OGBARA HOSTS COLOURFUL CHRISTMAS CAROL, UNITES KOSOFE FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY IN WORSHIP, GRATITUDE AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT*

Agboyi-Ketu, Lagos The Agboyi-Ketu APC Secretariat came alive with music, colour and deep communal warmth as Honourable Kafilat Adetola Ogbara, Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, and Member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Kosofe Federal Constituency, hosted a grand Nine Lessons Christmas Carol and Thanksgiving that drew dignitaries and residents from across Kosofe and its neighbouring communities.

The well-orchestrated celebration, held in the true spirit of Christmas, showcased Hon. Ogbara’s enduring commitment to unity, faith-based engagement and people-centred leadership. The venue was transformed into a hub of reverence and festivity, with carefully curated carol renditions, seasonal décor and an atmosphere that reflected both solemn worship and joyful celebration.

Among the distinguished guests was the Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Hon. (Mrs.) Adetola Adunni Abubakar, who attended alongside her Vice Chairman and the seven councillors of the LCDA. The event also recorded the presence of the Agboyi-Ketu APC Party Chairman, party leaders, and stakeholders from across the constituency. The Executive Chairman of Kosofe Local Government was ably represented by the Local Government Secretary (LGS) and councillors, while the Councillor representing Ward B in Ikosi-Isheri LCDA joined other political leaders to grace the occasion. Residents from Agboyi-Ketu, Ikosi-Isheri and Kosofe Local Government Area turned out in large numbers, lending the event a truly inclusive outlook.

A major highlight of the evening was the soul-lifting performance by the Kosofe Federal Constituency Mass Choir, whose coordinated carol presentations combined musical excellence with spiritual depth. Their harmonious renditions captivated the audience, evoking reflection, gratitude and renewed hope—values central to the Christmas message.

In her remarks, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara was widely commended for leveraging the Christmas Carol not merely as a ceremonial gathering, but as a platform to reinforce social bonds, promote compassion and celebrate shared values across political and communal lines. Her leadership was evident in the meticulous planning, broad stakeholder inclusion and the humane touch that defined the event.

True to the season of giving, attendees departed the carol ground with numerous food items, underscoring the humanitarian essence of the programme and Hon. Ogbara’s resolve to ensure that celebration translates into tangible support for families during the festive period.

Observers described the event as a benchmark in constituency engagement colourful, dignified and purposeful reflecting international standards of public celebration anchored on inclusivity, cultural expression and social responsibility. As residents dispersed with uplifted spirits and warm smiles, the Christmas Carol stood as a resounding testament to Hon. Kafilat Adetola Ogbara’s people-first approach to leadership and her unwavering dedication to the wellbeing and unity of Kosofe Federal Constituency.

Orumogege Football Tournament Grand Finale Ends in Glory

Story by: Tope Eluyefa 

The 2025 edition of the prestigious Orumogege Football Tournament has come to a thrilling end, as football talents from across Ogbomosoland dazzled fans during the grand finale, marking another successful chapter in grassroots sports development.

In the female category, Phoenix Football Team emerged champions after a hard-fought encounter against Fefaco FC, displaying skill, discipline, and determination to clinch the coveted title.

The male final was equally intense, as ICON FC edged Favour FC by a lone goal in a tightly contested match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The narrow victory crowned ICON FC as champions of the male category, earning them loud cheers from football lovers who thronged the venue.

At the end of the tournament, the overall winners went home with the star prize of ₦1 million, while the first runners-up received ₦500,000, and the runners-up were rewarded with ₦250,000, underscoring the organizers’ commitment to rewarding excellence and encouraging grassroots football.

Speaking after the finals, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Amos Adewale Ado, alongside committee vice chairman  Oluwatoyin Sunday (RCC), Adedokun Peter (Apata), Secretary and other officials, expressed deep appreciation to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Olaoye Ghandi, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, for his royal support and fatherly encouragement throughout the tournament.

The organizing committee also extended heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors and partners whose contributions ensured the success of the competition. Special appreciation went to Allansmith, led by Joshua Adamu; Hon. Segun Odebunmi (BUNVIC); and Talking Drums Hotels, chaired by Banji Patrick Ojo, among several others.

They noted that the Orumogege Football Tournament has continued to serve as a vital platform for discovering young talents, promoting unity, and fostering sports development in Ogbomosoland, while pledging to make future editions even bigger and better.

The colourful finale once again reaffirmed Orumogege as one of the leading grassroots football tournaments in the region, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next edition.

Orumogege Football Tournament Grand Finale Ends in Glory

The 2025 edition of the prestigious Orumogege Football Tournament has come to a thrilling end, as football talents from across Ogbomosoland dazzled fans during the grand finale, marking another successful chapter in grassroots sports development.

In the female category, Phoenix Football Team emerged champions after a hard-fought encounter against Fefaco FC, displaying skill, discipline, and determination to clinch the coveted title.

The male final was equally intense, as ICON FC edged Favour FC by a lone goal in a tightly contested match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The narrow victory crowned ICON FC as champions of the male category, earning them loud cheers from football lovers who thronged the venue.

At the end of the tournament, the overall winners went home with the star prize of ₦1 million, while the second runners-up received ₦500,000, and the third runners-up were rewarded with ₦250,000, underscoring the organizers’ commitment to rewarding excellence and encouraging grassroots football.

Speaking after the finals, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Amos Adewale Ado, alongside committee members Oluwatoyin Sunday (RCC), Adedokun Peter (Apata), and other officials, expressed deep appreciation to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Olaoye Ghandi, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, for his royal support and fatherly encouragement throughout the tournament.

The organizing committee also extended heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors and partners whose contributions ensured the success of the competition. Special appreciation went to Allansmith, led by Joshua Adamu; Hon. Segun Odebunmi (BUNVIC); and Talking Drums Hotels, chaired by Banji Patrick Ojo, among several others.

They noted that the Orumogege Football Tournament has continued to serve as a vital platform for discovering young talents, promoting unity, and fostering sports development in Ogbomosoland, while pledging to make future editions even bigger and better.

The colourful finale once again reaffirmed Orumogege as one of the leading grassroots football tournaments in the region, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next edition.

Orumogege Football Tournament Grand Finale Hold Tomorrow as Agbaakin of Ogbomoso Donates Giant Cup

 Ogbomoso is set for another moment of excitement as the 2025 Orumogege Football Tournament reaches its grand finale on Wednesday, December 18, with football lovers and stakeholders eagerly anticipating a thrilling climax to this year’s competition.

In a major boost to the female category of the tournament, the Agbaakin of Ogbomoso has generously donated a giant trophy to be presented to the overall winner of the women’s football final. The gesture has been widely applauded as a strong show of support for grassroots sports development and the promotion of female football in Ogbomoso and its environs.

Speaking ahead of the final match, Chairman of the Orumogege Football Tournament, Mr. Amos Adewale Ado, expressed profound appreciation to the Agbaakin of Ogbomoso for the donation, describing it as timely and highly motivating for the participating female teams.

Amos Ado also extended his gratitude to paramount ruler of Ogbomosoland, Oba Olaoye Ghandi, Orumogege 111, Soun of Ogbomoso for his benevolence and opportunity given to the youths. He also appreciate other individuals, corporate bodies, sports stakeholders and lovers of grassroots football who contributed in various ways to ensure the success of this year’s edition of the tournament. According to him, the overwhelming support received has further positioned the Orumogege Football Tournament as one of the most impactful community-based football competitions in Ogbomosoland.

“This year’s tournament has been very successful due to the collective support of our royal fathers, donors, sponsors and sports enthusiasts. The donation of a giant cup for the female category is a clear indication that women’s football is gaining the recognition it deserves,” Amos Ado stated.

He added that the organizing committee has put all necessary arrangements in place to ensure a well-coordinated and hitch-free grand finale, promising football fans an entertaining and memorable event.

The Orumogege Football Tournament, which features male and female teams from across Ogbomosoland, continues to serve as a platform for talent discovery, youth engagement and community unity through sports. The grand finale is expected to attract dignitaries, football administrators, community leaders and supporters from far and near.

‎Amos Ado, Afolabi Yusuf, Others Celebrate Taye Currency at 51 ‎

Prominent personalities including sports administrator Amos Adewale Ado, Ibadan born social cultural ambassador Afolabi Yusuf, and several associates have joined friends, family members and fans across the country to celebrate renowned Fuji music icon, Alhaji Taye Adebisi, popularly known as Taye Currency, as he clocks 51 years. 

‎In a press release signed by the Taye Currency Organization’s Publicist, Prince Tope Eluyefa, the celebrant was described as a man of exemplary character who has distinguished himself remarkably in the Nigerian music industry through hard work, consistency and humility.
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‎The statement noted that Taye Currency’s journey in Fuji music is a testimony to perseverance and dedication, stressing that his unique style, soul-lifting lyrics and deep connection with the grassroots have earned him a special place in the hearts of music lovers across generations.
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‎According to the release, the super Fuji star is not only celebrated for his musical exploits but also for his humanitarian disposition. “Taye Currency is deeply loved by his people, friends and family. Beyond the stage, he remains a pillar of support to many families, constantly giving back and touching lives in meaningful ways,” the statement read.
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‎Amos Ado, while congratulating the Fuji maestro, praised him for living a life worthy of emulation, noting that his success story continues to inspire young talents within and outside the entertainment industry. Other well-wishers, including Afolabi, also lauded Taye Currency for his resilience, generosity and enduring relevance in Fuji music.
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‎As he marks his 51st birthday, prayers were offered for good health, longer life and greater achievements for the celebrated artiste, with fans and associates expressing confidence that Taye Currency’s legacy of music, service and impact will continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.

---Tope Eluyefa 
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FOB BADAGRY HANDS OVER SEIZED CONTRABAND ITEMS TO NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE IN LINE WITH EXTANT REGULATIONS

In its continued drive to curb smuggling and other forms of illegality across Nigeria’s maritime and border environment, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry today handed over a total of 525 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Area Command and 60 bags of the same commodity to the NCS Western Marine Command.

All the handed-over items were intercepted during a series of targeted, intelligence-led operations conducted by personnel of the Base in recent weeks. These successful interceptions form part of the Nigerian Navy’s sustained efforts to enforce Federal Government directives against smuggling and other acts of economic sabotage within the nation’s maritime environment and adjoining land borders.

Speaking during the handover, the Commanding Officer, Captain (NN) B. O. Omotayo, ably represented by the Base Executive Officer, reaffirmed the Base’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a secure, lawful, and economically viable maritime domain. He emphasized that the operations were carried out in strict compliance with the Harmonized Standard Operating Procedures (HSOP) for Arrest and Handover, as well as extant regulations guiding inter-agency collaboration.

Captain Omotayo further assured that FOB Badagry would continue to intensify surveillance and patrol activities across its Area of Operations to deter smugglers and other perpetrators of maritime and border-related crimes. He reiterated that the Forward Operating Base remains resolutely committed to achieving the strategic and operational objectives of the Nigerian Navy, in line with the directives and vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I. Abbass.

The Nigerian Navy, through FOB Badagry, continues to demonstrate professionalism, effective inter-agency synergy, and operational excellence in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime and border environment.

Hon. Yusuf Adebisi Congratulates Gov. Makinde on Oyo @50 Kick-Off, Hails Youth-Driven Vision ‎

The Chairman, House Committee on Youth and Sports in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Yusuf Adebisi, has congratulated the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, on the official unveiling and kick-off of activities marking the Oyo @50 celebration, describing the initiative as visionary, inclusive and youth-centred.

‎Hon. Adebisi, who is also one of the youngest lawmakers in the current Assembly and represents Ibadan South-West Constituency I, praised Governor Makinde for deliberately positioning the youth as critical drivers of the future of the state. According to him, the Oyo @50 celebration goes beyond symbolism, noting that it reflects a clear roadmap towards sustainable development anchored on innovation, creativity and youth empowerment.

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‎The lawmaker stated that Governor Makinde’s decision to entrust young people with key responsibilities in shaping the vision of Oyo State for the next decades demonstrates confidence in the capacity, energy and ideas of the younger generation to lead the state to greater heights.
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‎“As a young legislator and Chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Sports, I am particularly encouraged by the Governor’s resolve to make the youth central to the Oyo @50 agenda. This shows that the future of our state is being deliberately prepared today through inclusive governance and progressive leadership,” Adebisi said.
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‎Hon. Yusuf Adebisi also extended appreciation to Honourable Saheed Fijabi, a former federal lawmaker and son of a renowned Ibadan businessman, Chief Akin Fijabi, for his contribution to the Oyo @50 celebration. He commended Hon. Fijabi for unveiling a facelifted logo for the golden jubilee and for his role in delivering what he described as a groundbreaking event that has set a positive tone for the celebrations.
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‎He noted that the newly unveiled logo and the overall concept of the Oyo @50 celebration reflect a renewed identity and aspiration for the state, expressing optimism that the jubilee would mark a major turning point in Oyo State’s socio-economic development.
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‎According to Hon. Adebisi, the Oyo @50 celebration is expected to serve as a platform to reflect on the state’s journey so far while projecting bold and practical plans for economic growth, social inclusion, youth development and infrastructural advancement.
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‎He reaffirmed the commitment of the Oyo State House of Assembly, particularly the House Committee on Youth and Sports, to support policies and programmes of the Makinde administration that are geared towards empowering young people and securing a prosperous future for the state.
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‎Hon. Adebisi concluded by calling on all stakeholders, especially youths across the state, to key into the Oyo @50 vision and actively contribute to building an Oyo State that is economically vibrant, socially stable and globally competitive.
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