I, Amb. Tonye Sylvester Iyade, extend my warmest congratulations to Hon. Ginika Florence Tor on her well-deserved appointment as a Federal Commissioner of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

This prestigious appointment is a clear recognition of Hon. Ginika Florence Tor’s years of dedicated service, unwavering loyalty, competence, and commitment to nation-building. Her appointment reflects the confidence reposed in her ability to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the Commission’s mandate and the continued progress of our dear nation.

I also wish to express my profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.for this thoughtful appointment. It is yet another demonstration that the President values commitment, hard work, capacity, and those who have remained steadfast in supporting and advancing the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda. By appointing capable and experienced individuals into strategic positions, the President continues to reinforce his administration’s commitment to good governance, merit, and effective service delivery.

There is no doubt that Hon. Ginika Florence Tor possesses the experience, character, and leadership qualities required to excel in this important national assignment. I am confident that she will discharge her responsibilities with integrity, professionalism, and dedication, while contributing significantly to the realization of the Renewed Hope vision of the Tinubu administration.

As she assumes this important office, I pray that Almighty God grants her wisdom, strength, sound health, and divine guidance to serve Nigeria with excellence and leave behind a legacy of impactful service.

Congratulations once again, Hon. Ginika Florence Tor, on this remarkable and well-deserved appointment. I wish you a successful and rewarding tenure in service to our great nation.

Signed:

Amb. Tonye Sylvester Iyade

By Abigail David

Team Nigeria has won the Gold Award in the Middle School Group category at the 2026 Spelling Bee World Cup held in Shanghai, China, marking a major achievement for the country’s young spellers.

The Nigeria Spelling Bee announced the victory on its official Facebook page on Sunday, congratulating the team on its success at the global competition.

Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin, also confirmed that two of its students, Maryam Yusuf and Abdurrahman Yusuf, won medals during the tournament.

The four-member Nigerian team comprised Oluwadamilola Adeolu of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado-Ekiti; Abdurrahman Yusuf and Maryam Yusuf of Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin; and Chinedu Okediachi of Madonna International Schools, Asaba.

The team qualified for the World Cup through the Nigeria Spelling Bee and the African Spelling Bee Championship, making Nigeria’s first-ever appearance at the international event.

Before the competition, organisers said the students would represent both Nigeria and Africa against top young spellers from around the world.

Oluwadamilola Adeolu earned her place at the World Cup after winning the Junior category at the African Spelling Bee Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe. At the same competition, Abdurrahman Yusuf finished third, while Nigeria placed second overall among participating countries.

The latest victory further strengthens Nigeria’s growing reputation in international spelling competitions.

By Aga Samuel Imoter, Jalingo

Organisers of the Jalingo Champions League have called for increased government investment in grassroots sports, saying sustained support is essential for youth development, talent discovery and economic growth. The appeal was made during the group stage of the tournament at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo, Taraba State.

Speaking with journalists, the tournament’s Ambassador for Youth Development, Dr. Daniel Buba, said the competition provides young people with opportunities to develop their football talents while discouraging involvement in crime, violence and drug abuse.

Buba commended Governor Agbu Kefas for establishing the Taraba State Sports Commission but urged the government to provide greater financial and institutional support for grassroots sporting competitions. He said stronger collaboration between government and the private sector would expand talent identification programmes and create more opportunities for aspiring athletes.

The tournament organiser, Mr. Jacob, described the Jalingo Champions League as a platform for identifying promising footballers and exposing them to scouts and professional clubs. He appealed to the Taraba State Government to revive Taraba United Football Club, saying a functional state-owned team would provide a pathway for local players to progress into professional football.

Jacob also disclosed that the organisers are seeking partnerships with football academies, clubs and talent scouts to support outstanding players. He urged government agencies, corporate organisations and development partners to sponsor grassroots football initiatives to help nurture future stars.