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Call Sirawoo to order, SWAN urges Governor Wike

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The National Secretariat of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has urged one of its National Patrons, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, to call to order the Permanent Secretary in his state’s Ministry of Youths and Sports, Honour Sirawoo.

The association’s Secretary-General, Mike Oboh, in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja said it was high time Sirawoo was made to face his job in order to stop disturbing the peace innocent groups.

Oboh, who said Sirawoo who claims to lead a faction of SWAN called SWANI (Sports Writers Association of Nigeria Incorporated), has been using some security personnel to harass SWAN members.

“We (SWAN) have tried not to be bothered by Sirawoo’s activities since he was replaced in an election conducted in Abuja on October 7 of 2019, but he seems to have nothing to do other than laying claim to being SWANI President.

“A most recent instance of his indolence and acts of intimidation is that of last Friday in Lagos when he instigated some former SWAN members and some men claiming to be from the Department of State Services (DSS) to invade the secretariat of the Lagos state chapter of SWAN at the National Stadium in Lagos.

“They locked up the Lagos SWAN secretariat and tried to forcefully take to Port Harcourt a bus donated to the chapter by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“But for the intervention of Lagos State Sports Commission officials, the vehicle would have been taken to Sirawoo’s house in Port Harcourt where he has kept to himself the two cars donated to SWAN in 2016 by Governor Nyesom Wike,” Oboh said.

The SWAN Secretary-General pointed out that Sirawoo’s activities are now a threat not only to innocent sports journalists and the sports journalism practice, but sports development in the country as a whole.

“Sirawoo thinks he has now become a lord whereby he can use some security personnel to intimidate our members nationwide, the same way he reported some senior members of the association in Abuja, Ibadan and Benin to the DSS in 2019.

“Diligent operations by the DSS then made all to realise that he was only out on a personal vendetta against these men and he had to be invited for questioning too, after the intervention of the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) through the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).”

Oboh stated that it was very important to let Sirawoo know that his job is now that of helping sports in Rivers state to grow to a level of justifying Governor Wike’s huge investment in sports.

“We call on Governor Wike, who is one of our National Patrons, to help see to it that Sirawoo is made to face what should be his business, and not what is no longer his business.

“If he is so much interested in sports journalism, which he has not practised in the past six years or so, he should resign his job at the Rivers State Ministry of Youths and Sports and come for registration as a member of SWAN.”

The National SWAN official then urged the association’s members across the country not to be distracted by Sirawoo’s activities, saying “his cup will soon be full”.

While asking Lagos SWAN to remain steadfast in the struggle, national SWAN also asked the NUJ to help in asking the country’s security bodies to be wary of Sirawoo and some elements within their rank being used to intimidate the association’s members.

“We believe the security personnel being used by Sirawoo are not acting under the command of their superiors who are well aware of the facts in all matters regarding SWAN between 2019 and 2021 when Sirawoo was frustrating all efforts by the NUJ to ensure peace reigns,” Oboh said.

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CAF Champions League: Okpebholo backs Edo Queens for Semifinal Spot

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Monday Okpebholo

As Edo Queens prepare for a crucial face-off with South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the ongoing 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, Governor Monday Okpebholo has issued a heartfelt message of support, rallying the team to victory.
The match, set for Saturday, November 16 in Casablanca, Morocco, will determine whether the Queens advance to the semifinals.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Fred Itua in a statement quoted Okpebholo to have praised the Queens’ achievements, acknowledging the determination and hard work that has kept them at the top of Group B.
He assured the team of his administration’s unwavering backing. “I want our girls to know that we are fully behind them,” the governor stated.
“They have nothing to worry about — their state and nation stand solidly with them. We want them to defeat Sundowns on Saturday and make Edo State and Nigeria proud.”

Okpebholo also expressed confidence that the Queens could go on to win the tournament, promising that his administration will prioritize sports development across Edo State.
“Go ahead and win the cup and bring it to your fatherland. Sports will surely receive the attention it deserves under my government,” he affirmed.

Edo Queens, champions of the Nigeria Women Premier League, began their CAF campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank, with goals from Emem Essien, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Goodness Osigwe.
A goalless draw with Egypt’s Masar FC kept them at the top of Group B, positioning them for a semifinal berth if they secure a win or draw against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The much-anticipated showdown is scheduled to kick off at 6 pm local time on Saturday.

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At National Transporters Games Mascot Unveiling, speakers highlight transporters contribution to economy

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National Transporters Games Mascot

**Say games aim to transform negative perception of Transport Sector

As the maiden National Transporters’ Games billed for December 2024 draws closer, the unveiling of the Mascot for the games which took place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium on Thursday evening highlighted the event’s goal of fostering national unity among stakeholders in Nigeria’s transport sector.
Scheduled to be hosted in Ogun State, the games are designed to encourage collaboration and camaraderie among participants.

The unveiling ceremony, attended by key officials and industry representatives, showcased a mascot symbolizing strength and teamwork.
Senator Prince Gbolahan Dada, a prominent advocate for the event, emphasized that the competition, themed ‘Unity in Motion, Strength in Diversity,’ aims not only to promote national cohesion but also to enhance the economic viability of the transport system.

He emphasized the crucial role of transporters in Nigeria’s economy highlighting the need to challenge negative perceptions associated with transport workers.

Dada stressed that transporters are essential contributors to economic stability, pointing out that a one-day strike by transport unions could lead to widespread disruption.
He called for a repositioning of transporters as vital partners in driving economic growth.
He said the games marked a significant collaboration between the private sector and government, noting the importance of using sports as a unifying force within communities.
He recalled the legacy of Rashidi Yekini, a former transporter and national football hero, to illustrate the untapped potential within the sector.

With Nigeria’s vast population, the senator urged for a focus on nurturing local talents and creating opportunities for business growth through improved partnerships in sports and transportation.
He reiterated the importance of enhancing transport networks and ensuring the well-being of drivers, advocating for safe resting places and greater collaboration with law enforcement.

Senator Dada’s address is a call to action to honor and support transporters, reinforcing their pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic landscape.
National Coordinator of the National Transporters games, Wale Shodeinde outlined the event’s structure, revealing that athletes from eight transport organizations will compete in six sports: football, draughts, athletics, table tennis, swimming, and Ayo.
Shodeinde explained that the decision to unveil the mascot in the northern part of the country, while holding competitions in the south, underscored the event’s commitment to national unity. He assured attendees that the next edition will be hosted in the north.
He said the games are targeted at reshaping the narrative around transport workers in Nigeria. “This groundbreaking event, set for December, is poised to be the first of its kind in Nigeria and potentially in Africa.
Shodeinde expressed gratitude for the federal government’s support in organizing the event, which wl bring together 12 national transport unions across the country.
He highlighted the importance of fostering unity among transport workers, emphasizing that sports can serve as a powerful unifying force.
“The games will feature various competitions and will be hosted in different regions”
Shodeinde affirmed that the initiative is not just about sports but also about enhancing the image of transporters, who have often faced negative perceptions.
He acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders, including the National Association of Road Transport Owners and the National Union of Road Transport Workers, in making this event a reality.
The event aimed to promote national cohesion and celebrate the contributions of transport workers to the economy.
The unveiling of the mascot marks a significant step towards the upcoming games, which are expected to showcase the talent and dedication of transport workers while promoting unity across the sector.

Shodeinde concluded by urging the media to help convey the importance of the National Transporters Games, asserting that this initiative is here to stay and will play a vital role in transforming the narrative surrounding the transport sector in Nigeria.

Also in attendance, Honourable Solomon Bamola, Chairman of Miss Football Nigeria, highlighted the significant economic implications of the games, noting the opportunity to reshape public perceptions of transport workers.

The National Transporters’ Games are set to serve as a pivotal platform for enhancing unity and collaboration within Nigeria’s transport sector, promising a bright future for its participants and the industry at large.

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T2Bet Unveils Innovative Online Betting Platform to Engage Users, Boost Earnings

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In a groundbreaking move for the online betting industry, T2bet has launched a new segment of its platform, allowing users to engage in a diverse range of betting options across 4,000 games daily.
This innovative offering, presented by CEO Theo Ubani, is aimed to enhance user experience by combining gaming and potential earnings in a fun and secure environment.

During a recent press briefing in Abuja, Ubani emphasized the platform’s commitment to redefining the online betting landscape. “For the first time, users can bet on a wide variety of games, not just limited to football or premier leagues. This is a unique opportunity for fun and gaming while having the potential to win real money,” he stated.

The platform stands out by addressing common pain points experienced by users in the betting industry, particularly concerning payout delays. Users can create a secure wallet on the platform, with funds automatically linked to their accounts for swift payouts. Ubani reassured attendees that T2bet is collaborating with reputable international providers, ensuring the reliability and security of transactions.

“Our goal is to not only create a fun environment but also to add value to the economy,” Ubani remarked. “We’re bringing new solutions to existing market challenges, including the need for faster payments and more engaging betting experiences.”

Another key feature of T2bet is its affiliate program, which allows individuals to earn money by driving traffic to the platform. By participating as affiliates, users can earn income by referring others, creating a potential income stream without needing significant investments or prior experience.

Ubani pointed out that the platform is accessible to everyone, with betting options starting as low as 15 Naira. “Even a small deposit can turn into substantial earnings,” he explained. “If you bet 15 Naira and win, your return could be substantial, making this an exciting opportunity for users to engage and potentially benefit financially.”

The platform also offers extensive online resources for new users, including guides and tutorials to help them navigate their betting options. “We’ve designed this platform to be user-friendly and educational,” Ubani noted. “Once users log in, they will find everything they need to make informed decisions and enjoy their experience.”

With a vision to reshape the online gaming experience, T2Bet is set to lead the way in the industry by providing an engaging, fun, and secure environment for users.
The official launch of the platform is expected to generate excitement among both seasoned bettors and newcomers alike, paving the way for a new era in online gaming.

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