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Tag: Award

  • Cole Palmer wins two awards

    Cole Palmer wins two awards

    Chelsea youngster Cole Palmer has been rewarded for a stellar season so far.

    The attacking midfielder, who can play off the left and centrally, won two awards at the club’s end of season event.

    Palmer has netted 26 goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions this season (45 appearances).

    Palmer won Chelsea’s Player of the Season award, while also winning the Players’ Player of the Year.

    The two awards show that he is already the star man at the club, a year after leaving Manchester City.

    Palmer has been a bright spot this term, as the club looks to end the season strongly and qualify for a European competition.

  • Farmer Gov Bago, bags Governor of the year award by Leadership Newspaper

    Farmer Gov Bago, bags Governor of the year award by Leadership Newspaper

    Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State on Tuesday emerged the Leadership Newspaper Governor of the Year 2023.

    Bago, a former member of the House of Representatives won the 2023 governorship election in Niger State against all permutations and on arrival at the Government House in Minna had set out to revamp agriculture in the North Central State.

    The Award was bestowed on him on premise of his administration’s intentional attitude towards reforming critical sectors of the state’s economy especially in agriculture, education and social services.

    Hon. Bago, popularly called the Farmer Governor joined other great Nigerians including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governors of Benue, Katsina and Oyo states as well as the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi on the honours list.

    The award was given to the Farmer Governor based on his outstanding innovative leadership style and the immense developmental strides of his administration in less than one year.

    Speaking on behalf of award recipients under the Governor of the Year 2023 category, the Farmer Governor Umaru Bago re-emphasized the need for Nigeria to be productive.

    He said Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources to feed itself and export pointing out that Niger State is taking a lead in terms of Agriculture as it has attracted over a billion dollar Agric business investments.

    The Farmer Governor assured that with the Agricultural Policies in Niger State, the State in particular and Nigeria, in general, will have enough food to feed and export.

    While commending the Management and Staff of the Leadership Group for finding them worthy of the awards and pledged to justify the honour.

    The Governor on behalf of President Ahmed Bola Tunubu, Niger State Government, APC Governors and Ministers as well as his Family announced the donation of N250 million academic scholarship to Auwalu Salisu, a Keke Napep driver from Kano who found and returned N15 million to a citizen of Chad Republic.

    He applauded the honesty and exemplary decision of Auwalu Salisu, adding that there are more of such people in the society that need to be identified and celebrated.

    The Farmer Governor promised to name one street in Minna after Auwalu Salisu.

    President Ahmed Bola Tinubu who bagged the Leadership Person of the Year 2023 was represented by his Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alh. Mohammed Idris Malagi.

    He acknowledged that Nigeria is in a difficult moment but that it will come out of it strongly as his administration will continue to make decisions that would be of great benefit to all, even as he appealed for more patience and understanding from Nigerians.

    In his keynote address, the former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and founder of Sogato Strategies, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, spoke on the theme “Nigeria’s Distress Economy; which way forward”, stressed that bad governance, population crisis, inadequate and unstable electricity, and lack of strategy, among others by successive administrations have been the bane of Nigeria’s economy crisis.

    He however made some recommendations to the Federal Government such as the N20 billion bond to fund a strategic project comprising railway, housing and agriculture; cut the cost of governance; respect institutions’ independence; and think structurally among others.

    Earlier, the Chairman of Leadership Group, Mrs. Zainab Nda Isaiah said the award was to give a spotlight to those considered to be well deserving of the awards in various categories.

    While congratulating the awardees, The Chairman also commended them for their passion and zeal for the development of humanity and the nation.

    Auwalu Salisu was also given a scholarship at Baze University by the Labour Party Presidential Candidate and former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi who was also an awardee and his Vice Presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Ahmed.

    Niger State had a powerful delegation including serving Federal and State lawmakers from the State, Members of the State Executive Council, State ALGON Chairman, Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers and key government officials at the event.

  • Uma Ukpai reacts after bagging Lifetime Achievement award

    Uma Ukpai reacts after bagging Lifetime Achievement award

    Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, President of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association Inc., (UUEA) has expressed surprise at being selected as winner of The Sun Lifetime Achievement Award 2023.

    In his remarks when he was presented with the award, Ukpai expressed gratitude to The Sun Newspaper for the honour bestowed on him.

    “I am completely short of words over my “Nomination for the Sun Lifetime Achievement Award 2023”. I became more inquisitive about the content of the letter dated November 20,2023.

    “The content was that, “After a Rigorous Selection Process”, the Board of Editors of the Sun Publishing Limited, “Picked” me as the, “Winner of The Sun Life Time Achievement Award For 2023”.

    “Honestly speaking, that was a surprise and probably flabbergasting, because this is an acknowledgment and validation of the fact that God watches over the affairs of men on earth,” Ukpai said.

    The revered Man of God went on to say: “The Mass Media, particularly, The Sun Newspaper, over the years watches over what we do, how we do it, when we do it and who benefits from what we do.

    “Hence, the Social Responsibility Functions of the Mass Media, particularly the Sun Newspaper, as the “Watch Dog of the society, Gate Keeper of the Society, Court of Public Opinion and Conscience of the Society.

    “Therefore, on behalf of my humble self, my wife – Pastor (Dr.) Mrs. Philomena O. Uma, my family and the entire members of our fellowship, The Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association Inc., we want to say a very big thank you for this great honour, acknowledgment and validation of what we do, who we are and how we have been able to lend a helping hand to our fellow brothers and sisters.

    “In other words, a show of love which God commanded us to do.

    “This day will therefore remain historically remarkable in the history of our historic event.

    “Ladies and Gentlemen, it might interest you to know that the humble journey of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic dates back to 1972 when we responded to God’s visitation in 1959, while in Ogoni, in the present Rivers State, Nigeria.

    “And since then, till now, the God we serve has been unbelievably faithful in all ramifications against all odds.

    “Aside from ministering the word of God to millions of faithfuls over the fifty countries, our ministry in addition has equally reached out to hundreds of Nigerians through our Social Responsibility Platforms, like the Uma Ukpai Fashion School, Uma Ukpai School of Theology, Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, Radiance Entrepreneurial Development Service Limited, an affiliate of Joseph Business School, Chicago in United States of America.

    “Our commitment to pulling people out of poverty has vividly exemplified and validated last year 2023, when we brought succour to hundreds of Nigerians with donations of millions of naira, donations of sewing machines and other items that will put smiles and hope in the hearts of the needy.

    “We have also given academic scholarships to students of Uma Ukpai School of Theology, Asaga, Ohafia and University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, worth 75 million within 5 years.

    “I want to assure you all that with God on our side, The Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, will continue to do what it is known and even more.

    “Therefore, on behalf of my humble self, my wife, and the entire members of our Association, we want to say a very big thank you, to Nigerians, Board of the Editors of The Sun Newspaper, Publishers of Daily Sun, Saturday Sun, Sunday Sun and The Sporting Sun for this great recognition. Thank you very much”.

  • Delta emerges Nigeria’s safest state for oil and gas investments

    Delta emerges Nigeria’s safest state for oil and gas investments

    Delta State has won the safest state award for Oil and Gas investments in the country at the Nigeria Oil & Gas Forum and award night.

    The award ceremony was organised by the founder Ms Nafisa Aliyu Haruna and sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja on Friday night.

    Presenting the award, Ms Haruna stated that Delta State has contributed immensely to increased oil and gas production in Nigeria.

    She stated that Delta State emerged first from the opinion poll carried out within the industry, as the safest in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.

    Receiving the award, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori thanked the organisers for the well deserved award, saying the state government remained irrevocably committed to ensuring peace and sustainable development of the state.

    Governor Oborevwori who was represented by the Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, dedicated the award to God and to Deltans who’s mandate was reaffirmed by the Supreme Court last week Friday.

    The Commissioner stated that the achievement of peace in Delta State, particularly in the oil and gas sector, is a testament to the implementation of the MORE agenda of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori led administration.

    He further stated that in implementing the MORE Agenda, the Governor awarded roads and brought Julius Beger to construct three flyovers, cloverleaf, pedestrian bridges and road expansion at the cost of N78 billion naira.

    “Upon the removal of the fuel subsidy, as a responsive government palliative was given to Delta civil servants and paid N10,000 each for three months to cushion effect of the hard economy occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy effect and were also granted rotational working days of 2-3 days in a week.

    “Governor Oborevwori approved the payment of promotion arrears to civil servants of over N5 billion, payment of N40 billion pension arrears to local government workers and primary school teachers.

    “Other projects include; reconstruction of Uti road, Effurun, rehabilitation of failed portions of PTI Road Effurun, rehabilitation of old Abraka – Umutu road, completion of lecture halls, auditoriums and administrative block at Dennis Osadebay University Asaba.

    “The Oborevwori administration also completed Administrative block, internal roads, Vice Chancellor and Principal Officers Lodge at Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, lighting up of Warri and other towns.”

    Oyibode further listed other projects to include ongoing construction of engineering faculty and faculty of Environmental Sciences at University of Delta, Owa-Alero campus, construction of ring road in Ughelli.

    “Others are construction of bypass from Benin/Warri Expressway through Adagbrasa/Okan/Agbarho, ongoing Orere bridge and access road and the ongoing construction of Ughelli/Asaba road dualisation among others.

    “In light of the above, the people of Delta State now see hope in the dividends of democracy and have trust and confidence in the government they voted for hence the peace we currently enjoy in the oil and gas sector.

    “Indeed Delta State under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is indeed a safe haven for investors in the oil and gas sector,” Oyibode said.

  • Who is Owolabi Williams honoured with U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement award?

    Who is Owolabi Williams honoured with U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement award?

    Mr Owolabi Williams, the Founder and President of the Boys Lead Foundation, has been honoured with the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards.

    This coincided with Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. Day, a day symbolising justice, community service, and empowerment.

    This is contained in a statement signed by his Publicist, Ijeoma Thomas-Odia, on Monday in Lagos.

    Williams is a renowned leader whose focus is on developing and empowering boys and young men.

    “As the Founder and President of the Boys Lead Foundation, Williams has been a pivotal figure in youth development, impacting lives across seven countries and 12 cities.

    “This prestigious award was in recognition of Williams’ unwavering dedication and significant contributions to nurturing the younger generation.

    “His organisation, Boys Lead Foundation, has become a cornerstone in fostering self-reliance, volunteerism, and confidence among boys and young men, thereby equipping them to be leaders,” said the statement.

    Williams was quoted by the statement as saying that the award was symbolic.

    “The conferment of this award on Martin Luther King Jr. Day is profoundly symbolic. It aligns with our mission at Boys Lead Foundation and my personal vision.

    “This honour is a testament to the collective efforts of our team members across the globe in empowering young minds and a commitment to continue this vital work.”

    “Under Williams’ visionary leadership, Boys Lead Foundation, has expanded its reach, implementing various programs that focus on education, mentorship, leadership training, and community engagement, thus making a tangible difference in the lives of young men,” he said.

    The award highlights the necessity of nurturing young male leaders and acknowledges the impactful work of individuals like Owolabi Williams in communities around the globe.

    It serves as a beacon of inspiration, urging continued dedication to the cause of youth empowerment.

  • Oweh bags UI worthy ambassador award

    Oweh bags UI worthy ambassador award

    The University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) Worldwide, has presented the Chairman-designate Delta State Hospitals Management Board (HMB), Dr Paul Oweh, with an award of excellence as a worthy ambassador of the premier university.

    The award was presented to Dr. Oweh at a luncheon and award of honours to mark the university’s 75th anniversary, held at Metropolitan Club Hall in Lagos on Saturday.

    According to Prof. Saawua Gabriel Nyityo, Worldwide President of UIAA “the award is in recognition of Dr Oweh’s significant contribution to the medical profession and development of the university”.

    Dr Oweh, a medical doctor and lawyer was in company of his wife, Princess Oghale Oweh, Member Representing Isoko Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko and some members of the Emevor and Isoko community in Lagos.

    The event also had in attendance, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and immediate past Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Obi of Issele-Uku Kingdom, HRM Obi Nduka Ezeagwuna II, who were honoured with Alumnus of the year and Most Distinguished Alumnus Award.

    In an interview with journalists, Dr Oweh expressed gratitude to God and the UIAA for recognising him amidst eminently qualified Nigerians and pledged to continue contributing his quota towards uplifting the image of the university and development of the country.

  • CAF Award 2023: Oshoala makes preliminary shortlist for women’s categories [Full list]

    CAF Award 2023: Oshoala makes preliminary shortlist for women’s categories [Full list]

    Nigeria and Barcelona FC’s Asisat Oshoala was amongst other preliminary nominees shortlisted by CAF for the various women’s categories for the CAF Awards 2023.

    A statement on the CAF website on Tuesday, said a  panel made up of CAF Technical Experts, Legends, and selected media representatives decided on the nominees.

    It said they took into consideration their performances at all levels from December 2022 to November 2023.

    “Just as in the men’s category, the best women’s goalkeeper will be rewarded for the first time to celebrate the heroic efforts of the shot-stoppers.

    “10 players have been nominated for the first-ever CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.

    “In the other categories, 30 players will vie for the prestigious Player of the Year, which Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala claimed for a record fifth time.

    “This was during the last Awards Gala in July 2022 in Rabat, Morocco,” it said.

    It added that 10 nominees each had been penciled for the Interclub Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, National Team of the Year and Young Player of the Year.

    It explained that the Young Player of the Year award was limited to players not more than 21 years.

    It added that the finalists of the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League Cote d’Ivoire 2023 had each been rewarded with a place in the Club of the Year category.

    “The winner of each category will be decided after votes from a voting panel.

    “The panel consists of CAF Technical Committee, media professionals from Member Associations, Head Coaches and Captains of Member.

    ” Others are associations and clubs involved at the group stages of the Interclub competitions.

    “The Awards Gala is to be graced by the crème de la crème of African football on 11 December 2023 in Marrakech, Morocco,” it said.

    Full List of Nominees (in alphabetic order by Member Association):

    Player of the Year (Women)

    1.     Ajara Nchout Njoya (Cameroon, Internazionale Milano)

    2.     Evelyn Badu (Ghana, Avaldnes)

    3.     Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi, Paris Saint-Germain)

    4.     Temwa Chawinga (Malawi, Wuhan Jiangda)

    5.     Anissa Lahmari (Morocco, Levante Las Planas)

    6.     Fatima Tagnaout (Morocco, AS FAR)

    7.     Ghizlaine Chebbak (Morocco, AS FAR)

    8.     Ibtissam Jraidi (Morocco, AS FAR/Al Ahli)

    9.     Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco, AS FAR)

    10.  Zenatha Coleman (Namibia, Fenerbahce)

    11.  Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria, Barcelona)

    12.  Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria, Paris FC)

    13.  Christy Ucheibe (Nigeria, Benfica)

    14.  Osinachi Ohale (Nigeria, Alaves/Pachuca)

    15.  Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria, Atletico Madrid)

    16.  Toni Payne (Nigeria, Sevilla)

    17.  Uchenna Kanu (Nigeria, Tigres/Racing Louisville)

    18.  Ndeye Awa Diakhaté (Senegal, Olympique de Marseille)

    19.  Andile Dlamini (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)

    20.  Hilda Magaia (South Africa, Sejong Sportstoto)

    21.  Jermaine Seoposenwe (South Africa, Juarez/Monterrey)

    22.  Linda Motlhalo (South Africa, Glasgow City)

    23.  Refiloe Jane (South Africa, Sassuolo)

    24.  Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa, Racing Louisville)

    25.  Afi Sabine Woedikou (Togo, Strasbourg/Nantes)

    26.  Sabrina Ellouzi (Tunisia, Excelsior)

    27.  Fazila Ikwaput (Uganda, Kampala Queens)

    28.  Barbara Banda (Zambia, Shanghai Shengli)

    29.  Grace Chanda (Zambia, Madrid CFF)

    30.  Rachael Kundananji (Zambia, Madrid CFF)

    Goalkeeper of the Year (Women)

    1.     Ange Bawou (Cameroon, Bayelsa Queens/ BIIK-Shymkent)

    2.     Dolores Hernandez Masongo (Equatorial Guinea, Huracanes)

    3.     Imane Abdelahad (Morocco, SC Casablanca)

    4.     Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco, AS FAR)

    5.     Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria, Paris FC)

    6.     Andile Dlamini (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)

    7.     Kaylin Swart (South Africa, JVW)

    8.     Najiat Abass Idrisa (Tanzania, JKT Queens)

    9.     Catherine Musonda (Zambia, Tomiris Turan)

    10.  Cynthia Shongwe (Zimbabwe, Harare City)

    Interclub Player of the Year (Women)

    1.     Refilwe Tholakele (Botswana, Mamelodi Sundowns)

    2.     N’Guessan Nadege Koffi (Cote d’Ivoire, SC Casablanca)

    3.     Elena Oyana (Equatorial Guinea, Huracanes)

    4.     Comfort Yeboah (Ghana, Ampem Darkoa)

    5.     Tracy Twum (Ghana, Ampem Darkoa)

    6.     Oumou Kone (Mali, AS Mande)

    7.     Aziza Rabbah (Morocco, AS FAR)

    8.     Fatima Tagnaout (Morocco, AS FAR)

    9.     Ghizlaine Chebbak (Morocco, AS FAR)

    10.  Lebohang Ramalepe (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)

    Young Player of the Year (not more than 21 years)

    1.     Comfort Yeboah (Ghana, Ampem Darkoa)

    2.     Mary Amponsah (Ghana, Ampem Darkoa)

    3.     Nesryne El Chad (Morocco, Lille)

    4.     Deborah Abiodun (Nigeria, Pittsburg Panthers)

    5.     Esther Opeyemi Ajakaye (Nigeria, Delta Queens)

    6.     Oluwatosin Demehin (Nigeria, Stade Reims)

    7.     Hapsatou Malado Diallo (Senegal, USPA/Eibar)

    8.     Thubelihle Shamase (South Africa, University of Johannesburg FC)

    9.     Winifreda Gerald (Tanzania, JKT Queens)

    10.  Fauzia Najjemba (Uganda, Dynamo Moscow)

    Coach of the Year (Women)

    1.     Nana Joe Adarkwa (Ampem Darkoa)

    2.     Lovemore Fazili (Malawi)

    3.     Mehdi El Qaichouri (SC Casablanca)

    4.     Mohamed Amine Alioua (AS FAR)

    5.     Reynald Pedros (Morocco)

    6.     Randy Waldrum (Nigeria)

    7.     Mame Moussa Cisse (Senegal)

    8.     Desiree Ellis (South Africa)

    9.     Jerry Tshabalala (Mamelodi Sundowns)

    10.  Esther Chabruma (JKT Queens)

    National Team of the Year (Women)

    1.     Burkina Faso

    2.     Burundi

    3.     Ghana

    4.     Malawi

    5.     Morocco

    6.     Nigeria

    7.     Senegal

    8.     South Africa

    9.     Tanzania

    10.  Zambia

    Club of the Year (Women)

    1.     Athletico d’Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire)

    2.     Huracanes (Equatorial Guinea)

    3.     Ampem Darkoa (Ghana)

    4.     AS Mande (Mali)

    5.     AS FAR (Morocco)

    6.     SC Casablanca (Morocco)

    7.     Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

    8.     JKT Queens (Tanzania)

  • US President’s Lifetime Achievement Award nominates Nigerian Don

    US President’s Lifetime Achievement Award nominates Nigerian Don

    A U.S.-based Nigerian, Prof. Monday Gold, has been nominated for the United States President’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

    Gold, a professor of Business Administration, is President of Ijaw Diaspora Council (IDC) and hails from Delta.

    The announcement is contained in a letter, signed by Dr. Agorom  Dike, President and CEO of the Caribbean and African Faith-Based Leadership Conference (CAFBLC) & Liaison to the White House Faith-Based Cabinet Offices.

    According to CAFBLC, the laurel is in recognition of Gold’s outstanding service to community development and  humanitarian outreach.

    Gold is also being honoured for his exemplary effort in philanthropy, and other initiatives that foster hope and healing within the US and beyond.

    The letter noted that Gold would receive the Award at the 10th Anniversary of the African & Caribbean International Leadership Conference.

    The event is scheduled for Nov. 16 to 18 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, Washington D.C._

    According to the letter, “Gold is being honoured in his capacity as a global influencer, humanitarian, and advocate for social justice.”

    “The mission of this conference is to promote transformational leadership, civic engagement, social justice, and economic development through partnerships with faith, civic, cooperative, government, and diaspora leaders and organisations.

    “All nationalities, races and ethnic groups are invited to network, fellowship, and develop business relationships with leaders from every sector of our Global African and Caribbean Community,” the letter read in part.

    The conference will also host civil society leaders, including faith-based actors, dignitaries, business leaders, and government officials from the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean.

    It will involve key policymakers in the Biden Administration.

    CAFBLC also noted that the Awards Gala aims to recognize the services and volunteerism of outstanding industry, civic, faith-based, and government leaders.

    Development, humanitarian outreach, and other initiatives that foster hope and healing throughout global African and Caribbean Communities will be recognized at the event.

    “We have invited several renowned African and Caribbean personalities to speak on panels and receive international awards for their humanitarian outreach and economic development work

    “The awards gala will culminate in our 10th-year annual conference and honour the accomplishments of leaders who operate from a faith-based perspective, especially major issues like religious liberty, humanitarian concerns, and social justice,” CAFBLC stated.

  • Nigerian school emerges third best globally in computer coding competition+Photos

    Nigerian school emerges third best globally in computer coding competition+Photos

    A Nigerian school, Bishop Okoye Spiritan secondary in Rivers State has emerged third best in computer coding global competition in Paris.

    BOSSS I-STEM TEAM 2023 garners 2 Gold Medals, 5 Silver medals and 3 Bronze medals in the just concluded International STEM Olympiad at Paris, France held in July.

    BOSSS was the only secondary school from Nigeria and West Africa and has been officially recognised as an International STEM school globally.

    A Deltan from Isoko North LGA, Adaighofua Nicholas Obaro was among others who won Bronze Medal in computer coding.

  • FRSC wins NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel football fiesta, beat FHC 6-5 on penalty shoot out+Photos

    FRSC wins NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel football fiesta, beat FHC 6-5 on penalty shoot out+Photos

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Saturday emerged the winner of  a maiden edition of the  Nigerian Union of Journalists( NUJ) FCT Correspondents Chapel’s three-day football tournament.

    Safety Shooters defeated Federal High Court (FHC) 6-5 on penalty to emerge the winner after the game ended 1-1 in regulation time.

    Meanwhile, NUJ President Christopher Isiguzo led FCT Correspondents Chapel’s team defeated Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)  3-2  in a keenly contested novelty match played shortly after the final.

    The Special Guest of Honor and  Corps Marshal Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dauda Ali Biu who was represented by the Corps’ Public Education Officer Bisi Kazeem commended NUJ Correspondents Chapel for her efforts in organizing the tournament.

    He described the sporting activity by the media as a step in the right direction said the importance of sport in the country cannot be overemphasized.

    Bisi said ” This collaboration is not just beginning it started sometime in 2019 , I remember very vividly we had the finals in one secondary school in zone three and we won that year too”

    “When you talk about collaboration I think apart from our stakeholders that are union members, we want to give it to the journalists having been one of our major stakeholders who have been propagating our deals, when you look at our functions you will see we have a function known as public education that is out to educate the motorists on how to best use our roads and without the media there is no how we can achieve this function very effectively, so we want to say thank for being there always criticizing us constructively and exposing us to alot of Publicity ”

    ” Talking about sports you remember that sometime in 2017 we started walking jogging with one of the immediate past corps marshals, that is Osita Chidoka so we take sports very seriously and this collaboration will continue as far as you continue to call us we will continue to collaborate with you” he added

    Also speaking the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Christophef Isiguzo commended the leadership of the NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel describing the tournament as the first of its kind

    He said ” this exercise organised by the correspondent Chapel is the first time and it simply goes to show the kind of leadership we have in the chapel”

    “The leadership believes in coming out with wonderful initiative, executing them and they are this successful so i must have to congratulate the correspondents leadership for putting this together”

    ” At this time I want to congratulate the participating teams that have taken part in this three day competition which started from Thursday till today they have to a very large extent demonstrated the spirit of sportsmanship while engaging in this competition.

    “Indeed it is so exciting that journalists can come together to exercise, often times we work round the clock we hardly have time to unwind, to exercise. Indeed the other participanting teams they engage in this exercise always but today it is good we all abandoned all to come and exercise. It is important we engage in periodic exercise” he added

    While commending the NUJ correspondents chapel for winning the novelty match against the Nigeria Bar Association NBA, he said there is no Victor, no vanquish

    Also speaking at the event Veteran Journalist and Managing Editor Northern Region The Nation Newspaper, Yusuf Alli praised the FCT NUJ Correspondents Chapel for a job welldone.

    Alli described the outing as the first of its kind and looked forward to another interesting tournament in the future.

    Speaking earlier the Chairman NUJ FCT Correspondents, Mr. Jide Oyekunle said the tournament is not tailored to make winning the overall aim but to further boost and strengthen friendly relationships among the participating organizations in the interest of the country.

    He said there is a need to leverage on the sporting activities to bridge the gap
    and align interests across board for the purpose of better working relationships.

    According to him, today marks a milestone in the history of our Union with the successful hosting of our 3-Day Football Tournament as part of activities to formally unveil our football team ” TEAM CORRESPONDENTS ”

    ” In the course of carrying out our statutory responsibilities, we cross each other’s paths by commission or omission, which at times may have resulted in misunderstanding and bickering.

    “This event will further promote the working relationship, collaboration and synergy among the participating organizations.

    ” For us at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, we have played the game and we have  succeeded teaching other participating organizations the rudiments, principles and fundamentals of soccer ”

    The highlight of the event includes; presentation of the trophies to the winning team and sponsors , presentation of medals, inauguration of “TEAM CORRESPONDENTS” , presentation of customized jersey to the NUJ President and others.

    However,  the three days tournament which kicked off on Thursday saw,  NDLEA winning NOA by one nil. Others results on group stage  include; NPF 3-0 NMA, FRSC 1-0 NUJ, FHC 2-0 NBA,

    FHC defeated NDLEA 2-0 to set up the final against FRSC who also defeated NPF 3-2 on penalty after the game ended 1-1 in regulation time

    The tournament was sponsored by Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi (Managing Partner Law Corridor ), Julius Berger Nigeria, TI’ Bilon Construction, OrderPaper,  Red Cross, FCT FA, FCTA , Hypeplug, GMW Insurance Brokers Ltd,  A New Thing International Foundation and Ti’. Bilon Healthcare Foundation