NFF President Affirms NPFL Season Kickoff for August 22

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has reiterated that there will be no change to the kickoff date of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, which is scheduled to begin on August 22.

Speaking on Friday in Lafia while declaring open the NPFL 2025/26 pre-season seminar, Gusau described it as a positive development that the league calendar now aligns with that of European clubs. He urged stakeholders to maintain their support for the Gbenga Elegbeleye-led board, which achieved the milestone.

 “When we came on board, we had no choice but to opt for an abridged league. This paved the way for achieving uniformity, as our league ended in May last season. This season, too, we will start on August 22 as scheduled,” he said.

The NFF President praised the NPFL board for amplifying the league’s profile to the international community and for their commitment to adopting global best practices.

Earlier, NPFL Chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye assured that the board will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders to promote the league and attract sponsorship, promising to sustain the high standards set over the past two seasons.

The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, representing Governor Abdullahi Sule, commended the NPFL for choosing Nasarawa State as the host of the pre-season seminar and pledged continued support for football development in Nigeria.

The seminar brought together all 20 NPFL media officers, along with the league’s Chief Security Officer and the Chairman of the Supporters Club, for training sessions ahead of the new season.

NLNG RA Gymnastics Club shines at South African Championship

Nigerian gymnastics took center stage at the Centurion Gymnastics Centre Club Competition in South Africa, with NNLG RA Gymnastics Club emerging as one of the standout Nigerian teams, clinching a memorable gold medal and delivering strong performances that underscored the club’s rising prominence.

The international event in Centurion, Pretoria, attracted over 250 gymnasts from clubs across South Africa and Uganda, including renowned clubs such as Klerksdorp, Centurion, Tuks, Visions, Paragon, Bloemfontein, and Jacobsdal.

Nigeria was represented by two clubs -TIG International Gymnastics Club

and NNLG RA Gymnastics Club — both showcasing immense talent and discipline.

However, NLNG RA’s gymnasts captured attention with their resilience and technical brilliance.

 *Oluwapelumi Ilesanmi Shines for NNLG RA* 

The highlight for NNLG RA was Oluwapelumi Ilesanmi’s gold medal-winning performance, which she described as a “dream come true.”

> “I was very happy and shocked when my name was mentioned,” Ilesanmi said with pride.

“I sincerely want to thank Coach Timmy and Coach Tony, my dance instructors, my teammates- Joan Ezechukwu and Ayobami Oyelahan; NNLG RA Dance and Gymnastics Academy, and especially my mum and dad for always being there for me.”

Team coordinator of the RA Gymnastics Club, Mrs Nnenna Ahube, praised the gymnasts’ dedication and focus, noting that their performance exceeded expectations despite facing stiff competition.

> “Our gymnasts worked tirelessly and maintained their focus throughout the competition,” she said

“Their commitment paid off, and we are immensely proud of what they have achieved.”

“We also thank our parents and Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) for their unwavering support, which was crucial in enabling our athletes to perform at their best.”

Solid Performance by TIG International Gymnastics Club

TIG International Gymnastics Club made a strong impact, winning two gold, five silver, and one bronze medal.

Their gold medalists included Angela Marinoni and Dida David, who impressed with polished, technically precise routines. 

Senior gymnast Chenille Okpanku earned five silver medals across multiple apparatus, finishing second overall, while Jochbed Ibrahim rounded off the club’s success with a bronze medal.

''Coach Tony Asuquo Calls for More Support* 

Coach Tony Asuquo of TIG and a senior coach in NLNG RA Gymnastics Club lauded the two team’s performance and highlighted the urgent need for greater investment in Nigerian gymnastics, especially at the grassroots level.

> “There is a wealth of untapped talent in Nigeria,” he said.

“With increased funding, improved facilities, and more exposure, our gymnasts can compete and win on the world stage.”

*Nigeria’s Growing Impact in African Gymnastics* 

The Centurion Club Championship is among the largest youth gymnastics meets in Southern Africa and provides a vital platform for emerging talents to gain international experience.

As Nigeria continues to develop the sport, officials emphasize a commitment to preparing elite gymnasts who will proudly represent the country at major continental and global events, including the African Games and the Olympic Games.

NANPF Appoints CSP Kalu Chijioke as Director of Players' Safety and Security

In a decisive move to bolster players' welfare in Nigerian football, the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) has announced the appointment of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Kalu Chijioke as the Director of Players’ Safety and Security.

The appointment was formally communicated to the Force Sports Officer, CP Tony Emefile PSC, FSI, via an official letter signed by the NANPF leadership and addressed to the office of the Inspector General of Police in Abuja.

NANPF, an affiliate of both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), represents the collective interests and welfare of professional footballers across Nigeria.

The union is currently headed by former Nigerian international, Abe Sunday.

In the appointment letter, the union expressed confidence in CSP Kalu Chijioke’s extensive experience in sports administration and his longstanding commitment to the well-being of Nigerian athletes.

According to NANPF, his leadership will ensure the implementation of critical safety and security policies that safeguard players both on and off the pitch.

“CSP Kalu’s unconfined passion and professional track record make him the ideal candidate for this role,” the statement read.

“His involvement will empower the Union and, by extension, all Nigerian professional footballers to benefit from expert safety and security guidance as they carry out their daily activities.”

The union also called for the full support and cooperation of relevant law enforcement and sports bodies to ensure CSP Kalu Chijioke functions effectively in his new role.

This landmark appointment signals NANPF's renewed commitment to players' safety and sets a new benchmark for professional athlete support in Nigerian football.

CSP Kalu Chijioke Erem, a member of the NPF Sports Planning Committee, also serves on the board of the Mixed Martial Arts Federation and is a member of the NOC Technical & Development Committee. 

He is expected to bring his 20 years of law enforcement experience to bear in opening a new chapter for players' welfare and safety in Nigeria.

Sheikh Nuhu donates security tools to Kano vigilantes command

Kano state Police command has expressed appreciation to Sheikh Nuhu Idris Saleh for donating security gadgets to Kano state Vigilante command aimed at supplementing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf efforts in tackling crime and sustaining peace across the state.

The state commissioner of police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori made commendation while receiving the security tools donations held at the officers mess, Bompai. kano.

The commissioner who was represented by his deputy (operations), DC Lawan Mani described the donations as timely considering the important of security in the state.

He called on other wealthy individuals, politicians and corporate organisations to contribute their quota towards sustaining peace and the development of the state and the country at large.

The commissioner charged the leadership of the state Vigilante command to judiciously utilize the donations for the overall development of the state.

Earlier, the donor of the items, Sheikh Nuhu Idris Saleh from Saudi Arabia said the donations was part of his little contributions to support the vigilantes in order to ease their job.

Sheikh Nuhu Idris Saleh who spoke through a veteran journalist and community leader Ambassador Aliyu Lawan Saulawa said Sheikh has been supporting various segment of human endeavours financially and morally aimed at uplifting their status in the society.

In his remarks, the commander of Kano state Vigilante, Ambassador Shehu Rabiu commended the donor over gesture, assuring that the security tools will be use judiciously.

The items donated include one thousand of Gora, 500 pieces of rechargable touch light, four solar panal, four batteries, 200 water proof jackets and 100 whistles.

Highlights of the event include presentation of the items to the state commissioner of police for upwards to the vigilantes command.

Kano Govt. Trains Public Secondary Schools Teachers On Modern Fish Farming

The Kano State Government has commenced refresher training of over 72 secondary schools teachers on modern fish farming to ensure step down training to students across the state.

Declaring the training open organized by Kano State Educational Resource Department (KERD), the State Commissioner of Education Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda revealed that the move is part of government's effort to make students self reliance.

Dr. Ali Makoda explained that the program was designed to be a train the trainer refresher course where the participants who also teach fisheries in schools would eventually embark on step down training to students across the state.

According to the Commissioner, Kano Government is committed to providing entrepreneurship training to Secondary Schools Students across the state to make them self reliance after leaving schools.

" Vocational skills are the most effective means of improving students’ livelihoods, especially at this time. This government is initiating more ways to provide Students with necessary skills to become self reliance and sustain their family in future " said Makoda.

He therefore urged the participants to fully utilize what they are going to learn for effective step down training for students in schools.

Ali Makoda cited that Kano State like China, has been blessed with population if fully utilized, would help in boosting the state economy sector, stressing that...." this is what the present administration is doing to achieve economic stability through heavy educational investment".

Makoda further commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for giving the ministry of education the opportunity to deliver its mandates effectively.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Alhaji Bashir Baffa Muhammed who outlined overview of the training, explained that the government of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf had done all what is needed to enhancing the quality of education in the state.

Earlier, the Director Kano Educational Resource Department Hajiya Rabi Inuwa Hussain explained the purpose of establishing the center and how it would benefit students across the state.

During the program, the Commissioner was conducted round to supervise the newly established Fish Ponds where the participants acquired practical knowledge on modern fish farming.

Kano State Governor Assures Development Partners Judicious Spending of Fund

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has  assured the Development Partners that funds allocated to the state would be judiciously used.

He added since the assumption of present administration in 2023 accountability is the bedrock of the government.

Governor Yusuf, ably represented by the Chief of Staff, Dr Suleiman Wali Sani (mni) when the Development Partners that include: Gates Foundation, GAVI, UNICEF, WHO, CHAI and eHealth paid a courtesy call at Government House Kano said that the government welcomes partnerships and collaborations.

This was contained in a press release issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Kano State Governor, Mustapha Muhammad, Monday.

The Governor informed the team that the government will continue to collaborate with the partners and commended the partners on interventions in Kano State, including the 28 health facilities in Kano.

Earlier on, the GAVI Senior Country Manager for Nigeria, Jessica Crawford, who spoke on behalf of all the Organizations, said they are here to discuss further partnerships and support, to also highlight the successes and challenges.

She emphasized on the Judicious used of the funds to have mutual accountability between the government and the partners.

According to her, Kano is a major critical partner for them as they believe Kano is the face setter in Nigeria.

Anything succeeded in Kano will gain success across the country. "If project is successful in Kano is successful in Nigeria.

FG’s Alau Dam Project on Track, Says Minister Utsev

The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has reaffirmed that the Federal Government’s reconstruction and upgrade of the Alau Dam is progressing on schedule and will deliver lasting solutions to flooding, water supply challenges, and agricultural needs in Borno State.

In a statement by the Director Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, the Minister made this known during a working visit to the dam site in Maiduguri on 7th August 2025, where he led a high-powered delegation from the Ministry to inspect the ongoing works.

Speaking with journalists, Prof. Utsev explained that the first phase of the project, targeted at flood mitigation, commenced in March 2025 and is expected to be completed by September 2025. The second phase, which focuses on the full-scale upgrade of the dam, will begin in October 2025 and is scheduled for completion by March 2027.

Prof. Utsev reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, approved the reconstruction and upgrading of Alau Dam. He further added:

“This intervention is critical, not just to prevent another disaster, but to reposition this dam as a multipurpose facility for drinking water, irrigation, and even hydro-power generation in the near future.”

He recalled the Alau Dam incident of September 2024, which caused severe flooding, loss of lives, and the destruction of infrastructure and property worth billions of naira, and highlighted that the ongoing reconstruction aims to ensure that such a tragedy does not recur.

During the inspection, the Minister visited the main dam gated spillway and proceeded to the cofferdam, where the contractor is currently filling and reinforcing the structure. He noted that the water levels remained under control at the time of the visit, and reassured the public that there was no cause for alarm. He further revealed that the contractor is executing the work professionally and in line with approved timelines.

He directed that necessary adjustments be made to the dam’s gates to allow for controlled water flow, ensuring safety during the rainy season.

The Minister urged the Borno State Government to intensify public sensitisation, especially among local farmers, to halt agricultural activities along the dam’s embankment, which he noted could compromise the safety and structural integrity of the project.

“We understand that some farmers are still cultivating around the dam embankment, which poses a serious risk to both the workers and the infrastructure,” he warned. “We are appealing to the State Government to begin a strong awareness campaign to stop this.”

Prof. Utsev expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support for the upgrading and reconstruction of the dam, and to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his strong commitment to the people of Borno. He stressed that once completed, the dam will be a game-changer for water security and agriculture in the region.

He commended the media for their role in communicating government programmes and urged continued support in informing the public about key national developments.

The Minister also made a stopover at River Ngada  Bridge, which is hydrologically linked to the Alau Dam, as part of efforts to understand the broader water dynamics of the area.

Following the field inspection, Engr. Utsev paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, at the Government House, Maiduguri, to inform him of the purpose of the dam inspection.

He was accompanied on the inspection visit by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah; the Director of Dams and Reservoirs, Engr. Ali Dallah; the Director of River Basin Operations and Inspectorate, Engr. Christy Oduh; and other senior officials. The team was also joined by Borno State Government representatives, including the Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Tijani Alkali.

Kano Flags Off Lungu Kal-Kal Project in Yakasai to Boost Urban Renewal

The Kano State Government has commissioned the Lungu Kal-Kal project at Layin Dan’isa, Yakasai Quarters, in Kano Municipal Local Government Area, marking another milestone in its ongoing urban renewal drive.

The project, inaugurated by the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahir Muhammad Hashim, is designed to improve infrastructure, enhance drainage, reduce flooding, and uplift the overall living standards of residents in the area.

Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Hashim noted that the initiative is part of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment to modernizing urban communities and providing essential amenities for the people. He commended the patience and cooperation of Yakasai residents throughout the project’s execution and assured them of the government’s continued dedication to improving their living conditions.

“This project reflects our determination to create cleaner, safer, and more resilient neighborhoods across Kano State,” the Commissioner stated.

Dignitaries at the event included the Chairman of Kano Municipal Council, Salim Hashim; Sarkin Yakin Kano, Alhaji Mujittaba Abubakar Abba; Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, QS Shazali Garba Fagge; ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Aminu Gidado; and supporters of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

The Lungu Kal-Kal project stands as a testament to the state government’s resolve to deliver developmental projects that directly impact the lives of its citizens.

Governor Yusuf reactivates malnutrition centre to save 17,000 severely malnourished children

In a major step towards combating child malnutrition, Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reactivated Community Management of Acute Malnutrition centres across the 44 local government areas of the state, targeting over 17,000 children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition.

A statement issued by tge Governor's Spokesperson Sanusi Bature, said the intervention marks the first comprehensive effort in eight years, following the abandonment of the programme by the immediate past administration, a move that significantly contributed to a worrying 51.9% stunting rate, meaning one in every two children in Kano is affected.

Speaking during the official unveiling of the revitalized malnutrition treatment centre in Takai Local Government Area, Governor Yusuf expressed deep concern over the dire nutritional condition affecting thousands of children in the state. He described the neglect as unacceptable and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to child survival and development.

Governor Yusuf disclosed that the state government has paid a counterpart contribution of N500 million to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which facilitated the procurement of 12,948 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), a lifesaving supplement for treating severe malnutrition.

“Our children are suffering innocently from a preventable condition. With this intervention, we are giving hope to over 17,000 vulnerable children and restoring confidence in primary healthcare,” the governor stated.

He further revealed that the government is scaling up the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week (MNCHW), which includes the provision of Vitamin A supplements for children aged 6–59 months and Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) for pregnant women, as part of a broader strategy to reduce malnutrition and maternal health challenges.

The Health Manager, UNICEF Field Office Kano, Dr. Serekeberehan Seyoum Deres, commended Kano State for being the highest single-state contributor to the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) in Nigeria with the release of N500 million.

He noted that UNICEF, alongside development partners, has invested significantly in improving nutrition indicators in Kano and across Nigeria. Dr. Deres emphasized the importance of sustained funding and urged the Kano State Government to consider a second round of MNCHW by December 2025 and to procure adequate quantities of deworming tablets to reach all children aged 12–59 months.

He also appealed for the approval of six months of paid maternity leave for nursing mothers in the state, a policy he said is vital to protecting infant nutrition and promoting exclusive breastfeeding.

UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Kano State Government to strengthen multisectoral responses to nutrition and health challenges affecting women and children.

Gwamnan Kano Ya Sauke Hadimansa Guda Biyu Daga Mukaminsu

Gwamnatin Jihar Kano karkashin jagorancin Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf ta amince da korar manyan mataimaka biyu (Senior Special Assistants) nan take, bayan samun shaidu masu karfi daga rahotannin kwamitocin bincike da aka kafa kan wasu zarge-zargen aikata laifuka daban-daban.

Wannan na kunshe ne cikin wata sanarwa da Sakataren Gwamnatin Jihar Kano, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, ya fitar a ranar Asabar.

A cikin mataki mai tsauri, Gwamna Abba ya amince da korar Abubakar Umar Sharada, Mai taimaka masa na musammam kan Kan Hada kawunan yan siyasa bayan wani kwamitin bincike na musamman ya same shi da hannu wajen belin wani sanannen dillalin miyagun kwayoyi, Sulaiman Aminu Danwawu, inda shaidar da Sharada ya bayar da kansa gaban kwamitin ta tabbatar da rawar da ya taka a wannan mataki na bayar da beli.

A wasikar da Sakataren Gwamnati ya fitar a ranar Juma’a, 8 ga Agusta, 2025, an umarci Sharada da ya mika dukkan kadarorin gwamnati da ke hannunsa ga Babban Sakataren  na Sashen Bincike, Kimantawa da Harkokin Siyasa (REPA) a ofishin Sakataren Gwamnati kafin karshen lokacin aiki ranar Litinin, 11 ga Agusta, 2025.

Haka kuma, an gargade shi da kada ya sake yin ikirarin kasancewa jami’i  na gwamnati.

Haka nan, Gwamna Abba ya sallami Tasiu Adamu Al’amin Roba, Babban mataimaki na musammam a Ofishin Majalisar Zartarwa (Cabinet Office), bayan kama shi yana sake nade hatsi na Tallafin rage radadi a wani rumbun a Sharada a shekarar 2024.

Roba ya riga ya gurfana a kotu inda ake tuhumarsa da laifin sata da kuma hada baki wajen karkatar da dukiyar gwamnati.

Haka kuma, an umarce shi da ya mika dukkan kadarorin gwamnati da ke hannunsa, ciki har da katin shaidar aiki, kafin ranar Litinin, 11 ga Agusta, 2025, tare da gargadin kada ya sake yin ikirarin kasancewa jami’in gwamnati.

A wani labarin kuma, gwamnatin jihar ta wanke Mai bawa Gwamna kan harkokin Shawara kan Hanyoyin Ruwa, Hon. Musa Ado Tsamiya, bayan kwamitin bincike ya tabbatar da cewa bai da hannu a dukkan zarge-zargen da ake masa.

Gwamna Abba Kabir Yusuf ya jaddada aniyar gwamnatinsa na ci gaba da tabbatar da ladabi, gaskiya da rashin sassauci kan cin hanci da rashawa, tare da gargadin cewa dukkan jami’an gwamnati su tabbatar suna aiki da nagarta a aikinsu da kuma rayuwarsu ta kashin kai.

Ta wannan sanarwa, an shawarci jama’a da kada su yi hulɗa da wadannan mataimaka biyu da aka kora kan duk wani lamari da ya shafi gwamnatin Jihar Kano, domin duk wanda ya yi hakan, to ya rage nasa.