Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Author: Online Editor

Bayelsa SSG Urges Grassroots Coaches to Tap Football’s Economic Potential
Bayelsa State Secretary to the Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, has encouraged grassroots football coaches to see the sport as a viable business and explore its revenue-generating opportunities.
Ayawei made the remarks in Yenagoa while declaring open the FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup International Coaching Clinic, a programme aimed at improving coaching standards in the state.
He said football is one of the world’s most lucrative industries and urged local coaches and managers to develop their technical knowledge while understanding the commercial side of the game. He added that lessons from the clinic would help participants improve their teams when competitions resume.
The training programme, facilitated by Whiz-kid Ventures (Netherlands), introduces grassroots coaches to the methodology and playing philosophy associated with FC Barcelona.
Premium Trust Bank’s Regional Head in Yenagoa, Danjuma Omeje, said the bank would continue supporting sports development in the state, noting its partnership with the Prosperity Cup tournament.
Director-General of the competition, Ono Akpoe, said coach-training initiatives were already contributing to the growth of football in Bayelsa and commended the state government and sponsors for their support.
Activities at the clinic included training sessions and scouting matches held at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.
February 23, 2026
Tinubu Support Group Congratulates James Faleke on Renewed Hope Ambassadors Appointment
The Tinubu Support Group (TSG) has congratulated Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke following his appointment as Deputy Secretary of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors campaign team.
In a statement issued by its Director-General, Umar Tanko Yakasai, the group described the appointment as recognition of Faleke’s commitment to public service and political leadership.According to Yakasai, the group believes Faleke’s experience and leadership qualities will contribute to the activities of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors.
“We extend our congratulations to Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke on this appointment and wish him success in the role,” the statement said.
The group expressed confidence that the new position would support efforts aimed at promoting the goals associated with the Renewed Hope initiative.
Faleke is a member of the House of Representatives representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in Lagos State.
February 23, 2026
Suspected Boko Haram Fighters Attack Military Camp in Adamawa, Kill Four
Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have attacked a military camp in Garaha District, Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, killing at least three soldiers and a civilian, according to local sources and eyewitnesses.
Residents said the attackers stormed the community around late morning, approaching from multiple directions, including the Dabna and Lar axes. The assault reportedly led to a gun battle between the armed group and troops stationed in the area.
An eyewitness, Reverend Isaiah Yeriman, said the attackers eventually overran the camp and set parts of it on fire. He added that several structures, including a nearby primary school, were affected during the attack.
According to Yeriman, three soldiers were killed during the confrontation, while a woman died after being struck by a stray bullet while trying to flee the area.Local accounts also indicated that weapons were taken from the base before the attackers withdrew, although these claims have not been independently verified.
The traditional ruler of the Huba community, Tol Barr Alheri Bulus, confirmed that an attack occurred and said more details would be provided later.
Efforts to obtain an official statement from the military were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
The incident highlights ongoing security concerns in parts of Adamawa State, where communities continue to face attacks by armed groups despite ongoing counterinsurgency operations.
February 23, 2026
Federal Headquarters Wins 2026 Nigeria Police Games in Asaba With 238 Medals
The Federal Headquarters (FHQ) team of the Nigeria Police Force emerged overall champions at the 15th Biennial Nigeria Police Games (BIPOGA) held in Asaba, Delta State.
Police athletes representing the FHQ secured first place with 238 medals after a closely contested competition with the Lagos Command, which finished second with 236 medals. Yenagoa Command placed third with 140 medals.The week-long event, hosted by the Delta State Government, took place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium and other venues across Asaba.
Police athletes from commands and formations nationwide competed in multiple sporting events.Competitions included athletics, shooting, swimming, table tennis and boxing, among others.
At the closing ceremony, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, congratulated the winners and commended participants for their discipline and sportsmanship.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun also praised Delta State for hosting the games and described the event as an opportunity to strengthen unity and physical fitness within the force.
Chairman of the Force Sports Planning Committee, AIG Fom Pam Joseph, said the 2026 edition would be remembered for its strong performances and organisation.
February 23, 2026
Many Injured as Violence Erupts at APC Ward Congress in Oluyole
The All Progressives Congress ward congress in Oluyole local government area was marred by violence on Saturday, with clashes that reportedly left several party members injured.The exercise, organised to elect ward executives across the local government’s wards, was disrupted at Olomi Ward 7, by suspected heavily-armed political thugs allegedly linked to a member of the party, Prof. Abiodun Gbolagade, who is an Aspirant for the 2027 Oluyole Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
Many persons were reportedly wounded during the unrest, while Hon. Idowu Oyawale, the campaign Director-general of House of Representatives member, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe during the last general elections sustained severe injuries and is currently receiving treatment at an hospital.
According to reports, the heavily-armed group stormed the congress venue at Olomi Basic School 1, dispersing party members and officials supervising the exercise, with stones, clubs and other weapons.
Eyewitnesses said tensions escalated unprovoked over delegates’ lists and ward executive positions. The disagreement reportedly degenerated into physical altercations before the violent attacks on party members loyal to a House of Representatives member, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe. It was learnt that security operatives led a tactical team to restore order, peace, and disperse the attackers.
The eyewitness said, “Let it be on record that today, 21st February, 2026 at Olomi APC Oluyole Local Government, Prof. Abiodun Gbolagade mobilised thugs to attack APC members in Oluyole. Those attacked include: Mama Olole (Ward 4), Bukola (Ward 2), Arowolaje and Hon. Idowu Oyewale. The thugs allegedly mobilised by Prof. Abiodun Gbolagade were led by some party members namely Abdullahi Sakariyahu Aresa (Ward 3), Taiwo Idris (Ward 3), Femi aka Iku (Ward 3).
Kazeem Oloro (Ward 7), Magi (ward 2) apart from stoning, slapped an 80 year old woman Adebimpe Esho, Ismaila Ajimobi (Ward 2) Kola Okunade (Ward 2), Adeniji Abiodun Aderemi (Ward 3), Babatunde Blessing Muideen (Ward 7), Lafiku Idowu (Ward 4), and Sulaimon Babatunde Omolaja (Ward 3) PA of outgoing Chairman”. The same group of people, allegedly attacked unprovoked at Ward 2 and Ward 7 during the Ward Primaries.
Reacting to the incident, some party leaders and elders condemned the violence, describing it as unfortunate and capable of undermining the credibility of the internal democratic process. The leaders have called on Party Chieftains and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately order an investigation into the violent attacks.
E-signed:Media & Publicity Team.
February 21, 2026.
February 22, 2026
Bayelsa Governor Diri Urges Oil Firms to Support Prosperity Cup Football Tournament
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has called on multinational oil companies and corporate organisations operating in the state to support the annual Governor’s Football Tournament, known as the Prosperity Cup, to advance grassroots sports development.
Diri made the appeal in Yenagoa while receiving a branded jersey from the tournament’s Central Organising Committee and conducting the official draws for Season 8.
He also presented kits, including jerseys and footballs, to three participating teams: Afini Ladies of Amarata, Agbere FC of Agbere community and a para-soccer team.The governor described the competition, established in 2015, as one of Nigeria’s largest grassroots football tournaments, noting that 228 teams are competing in the male category this season.“
Government alone cannot develop sports,” Diri said, urging oil firms and other stakeholders to contribute to youth-focused initiatives. He added that sports can serve as a tool for youth engagement and social stability.Diri commended organisers for holding a refresher course for referees and urged match officials to uphold integrity.
He also acknowledged the support of Premium Trust Bank, Linkage Assurance, the Niger Delta Development Commission, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board and the Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue.
Tournament official Perela Aboro said measures were taken to reduce teams’ travel costs, while Coach Perez Walson of FC De-Lavida expressed confidence ahead of the competition.
February 20, 2026
Bayelsa Police Promote 228 Officers to Assistant Superintendent Rank
The Nigeria Police Force has promoted 228 officers from the rank of Inspector to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in the Bayelsa State Command.Commissioner of Police for Bayelsa State, Daniel Iyamah Edobor, announced the promotions during a decoration ceremony held at the State Officers’ Mess.
Edobor said the figure represents Bayelsa’s share of a nationwide promotion exercise approved by the police authorities.
He urged the newly promoted officers to see their elevation as a call to higher responsibility and professionalism.“ To whom much is given, much is expected,” he said, adding that career progression requires greater commitment and discipline.
The commissioner warned against misconduct, including corruption, extortion and human rights violations. He advised officers to remain civil in their interactions with the public and to adhere strictly to police rules and directives.Edobor also encouraged other personnel in the command to view the promotions as motivation to improve their performance and uphold ethical standards.
Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, ASP Gabriel Yenegue thanked the police leadership and pledged that the newly elevated officers would remain committed to maintaining law and order in the state.
February 20, 2026
Kano Deputy Governor Visits Singa Market Fire Victims, Sends Ramadan Message
Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo has expressed sympathy to traders affected by last week’s fire outbreak at Singa Market and extended Ramadan greetings to Muslims across the state.
Gwarzo visited the market and commiserated with traders who lost goods and property in the incident. According to a statement by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, the deputy governor described the fire as distressing, particularly for small-scale business owners facing economic challenges.“
I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate fire incident that has caused significant losses to hardworking traders,” he said.The fire reportedly destroyed goods worth millions of naira in parts of the market, leaving many traders with substantial losses.Gwarzo urged residents to adopt safety measures to prevent future fire outbreaks and called for collective efforts to safeguard markets and public spaces.
As Ramadan begins, the deputy governor also conveyed his greetings to Muslim faithful in Kano State. He described the holy month as a period of prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal.He encouraged Muslims to use the fasting period to pray for peace, unity and stability in Kano State and Nigeria.
February 20, 2026
Northern Stakeholders, Coalition Stage Anti-Elrufai protest in Kaduna
…Urges his detention till proper investigation
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Group under the auspices of northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative and Coalition of Kaduna Stakeholders’ Forum have protested against alleged corruption of former kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-rufai in Kaduna state, northwest Nigeria.
The protesters have stormed Kaduna State House of Assembly and submitted a letter calling on the lawmakers to provide clear updates on the status of its probe of Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s eight-year tenure.
The protesters are backing the investigation of ex-governor Nasir El-Rufai by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged corrupt practices.
Leader of the protest to Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yerima Shettima, said as the former Governor El-Rufai visited the EFCC, the protesters called on anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties professionally, independent, and with thoroughness, in ensuring that investigations were conducted in full and accordance with the law and due process.
Shettima said, “They should make sure he does not leave in a haste, he should be detained to make sure all proper investigations are carried out. If they let him go free without doing the right thing, they will face the wrath and anger of the citizens, we will be compelled to use all legal available options to ensure justice and accountability are served”.
We will continue to pressure untill the right thing is done”, he stated, adding “To the media, we make a sincere appeal. The struggle for accountability cannot succeed without a free, courageous, and responsible press.”Shettima said, “Our position is simple and lawful. No one is above the law. No individual is bigger than democratic institutions. Accountability strengthens democracy, protects citizens, and sets necessary precedents for future leadership”.”
We remain committed to peaceful civic engagement, lawful advocacy, and democratic processes. Our objective is justice, transparency, and the protection of the rights and dignity of the people of Kaduna State.” he emphasized.
Receiving the protesters at the Assembly complex, Speaker Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Dahiru Liman, said the house set up probe committee in 2024 over misappropriation of N432bn by the El-Rufai’s administration and findings were submitted to appropriate authorities.“
I am here with all the House of Assembly members. We set up committee in June 2024 over misappropriation of 432bn by the former governor Nasir El-Rufus’s administration and we submitted our findings to appropriate authorities,” Speaker Liman said.
February 18, 2026
NCC Seeks Stakeholders’ Inputs on National Telecoms Policy Review
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on interested industry stakeholders to make written submissions to the Commission on the ongoing review of the National Telecommunications Policy (NTP) 2000, whose consultation paper has been published on the Commission’s website.
The Commission has set Friday, March 20, 2026, as the deadline for all submissions from stakeholders to be addressed to the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Commission or sent to the dedicated email: stakeholders@ncc.gov.ng.
The consultation process, which is in exercise of the Commission’s functions under the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003 and upon the activation of the provisions of Section 24 (1) of the Act on conducting consultative processes for the review of policies, is the first step in the public consultation process to guide the review of the subsisting NTP 2000.
The review of the NTP follows the inauguration of a Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) and a Ministerial Technical Committee (MTC) by the Hon. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, to commence the process of reviewing the NTP 2000.Section 24 (1) of the NCA, 2003 states that “Prior to the formulation or review of the general policy for the Nigerian communications sector, the Minister shall cause the Commission on his behalf to first carry out a public consultative process on the proposed policy formulation or modification.”
The policy review will also align with the Hon. Minister’s Strategic Blueprint- Accelerating Our Collective Prosperity through Technical Efficiency, which states that the Ministry will drive the review of the Telecoms Policy to account for core issues such as spectrum management, universal access, broadband penetration, net neutrality and quality of service (QoS).
Hence, the consultation process and its outcome will support the work of the MSC and the Implementation Committee (IC) in coming up with a reviewed policy that will meet the current challenges of the communications sector and keep up with the rapid and dynamic changes since the current NTP was issued 25 years ago.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said in the published consultation paper, that the process will lead to the development of the first draft of the NTP 2026 to replace the existing NTP 2000, following 25 years of implementation. The draft will also undergo further consultations to enable stakeholders to make more input before a final draft is subjected to the statutory policy approval and validation processes. “
The NTP 2000 has been instrumental to advancing Nigeria’s telecom sector from where it was 25 years ago – from a mere 500,000 lines to almost 180 million active mobile connections as of December 2026. One of the gaps that the revised policy seeks to address is the increased demand for data services and its externalities.“
This is a first step in the consultation process and there will be other layers of engagements, to ensure that the final draft accommodates varied expertise, feedback and inputs from a cross section of stakeholders,” Maida said.
He implored stakeholders to take the opportunity to participate in developing the policy that will take the communications sector to the next level after the immeasurable successes attained since 2000.
The NTP 2000 marked a major progression from older policies, aiming for liberalisation, modernisation, and competition under then nascent democratic government. NTP replaced the 1998 Policy and successfully paved the way for the growth of mobile telephony and the eventual NCA 2003 by focusing on market deregulation and stakeholder consultation. In the ongoing review, there are 15 key policy proposals, which form the baseline for the review and potential changes to the existing NTP and provide both the context and policy purpose for necessary changes. The policy proposal caters to regulation of the industry, its sustainability, emerging technologies, national security, among others.
According to the EVC, the expected feedback will guide the review and amendment of the NTP in line with the expectations of the NCA, 2003. “The consultation process is open to licensees in the Nigerian communications sector, consumers, agencies of government, international agencies/partners/entities, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), individuals and other interested stakeholders,” he said.
Signed: Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha
Head, Public Affairs
February 18, 2026