From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

Young table tennis players from Kogi State have continued to make the state proud on the continental stage, producing an impressive medal haul for Nigeria at the just-concluded African Youth Table Tennis Championship and African Cup in Accra, Ghana.

In a release signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the talented youngsters delivered outstanding performances throughout the competitions, showcasing skill, determination and competitive maturity against some of Africa’s finest emerging table tennis players.

According to him, their achievements have further reinforced Kogi State’s growing reputation as a strong centre for grassroots table tennis development and a breeding ground for future national and continental champions.

At the African Youth Table Tennis Championship, Joseph Victor and Joseph Marvelous combined brilliantly to win the gold medal in the U-15 Boys’ Doubles.

They also teamed up with Samson Joshua and Umar Ayoola of Lagos State to secure a silver medal in the U-15 Boys’ Team Event.

Samson Joshua also distinguished himself in the individual events, winning a bronze medal in the U-15 Boys’ Singles and another bronze in the U-15 Boys’ Doubles alongside Umar Ayoola.

He further partnered Chinoye Okafor of Abia State to claim bronze in the U-15 Mixed Doubles.

The impressive medal haul continued at the African Cup, where Samson Joshua added another bronze medal in the U-15 Boys’ Singles, while Ize Aziza Sezuo secured bronze in the U-15 Girls’ Singles.

The performances are the product of years of disciplined training, exposure to competitive tournaments and the commitment of the athletes and their coaches.

The coaching team in Kogi State, led by Coach Friday Abah, has been instrumental in nurturing the players and preparing them for the demands of elite competition.

The Chairman of the Kogi State Table Tennis Association, Dr. Shaibu D. Mohammed, also received commendation for his financial support, motivation and continued investment in grassroots table tennis development.

His commitment has contributed significantly to creating opportunities for young players to train, compete and develop their talents.

The latest achievements have brought pride to Kogi State and Nigeria while providing further evidence that sustained investment in youth sports can produce athletes capable of competing successfully at the highest levels.

With continued support, exposure and proper development, the promising players have the potential to progress to the African, Commonwealth, Olympic and World stages and establish themselves among the leading names in international table tennis.

The feat is therefore not only a celebration of medals, but also a testament to the potential of young Nigerian athletes when talent is matched with quality coaching, structured development and the necessary support.

The players, Coach Friday Abah, Dr. Shaibu D. Mohammed, the Kogi State Table Tennis Association, their families and all those who have contributed to their development deserve commendation for the remarkable achievement.

By Francis Wilfred 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced investigation into a suspect, Haruna Yusuf, following the interception of undeclared foreign currencies valued at $73,000, £15,957 and 827,800 Saudi Riyals at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano.

The suspect and the recovered funds were handed over to the EFCC by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, during a formal ceremony at the Customs Area Command in Kano.

According to Dele Oyewale, the Acting Customs Area Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller U.U. Adamu, disclosed that the currencies were intercepted during routine passenger screening operations conducted between August 8 and August 12, 2026.

According to him, the first interception occurred on August 8 when customs officers discovered an unaccompanied Saudi Air luggage containing 827,800 Saudi Riyals and $53,300 concealed inside footwear. 

The second seizure was made on August 12 when officers, using Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology, found $20,000 and £15,957 hidden inside sportswear shoes in luggage belonging to Haruna Yusuf, who arrived on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941.

Adamu said the handover was in line with Section 4(f) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which authorises collaboration with other regulatory agencies. 

He noted that the seizures underscored the vigilance of customs officers in detecting illegal cross-border movement of undeclared funds.

Receiving the suspect and exhibits on behalf of the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, the Acting Zonal Director of the Kano Directorate, ACE I Friday S. Ebelo, commended the Customs Service for its professionalism and cooperation.

Ebelo stressed that failure to declare large sums of money violates the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. He urged travellers to comply with currency declaration requirements, noting that lawful declarations attract no penalties.

He assured that the Commission would conduct a thorough investigation and prosecute offenders where necessary, while both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in the fight against financial crimes and illicit cash movements across Nigeria’s borders.

By Aga Samuel Imoter
Jalingo

The Taraba State Government, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has rescued and facilitated the safe return of a Taraba woman, Blessing Danjuma, from the Ivory Coast following a distress call received through online channels.

The intervention was disclosed by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hon. Mrs. Mary Sinjen, FCNA, ACTI, during a briefing with journalists at the newly established Ministry of Women Affairs Shelter Home in Jalingo.

Mrs. Sinjen said the ministry responded to the distress signal and worked with NAPTIP and other relevant authorities to secure Danjuma’s return to Nigeria.

She disclosed that Danjuma had been under the care and protection of the ministry since Saturday, August 15, 2026, where she was receiving necessary support and attention.

The Commissioner described the intervention as part of the Taraba State Government’s sustained efforts to combat human trafficking, exploitation and abuse of women and children across the state.

She said the newly established shelter home would provide a safe environment for vulnerable women and children while facilitating their rehabilitation, recovery and reintegration into society.

“We remain committed to rescuing, protecting, rehabilitating and empowering women and children across Taraba State. We urge parents, communities and the general public to remain vigilant and courageous enough to speak out whenever the safety and wellbeing of our women and children are at risk,” Sinjen said.

The Commissioner called on members of the public to promptly report suspected cases of human trafficking, exploitation, abuse and other forms of violence against women and children to relevant authorities.

She stressed that early intervention and accurate information from members of the public were critical to preventing victims from falling deeper into situations of exploitation.

Sinjen reaffirmed the commitment of the ministry, under the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas, to strengthening programmes aimed at protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring that victims receive appropriate care and support.

According to her, the government would continue to collaborate with federal agencies, security institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to prevent trafficking and protect the rights and dignity of women and children.

She further urged parents and community leaders to exercise greater vigilance, particularly regarding offers of employment, travel and other opportunities that could expose young people to trafficking networks.

The Commissioner maintained that collective responsibility remained essential to tackling human trafficking and related forms of exploitation.

She said the state government’s objective was to build a safer Taraba where every woman and child could live free from abuse, exploitation and trafficking, while vulnerable persons are given the opportunity to recover and rebuild their lives.