The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has said that the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) will be incomplete without consideration for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

The CCD’s Acting Director, Mr Godwin Unumeri, said this at an advocacy workshop on the inclusion of PWDs in the PIA benefit structures in the Niger Delta region, organised in Owerri, on Friday, by the centre, with support from Ford Foundation.

Unumeri, represented by the centre’s Finance and Administration Manager, Mrs Florence Austin, said that the Act was necessitated by the need for the inclusion of the oil producing communities for the benefits of accruing from oil exploration.

He said that it would, therefore, be unfair to include interest groups, such as traditional rulers, women and youth groups, while excluding PWDs with obvious peculiarities.

According to him, sustainable development is only possible when it is inclusive, hence the need to give PWDs a sustainable voice through legitimate inclusion in the PIA benefit structures.

“A development process that leaves out PWDs is incomplete and ultimately unjust.
“The vision we must collectively pursue is one where PWDs are not passive beneficiaries but active participants and decision-makers in the development of their communities.

“This exclusion is not just a development oversight; it is a violation of our fundamental rights as enshrined in the Nigeria’s legal and policy frameworks, including the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act and international commitments, under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” Unumeri said.

He urged PWDs to remain open, curious, engage constructively with government and other notable stakeholders, challenge assumptions and commit to actionable outcomes.

Also speaking, the CCD’s Programme Officer, Christiana Njoku, advised PWDs to embrace self advocacy to enable them to overcome perceived discrimination in areas, such as access to jobs and government grants.

Njoku hoped athat the National Assembly would expedite work on amendments to the PIA to incorporate benefits for PWDs.

Also, the Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities,ll Mr Chidubem Ekwelem, thanked CCD for advocating for the rights of PWDs.
He also thanked the Imo Government for giving attention to their needs, while urging PWDs to pursue their goals with utmost civility.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that among those present at the two-day workshop were representatives of various PWD clusters drawn from various council areas of the state.

By Silvernews

Teams across the South-East region have intensified preparations for the South-East Basketball Championship scheduled to hold in Ebonyi State from May 15 to 16, 2026.

The championship is expected to bring together top basketball talents from the five South-East states in what stakeholders have described as a major step towards repositioning the game in the region.

The tournament is sponsored by the South-East representative on the board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation and CEO of Alfa Sports, Mr. Ugo Udezue, who has continued to champion the revival and development of basketball in the zone.

Speaking ahead of the championship, Coach Victor Oguguo of the Imo State Basketball Association said preparations were in top gear, adding that Imo State players were fully ready for the competition.

According to him, teams from across the South-East are approaching the championship with seriousness and determination as they hope to use the event to demonstrate their readiness for future national and regional competitions.

Coach Oguguo noted that the tournament would also provide players with the needed exposure and competitive experience ahead of forthcoming national engagements.

Also speaking, Coach Chiedozi Nwoye of the Enugu State team described the championship as timely, stating that the competition would greatly assist his players in preparations for the forthcoming National Sports Festival.

He expressed confidence that the tournament would help teams in the region improve their level of competitiveness while strengthening basketball development in the South-East.

The championship comes at a crucial period when the region is in need of more grassroots and elite competitions to boost basketball growth and create opportunities for young talents.

Sports enthusiasts believe the competition will also serve as part of preparations for other national league events organised by the Nigeria Basketball Federation.

The two-day championship is expected to attract basketball lovers, scouts, coaches, and administrators from different parts of the country.

Enyinnaya Kazie is set to leave Stellenbosch FC at the end of the season after the expiration of his contract, with the Nigerian defender now preparing for a move abroad.

Kazie is expected to officially bow out after Stellenbosch’s final league fixture against Marumo Gallants F.C. on May 23, bringing an impressive short but impactful spell at the club to a close.

The right wing-back joined Stellenbosch from Rivers United F.C. in November 2024 and quickly became a key figure in the squad. Despite being a new arrival, he adapted seamlessly, earning regular game time and establishing himself as one of the team’s most consistent performers.

Across all competitions this season, Kazie has made 35 appearances and scored twice, underlining his importance both defensively and going forward in what has been a breakthrough campaign.

His performances have reportedly drawn interest from clubs outside South Africa, with the player now keen on taking the next step in his career overseas once his deal runs out.

His departure will leave a notable void in the Stellenbosch setup, given how quickly he grew into a trusted and influential member of the team.

Niger Tornadoes took a decisive step toward preserving their NPFL status after battling to a hard-earned goalless draw against El-Kanemi Warriors in the Matchday 37 encounter at the El-Kanemi Sports Centre in Maiduguri.

The valuable away point leaves the Ikon Allah Boys firmly in contention to avoid relegation, with survival now in their own hands heading into the final game of the season. A victory in the last fixture at home to Shooting Stars SC in Minna will guarantee a place in the NPFL for another campaign.

Niger Tornadoes’ technical crew made a number of bold changes to the starting lineup, decisions that ultimately proved instrumental in securing the vital result. Goalkeeper Jerry Isaac was handed the nod ahead of regular first-choice Ifeanyi Nchekwube, with the shot-stopper facing his former club.

Isaac justified the confidence shown in him, producing a composed display and organizing the defence effectively before he was forced off and replaced by Godwin Daniel.

In defence, Idris Saidu was moved into central defence alongside Sunday Akinmoladun. The partnership brought both pace and stability to the back line, successfully neutralizing the attacking threats posed by the hosts.

At left-back, Aliyu Mohammed Goyi delivered arguably his finest performance of the season. The defender was solid defensively, shutting down attacks on his flank, while also providing an attacking outlet with purposeful forward runs whenever opportunities arose.

In midfield, Ani Chigozie returned and added energy and composure to the side, he combined effectively with Ahmadu Liman and Ifeanyi Okoye, as the trio controlled the tempo of the game and disrupted El-Kanemi Warriors’ attempts to build momentum.

The match was played at a high tempo from start to finish, with both teams fully aware of the significance of the fixture in the battle against relegation.

The Ikon Allah Boys stood firm under pressure and emerged with a precious point that could prove decisive in their fight for survival.

The draw means both clubs still have work to do to secure their top-flight status. El-Kanemi Warriors face a daunting final-day trip to Aba, where they will take on Enyimba FC who are equally not safe.

Niger Tornadoes, meanwhile, returns to Minna knowing that a win against Shooting Stars will confirm their place in the NPFL next season, regardless of results elsewhere.

With survival now within touching distance, the Minna based outfit will look to complete the job in front of their home supporters and cap off a dramatic season with a successful escape from relegation.

In the quest of achieving the Nigeria Basketball Federation’s (NBBF) long term vision of building a world-class basketball structure and teams capable of competing  at the highest international levels, the NBBF, has considered it dire to strengthen the technical  ecosystem of it’s national teams to properly harness basketball talents from within and beyond Nigerian shores.

To this end, the NBBF through its Technical Committee, has considered and approved the immediate appointment of David Fizdale, as the new Head Coach of Nigeria’s Men’s Senior National Basketball Team, D’Tigers.

The NBBF believes Coach Fizdale, will bring his wealth of elite basketball management experience to the table, top-tier leadership qualities and extensive coaching knowledge acquired from his coaching in the NBA. He is also known for his rare skills in player development, culture building, discipline and team work training, to foster healthy growth in a team

His appointment signals a bold step forward in Nigeria’s continued pursuit of global basketball excellence.

NBBF President, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, has welcomed the development stating, “David Fizdale, represents the level of leadership, professionalism, and basketball knowledge that aligns with our vision for the future of Nigerian basketball. His experience, relationships, and understanding of the modern global game, will be invaluable, as we continue building a programme capable of competing with the very best in the world.”

Kida continued; “Beyond the national team, we believe his presence will contribute significantly to player development, coaching education, and the continued growth of basketball in Nigeria. This is about building a sustainable future and creating an environment where Nigerian basketball can thrive globally for years to come.”

In addition to leading the D’Tigers competitively, Coach Fizdale is expected to contribute meaningfully to Coaches education, Player development pathways, and broader technical growth within the Nigerian basketball ecosystem.

Nigeria Basketball Federation have announced a new date from May 12, to May 16, 2026, for the start of the 2026 season of the Nigeria’s Men’s Premier Basketball League, due to the approval of new teams by the LMC.

In a release signed by the Secretary of NBBF, Mrs. Amina Amanchi. The eagerly awaited elite men’s basketball league is expected to feature 20 teams, divided into the Atlantic and Savannah conferences.

It also revealed that domestic transfers for league teams would attract One hundred and fifty thousand (N150,000.00) and the distribution shall be between the releasing club and the NBBF.

Teams participating in the Savannah conference are, Nigeria Customs Basketball Club of Abuja, Nile University Basketball Club, Abuja, Kano Pillars Basketball Club of Kano, Bauchi Nets Basketball Club of Bauchi, Plateau Peaks Basketball Club of Jos, Gboko City Chiefs Basketball Basketball Club of Benue, Gombe Bull Basketball Club of Gombe, Niger Potters Basketball Club of Minna, 313 Warriors Basketball Club and Aso Sky Hawks Basketball Club, Abuja.

The Atlantic conference would feature Rivers Hoppers Basketball Club of Rivers State, Maktown Flyers Basketball Club, Benue, Comets Basketball Club of Lagos, Hoops and Reads Basketball Club of Lagos, Kwara Falcons Basketball club of Ilorin, Athletes For Peace Basketball Club of Rivers, Edo Beads Basketball Club, Benin, Raptors Basketball Club of Lagos, Coal City Blazers Basketball Club and Confluence Kings Basketball Club of Kogi.

By Silvernews

The “TECH Our Girls Initiative” (TOGI), a joint empowerment programme by the Rangers International Football Club Foundation, the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association Nigeria Enugu State Chapter, TechWomenNigeria, and the Campus Technology Life Initiative, is set to begin a transformative training programme aimed at equipping girls with practical digital and life skills for leadership and entrepreneurship.

The initiative, scheduled to commence on May 13, 2026, at Government Technical College (GTC), Enugu, will focus on combining hands-on technology training with Social Emotional Learning (SEL), in what organizers describe as a “double combo” approach to girl-child development.

According to the organisers, the programme is designed to empower participants with coding skills, creativity, confidence, and character development, while also strengthening their capacity for purposeful leadership and entrepreneurship in a rapidly evolving digital world.

The training model integrates Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with SEL principles, emphasizing innovation, resourcefulness, and personal development as key drivers of future success.

Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, partners noted that the programme is not only about teaching technology but also about shaping well-rounded young women capable of contributing meaningfully to society and the economy.

The engagement is expected to feature practical tech sessions, mentorship, interactive learning, and value-based education aimed at preparing participants for opportunities in the global digital economy.

Organizers described the collaboration as a strategic partnership anchored on data-driven girl-child development, aimed at bridging the gender gap in technology while promoting leadership excellence among young women.

The initiative continues to gain attention under its advocacy themes: #TECHOurGirls, #GirlsInTech, and #SELmatters, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive education and empowerment.

By Silvernews

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, is set to hold a capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening the ethical and professional use of artificial intelligence in sports journalism practice.
The training, themed “Ethics & Professionalism in the Generative AI Era,” will take place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the OtownGist Media and Creative Hub in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

According to a press statement signed by the chapter’s secretary, Tunde Liadi, the initiative is being organised under the leadership of the Imo SWAN Chairman, Cosmos Chukwuemeka, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the skills of sports journalists in the state in line with global digital media trends.

The workshop is expected to bring together sports writers and media practitioners across the state to engage on emerging technologies shaping news production, distribution, and audience engagement.

The resource person for the training, Chinedu Hardy Nwadike, Founder of OtownGist Media and Creative Hub, will lead participants through practical sessions on how artificial intelligence can be effectively applied in sports reporting. These include match reporting, interview transcription, content generation, and digital publishing workflows.

Beyond the technical aspects, the programme will place strong emphasis on journalistic ethics, originality, accuracy, and credibility. Participants will also be guided on responsible use of AI tools, fact-checking techniques, and maintaining editorial integrity in an era of rapidly evolving media technology.

Organisers noted that the session will also feature live demonstrations showing how AI tools can be integrated into newsroom operations to improve speed and efficiency without compromising professional standards.

The Imo SWAN leadership said the training is part of its commitment to continuous capacity development for members, especially as artificial intelligence continues to reshape global journalism practices.

By Silvernews

Residents of Egbu and friends of Mr. Celestine Ogu on Sunday gathered to celebrate his promotion to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

The colourful celebration, held at the community’s popular district corner meeting point, attracted friends, brothers and well-wishers from different walks of life, who came together to honour the officer for his achievement in the Nigeria Police Force.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement, brotherhood and conviviality as guests took over the street in jubilation, describing the promotion as well deserved in view of his humility, dedication to duty and respect for human rights.

Among those present were his brothers and associates from Eziala Ogwu village in Nguruwenkwo Autonomous Community, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of the state, including Kennedy Onwunali and Mr. Ugochukwu Omeri, who joined others in praying for greater heights and more success in his policing career.

Also present at the celebration was the Chairman of Ama Abraham Extension, Mpama Egbu, Owerri, Mr. Obinna Anele, who congratulated ASP Ugo on his promotion and described him as a worthy ambassador of the community.

Speakers at the gathering described ASP Ogu as a calm and disciplined officer whose gentle disposition and professionalism have endeared him to many within and outside the community.

www.silvernews.com.ng reports that the Umuorji Eziala Ogwu, Aboh Mbaise-born police officer is a good ambassador of the Nigeria Police Force.

They wished him more fruitful years of service and continued progress in the Nigeria Police Force.

By Silvernews

The success of Campos Football Club of Owerri is not built on one man alone, but on the efforts of dedicated football minds, with Coach Ekezi Obinna standing out as a key figure in the club’s growth and achievements.

From the early days when Campos FC played on the grounds of City Secondary School, Owerri, with little recognition, Coach Obinna helped lay a solid foundation through his vision and structured grassroots system. Working alongside others, he has played a vital role in the club’s steady rise, contributing discipline, passion, and technical expertise.

He has built a strong development model that nurtures young talents from an early age. Players are introduced to the game young, developed through the Under-13 and Under-15 levels, and gradually integrated into the senior team. This system has remained the backbone of Campos FC’s success.

Under his guidance, several notable players have emerged, including Christantus Uche, Nzubechi Ogbuehi, Francis Uzoho, and Ikenna Igwe — all products of the club’s development structure.

Fondly called “Papa” by his players, Coach Obinna is respected for his fatherly role and commitment to player development. His influence on and off the pitch has helped shape the discipline, confidence, and competitive spirit of the team.

His efforts, www.silvernews.com.ngreports, have not gone unnoticed by followers of the game in Owerri and beyond, even if wider recognition remains limited.

Recently, his impact was evident as Campos FC won the Imo State FA Cup — a result of years of hard work and consistency.

As the club continues to grow, Coach Ekezi Obinna remains central to its progress, building not just a team, but a lasting legacy in grassroots football.