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.

Men’s Mental Health: PPUGI Calls on Men to Break Silence, Seek Support

As part of efforts to draw attention to the often-overlooked mental health challenges confronting men, the Peace, Progress and Unity Global Initiative (PPUGI) on Saturday organised a Men’s Mental Health Awareness Walk 2026 in Lagos, urging men to prioritise their wellbeing and speak out about their struggles.

The awareness walk, themed “Providing Direction and Support — Breaking the Silence,” commenced from the Secretariat of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and ended at Allen Avenue Junction, Ikeja.

Founder and Director of PPUGI and Farida Charity Foundation, Ambassador (Dr.) Farida Ahmed, said the initiative was aimed at challenging the societal expectation that men must always appear strong, even when battling emotional and psychological difficulties.

Ahmed, who described herself as a West African ECOWAS Youth Ambassador and Global Peace Ambassador, said the organisation had been advocating men’s mental health awareness for seven years.

According to her, the campaign was necessary because many men silently carry the burden of providing for their families and meeting societal expectations.

“Why men? It is men because a woman who succeeds in whatever she does is a woman who has a man who supports her in whatever she does,” she said.

“It is my duty as a woman to support the mental wellbeing of every man around me and across the globe because you matter, you are important, and there is much more to you than you can ever imagine.”

Ahmed urged men to reject the stereotype that seeking help or showing emotions was a sign of weakness.

“It is okay to feel. It is okay to cry. We need to beat the stereotype of saying that you should ‘man up’. This is not the time to ‘man up’ anymore. You are first human before being a man,” she said.

She advised men to recognise their limitations, manage stress and avoid putting themselves under unnecessary pressure.

“You are not less of a man because you cannot meet up with demands. Take it one step at a time. If you need to pause, you have to pause,” she said.

Veteran music director, vocal coach and television personality, Benneth Ogbeiwi, popularly known as Uncle Ben, commended PPUGI for recognising the sacrifices made by men.

“For the fact that PPUGI recognises us for who we are, it is enough to thank them and all the women who came to support the initiative,” he said.

Ogbeiwi urged men facing difficulties to speak to trusted people rather than suffer in silence.

“I want the men to speak out. You need to speak to someone. It’s okay to shy away, but you need to trust someone,” he said, adding that those unable to confide in others could seek solace through prayer.

Mrs Anuoluwapo Aluki also urged both men and women to pay greater attention to their mental health.

“Nobody should die in silence. Speaking out is the best option,” she said. “All men have been trying their best, but they should take time to rest.”

Alhaji Mohammed Sanni Aliu described the programme as an important grassroots initiative, noting that many people were facing increasing pressures because of the economic situation.

“People are going through a lot, and until you voice out, there is no way somebody would know what you are going through,” he said.

The speakers collectively called for greater understanding, support and encouragement for men, stressing that mental wellbeing should be treated as an important part of healthy living.

New Era Foundation Announces 2026 Olokun Festival in Lagos

The New Era Foundation for Yoruba Festival and Culture Intervention has announced plans for the 2026 Olokun Festival, scheduled to hold on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, at Debojo Beach, Eleko, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

President of OPC New Era, Comrade Rasak Arogundade, said the festival would feature a variety of cultural activities and attract prominent traditional rulers, government officials, cultural enthusiasts and other distinguished guests.

Arogundade disclosed that the Guest Lecturer for the occasion would be the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Wasiu Olatunbosun.

He said Oba Olayemi Luman Arowolo (Arole Oguntimileyin I), Gbadewolu of Araromi Kingdom, would serve as the Royal Father of the Day, while Oba Babatunde Akanni Sonala (Ilufemiloye I), Olu of Makogi Kingdom, would be the Royal Guest of Honour.

He further announced that the Iyalode Oodua OPC New Era, Chief Mrs Olabosipo Olaseinde, would serve as the Spiritual Mother of the Day.

The Onidebojo of Debojo Kingdom, Oba Ajibola Talabi Odugbesan (Gbadegesin II), will host the celebration as the Royal Host.

According to Arogundade, the festival will also feature live musical performances by Alhaji Adebisi Akande, popularly known as Taye Currency.

He called on members of OPC New Era, Yoruba cultural groups and members of the public to turn out in large numbers to participate in the celebration.

Arogundade emphasised that the festival was aimed at promoting, preserving and showcasing Yoruba culture and traditions, while bringing people together in an atmosphere of unity and cultural pride.

He also assured guests and participants that comprehensive security arrangements had been put in place to ensure a peaceful and successful event.

The 2026 Olokun Festival is expected to bring together traditional institutions, government representatives, cultural stakeholders and members of the public for a colourful celebration of Yoruba heritage.

Prophet Ikuru Predicts Adeleke’s Re-election, Tinubu’s 2027 Victory

The Founder and General Overseer of Jehovah Eye Salvation Ministry, Lagos, Prophet Godwin Ikuru, has predicted the re-election of Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, in the forthcoming governorship election.

Speaking on the political developments ahead of the poll, Prophet Ikuru said he had received a revelation indicating that Adeleke would emerge victorious and secure a second term in office.

According to the cleric, the revelation featured a scenario in which the All Progressives Congress (APC) attempted to throw a ball into a basket but failed to score. He said that when Governor Adeleke subsequently threw his own ball, it went straight into the basket.

Ikuru interpreted the revelation as a sign that Adeleke would retain the governorship of Osun State.

The prophet also recalled that he had predicted Adeleke’s victory during the governor’s first-term election, noting that the prediction eventually came to pass.

However, Ikuru expressed disappointment that Adeleke had not remembered or acknowledged the prophet who, according to him, had foretold his electoral victory.

The cleric also turned his attention to the 2027 general election, predicting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would win a second term in office.

He urged Nigerians to continue praying for the President, particularly for long life and good health, as the country prepares for the next general election.

On the political outlook in the South-West, Ikuru further predicted victories for the APC in Lagos and Ogun States.

He called on political leaders and citizens to remain prayerful and committed to peace, stressing the need for a peaceful and stable electoral process as the country approaches the forthcoming elections.

The predictions remain the personal views and prophecies of the cleric and are not independently verifiable