By Silvernews

A board member of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) and Chief Executive Officer of Afasports, Mr. Ugo Udezue, has begun delivering on his campaign promises following the successful qualification of Coal City Blazers to the main conference of the Nigerian men’s basketball league.

Udezue, the Anambra State-born basketball administrator, was elected into the federation’s board during the last NBBF elections and had pledged to strengthen basketball development in the South-East region.

The qualification of Coal City Blazers has been described by stakeholders as a major breakthrough for basketball in the zone and a positive signal for the future of the sport in the region.

Officials of the club disclosed that the team is made up of players and technical officials drawn from across the five South-East states, reflecting a united regional effort towards rebuilding the game.

Coach Chiedozi Nwoye will lead the technical crew as Chief Coach, while Coach Kinsley Achu will serve as Assistant Coach. Kennedy Onwunali will serve as the club’s Media Manager.

Speaking on the development, Coach Victor Oguguo described the qualification as a welcome development for basketball growth in the South-East, adding that the emergence of Coal City Blazers would help create more opportunities for young players in the region.

Also reacting, Mr. Humphrey Njoku commended Udezue for fulfilling his promise to support basketball development, noting that the achievement would inspire more private sector involvement in the sport.

In his remarks, Philip Ekeh said the qualification of the club reflects the determination of stakeholders in the South-East to reposition basketball and compete favourably at the national level.

The team has intensified preparations ahead of the championship and is expected to depart for Benin City this weekend for the competition.

Stakeholders have expressed confidence that Coal City Blazers will make a strong impression in the league and further promote basketball development in the South-East.

By Silvernews

The Rangers International Football Club Foundation in partnership with United States Government Exchange Alumni Association Nigeria, TechWomen Nigeria and Campus Technology Life Initiative has launched the “Tech Our Girls Initiative” (TOGI) at Government Technical College Enugu as part of efforts to promote female participation in technology, leadership and entrepreneurship.

The programme, unveiled in Enugu on May 13, 2026, is aimed at equipping girls with digital and innovation skills needed to become globally competitive leaders and entrepreneurs in the technology ecosystem.

Speaking during the launch, Chairman of the RIFC Foundation and State Coordinator of USGEAAN Enugu State Chapter, Coach Ebere Amaraizu, said the initiative would provide the right platform for young girls to embrace technology-driven opportunities and purposeful leadership.

According to him, the programme is designed to redirect the mindset of the girl child towards innovation, creativity and global relevance through practical technology engagement.

He commended the Chairman of the Science Technical Vocational School Management Board, Dr. Amaka Ngene, and her team for creating an enabling environment for students to thrive.

The initiative is being coordinated by Dr. Chinyere Anyanwu, a Fellow of TechWomen Nigeria, member of the RIFC Foundation STEM team and alumnus of USGEAAN Enugu State Chapter.

Addressing the students, Dr. Anyanwu stressed that technology skills have become essential in every area of modern life and encouraged the girls to embrace innovation and digital learning.
She explained that participants would undergo hands-on training in digital skills, innovation and leadership technology, with practical sessions focused on problem-solving and sustainable development.

Also speaking, TOGI team member and mechanical engineer, Engr. Mmesoma Amaraizu, urged the students to overcome gender stereotypes in science and technology-related careers.

She noted that determination and the right mindset remain critical for success in the STEM sector, adding that young girls can compete favorably with their male counterparts in engineering and other technical professions.

Organisers said the programme would establish a permanent platform for technology engagement at Government Technical College Enugu through weekly digital skills training, mentorship opportunities, project-based learning and pathways to internships and further tech education.
The partners noted that the initiative aligns with efforts to bridge the gender gap in STEM education while preparing young girls for employability, innovation and community development through technology.

By Silvernews

The Imo State Football Association has called on community-based football clubs across the state to register for this year’s State League competition as preparations intensify for the new football season.

According to reports by www.silvernews.com.ng all interested clubs are expected to complete their registration at the FA Secretariat, with organisers anticipating close to 100 teams for the grassroots competition.

The league, regarded as one of the major platforms for talent discovery in the state, has over the years produced several notable players making waves in the growing world of football.

Football stakeholders believe the competition will also help in re-establishing the football ecosystem in Imo State through increased grassroots participation, talent development and community engagement.

The FA further advised clubs seeking additional information to contact the association’s Secretary, Mr Clifford, on 08037716056.
Officials expressed optimism that the competition would contribute significantly towards restoring the lost glory of football in the state.

By Silvernews

The United States Government Exchange Alumni Association Nigeria (USGEAAN), Enugu State Chapter, has announced the 4th edition of its flagship mentorship programme aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills for employability, leadership and entrepreneurship.

The mentorship series, themed “Mentored to Lead, Trained to Earn through AI,” is scheduled to begin on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Window on America in Enugu State.

According to the organisers, the initiative is designed to empower youths with future-ready digital skills capable of helping them understand, create and earn through AI-driven solutions.

USGEAAN stated that the programme’s core objective is to transform participants from job seekers into solution creators and digital entrepreneurs through hands-on training and mentorship.

The training will be facilitated by certified instructors from Afro Connect Technology and will feature a four-phase improved curriculum structured to guide participants from AI literacy to advanced application and monetisation.

Organisers disclosed that participation in the programme is free, while encouraging interested youths and aspiring digital innovators to take advantage of the opportunity to gain practical knowledge in emerging technologies.

By Silvernews

Members of the Imo State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) have participated in a hands-on training programme designed to enhance ethical and professional standards in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within journalism.

The workshop, titled “Ethics and Professionalism in the Generative AI Era,” was facilitated by media entrepreneur and Founder of OtownGist Media and Creative Hub, Chinedu Hardy Nwadike.

The session equipped sports journalists with practical knowledge on the responsible use of AI-driven tools to boost productivity, content creation, audience engagement and digital visibility without sacrificing credibility or editorial standards.

Participants received training on the application of platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini, TurboScribe and Canva for match reports, interview transcription, SEO writing, social media storytelling, personal branding and digital publishing.

Addressing participants, Nwadike encouraged journalists to adapt to emerging technologies while upholding professionalism, ethical conduct and accuracy in reporting.

Discussions during the workshop also centred on challenges associated with AI in journalism, particularly issues relating to misinformation, verification, fabricated quotations, originality and responsible content development.

Participants described the initiative as a valuable and timely intervention, especially as the media industry continues to evolve in the digital age.

By Silvernews

The South-East Basketball Tournament earlier slated for May 15 to 16 in Ebonyi State has been postponed following the commencement of the 2026 Basketball Premier League in Edo State.

A statement from the National Sports Commission (NSC), Zone III Headquarters, Enugu, signed by the Zonal Coordinator, Ezema Bernard Ede, disclosed that the tournament alongside the commissioning of a new basketball court will now hold from June 5 to 7, 2026.

According to the statement, the postponement became necessary due to the involvement of Coal City Blazers Basketball Club in the forthcoming Premier League campaign.

The club, Co owned by South-East Zonal Representative for Basketball, Mr. Ugo Udezu, is expected to participate in the national competition scheduled to begin this weekend in Edo State.

The statement further noted that the basketball court built by Udezu will be commissioned during the rescheduled tournament at the Ebonyi Shopping Mall, Abakaliki.

“All former arrangements remain as planned,” the statement added, while expressing regret over inconveniences caused by the adjustment.
The tournament is expected to attract teams and officials from across the South-East zone.

As the race for the 2026 Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) elections gathers momentum, support continues to grow for Anambra FA Chairman and former Super Eagles defender, De General Chikelue Iloenyosi.

One of the strongest voices behind his ambition is Paul Ojo Omamomo, the Special Adviser on Sports to the Delta State Governor.

Omamomo described Chikelue as a proven football administrator with deep passion for grassroots development and youth empowerment. According to him, Chikelue’s achievements in Anambra football and his understanding of modern football administration make him the right candidate to represent the South East on the NFF Board.

He further stressed that Nigerian football needs experienced and progressive minds who understand player development, organization, and the importance of building football from the grassroots level.

The endorsement is seen by many football stakeholders as a major boost for Chikelue’s growing support ahead of the NFF elective congress in Lafia.

By Silvernews

Players of Silversports Football Club have intensified preparations ahead of the forthcoming Imo State Football Association League, with the team stepping up training sessions to achieve peak fitness and tactical coordination before the competition begins.

The players were put through rigorous drills, including endurance runs, ball control exercises, and tactical formations, as the coaching crew worked on improving team cohesion and match readiness.

Coach Frank Mbata and the team’s proprietor, Mr. Kennedy Onwunali, said the competition would provide valuable exposure and experience for the players, most of whom are between 19 and 20 years old, as part of their future football development.

They expressed confidence in the ability of the players to compete strongly in the league while gaining the experience needed to advance their careers in the game.

The coaching crew also emphasized discipline, dedication, and teamwork as major values guiding the club’s preparations ahead of the competition.

The Imo FA League is expected to attract several clubs from across the state, with football fans anticipating exciting and competitive matches.