By silvernews

Members of the Nationwide League One (NLO) Progressive Club have congratulated the Chief Operating Officer of the Nationwide League One, Dr. Olushola Ogunnowo, on the occasion of his birthday, commending his leadership and commitment to the growth of the league.

In a message made available to journalists, the group, on behalf of its chairmen and members, described Ogunnowo as a leader whose inclusive approach to administration has strengthened confidence among clubs and stakeholders within the league.

According to the Progressives, Ogunnowo’s willingness to listen to the concerns of clubs and administrators has helped foster better understanding and cooperation within the NLO structure.

They noted that his openness to dialogue and responsiveness to feedback have also contributed to improving morale among members of the NLO Progressive Club and clubs competing in the league.

The group further wished him good health, wisdom and greater accomplishments as he continues to guide the affairs of the league.

By Akila Matawal

When Governor Umo Eno sent the list of commissioner nominees to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for screening, one name stood out – Elder Paul Bassey.

The inclusion of the veteran sports journalist and accomplished football administrator was greeted with cheers by those who mean well for sports development in Akwa Ibom, and one year down the line after his assumption of office, the successes are enormous.

Noteworthy is the fact that Elder Bassey is the pioneer helmsman at the ministry after its separation from the hitherto Ministry of Youth Development and Sports to stand alone. This piece looks at Bassey’s achievements since taking charge on February 24, 2025.

▪️Succesful Hosting of Maiden Niger Delta Games

Elder Paul Bassey’s inauguration coincided with the preparation for the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Games which Akwa Ibom got the rights to host.

In his usual fashion of showing commitment to grassroots development, Bassey was completely immersed in the preparation phase. His presence at every strategy meeting, supervision of facilities, renovation of facilities and other activities all contributed to a historic and successful championship. As if that was not enough, he set up a committee to review Akwa Ibom’s performance towards fixing loopholes and doing better in subsequent competitions.

▪️Revival of Akwa Ibom Sports Festival

Once a hub for talent discovery, the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival went silent for seven years and the commissioner’s immediate response was to revive the programme – a decision that has brought back hope to the sector in the state.

The championship made a comeback in the last quarter of 2025 and it was one of the best of such events ever to be staged. New talents were announced to the world and they are already making their marks within and outside the state.

▪️Reward for State’s Medalists at National Youth Games

Motivation for athletes has been a neglected area in Akwa Ibom and Elder Paul Bassey took decisive steps to change the narrative.

Upon return from the National Youth Games, medalists got rewarded for their achievements and were reassured of the state’s commitment to their welfare. This is another plus for the Paul Bassey – led ministry.

▪️Construction and Launch of “Ibom Gym”

In what has been described as a smart move, Elder Bassey spearheaded the construction and launch of the Ibom Gym at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

Declaring the facility open, Engineer Uwem Okoko, the Chief Executive Officer of indigenous construction company, Hensek Integrated Services, joined other guests to celebrate the vision and motive behind the project.

The new facility, launched in January 2026, is critical to athletes’ training, preparation for competitions and will help coaches in getting their athletes in shape if properly utilised.

▪️Purchase of Sports Equipment

Simultaneously with the launch of the Ibom Gym was the unveiling of sports equipment for use by the over 40 sports associations in Akwa Ibom State. Basketball, volleyball, handball, tennis, table tennis, badminton, track and field, chess, scrabble, judo, taekwondo, boxing and many other sports have all been equipped as a result of this singular step.

In his remarks during the unveiling, Paul Bassey eulogised Governor Umo Eno for keeping to his promise by releasing funds for the project which cost quite a lot – with some of the equipment imported from countries with the highest quality.

▪️Improved finish at Niger Delta Games

After hosting the first edition, the sports ministry in Akwa Ibom was determined to do better in the second edition and the fruits of the post assessment process and the discoveries of the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival made this ambition possible.

Amassing 55 medals made up of 16 gold, 17 silver and 22 bronze medals, Team Akwa Ibom finished fourth overall behind powerhouses Edo Delta and Bayelsa – a big step forward.

▪️Training of Staff for Improved Performance

As one who desires excellence in all he does, Elder Paul Bassey led his ministry to organise and successfully execute a three-day in-house training course for staff members. The gains are huge and are definitely worth the price.

Impressed by the sports ministry’s training programme, the Head of Service, Mrs Elsie Anietie Peters spoke glowingly of Elder Paul Bassey and his team for setting the pace.

▪️Akwa United/Ibom Air Partnership

The marriage of Akwa United and Ibom Airlines Limited is another success story for sports in Akwa Ibom over the last one year.

Central to this sponsorship deal is Elder Paul Bassey. His guidance, push and leadership gave birth to the agreement. The deal has brought relief to the Promise Keepers with seamless flights to and from far distances, improved fan experience during home games and more funds for the running of the club. A top spot in Conference B at the moment and a hopeful return to the Nigeria Premier Football League are products of this partnership.

▪️Launch of Radio Show

In a bid to promote grassroots sports development, report happenings in the ministry and keep the public informed about sports events in Akwa Ibom, “Kickoff Akwa Ibom” has been launched. The radio show airs on Inspiration 105.9 FM every Wednesday from 1pm to 1:30pm with a repeat every Saturday from 6:30pm to 7:00pm.

Conclusively, the sports sector in Akwa Ibom has witnessed a turnaround and it is safe to say that Elder Paul Bassey is a square peg in a square hole. Obviously, there are better days coming as the Akwa Ibom State Government is already doing more. Soon, a range of sports facilities will be unveiled at the ARISE Resort in Uyo while the Ibom Sports Academy is set to get the needed attention for its actualisation in a few years.

By Silvernews

The collaboration between Dunamis Icon and the Niger Delta Development Commission has been described as a model partnership capable of redefining grassroots sports development in Nigeria.

Mrs. Sabina Chikere, Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations at the Edo State Sports Commission, made this assertion while reviewing the success of the recent Niger Delta Games.

She said the sponsorship structure demonstrated that meaningful sports initiatives require both vision and financial backing, noting that the seamless collaboration ensured the Games met their developmental objectives.

Chikere observed that the tournament uncovered numerous promising young athletes and expressed optimism that continued corporate support would expand opportunities for youth engagement in sports.

By Silvernews

The motivational charge delivered by Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Obinna Onyeocha, proved instrumental as Team Imo’s Male volleyball side defeated host Team Edo 3–1 in the final of the Niger Delta Games.

Facing the host side in a charged atmosphere, Team Imo knew the task ahead would be demanding, according to team captain, Paul Ilerechukwu.

The encounter lived up to expectations, with Edo pushing hard to unsettle the visitors. Despite dropping a set during the intense showdown, Team Imo maintained composure and tactical discipline to seal a deserved 3–1 victory, silencing the home crowd and emerging champions.

Speaking after the match, Ilerechukwu revealed that the Commissioner’s pre-final message boosted their confidence.

“We knew it was going to be a battle of champions, especially playing against the host team,” he said. “When they took a set from us, we understood they truly wanted it. But we were not shaken because we knew what we were capable of. We focused on maintaining our lead and displaying our skills.”

He added that Onyeocha’s encouragement before the final reminded the players to stay confident and united — a mindset that ultimately carried them through difficult moments.

Today, March 3, 2026, Rangers International Football Club Foundation commenced its Social Emotional Learning (SEL) & Sports Intervention Initiative at Government Technical College Enugu. This initiative aims to equip students with essential life skills, leveraging sports to enhance personal growth, teamwork, and decision-making while boosting self-esteem.

The program focuses on deepening students’ self-awareness, emotional understanding, and management, providing tools for mental clarity, self-discovery, and unlocking their full potential. Key benefits include:

Strengthened Teamwork*: Collaboration and communication skills development

Improved Decision-Making: Exploring choices and understanding their impact on growth and success

Critical Thinking: Sharing perspectives, active listening, and responsibility-taking

Emotional Resilience: Overcoming anxiety, doubt, and fears.

The initiative aligns with Rangers International FC Foundation’s mission to promote holistic development through sports and education.

By Silvernews

South East representative on the board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Ugo Udezue, has thrown his weight behind the Federation’s newly unveiled 2026 reform agenda, describing it as a bold step toward repositioning Nigerian basketball for sustainability and growth.

The endorsement came as NBBF President, Ahmadu Musa Kida, outlined an ambitious restructuring plan covering domestic leagues, sponsorship expansion and national team development during an interactive session with sports journalists.

Kida disclosed that a comprehensive 2026 activities calendar will soon be released, featuring an extensive lineup of domestic competitions and continental engagements under FIBA.

A major highlight of the reforms is the restructuring of the women’s league sponsored by Zenith Bank into two tiers — the Premier League and Division One — aimed at improving competitiveness and deepening grassroots development.

Udezue commended the board’s decision, noting that strengthening the domestic framework would enhance Nigeria’s international standing and create more opportunities for young players across the regions.

Kida also reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to building sustainable league structures capable of attracting long-term corporate partnerships, while sustaining the dominance of the national teams, D’Tigers and D’Tigress.

Both leaders called on corporate Nigeria and key stakeholders to support the reform drive, stressing that unity and strategic investment remain vital to the future of the sport.

It was a joyous moment yesterday as the veteran and one of the best football admistrators in Nigeria, Dominic Iorfa, the General Manager of Barau FC, celebrated the victory against Plateau United yesterday by breaking the fast with his boss and Deputy Senate President, Jubril Barau.

The Deputy President of the Senate and the owner of the club, Senator Jubril Barau, was overwhelmed with joy after the club came from a goal down to beat Plateau United 2-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

DSP Barau encouraged the central fans of the club, who were also in attendance, to stand behind the GM who has transformed the club from a losing position of being 20th on the league table to a comfortable 10th position.