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Author: Our Correspondent

Igali Calls for Inclusion of Canoeing, Kokowa at the National Sports Festival
By Amgber Kumo
Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali has requested the National Sports Commission to include traditional wrestling, Kokowa and Canoeing in the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, slated to start from May 16 through 30, 2025.
Dr. Igali made the request when he received the victorious Nigerian team to the just-concluded 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament held in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
He noted that it was sad for the nation to host a competition that has West African countries while traditional wrestling, popularly known as Kokowa, as a sports is not included in the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta.
The commissioner, who described the scenario as an irony, opined that traditional wrestling is one cultural event that is common to every state in the country, pointing out that there is an element of traditional wrestling in every culture in Nigeria.
He explained that since 1998 traditional wrestling has always been included in the National Sports Festival especially on the backdrop of hosting the entire West Africa in Nigeria, maintaining that not including the said traditional wrestling in the National Sports Festival sounds odd when viewed against the background that the country just hosted a wrestling tournament of the West African sub-region.
Igali, who doubles as the President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), equally called on the National Sports Commission to add Canoeing into the list of events to be completed for, at the festival, stressing that canoeing is one sports in which the nation has huge chances of winning gold medal at the next Olympics games.
According to him, it is worrisome that a sport that has been featured in the last two editions of the Olympic Games was not included in the National Sports Festival, that ought to serve as a breeding ground for the the nation’s athletes, urging the leadership of the commission to have a rethink because the absence of canoeing in the events of the forthcoming sports festival is an aberration.
Earlier in a remark, president of the Nigeria Wrestling Traditional Federation, Chief Olomo Agbadabina appreciated the Bayelsa State Government and the athletes for the show of dexterity throughout the tournament in Abuja.
Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi in an interview, asserted that the contingent’s triumph was a testament of the Bayelsa State government’s developmental policies in the last five years.
Sir Wodi thanked the governor, Douye Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo for giving priority to the development of sports since assumption of office, stating that the athletes have shown that they are worthy ambassadors of the state.
Team Nigeria won two silver in team event while Ebi Biogos and Ebipadei Milabofa won gold in the female 76Kg and 66Kg respectively at the 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament in Abuja.
March 14, 2025
Stakeholders commend FG over seamless operations of tolling at Garaku toll plaza
By Lucy Omakpo
Motorist plying the ever busy Keffi, Akwanga, Lafia, Makurdi express road have commended the FG for ensuring seamless operations at the toll plaza as against the initial hicuup the project experienced shortly after flag off.
Recall that earlier in Febuary this year the Federal government through the works ministry announced the commencement of tolling activities on federal roads across the country with commencement of toll operations on the 227.2km Abuja-Kaffi-Akwanga- Lafia-Makurdi Road Corridor
Speaking at the flag off of tolling which took place at Garaku toll gate on the sprawling brand new Abuja, Lafia Makurdi expressway earlier in Febuary this year, the minister of state Works, Bello Goronyo stated that the decision of the federal government to toll the road was primarily two prungs. One was to ensure that funds are available to make the road remains in tenable condition all year round and secondly to generate funds for repayment of the loan facility secured for the expansion and reconstruction of the road in line with the Federal Government agreement in rehabilitating and upgrading the road through a Preferential Credit Loan from China Exim Bank.
The Loan Agreement provided amongst others, that upon completion, the road will be tolled, operated, and maintained by a Private Party. This clause in the agreement is to ensure transparency and accountability.
Consewuently the Federal Ministry of Works executed a Concession Agreement with Ms China Habour Operation and Maintenance Company Ltd (CHOMC) on 26th May, 2023 for the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of the 227.2km. Abuja Keffl-Akwanga-Lafia Makurdi Rood Corridor for a twenty five (25) year period, as part of the twelve pilot Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) Road Projects, which has the approval of the Federal Executive Council, FEC.
A recent visit to the toll plaza by our correspondent shows that operations are going on seamlessly as the concessionaire,
China Habour Operation and Maintenance Company Ltd, has put modalities in place to make toll payment easy for motorists. Motorists plying the route do their toll payment through an electronic card payment system that ensures transparency and ease of payment for all classes of vehicles as boldly displayed on the plaza.
Speaking with our correspondent. A commercial driver, Mr Fidelis Aku, commended the Federal Government and the operators of the toll gate for their efficiency and innovation. According to him many of the commercial drivers olying Abuja to Markudi are happy with the development irrespective of the introduction of toll fees as long as a part of the fund was deployed for the maintenace of the road. ” l have been plying this road for over a decade as a commercial driver, i know what this road use to be like and what it is today. It is a huge relief and i must thank the government. Before now the road was in very bad state. It was single lane and even the single lane was full of pot holes which led to a lot of accidents on the road. There was also this dangerous portion around “Gidan Wire”, it was a death trap. The road was snaky with huge with deep gorges on both sides! Its a miracle that the construction company, China Harbor, CHEC, was able to overcome the challenges and construct this beautiful road we are seeing today. The deep gorges seems to have disappeared and and all sections of the road have been propwrly align to remove the snaky and dangerous turns”
Also speaking with our correspondent, Mr. Aliyu Kwande, also a commercial driver said, with the realigning and reconstruction of the road he now finds it easy to make at least two trips in a day between Abuja and Makurdi, whereas in the past he could only make a single trip. This he said has boosted his revenue.
” Being able to go to Makurdi twice in a day has greatly improved my revenue, furthermore my vehicle does not visit the mechanic frequently like it used to because the condition of the road is now better than before. The benefit drivers derive from having this road rehabilitated and expanded far outweighs the token we have to pay at the toll gate. I would like to commend the federal government for this initiative and also suggests that this model be extended to another parts of the country, there is no way we expert the FG to maintain this road without road tax, this is the standard globally, if we want good road, we should be able to pay a token to ensure that the road is constantly in good shape and like i said i don’t have to go to the mechanic always as a result of frequent breakdown of my vehicle. The maintenance cost of my vehicle has significantly reduced. Besides the journey from Abuja to Markudi that use to take about seven hours has reduced to less than four hours. This has been a game changer for me and many others like me.
I believe the model should be extended to other roads across the country. Secure a loan facility build the road then toll to maintain the road and also repay the loan. This to me is a workable model that would ensure that we have good roads across the country.
Also speaking with our correspondent, one of the staff of the concession company China Habour Operation and Maintenance Company Ltd, who didn’t want his name in print because he is not authorised to speak to the press, said the company is operating under the guidance and supervision of the ministry of Works and that tolls are applied as gazetted by the federal government. Saloon cars – N500, Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and Jeeps– N800, Minibuses – N1,000, Multi-axle vehicles – N1,600.
He also revealed that frequent users, such as commercial vehicles classified under the Federal Highway Act, receive a 50% discount. Additionally, tricycles, pedal vehicles, motorcycles, and other two- or three-wheeled modes of transport primarily used by disadvantaged populations are exempted from toll charges. ” there were initial hicupp on commencement but all that has been sorted out now and our operation is running smoothly”, he said
The Abuja, Lafia Makurdi road corridor
is a vital infrastructure route in Nigeria, serving as an essential highway for both the economic and social activities of the central and northern regions of the country.
The Road Corridor is crucial for the economic, social, and strategic development of Nigeria. It serves as a key artery for trade, mobility, and national security while contributing to the growth of infrastructure, urbanization, and national cohesion. Hence observers believe that the effective maintenance and further development of the corridor will continue to play a significant role in the nation’s economy and in enhancing the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians who uses the road corridor.
March 13, 2025
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Ties with China
By Raphael Oni
In a swift reaction to China’s successful conclusion of its “Two Sessions,” the Nigerian government has congratulated China on this achievement. Hon. Joseph Tegbe, Director General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, made the declaration, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to continue working closely with China.
Tegbe, who monitored the entire session, applauded China’s successful conclusion of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).¹ In an exclusive phone call with our correspondent, Tegbe reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with China, stating that “Nigeria will continue to support and keep the bilateral relations growing to an enviable level.”
This commitment highlights the significance of Nigeria-China cooperation, which has yielded fruitful partnerships in various sectors, including energy and infrastructure development.² ³ As the Director General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, Tegbe has played a pivotal role in fostering closer ties between the two nations, focusing on mutual benefit and sustainable growth [4][5]. His efforts have been instrumental in promoting economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and people-to-people diplomacy between Nigeria and China.
March 12, 2025
China’s National People’s Congress: A Milestone in Governance

Raphael Oni

The 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, concluded its third session on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in the country’s governance. The session was attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders, who gathered at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The meeting was presided over by Li Hongzhong, entrusted by Zhao Leji, executive chairman of the presidium. Lawmakers approved several key reports, including the government work report and the work reports of the NPC Standing Committee, the Supreme People’s Court, and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate.

In addition to approving these reports, lawmakers also adopted a decision to amend the Law on Deputies to the National People’s Congress and to the Local People’s Congresses at Various Levels. They also adopted a resolution on the implementation of the 2024 plan for national economic and social development and the 2025 plan for national economic and social development, as well as the 2025 plan.
Addressing the meeting, Li emphasized the significance of the people’s congress system, highlighting its ability to ensure the people’s status as masters of the country. He urged lawmakers to stay true to the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability, with the goal of completing the objectives and tasks of the 14th Five-Year Plan with high quality.

Li also emphasized the importance of developing whole-process people’s democracy, a concept that has been central to China’s governance model. This approach prioritizes the people’s interests and ensures that their voices are heard throughout the decision-making process.¹
As Li noted, “Unity is strength; struggle creates history; hard work makes a bright future.” This call to action reflects the Chinese government’s commitment to building a great country and advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization.
The Chinese democracy model, with its unique characteristics and strengths, has proven to be a viable alternative to Western liberal democracy. It is a model that prioritizes the people’s interests, promotes social harmony, and ensures the country’s stability and prosperity.
As the world looks to China for inspiration and guidance, it is clear that the Chinese democracy model has much to offer. With its emphasis on whole-process people’s democracy and its commitment to the people’s interests, this model has the potential to promote social harmony, stability, and prosperity in countries around the world.
The closing ceremony of the 14th National People’s Congress was attended by over 3,000 journalists from China and around the world, a testament to the significance of this event and the interest it has generated globally.
March 12, 2025
Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament kicks off
From Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa
Preliminary round matches of the seventh season of Nigeria’s largest grassroots football tournament, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, known as the Prosperity Cup, commenced over the weekend in the Brass and Nembe local government areas.
At the Nembe City Stadium on Sunday, Nembe FC showcased a dominant performance against Fantuo FC, securing a 2-0 victory to advance to the next stage of the competition.
Goals from Jackson Idubamo and Clement Bruno in each half were pivotal in ensuring Nembe FC’s success, effectively ousting their opponents from the tournament.
The Prosperity Cup continues to play a significant role in promoting grassroots football in Nigeria, engaging local communities and fostering talent development
Earlier at the same venue, Okoroba FC triumphed over Etie FC 7-6 on penalities after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Samuel David put Etie FC ahead on 57 minutes from a long range effort but Okoroba FC restored parity on 88 minutes from Benjamin Okatubo’s well taken spot kick.
On Saturday at the Sangana Centre in Brass Local Government Area, Sangana FC humbled Blue Sea Strikers 2-0 with the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere taking the ceremonial kick off.
Substitute, George Super netted the first brace of season seven scoring in 66 and 77 minutes, ensuring that his Sangana FC side advanced to the next round of the competition. In the second game of the same centre Kamatoru FC defeated Ogidi United also by two unreplied goals.
Fielding questions from newsmen after the encounter Ekwere Itoro, coach of Okoroba FC, attributed the victory to his lads’determination and commitment, stating that their target was to win the game in regulation time.
One of the goal scorers for Nembe City FC, Clement Bruno, boasted that their target is to lift the trophy and smile home with the prize money at the end of the tournament.
Action shifts to Ekeremor and Sagbama Local Government Areas this coming weekend
It will be recalled that, Governor Douye Diri had last month performed the symbolic kick-off of the tournament at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa to herald the official commencement of this year’s showpiece, which is featuring 231 teams.
March 11, 2025
Ekiti University Confers Honorary Doctorate on Gov Mbah

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has bagged the prestigious Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL) degree from the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ekiti State, for his inspiring leadership and contributions to the advancement of quality education in Nigeria.
This was even as the governor, who bagged the honorary award at the maiden convocation ceremony of the state-owned university in Ikere-Ekiti at the weekend, reiterated his administration’s resolve to continue to transform the education sector in Enugu State and set exemplary steps through innovative and experiential learning model.
Mbah stressed that although the gains of investments in education take many years to crystalise, his administration’s reforms and huge investments in education was driven not by public acclaim, but by the conviction that the highest legacy was to equip Enugu children and the youth with quality education that imbue them with the requisite knowledge and skill set to compete on the global stage.
“This award is a reminder that there is no greater honour than service. It is an inspiration to re-commit to the governance values that underpin our modest achievements in Enugu State.
“These values are shaped, particularly, by the conviction that education is the best legacy to bequeath to the emerging generation,” he added.
The governor, who has consistently dedicated over 33 per cent of the state’s annual budget solely to education, maintained that the achievements recorded in the quality of output in the education sector through the deployment of huge resources had reflected in the ongoing construction of 260 Smart Green Schools for experiential learning in the state.
He explained that this education model emphasises experiential learning that imbues children with problem-solving skills over rote learning.
While stressing the university’s motto, “Learning for Self-Reliance,” Mbah said this should resonate with all levels of government nationwide in the face of shrinking international funding by some world economies, saying it was time to press the inventive button as a nation.
He noted that despite the BOUESTI being at its formative years, the university had made giant strides by nurturing an environment that was conducive to learning.
“This clearly underscores the university’s firm belief in the primacy of human capital development. Although established in 2020, it is heartwarming that this university is emerging as a formidable platform for science and technological renaissance.”
Commending the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his enduring reforms and sustained investment in education, Mbah charged the graduands to wear the toga of the university with pride and dignity, urging them not to severe links with the institution as alumni.
While conferring the highest degree on the governor, the university’s Chancellor, Chief Wole Olanipekun, said the degree was strictly meant for lawyers of distinction, which Mbah had clinched by merit.
He described the governor as a rare breed in the entrepreneurial space, who was presently disrupting the Nigerian leadership space through his innovative style of governance.
March 9, 2025
ICPC Partners Northern Christian Group to Fight Corruption in Local Government
By Frances Wilfred
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is set to collaborate with the Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) to promote transparency and accountability in local government financial administration and prevent corruption and mismanagement of funds.
This development was announced on Thursday when the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, DSSRS, received the leadership of the NCYP on a courtesy visit at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Aliyu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to partnering with the group to ensure that Nigerians at the grassroots level benefit from the federal government’s local government financial autonomy policy.
The ICPC used the opportunity to emphasize that this goal could only be achieved through viable collaborations with relevant stakeholders to prevent corruption and mismanagement of public funds.
According to him, “We are ready to partner with you in ensuring that local government financial autonomy benefits the grassroots and improves the quality of life in our communities,”.
He urged the NCYP and other Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) to support the Commission’s fight against corruption by sensitizing the public and holding elected officials accountable.
Dr. Aliyu stressed the need for the group to equip themselves with adequate information on local government fund disbursements and expenditures, as this would enable them to educate the public, monitor spending, expose corrupt practices, and ensure that public officeholders are held accountable.
Continuing, he said, “You must educate the people in your communities on how disbursed funds by local government councils are being spent.
However, the process must start with you, and the impact will spread,”.
In his remarks, the NCYP Chairman, Mr. Isaac Abrak, who commended the ICPC for its anti-corruption efforts under the leadership of Dr. Aliyu expressed the group’s desire to partner with the Commission to ensure that local government funds are utilized for the development of the people.
“We are here to celebrate the Commission for conducting its operations in line with the rule of law and due process based on its constitutional mandates,” Mr. Abrak stated.
He further noted that the NCYP advocated for grassroots development and financial autonomy for local government areas. He described the recent financial autonomy -granted by the Federal Government and affirmed by the Supreme Court- as one of the most people-oriented policies of the present administration.
“We have confidence in the present government for promising to disburse funds directly into local government accounts. This will address many challenges faced by LGAs and the people at the grassroots. We are eager to know how we can assist the Commission in ensuring the right things are done at the local levels,” he added.
Mr. Abrak concluded by commending the ICPC’s recent engagement with local government executives in Gombe State and encouraged the Commission to continue its commendable work.
March 8, 2025
Businessman Bags One Year in Jail Over Visa Fraud in Lagos
By Frances Wilfred

A Lagos Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has convicted and sentenced Dennis Adeniran Adetoye to one year imprisonment for visa fraud, following his arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr. Demola Bakare, thre Director, Public Enlightenment and Education of the ICPC and made available to Daybreak Nigeria
According to the statement the defendant was arrested at the British Deputy High Commission’s office in Lagos after presenting forged documents, including an invitation letter from Clarivate Analytics dated April 20, 2018, an introduction letter from the same company dated May 16, 2018, and a falsified Diamond Bank Plc statement of account.
Investigations by the Commission revealed that Adetoye had falsely claimed to be the regional business lead for Clarivate Analytics and that the company would sponsor his trip to London, UK, in an attempt to fast-track the procurement of a UK visa.
He was subsequently arraigned before Justice R.A. Oshodi at Court 48, Roseline Omotosho Court House, Ikeja, on a two-count charge of receipt of property obtained using an act constituting a felony, knowing the same to have been so obtained.
The charges were filed under Section 13 and were punishable under Section 68 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Upon his arraignment on March 4, 2025, Adetoye pleaded guilty to all counts. He was immediately remanded in Kirikiri Maximum Prison, pending sentencing.
During the sentencing proceedings on March 5, 2025, the defence counsel, J.O. Momoh, pleaded for leniency, arguing that the defendant was a first-time offender who had turned a new leaf and had since ventured into a decent textile business.
Justice Oshodi, in his judgment, convicted Adetoye and sentenced him to one year imprisonment on each count in lieu of a fine of one million Naira for all counts.
The court also ordered him to undertake an affidavit of good conduct, pledging never to engage in any criminal or corrupt activities again.
Furthermore, his biometric details will be registered in the offender’s database maintained by the Lagos State Judiciary.
The conviction, in this case prosecuted by three ICPC counsels, Yvonne William Mbata, Roseline Okoro, and Oluwayemisi Pereira, reinforces the Commission’s commitment to tackling corruption and fraudulent activities in the country, especially in matters relating to the falsification of documents for visa applications.
March 8, 2025
NCNC charges 9th Batch of JPs to take home message of Peace, Unity to Nigeria

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju, Jerusalem
After successful visits to Holy sites in both Jordan and Israel, Jerusalem pilgrims, Lead of the 9th batch JPs, Rev. Dr. Samuel Nortey has charged the new pilgrims to take home the messages of peace and unity to Nigerians.
Rev. Nortey gave the charge on Friday in Jerusalem at a certification ceremony of new JPs.
He thanked God for the successful pilgrimage exercise and also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the Christian pilgrimage despite his Muslim- Muslim ticket government.
He said, ” We have come to the Holy Land to walk in the Foot parts of our Lord Jesus. You have seen and conquered.”
Rev. Nortey called on the JPs to use the opportunity to transform their lives and be good Ambassadors. Patriotism should be our watchword, he emphasized. He further commended the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, for his renewed strength and vigour.

Rev. Nortey called for more sponsorship of Christian pilgrims. The Christian Association of Nigeria, Vice President Northern States , Dr. Rev. Samson congratulated the pilgrims for making it to the Holy Land to pray for Nigeria.
He thanked President Tinubu for his support in providing all the logistics for making the Pilgrim exercise a smooth one.
Hon. Samuel Sekav Dzua, while admonishing the new JPs preached the message of receiving Christ and spreading the gospel to the grassroots.
One of the JPs, Mrs.Tosin Àyobami Yohanna emphasized that her lessons from the pilgrimage exercise is to go back home with the message of peace and unity in Nigeria. Speaking to Daybreak Nigeria, Mrs. Yohanna said, ” We need unity in Nigeria. My experience in this Jerusalem Pilgrimage exercise has been good spiritually. I am fulfilled spiritually. On any site my feet touches, l pray for the peace of my country.”
Head of the delegates, Hon. Luke Baba thanked God for making the exercise and thanked the NCPC boss for his good leadership style, and he prayed that the exercise would be an inspiration for others.

Daybreak reports that all pilgrims from Abuja and Nasarrawa State were issued their certificate as Jerusalem Pilgrims, JPs.
March 8, 2025
Bwari General Hospital Retains ISO 15189:2022 Certification

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Bwari General Hospital Laboratory has retained its International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15189:2022 certification, making it the first and only Accredited Government owned hospital in the country.
ISO certification is a seal of approval from a third party body that a company runs to one of the international standards developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization.
In a statement by Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, to the FCT minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike on Tuesday, said the ISO certification was a reflection of the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s, FCTA, commitment to improve healthcare delivery and the healthcare reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He stated that retaining the ISO Certification was a demonstration the Bwari General Hospital Laboratory overtime has
adhered to international medical laboratory practices, adding that “maintaining this accreditation required continuous improvements to meet evolving global standards, which the Wike-led FCTA is committed to.”
“To achieve re-certification, the hospital laboratory had to upgrade its procedures, train staff, and invest in modern equipment. Most importantly, implementation of a Quality Management System (QMS) is to ensure reliable and high-quality diagnostic services.”
L Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, disclosed that the Bwari General Hospital Laboratory initially received ISO 15189:2012 accreditation in 2019 for a four-year period (2019–2023).
Dr. Fasawe described the accomplishment as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s healthcare system and a testament to the commitment of the FCT Minister to improved healthcare delivery as well as dedication of the laboratory staff. Adding that this success would inspire other government hospitals to strive for similar excellence.”
Fasawe affirmed that Bwari General Hospital Laboratory’s achievement demonstrated that Nigerian healthcare institutions were capable of meeting global standards.
March 8, 2025