

    The committee comprised representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Bank and the United Nations Food Programme (UNFPA), among others.

  • PTI CEO bags All-African Students Union award

    PTI CEO bags All-African Students Union award

    Dr Samuel Onoji, the Principal of Petroleum Training Institute(PTI), Effurun, Delta, has been decorated as the “Most Outstanding Head of Africa Tertiary Institution on Campus Peace and Capacity Building 2024.”

    The award was bestowed on Onoji at the Africa Students Leaders General Assembly in Abuja with the theme “Pro-Africa Education System: Key to Unlocking Africa’s Potentials.”

    The President of All-Africa Students Union (AASU), Osisiogu Osikenyi, in a statement on Saturday, said the general assembly offered a huge opportunity for notable student leaders to converge on Abuja to deliberate on critical issues.

    He said that student leaders from 32 African countries as well as some relevant educational stakeholders in Africa were present to discuss and chart a way forward for the African education system.

    “In appreciating those contributing extraordinarily to the African educational system, the Principal of PTI Nigeria, Onoji, was decorated as the “Most Outstanding Head of Africa Tertiary Institution on Campus Peace and Capacity Building 2024.”

    According to Osikenyi, the honour conferred on the PTI chief executive officer is well deserving of him owing to his strategic and relentless effort to restore peace in the crisis-ridden PTI.

    He said that AASU equally assessed that Onoji topped other Heads of Tertiary Institutions in Africa in capacity building of student union leaders in 2024.

    “Onoji’s exemplary leadership as the principal of PTI has been a beacon of hope and inspiration to students, academia and other stakeholders of the Continental Education System.

    “This feat and exceptional services by the PTI boss aligns with our mandate as the apex student body in Africa.

    “As the continental body of African students, we implore other heads of tertiary institutions in Africa to borrow a leaf from Onoji’s style of leadership which guarantees a peaceful academic environment and promotes student union leaders’ capacity-building for efficient service delivery,’’ he said.

    Osikenyi said that Vice-President Kashim Shettima was also one of the recipients of the AASU Award 2024.

  • Why we awarded best-graduating student N5,000 – UNIBEN

    Why we awarded best-graduating student N5,000 – UNIBEN

    The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has defended its prizes awarded to its top-performing students at the recent convocation ceremony, saying the awards, although meagre, were to recognise and reward academic excellence.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that one of the best graduating students in the just concluded convocation ceremony of UNIBEN was awarded the sum of N5000. The student, Ogheneochuko Okpako, emerged the best graduating student in the 2021/2022 academic session of the department of mechanical engineering.

    The university, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Dr Benedicta Ehanire, on Thursday, explained that the prizes were sponsored by well-meaning individuals in the last 50 years. Ehanire said the awards had been to guide the recognition and reward of excellence.

    “The attention of the Management of the University of Benin has been drawn to reports in respect of the supposed meagre prizes awarded to some of the University’s best performing students.

    “The University explains that whereas the said awards were sponsored by well meaning and public spirited persons over 50 years, the objectives of recognising and rewarding excellence have been the aim of the awards, rather than consideration of the monetary value.

    “Management appreciates the concerns expressed over the issue and states that it will continue to work towards upholding the good image and reputation of the Institution,” she said.

  • Chinua Achebe’s daughter bags Harvard Medical sch award

    Chinua Achebe’s daughter bags Harvard Medical sch award

    Maureen Okam-Achebe, daughter of the late Chinua Achebe, renown novelist, has received the Brigham and Women’s Hospital 2024 faculty development and diversity award.

    The Brigham and Women’s Hospital is a world-class academic medical centre based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a premier teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School.

    The hospital notified Okam-Achebe of her award in a letter dated July 2, according to a post shared by Chidi Achebe, her sibling and chairman of African Integrated Development Enterprise Public Benefit Corporation (AIDE PBC).

    “The 2024 Faculty Awards designation acknowledges the exceptional achievements of BWH faculty in one or more of the four pillars of academic life; clinical care, research, education, and community service,” the letter reads.

    Brief Biography Of Maureen Okam-Achebe Okam-Achebe earned her first medical degree from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria; a hematology and medical oncology training at Yale School of Medicine; and a masters in public health at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

    The doctor is also an associate professor, Harvard Medical School; director, Brigham and Women’s Hospital Outpatient Infusion Center; clinical director, Non-Malignant Hematology Clinic; director, Brigham and Women’s Hospital sickle cell program; and instructor in medicine, Harvard Medical School.

    The medical expert co-chairs the data subcommittee of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) consortium on newborn screening for sickle cell disease (SCD) in Africa.

    The sub-committee seeks to demonstrate the benefits of screening and early intervention for SCD underway in seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Okam-Achebe also serves as a commissioner on the Lancet Non-Communicable Disease and Injuries (NCDI) Nigeria Poverty Commission as the sickle cell disease expert and guides the identification and prioritisation of policies, interventions, and integrated delivery platforms to effectively address and reduce SCD burden in the country.

    The expert is actively involved in clinical trials and translational research at BWH and was an investigator in the development of two of the most recently used US FDA-approved drugs for SCD. According to the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Okam-Achebe will be honoured for her accomplishments on October 28.

  • Zeb Ejiro to receive lifetime achievement award in London

    Zeb Ejiro to receive lifetime achievement award in London

    Veteran Nigerian filmmaker and producer, Zeb Ejiro, is to be honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award, at the 2024 Nigerian Week, London.

    The Nigerian Week is a week-long international festival with admixture of entertainment and business events, which holds annually in London, United Kingdom.

    In an invitation extended to the producer of 1996 blockbuster movie, “Domitila”,  obtained by newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, the award is in recognition of Ejiro’s immense contributions to Nollywood and entertainment industry in general.

    The event holding from  July 22 to July 28 is organised by SRTV London in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Nigerian Films Corporation, Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria (AMP),, among others.

    The festival showcases and promotes the best of Nigerian products, services and businesses and as well celebrates the best of the Nigerian diverse and rich cultural heritage.

    It features a mixture of entertainment, music, dances, fashion, food, exhibition, trade Fair, investment opportunity workshops and summit, allowing visitors to join in and have a first-hand experience in culture and experiences.

    Programme of activities lined up for the 2024 festival include; Afro beat music extravaganza, moonlight film festival with exhibition of the best of African movies and Nigeria fashion show and contest.

    There will also be Nigeria cultural display featuring  National Troupe and trade exhibition of Nigerian cash crops and agricultural produce, and many more.

    Zeb Ejiro, the famed Nigerian filmmaker born in Isoko, Delta State, is one of the two brothers of Chico Ejiro, also a veteran  filmmaker and producer who died in 2020.

    In 2005, Zeb Ejiro received  National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by former President Olusegun Obasanjo,  in recognition of his immense contributions to the Nigerian film industry.

    The acclaimed Sheik of Nollywood, has the following films to his credit; Nneka the Pretty Serpent (1994), Domitila (1996), Sakobi the Snake Girl (1998) and Mortal Sin (2003).

    Others are;  Extreme Measure (2003), A Night in the Philippines 1 and 2 (2005), Yellow Cassava (2016), Pure Honey (2017) and Domitila: the Sequel (2017).

    Zeb Ejiro is also the brains behind, the longest running drama series on NTA in the 1990s, ‘Ripples’, currently back on DSTV.