Students visit National Library to commemorate 2025 Reading Week in Ilorin

Some students of ITree Group of Schools on Monday embarked on a trip to the National Library in Ilorin, Kwara state to commemorate the school's 2025 Reading Week.

ITree Group of Schools have for the past 16 years always celebrated its reading week in the month of June on a yearly basis.

Mrs Evelyn Balogun, an Educationist and Executive Director of ITree group of schools, Ilorin told newsmen that the idea behind celebrating the week was to promote the "Reading culture" amongst the students of the school.

Balogun said to usher in the school's 2025 Reading Week, the learners took a trip to the apex library- the National Library.

She explained that the learners explored the National Library in Ilorin, Kwara State, adding that it was a perfect prelude to the school's upcoming Reading Week. 

"In the course of the visit, the Learners were warmly received by the management of the Library.

"They were enlightened on the importance of reading and the services rendered by the Library and materials in the library.

"They learned all about how libraries work, the value of books, and the endless knowledge waiting on every shelf. 

"Seeing young minds light up around books reminds us why we read, share, and celebrate stories.

"What a great way to spark curiosity and a lifelong love of reading," she said.

The Executive director noted that the guest speaker at the Reading Week Opening was Kwara Branch Librarian, adding that the learners were inspired by his speech.

"At the grand opening of the 2024/2025 academic year Reading Week, a special guest, Mr. Mustapha Usman, from the Kwara branch of the National Library graced the occasion. 

"The Librarian delivered an inspiring talk to the learners, focusing on the importance of reading.

"The session was engaging and enlightening, leaving the learners excited and motivated to embrace reading as a daily habit," she said.

The 2025 Reading Week with the theme, "Unlocking the Magic in Reading," commenced on Monday and will end on Friday.

2025 LGAN golf championship: Agbo wins best gross winner - By Ado Salisu

Teenage golfing sensation, Grace Agbo of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, is the champion of the 2025 Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) Northern zone Golf Championship.

 

The championship that commenced on Wednesday ended on Saturday in Minna, Niger.

 

No fewer than 250 golfers from across the country jostled for honours at the unique and lush green course of the Minna Cantonment Golf Club (MCGC).

 

Agbo emerged the best gross champion after she returned a total gross score of 246 over three days to beat 45 other lady golfers who made the final cut in the ladies handicap 0-18 female category.

 

The 18-year-old overcame initial nerves, which saw her returning a disappointing 90 gross on Day 1 as she dropped to the fourth position on the leaderboard.

 

She, however, bounced back, returning 83 gross to tie for second with Janet Ali (87, 86) on Day 2.

 

Agbo carried the momentum to the third and final day, where she played her best golf of the championship, returning an impressive 73 gross to claim an emphatic victory.

 

“First of all, I want to say thank you to God Almighty for this victory.

 

“I also want to express my sincere gratitude to my caddy Emmanuel and my coach for their useful tips and guidance throughout the tournament.

 

“I think this is one of my best wins ever because I came out with a good score, even though I started my game initially on the back foot because I was nervous.

 

“My greatest challenge was the presence of the mango trees everywhere on the course, but I conquered my fears and anxiety after day 1 and never looked back afterwards.

 

“My goal is to continue to build on what I have achieved so far in the game as I look forward to becoming a pro very soon, and represent Nigeria in different tours and courses around the world,” she said.

 

Her closest challenger, Justina Gideon, returned a total gross score of 259 after playing 87, 86, 86 over three days to finish second, beating Janet Ali on count back.

 

Ali had to settle for the third position after she also returned a total gross score of 259, playing 86, 88, 85 over three days.

 

Rahama Inusa, who had initially shot to the top of the leader board on Day 1 with an impressive 82 gross and maintained her lead on Day 2 with 87 gross, failed to hold on to her lead (-4).

 

Inusa looked poised to give the other top three lady golfers a run for their money going into the final day.

 

She, however, cracked under pressure in the crucial moments to finish fourth on the leaderboard after returning a disappointing 91 gross on Day 3 for a total gross score of 260 over three days.

 

In other results, Bose Ilori emerged winner of the ladies handicap 19 – 28 category after she returned a total of 275 gross (93, 93, 89) over three days.

 

LGAN President Evelyn Oyome was the winner of the ladies’ guest category after she returned a total of 169 gross (85, 84) over two days.

 

The ladies' veterans category’s top prize went to Saleh Martina after she returned 204 gross (101, 103) over two days.

 

Also, Habiba Ibrahim emerged winner of the ladies’ special category for handicap 29 – 36 after she returned 115 gross.

 

The winners of the different categories, as well as all participants, went home with trophies, medals, and beautiful gifts.

 

Dr Lami Ahmed, LGAN’s 1st Vice President, who was full of praise for all who made the event successful, expressed her gratitude to the LOC, the Commandant, TRADOC, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Kevin Aligbe, the Captain of MCGC, Brig. Gen. H.M. Abubakar, the Patron of MCGC, Amb. John Gana, and the Vice Captain of MCGC, Gerald Jerry

Others were Yakubu Kolo the Honourable Commissioner of Environment for Niger State, AVM Haruna, Mohammed Ndayako, SAN, 

and Hajia Wasilat Nana Abubakar who represented H.E. Pauline Tallen at the event.

 

She also thanked all the LGAN vice presidents from the various zones and LGAN National Executive members for their presence, which she noted made the event truly special.

They include Evelyn Balogun (LGAN Zonal VP West), Princess Habibah (LGAN Zonal VP, South), and Ochuko Orogun (LGAN Handicap/Competition Secretary).

 The lady captains of the various clubs from the north who graced the event were Bose Onwuegbu (I.E. Ibas Golf Club, Karshi and Nigeria Golf Federation Executive board member), Maureen Apute (TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Abuja), Christiana Emmanuel (Jaji Golf Club), and Helen Ayo (O.O Soleye Golf Club, Lokoja, Kogi State).

Others include Jamila Abdullahi (Katsina Golf Club), Esther Bituing (Shiroro Golf Club), Ruth Maren (Lafia Golf Club, Nasarawa State), Aisha Audu (Kano Golf Club), and Christy Odey (Minna Cantonment Golf Club, Niger State)

“On behalf of the National President, Evelyn Oyome, and the entire team, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for joining us at the golf tournament at the Minna Cantonment Golf Club.

 

“We are deeply indebted in gratitude to all our sponsors and stakeholders whose financial contributions and faith in LGAN made this happen.

 

“I wish us all safe travels back home, and I’m looking forward to seeing you again soon. Thank you for playing the tournament,” she said.

 A special presentation was made to the TRADOC Commandant, the Captain of the club, other club officials, as well as other distinguished guests.

The LGAN National Executives were also not left out as they were duly honoured and received special gifts from the 1st Vice president, Dr Lami Ahmed.

Evelyn Balogun, LGAN Zonal VP West also made a special presentation to Dr Lami Ahmed on behalf of the National President, Evelyn Oyome.

Also, the LOC Chairperson, Maureen Apute, expressed her gratitude on behalf of the 1st Zonal Vice President, Dr Ahmed, and the entire LOC.

 

Apute noted that the tournament brought together golfers from diverse backgrounds, ages, and skill levels.

 

“I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our national president, Evelyn Oyome, for joining us at the golf tournament at the Minna Cantonment Golf Club.

 

“Your presence made the event truly special, and we hope you had a wonderful time both on and off the course.

 

“To the captain MCGC and Exco members, we all are most grateful for being our host. We really had fun.

 

“Our profound gratitude also goes to all our sponsors and stakeholders whose financial contributions and faith in LGAN made this happen.

 

“To our beautiful lady golfers from all over the country you made this tournament so colourful and enjoyable,

 

“To our wonderful men and support system, thank you for honouring our invitation to be part of this tournament. Above all, we want to thank God for a successful outing,” she said

NSSF National Table Tennis Championships Kick Off in Lagos

The Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) National Table Tennis Championships is set to begin on Monday, June 23, at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

This two-day tournament is part of NSSF’s ongoing efforts to provide students across Nigeria with a platform to showcase their talents, identify and nurture future stars.NSSF will further ensure that Outstanding student athletes have the plartform to compete with their counterparts in various international competitions.

According to Dr. Oba Funsho Usman, Secretary General of the NSSF, the championship, is designed to expose young players to competitive match experience within the country as a foundation for international grooming.

“We are fully aware of Nigeria’s rich pool of sporting talent. At NSSF, our goal is to create a level playing field for students nationwide to showcase their abilities. This tournament is not just about competition—it’s about giving every student a chance to be seen, supported, and developed into future stars,” said Dr. Usman.

He further emphasized that the event aligns with the federation’s broader mission of preparing students for elite-level competition beyond Nigeria’s borders.

“We’ve invited teams from across the country, and we’re confident this will provide a valuable platform for athletes to test themselves against their peers. With the involvement of national technical crews, we’re ensuring that the best talents are identified and prepared for major competitions,” he added.

Nestle Milo Inter Secondary Schools basketball finals begins in Lagos

The final stage of the 25th edition of Inter secondary schools Nestle Milo basketball championship for boys and girls categories commenced at the indoor sports Hall of the national stadium Surulere, Lagos.

The championship which is being organized by the Nigerian School Sports Federation NSSF inconjuction with other relevant agencies with aims catch them young.

After the four conferences held in Kano, Asaba, Delta state, Federal Capital Territory FCT Abuja and Oyo state which produced the winners, the final stage of the championship is expected to be unique, as the organisers and sponsors are set to celebrate the 25th edition of the championship.

The NSSF President Mrs Olabisi Joseph who spoke through the federation's spokesperson, Sagir Sani said arrangements have been put in place towards the success of the competitions.

While expressing appreciation to the key stakeholders and all those who have contributed in one way or the other for the success recorded for over two decades, she pledged that NSSF will continue to do their best in order to develop various sporting activities in the country.

The President however, commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission NSC, led by Malam Shehu Dikko, and the competition's sponsors for their commitment and support to the development of sports across the country.

Earlier, some of the matches played, Bayelsa defeated Adamawa 41-23 and Osun beat Oyo 40-30 in the girls category while the boys category saw Lagos pipped Bayelsa 40-37 and Adamawa manage 43-40 victory over Abuja.

The matches continue tomorrow at the same venue.

Sallah Break: Resumption Dates Announce for Kano Schools

Kano State Ministry of Education has announced Sunday 15th June 2025 as the resumption date for all Boarding Public/Private Primary and Post Primary Schools from the Eid-El Kabeer Break.

A statement signed by the Director Public Enlightenment of the Ministry Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, discloses that Pupils and Students in Day schools are to resume on Monday 16th June, 2025 respectively. 

The statement therefore enjoins Parents/Guardians of Students to take note of the resumption date to ensure total compliance. 

It warns that appropriate Disciplinary Action would be taken against defaulting Students/Pupils.

The Statement also quoted the Commissioner of the Ministry Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda wishing both teachers, students and pupils for successful completion of the 3rd term academic session, emphasizing that the Ministry would continue with intensive routine monitoring exercise to ensure staff punctuality and efficiency.

Inside Naima Kitchen: Saudi-Born Nigerian’s Culinary Hub Serves Nigerian Pilgrims in Makkah

By Nura Ahmad 

A Saudi-born Nigerian entrepreneur, Almu’allim Nuh Idris Saleh Alfallata, has opened his doors to the media, offering a rare glimpse into the operations of Naima Kitchen, a food service facility catering to thousands of Nigerian pilgrims and other international clients during the Hajj season in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Established over a decade ago under Daam Almawasem Company, Naima Kitchen has grown to become a key player in Hajj catering services, this year securing contracts to feed pilgrims from six Nigerian states—Kano, Plateau, Jigawa, Niger, Adamawa, and Taraba—during the 2025 Hajj exercise.

Speaking during the media tour, Alfallata, who was born and raised in Makkah to Nigerian parents, said the kitchen’s services extend beyond Nigerian contingents. “We also serve pilgrims from countries such as Ghana, Egypt, Guinea, and India,” he said.

On the day of the visit, the kitchen was preparing a menu that included Jollof rice with chicken and fruits, as well as Semovita with Miyan Kuka—carefully selected to align with the dietary preferences of Nigerian pilgrims from different regions.

Journalists were taken on a guided tour of the facility, which featured several operational zones. These included a fully stocked food store containing essential ingredients like Indian rice, Myanmar beans, and Nigerian palm oil. Another highlight was the cold storage rooms, operating at -15 degrees Celsius, where frozen items such as meat, poultry, eggs, and beverages were kept.

The team also visited the fresh produce section where tomatoes, onions, and peppers were being processed for use in upcoming meals. In the cooking area, staff were seen actively preparing and packaging meals, under the supervision of the company’s chief dietitian, to ensure full compliance with health regulations laid down by the Saudi Ministry of Health.

Operational staff at the kitchen expressed satisfaction with their working conditions. Abdul’azee and Abdul Rahman, two staff members, commended the founder for prompt payment of salaries and providing a supportive work environment.

The tour concluded at the dispatch area, where neatly packaged meals were being loaded into delivery trucks for distribution to pilgrims’ accommodations across Makkah.