The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Okpebholo pledges support for Auchi tanker fire incident

    Okpebholo pledges support for Auchi tanker fire incident

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to support victims of Wednesday’s fire incident in Auchi, headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area.

    Governor Okpebholo described the incident as painful and unfortunate, noting that it has brought grief and distress to families, motorists, and residents of the area.

    Okpebholo, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Ebojele, 

    commiserated with the Otaru of Auchi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliru Momoh Ikelebe III.

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    The Edo Governor said the incident was a painful reminder of the dangers associated with the transportation of petroleum products on the country’s highways. 

    According to the statement, “The Governor assured the people of Auchi that the Edo State Government is working closely with relevant emergency and safety agencies to assess the situation, support affected victims, and put measures in place to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

    “Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of Edo people and called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities as investigations continue.”

  • Tinubu leads APC leaders to party’s national caucus meeting at Villa 

    Tinubu leads APC leaders to party’s national caucus meeting at Villa 

    …Shettima, Akpabio, Abbas, APC governors, NWC members attend Abuja meeting

    … Presence of former PDP governors signals widening political realignment within ruling party

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently leading other leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to attend the party’s national caucus meeting at the State House Abuja.

    President Tinubu, who arrived the State House Conference Centre, venue of the all-important party event at about 7:38pm, was accompanied into the hall by Vice President Kashim Shettima; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma; and the Chairman of the ruling party, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.

    The meeting, which underscored the party’s growing political consolidation, is also being attended by an array of senior party members including former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, members of the party’s National Working Committee; APC governors; and principal officers of the National Assembly.

    Among the governors present were Monday Okpebholo of Edo, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Usman Ododo of Kogi, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Bassey Otu of Cross River, and Jigawa State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State.

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    Others in attendance included Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Uba Sani of Kaduna, and Dikko Radda of Katsina State.

    The caucus meeting also drew notable attention with the presence of governors who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. 

    They include Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State.

    Several party elders and former public office holders were also present, among them pioneer APC National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; former Ogun State Governor, Chief Segun Osoba; former Osun State Governor and Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola; former Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade; former Taraba State Governor, Jolly Nyame; and former Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.

    Also in attendance were former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and Anyim Pius Anyim; former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege; Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa; former Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda; former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello; former Edo State Governor and Senator, Adams Oshiomhole; former Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello; former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun; former Ekiti State Governor, Niyi Adebayo; and former Zamfara State Governors, Abdulaziz Yari and Ahmed Sani Yerima.

    National Assembly leaders at the meeting included Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Senators Gbenga Daniel, Aliyu Wammako, Adamu Aliero, Ahmad Lawan and Simon Lalong, as well as House of Representatives leaders, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere and Idris Wase.

  • Adeleke puts security agencies on red alert after attack on Osun border community

    Adeleke puts security agencies on red alert after attack on Osun border community

    Following an attack on Ora-Igbomina, an Osun community bordering Kwara State, Governor Ademola Adeleke has placed the police and military on red alert to prevent further security breaches.

    The Nation reports that gunmen invaded Ora-Igbomina in Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, kidnapping a retired Customs officer, Prince Emmanuel Owolabi, and attacking residents as well as travellers along Akisa Road, close to Ayedun town in Kwara State.

    In a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor vowed to forestall any further security breach and possible spillover from Kwara State.

    Rasheed disclosed that Adeleke has issued new operational guidelines for the Amotekun security outfit, directing its leadership to ensure proper coordination with the police in all operations.

    He assured that a military-backed rescue and protection operation has been ongoing for the past three days.

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    According to the statement, the governor, after an emergency security council meeting held on Wednesday evening, described the Ora-Igbomina incident as saddening and a major security breach, despite what he said were extensive pre-emptive security measures put in place over the last three months.

    While reviewing the situation with service commanders from the police, army, Department of State Services and other paramilitary agencies, Adeleke expressed confidence that the ongoing military-backed operations across border communities would prevent a recurrence of the attacks and secure the release of the abducted retired Customs officer.

    “From the moment of the unfortunate incident, our security forces launched rescue and protection operations. For the past three days, the police, the army and the DSS have been combing the area for the victim and reviewing the security architecture. A delicate operation is ongoing and we do not want to jeopardise its integrity,” the governor said.

    He added that as part of the state’s security plan, refurbished armoured vehicles would soon be deployed for operations across Osun, alongside the procurement of additional patrol vehicles to strengthen security operations.

    The governor also disclosed that the state government is reviewing its joint security patrol programme, which will be unveiled at the appropriate time to further safeguard residents.

  • Osun 2026: APC candidate Oyebamiji pledges total Overhaul of health sector

    Osun 2026: APC candidate Oyebamiji pledges total Overhaul of health sector

    …as wife sworn in as president of women doctors 

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has declared his readiness to raise the standard of healthcare in Osun State through a total overhaul of the health sector if elected governor in 2026.

    Oyebamiji spoke with journalists on Thursday after his wife, Dr Sekinah Bola-Oyebamiji, was elected President of the Osun State chapter of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN). 

    He lamented the moribund state of health facilities across the state, describing the situation as a major setback to development.

    He assured that his administration would be committed to revamping critical sectors for public benefit, including health, education, infrastructure, commerce and agriculture.

    According to him, Osun State has remained stagnant due to prolonged neglect of key sectors, particularly the health sector, which he said requires urgent intervention.

    “It is on record that the health sector has become moribund in the state. None of the categories of the health system—primary, secondary or tertiary—is fully functional. Little or no effort has been made by the current administration to revive our health system,” Oyebamiji said.

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    He added that the state suffers from a shortage of qualified doctors, nurses and other medical professionals, noting that Osun currently has about 799 primary healthcare centres, 57 secondary health facilities, including general and specialist hospitals, and three tertiary institutions that require urgent attention.

    “These are some of the areas I will focus on to ensure quality and functional healthcare service delivery across all levels. When elected governor, I will declare a total overhaul of the health sector. We will prioritise the welfare and well-being of our people, knowing that health is wealth,” he said.

    Oyebamiji also congratulated his wife on her induction as the new MWAN president, describing her as a seasoned professional, a beacon of medical excellence, a strong pillar of the family and an inspiration to many.

    Earlier, in her acceptance speech, Dr Sekinah Bola-Oyebamiji said her tenure would be driven by inclusiveness, effective health advocacy and the delivery of physical projects aimed at improving the well-being of women and children across the state.

  • Shettima reaffirms FG’s commitment to power reforms as NDPHC turns 20

    Shettima reaffirms FG’s commitment to power reforms as NDPHC turns 20

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sustained reforms in the power sector as the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) marked its 20th anniversary.

    Speaking at the anniversary celebration held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, Shettima acknowledged NDPHC’s contributions to national development over the past two decades.

    He described the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023 as a defining turning point for Nigeria’s power sector and for NDPHC, noting that the legislation provides clearer legal authority, enhanced commercial credibility and a stronger institutional footing for the company to compete, partner and grow in a more open and dynamic energy market.

    In a statement signed by NDPHC’s Head of Corporate Communications and External Relations, Emmanuel Ojor, and obtained by The Nation, the Vice President, who also chairs the company’s board, said the milestone presents an opportunity for institutional evolution.

    According to him, the board is repositioning NDPHC from an integration-driven entity to a commercially disciplined and market-focused enterprise, while remaining faithful to its national mandate.

    He added that the board has prioritised extracting greater value from existing assets, strengthening contracts and market participation, ensuring governance-led commercialisation, managing risks responsibly and investing in human capital.

    “As Chairman, I wish to state unequivocally that the board remains fully committed to its responsibilities. We will continue to provide strategic direction, uphold the highest standards of governance, support management in taking sound and accountable decisions, protect shareholder value on behalf of the Nigerian people, and keep NDPHC aligned with national energy and development goals,” he said.

    The Vice President also commended President Bola Tinubu for restoring investor confidence in the power sector.

    “In a time when the power sector required not just policy but results, Mr President has been a magician working not with illusion, but with discipline and reform. He has restored confidence in the sector and created the conditions for institutions such as NDPHC to thrive,” Shettima added.

    Earlier, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, underscored NDPHC’s critical role in the nation’s economy over the past 20 years, describing the company as a key pillar in expanding and safeguarding Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity.

    He said through the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), NDPHC has developed generation plants and associated value-chain infrastructure across the country, creating one of the largest portfolios of government-backed power assets in Africa.

    “Whether you work in the field restoring turbines, in control rooms ensuring dispatch, in procurement securing parts and services, or in offices shaping policy and stakeholder engagement, your contributions are evident in the plants operating today and the lives benefiting from improved electricity supply,” Adelabu said.

    The minister disclosed that NDPHC has recently restored 345 megawatts of generation capacity to the national grid, including 120MW from Omotosho NIPP, 112.5MW from Benin NIPP, and 112.5MW from Ihovbor (Geregu/Talata) NIPP.

    He also highlighted the company’s implementation of the “Light Up Nigeria” project, aimed at boosting industrialisation and delivering reliable electricity to industrial clusters nationwide.

    “These achievements are part of the gains from the broader reforms under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improve reliability, expand access, and attract investments in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Adelabu said.

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has commended the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engr. Jennifer Adighije, describing her performance as outstanding within the short period she has assumed leadership of the company.

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    “I was thrilled to see that we have a wonderful woman appointed into office who is performing exceptionally well. I came here to appreciate the Managing Director, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, for the remarkable work she has done,” Ekpo said.

    He emphasised that aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda remains paramount, noting that sustainable power supply is fundamental to national development.

    “Without power, there can be no industrialisation, and our homes cannot function optimally. Listening to her presentation and the improvements that have taken place in the power sector, I am confident that Nigeria is headed in the right direction,” he added.

    Ekpo also commended the leadership at the board level, stating, “I appreciate her and her team. This commendation also goes to the Vice-President, who is providing strong leadership at the board level.”

    In her opening remarks, NDPHC Managing Director, Jennifer Adighije, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s energy infrastructure and supporting national development.

    She said beyond power generation, NDPHC has successfully executed projects across the transmission and distribution segments of the electricity value chain.

    “In the transmission segment alone, we have added over 9,000 MVA of installed transformer capacity, rolled out transmission substations, line-bay extensions, and constructed hundreds of kilometres of transmission lines across the country,” she said.

    Adighije noted that under her leadership, NDPHC is adopting a customer-centric approach and leveraging the Electricity Act to deepen strategic collaborations with bilateral partners, eligible customers, regional partners under the West African Power Pool, and other market participants.

    She further disclosed that with the approval of President Tinubu and the Minister of Power, NDPHC has approached the bond market under the power sector refinancing plan to raise capital to defray government indebtedness to power generation companies. 

    According to her, the initiative is expected to be a game changer for Nigeria’s power sector.

  • Makinde commissions Omololu Olunloyo Relaxation Park in Ibadan

    Makinde commissions Omololu Olunloyo Relaxation Park in Ibadan

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state on Thursday, officially commissioned the newly-built tourism park named after a late former governor of the state, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, while speaking at the park on Airport Road, Alakia, Ibadan, said the new leisure park would serve the dual purpose of leisure and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the state.

    Governor Makinde stated that the facilities and artifacts at the relaxation park would help both the residents and visitors to the state to learn more about the peculiarity of the state and each of the geo-political zones of the state.

    He noted that the new relaxation park, which sprang out of an abandoned site, was built to immortalise Dr Olunloyo, who he described as a brainy and outstanding personality, for his contributions to the state and Nigeria as a whole.

    He said, “We are thankful for the commissioning of this park. Baba was a unique and outstanding being right from his childhood. He became a commissioner in his 20s and he was always successful in his endeavours. Baba was very brainy and talented; we thank God for the life he led.

    “Today, our government is celebrating Baba because of the successes he recorded in his lifetime. We recognised that he should be immortalised and we started doing that even in his lifetime, as we commissioned the over three kilometres dual carriageway that connects the town with the Airport, with Baba Olunloyo in attendance back then.

    “This point we stand today used to be full of shanties, but the Oyo State Government thought it wise to bring sanity to this place and use the space to immortalise a popular statesman like Baba. 

    “This park is unique in many respects. We have some cherished artifacts here that symbolise our culture and tradition in Oyo State — from Ibarapa to Oke Ogun to Ogbomosho and Ibadan.

    “All these will make us to always put our culture into cognizance and that is why we must appreciate the efforts of our governor towards this project.”

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    The governor urged the prospective users of the relaxation park to ensure its maintenance and use it strictly for the purposes it is meant for, saying, “I want to urge everyone to make sure we use this facility neatly, because we have our international airport, which is 2km away from here, and a lot of investors and foreign visitors will be coming around here often.

    “Let them enjoy the ambience and serenity of our state.”

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport, Hon. Abulmojeed Mogbonjubola, said the park is another major milestone in Governor Makinde’s efforts to redefine Ibadan’s skyline and add beauty to the fast-developing metropolis.

    He said that the project was designed to serve as a centre for leisure, history and culture, stating that it would add to the overall beauty of Ibadan and become another testament to the governor’s commitment to urban and physical development.

    The event had in attendance the Deputy Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Mohammed Fadeyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, Commissioners; the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Akeem Owoade; co-chairman, Oyo State Elders’ Council, Chief Wole Oyelese; and former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Bayo Oyero.

    Others were Oloye Lekan Alabi; President-General, CCII, Barr Ajeniyi Ajewole; Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon Sikiru Sanda; Service Commanders; traditional rulers; and religious leaders, among others.

  • N47 billion Jakara/Wuju-Wuju project to check erosion, improve economic lives in Kano –Atah

    N47 billion Jakara/Wuju-Wuju project to check erosion, improve economic lives in Kano –Atah

    The federal government has commenced work on the Wuju-Wuju/Jakara road and sewage project in the city of Kano state, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Atah, has said.

    The project, which will gulp a total sum of N47 billion, is a major urban infrastructure intervention, aimed at controlling erosion and stimulating economic activities in the state.

    Atah disclosed that the federal government took over execution of the project through the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, following a formal request by the Kano State government.

    The project spans four councils of Kano state capital, which include: Gwale, Kano Municipal, Dala and Fagge local government areas, linking the densely populated parts of the metropolis prone to flooding and environmental degradation.

    “When completed, it would positively impact the economic lives of the residents,” the minister said.

    Speaking to journalists, the minister said the State Government had executed 850 metres of the project, and the Federal Government will complete 6.7 Kilometres.

    Atah said the Kano State Government would pay the compensation of houses affected by the project, adding that it (Kano) has already paid 2 Kilometres of houses.

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    He said the Controller of Housing, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, would continue to supervise the project, while he inspects the project until it is completed and delivered in sound quality.

    It was gathered that the Jakara–Wuju–Wuju project was originally initiated in 2013 by the administration of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as part of efforts to tackle recurrent flooding and environmental hazards around the Jakara River corridor. However, funding constraints slowed progress over the years, limiting construction.

    The minister commended the Kwankwaso administration for starting the project, which it appropriated the sum of N5 billion.

    He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the N47 billion funding of the project, which he said the president did for his love for Kano state.

    “We have to appreciate Tinubu’s love for Kano State. This is another giant project given to Kano State by the Bola Tinubu administration.

    “The project cuts across four metropolitan local government areas and its economic impact will be very huge. When completed, it will significantly improve urban infrastructure in Kano, reduce erosion-related damage, and enhance economic activities across the benefiting areas,” Alhaji Atah added.

  • Daniel Ford Elite Table Tennis tourney  begins  with coaching clinic

    Daniel Ford Elite Table Tennis tourney  begins  with coaching clinic

    By Inioluwa David

     The third edition of the annual Daniel Ford Elite Invitational Table Tennis Tournament begins  today, December 17, with a two-day coaching clinic for all participants at the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) Training Centre, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

    The clinic, one of the key initiatives of the tournament sponsors, is designed to empower players with essential techniques ahead of the main competition, which kicks off on Friday, December 19, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium.

    Led by top national coaches under the guidance of Dotun Omoniyi, the clinic aims to drill players, refresh their knowledge, and ensure they are in peak condition for the tournament.

    For the sponsor, Yemi Edun, the clinic is a vital component of the event.

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     “A tournament should not only be about competition. It should also serve as an avenue to sharpen skills. Yes, players improve by facing strong competitors, but there is also the invaluable input of trained eyes, coaches, mentors, and experts, who prepare them before they step onto the stage. That way, every player brings their very best. And I believe the overall impact of this tournament has been overwhelmingly positive,” Edun said.

    This year’s edition also features the introduction of the U-12 category, a move Edun believes will strengthen Nigeria’s talent pipeline.

     “It is absolutely within our abilities to use this tournament as a pipeline for creating elite-tier players. In sports, mastery must begin early; some say as early as 13 years old, otherwise you risk falling behind the global curve. And let us remember: we are the largest Black nation on earth. Statistically, we should have more talent to discover, nurture, and showcase. That is why I fully envisage a future, within the next seven years, where Nigeria stands proudly as Africa’s leading table tennis nation,” he added.

    With its blend of competition and skill development, the Daniel Ford Elite Invitational continues to position itself as a cornerstone for nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of table tennis champions.

  • SuperSport opens festive football window for AFCON 2025

    SuperSport opens festive football window for AFCON 2025

    Football fans across Nigeria will have increased access to live matches across all major football and sporting competitions during the festive season, as SuperSport opens a special football viewing window on DStv and GOtv ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    From December 18 to January 19, 2026, subscribers on select DStv and GOtv packages will be able to watch additional football content across SuperSport channels without needing to upgrade their subscriptions. The period is designed to coincide with the build-up to AFCON, which kicks off in Morocco on December 21 and runs until January 18.

    During the window, DStv customers on Yanga and above will have access to expanded football coverage, including more UEFA Champions League fixtures, additional Premier League matches, and extended programming on SuperSport Football Plus and SuperSport Variety 1.

    GOtv subscribers on Jolli and above will also benefit from increased football content, including matches from the UEFA Champions League, La Liga and Serie A on SuperSport Football Plus and SuperSport Variety 1. Additional SuperSport channels will be available to GOtv viewers between December 29 and January 1 as part of the festive offering.

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    In addition to live matches, SuperSport will introduce a dedicated AFCON pop-up channel during the period. Running from December 18 to January 19, the channel will focus on tournament build-up, featuring team previews, classic AFCON matches, player profiles, analysis and documentary content related to Africa’s biggest football competition.

    The initiative comes as anticipation builds across the continent for AFCON 2025, a tournament widely regarded as one of Africa’s most unifying sporting events.

    For Nigerian fans, the festive access window offers an extended run of football programming during a period traditionally marked by increased viewing and communal gatherings.

    With the Super Eagles set to feature among 24 nations in Morocco, attention is expected to intensify in the weeks leading up to the kick-off, as supporters follow preparations, engage in debates, and emerge with new storylines ahead of the tournament.

  • NDG: Ikpokpo challenges Liaison Committees on athletes’ registration

    NDG: Ikpokpo challenges Liaison Committees on athletes’ registration

    Performing the inauguration of the Akwa Ibom State Liaison Committee for the 2nd Niger Delta Games (NDG), Sir Malik Ikpokpo KSM, the Managing Director of Dunamis Icon Limited and Project Consultant for the Games, has urged all the states committee members to mobilize their athletes and coaches for registration  on the games portal.

     He also reiterated that the 2026 games is strictly for athletes under 20 years.

    Represented by  Fred Edoreh, the Games Project Director, Ikpokpo said:  “Members of the various state committees have to mobilize for the registration of their athletes on the games’ portal as non-registered athletes will be denied clearance to participate in the fiesta.”

    At the inauguration ceremony in his office, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Elder Paul Bassey described the Niger Delta Games as an enabler for youth sports development that aligns with the state government’s vision for grassroots empowerment through sports.

    Bassey commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Dunamis Icon Limited for collaborating to initiate the games for states of region.

    Bassey said: “i must commend the Niger Delta Development Commission and Dunamis Icon for putting together the initiative and sustaining it for two unbroken years. The upcoming event is a veritable platform for the discovery and development of talents.

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    “It is the mandate of His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, for us to go to the grassroots and discover talents, and these games have come to help us achieve exactly that.”

    “On behalf the committee, I assure you that we’ll insist on quality, thoroughness, discipline and total compliance,” Bassey assured the organisers.

    The Akwa Ibom Liaison Committee is led by the Honourable Commissioner for Sports as chairman, while Mfon Bassey serves as secretary. Others are, Olympian Catherine Ewa – member, George Essien – member, and Edidiong Stephen – member.

    The committee is saddled with the responsibility of pre-games coordination and logistical planning for a hitch-free participation of Team Akwa Ibom in the games.