2026 ORUMOGEGE CUP: GRASSROOTS STARS SET FOR BATTLE AS ORGANISERS PROMISE TOP-CLASS SHOW

The organisers of the 2026 Orumogege Football Competition have promised a bigger and more competitive third edition, with talent discovery, youth empowerment and community development at the heart of the tournament.

Chairman of the Orumogege Sport Service, Amos Adewale Ado, made this known on Sunday during a press conference at the Ogbomoso Recreation Club, ahead of the commencement of the competition.

The tournament, which was initiated to commemorate the anniversary of the installation of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, the Soun of Ogbomoso, has continued to grow in stature, attracting increasing attention from football enthusiasts and stakeholders across Ogbomoso land.

Ado said the competition has moved beyond the traditional battle for silverware, stressing that its bigger objective is to create a platform where young footballers can showcase their abilities and potentially secure opportunities with scouts, clubs and other football stakeholders.

“Our focus is not only on winning trophies but also on creating opportunities for young footballers to demonstrate their abilities and attract the attention of scouts, clubs and other football stakeholders,” Ado said.

He described football as an effective instrument for youth development, noting that the game teaches discipline, teamwork, leadership, commitment and perseverance.

According to him, the Orumogege Cup represents an investment in the future of Ogbomoso football, with the organisers determined to create a pathway through which promising grassroots players can progress to higher levels of the sport.

The chairman urged participating clubs to approach the competition with ambition, discipline and respect for the laws of the game, insisting that the tournament should produce more than champions.

He said the ultimate goal was to groom young players who would not only excel on the football pitch but also emerge as responsible ambassadors of Ogbomoso.

Ado also assured participating teams, match officials and other stakeholders of a professionally organised tournament, promising transparency, fairness, discipline and a level playing field throughout the competition.

He commended the Soun of Ogbomoso for his vision and commitment to programmes promoting youth development and unity across Ogbomosoland.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Oyo State Government and Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, sponsors, partners, football administrators, referees, security agencies, medical personnel, the media and other stakeholders whose support has contributed to the steady growth of the competition.

The Orumogege Sport Service chairman further called on the media to intensify coverage of the tournament, noting that sustained publicity would help expose talented players and attract greater attention to grassroots football in the ancient city.

With the organisers promising a “bigger, better and more impactful” third edition, the 2026 Orumogege Cup is expected to further establish itself as one of the emerging grassroots football platforms in Ogbomoso, combining competitive football with talent identification, youth empowerment and community unity.

The third edition is being organised as part of activities marking the third anniversary of Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III on the throne of Ogbomosoland.

Oriolowo Picks ADC Ticket, Appeals to Osun West Voters for Support

Former Senator representing Osun West Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly, Senator Adelere Oriolowo, has secured the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ticket to contest the senatorial seat in the forthcoming election.

Oriolowo, who previously served under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said his decision to seek another term was in response to the desire of his constituents to have him return to the National Assembly and continue the work he started during his previous tenure.

Speaking on his candidacy, the former senator said he remained committed to the development and welfare of the people of Osun West, stressing that his experience in the 9th Assembly had prepared him to deliver more effective representation.

He appealed to residents across the senatorial district to support his aspiration and turn out in large numbers to vote for him when the election takes place.

Oriolowo expressed confidence in the people of Osun West, saying their support would enable him to return to the Senate and continue contributing to legislation and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of his constituents.

He assured the people that, if elected, he would remain accessible and committed to representing their interests at the National Assembly.

Ayeye Market Drama: Mother Abandons Teenage Daughter And Disappears ‎ ‎

What began as an ordinary business day at the bustling Ayeye Market in Ibadan turned into a heartbreaking scene when an 13-year-old girl, identified as Subomi Akinpelu, was reportedly found crying uncontrollably after being allegedly abandoned by her mother.

‎According to officials of the Park  Management System (PMS) unit operating within the market, the young girl was discovered near the market entrance, visibly distressed and unable to hold back her tears. Traders, drivers and passersby were drawn to the scene as concerned members of the public sought to understand what had happened to the child.

‎The PMS Unit Chairman explained that drivers carrying out their daily activities first noticed the girl standing alone and crying. Efforts were immediately made to calm her down and ascertain her identity. One of the unit officials, popularly known as Alhaji Also, said the girl narrated a disturbing account of how she was allegedly brought to the market by her mother and left behind.

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‎According to him, Subomi claimed that her mother, Mrs. Tawakalitu Dasola Bashiru, dropped her at the location and drove away. The young girl reportedly told sympathisers that she could not understand why such a thing had happened, insisting that she had done nothing wrong to deserve such treatment. Witnesses said her emotional state moved many people at the market, with some struggling to hold back tears as she recounted her ordeal.

‎Speaking on the development, Subomi's father who is a civil servant officer in Oyo State, expressed shock and disappointment over the incident. He disclosed that there had been a long-standing dispute between him and his estranged wife, who had earlier left their matrimonial home. According to him, she allegedly moved out with some household valuables and a sum of money he had from family property proceeds

‎The father further stated that the matter had previously been reported to the SCID DIS Gender .handle the case. in  Iyaganku, but alleged that the case did not receive the attention he expected. He described the latest incident involving their daughter as deeply troubling and said he never imagined that a child would become caught in the middle of an ongoing disagreement between parents.

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‎While fighting back emotions, he stressed that children should never be used as tools in family disputes, urging parents to place the welfare and emotional well-being of their children above personal differences. He said he was bringing the matter to public attention to serve as a warning and deterrent to others, emphasizing that every child deserves love, protection and care.

‎The distraught father added that the incident would be formally reported to the nearest police station for investigation, expressing hope that justice would be done and that his daughter would receive the support and protection she deserves.

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‎The incident has sparked concern among residents and traders within the Agbaje Market community, many of whom have called for greater awareness on child welfare and the responsibilities of parents. As the matter unfolds, members of the public continue to express sympathy for the young girl whose tears at a busy marketplace have become a painful reminder of the impact family disputes can have on innocent children.

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Allansmith Effect: Lafia City Stadium Bounces Back, Set to Host Nasarawa United’s League Campaign ‎

LAFIA — The Lafia City Stadium is set for a major facelift as the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Jibril Ibrahim Abdullahi, on Tuesday inspected the ongoing installation of artificial turf and other renovation works at the facility.

‎The inspection came ahead of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s final visit to the stadium and was aimed at assessing the progress of work and ensuring that the facility meets the required quality and technical standards before its official handover.

‎Jibril, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Stephen Iliya Sasetu, and the Director of Finance and Accounts, Tanko Musa ‘Atakura’, expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work at the stadium.

‎The Commissioner said the project was a clear demonstration of the Sule administration’s commitment to sports development, youth empowerment and the provision of modern sporting infrastructure across Nasarawa State.

‎He disclosed that following the completion and formal handover of the facility, Nasarawa State’s premier men’s and women’s football clubs, Nasarawa United FC and Nasarawa Amazons FC, would use the stadium as their home ground for league matches.

‎The development is particularly significant for Nasarawa United, who are expected to host Bendel Insurance in a Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday Two fixture at the refurbished Lafia City Stadium.

‎Meanwhile, the contractor handling the project, Alansmith Nigeria Limited, has assured the state government that the stadium will be ready for handover by Thursday, September 3, 2026.

‎Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive, of the company , Joshua Adamu, Engineer Joshua Olaitan said the artificial turf on the main football pitch had been completely installed and completed.

He assured the Ministry’s delegation that the outstanding works would be completed on Wednesday, September 2, paving the way for the official handover the following day.

‎The renovation is expected to provide a modern and conducive home ground for Nasarawa’s top football clubs while boosting the state’s capacity to host competitive football fixtures and further advance grassroots and professional sports development.

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Adamasingba Stadium: Allansmith Sports Construction Offers Roadmap for Rehabilitation, Return to CAF Standard

Abuja: Allansmith Sports Construction Company has expressed its readiness to provide lasting solutions to the challenges facing sports infrastructure development in Nigeria, using modern construction expertise and international standards to revive and transform sporting facilities across the country.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Joshua Adamu, stated that Allansmith has become a household name in the development and construction of sports facilities, with the capacity to deliver world-class projects that meet global standards.

Adamu made this known while reacting to concerns over the declining state of some major sporting facilities in Nigeria, particularly the historic Adamasingba Stadium in Oyo State, which was recently reported to have fallen short of the standards required for hosting CAF-approved matches due to deteriorating facilities.

He noted that the situation of sporting facilities across the country requires urgent attention, stressing that proper investment in sports infrastructure is critical to the growth of football and other sporting activities in Nigeria.

According to him, Allansmith Sports Construction Company is positioned to partner with governments, sports organisations and private investors to rehabilitate existing facilities and construct new ones that will enhance sporting development.

“Sports development cannot thrive without quality infrastructure. Stadiums and sporting facilities must be built and maintained to meet international standards. Allansmith is ready to provide the needed expertise and solutions to transform sports facilities across Nigeria,” Adamu said.

He explained that modern sporting facilities go beyond football pitches, adding that they require proper seating arrangements, drainage systems, lighting, training grounds, medical facilities, security infrastructure and other essential components that meet international requirements.

Adamu further emphasised that Oyo State, with its rich sporting history and passionate supporters, deserves facilities that reflect its status as one of Nigeria’s leading states in sports development.

He assured that Allansmith Sports Construction Company remains committed to supporting the growth of sports in Nigeria through innovative construction solutions, quality delivery and professional expertise.

He called on stakeholders in the sports sector to embrace partnerships that will help restore the glory of Nigerian sporting facilities and create opportunities for young talents to thrive.

New Era Foundation Marks Sixth Olokun Festival, Reaffirms Commitment to Yoruba Cultural Heritage

The New Era Foundation for Yoruba Festival and Culture Intervention has celebrated the sixth edition of its annual Olokun Festival, reaffirming its commitment to preserving, promoting and transmitting Yoruba culture and traditional values to future generations.

The 2026 edition of the festival was held at Debojo Beach, Eleko, in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State, with members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) New Era, traditional rulers, cultural enthusiasts and Yoruba sons and daughters in attendance.

Speaking at the event, President of OPC New Era, Comrade Rasak Arogundade, described the annual festival as a significant platform for celebrating Yoruba heritage, spirituality and traditions.

Arogundade said the gathering provided an opportunity for Yoruba people to come together in prayer and thanksgiving, likening it to the way Christians travel to Jerusalem and Muslims journey to Mecca for religious observances.

According to him, the festival also offers participants an opportunity to pray for prosperity, peace, unity and progress in their communities.

He urged members of OPC New Era to remain peaceful, disciplined and committed to protecting Yoruba cultural heritage and promoting the interests of their communities wherever they operate.

Also speaking, the Chairman of OPC New Era in Oyo State, Comrade Rotimi Olumo, said those who were absent from the celebration had missed an important cultural gathering.

Olumo stressed that the festival was not exclusively for OPC members, but was open to all Yoruba people committed to celebrating and preserving their cultural heritage.

He said the event provided an avenue to pray for prosperity, long life, peace and continued progress for the Yoruba people.

Olumo also offered prayers for the traditional rulers who attended the festival, asking God to grant them long and peaceful reigns. 

He further prayed for Arogundade, seeking divine wisdom, strength and good health for him to continue leading OPC New Era to greater heights.

The festival featured prayers, cultural activities and traditional observances, with some participants collecting water to take home as part of their personal spiritual and cultural practices.

The celebration was further enlivened by a musical performance from Ibadan-born Fuji musician Taye Currency, whose performance thrilled participants and added colour to the occasion.

The organisers said the annual Olokun Festival would continue to serve as a platform for promoting Yoruba identity, cultural values, unity, peaceful coexistence and the preservation of the rich heritage of the Yoruba people.

Adebisi Deepens Grassroots Support for APM, Makes Major Donation to Ibadan Southwest Chapter

The Deputy Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Oladeni Adebisi, has called on members of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), as well as members of allied political parties, to remain united, committed and steadfast, assuring them that their loyalty and sacrifices would yield greater rewards.

Hon. Adebisi made the call during his visit to the APM local government meeting in Ibadan Southwest, which brought together party leaders, stakeholders and contestants for various elective positions across the local government.

The lawmaker’s arrival at the meeting venue generated excitement as a large crowd of supporters from his constituency turned out to receive him. The atmosphere was charged with funfair, solidarity songs and enthusiastic cheers, while party members took turns to commend Hon. Adebisi for his accessibility, grassroots engagement and continued commitment to the welfare and development of his people.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Adebisi commended the party leadership, aspirants and members for their resilience and dedication to building a formidable political structure at the grassroots.

He urged members of the APM and its allied political partners not to be distracted, but to remain focused on the collective vision, stressing that the strength of any political movement rests on the commitment and unity of its members.

The lawmaker assured members that their efforts would not go unrewarded, declaring that “bigger and greater rewards are coming to all committed members of the party.”

He explained that political participation should go beyond electoral contests, noting that it should also be about building enduring relationships, empowering people, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for members and the wider society.

Hon. Adebisi further charged party members across the wards to sustain regular meetings, grassroots mobilisation and constructive engagement, while maintaining peace, discipline and mutual respect among themselves.

He emphasized that a strong grassroots structure could only be achieved when members remained active and united, urging leaders, aspirants and supporters to work together in the interest of the party and the people.

The Deputy Chief Whip also assured members of his continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening the party’s presence and activities across Ibadan Southwest.

The gathering reached a remarkable climax when Hon. Yusuf Adebisi made a substantial financial donation to the Ibadan Southwest Local Government chapter of the Allied Peoples Movement, aimed at supporting members present at the meeting and facilitating activities of the party across the various wards.

The gesture was warmly received by the leadership and members, who expressed appreciation for the lawmaker’s support and commitment to grassroots party development.

The meeting ended on a lively note as supporters renewed their solidarity and confidence in Hon. Adebisi, with the gathering reflecting the growing enthusiasm around the APM and its allied political structure in Ibadan Southwest.

Beyond the political discussions, the visit provided an opportunity for the lawmaker to strengthen his relationship with party stakeholders, aspirants and grassroots members while reaffirming his message of unity, commitment, loyalty and shared prosperity.