WINNERS EMERGE AT 3RD AYO OLOPON TOURNEY

The curtain has drawn on the third edition of the Ayo Olopon Traditional Tournament with winners emerging in all the categories of the tournament.

The major highlight of the two-day event which held on the 17th and 18th April 2026 was the emergence of Ifa practitioner Sunday Ope as the winner of the men's category. He defeated Damilare Shoderu to cart home the N200, 000 prize money.

For coming second, Shoderu won N150, 000 while  the third place winner Akanbi Olayiwola won N100, 000.

In the female category, it was Lawal Aderonke who triumphed over the rest when she defeated Abebi Adeboso to win the N200, 000 prize money.

Adeboso won N150, 000 for her effort while Oloyede Fausat won N100, 000 for placing third.

Interestingly, it was a smooth sail to victory for young Azeez Rasheed convincingly won the male category children by beating Liakeem Rokeeb to win the N200, 000 prize money while the loser won the N150,000 second place prize. The third place was won by Adebayo Mubarak.

In the female version, Obasa Aminat beat Ogunbayo Darasinmi to emerge winner while Rodist Jimoh placed third.

Speaking after the competition, the Balogun of Ilawo, High Chief Isiak Adesanya who represented the Olu of Ilawo, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof) Alexander Olusegun MacGregor expressed his delight at the quality of standard displayed by the participant at this year's event.

According to him, the purpose of organizing the tournament is gradually being achieved.

"The decision to organize the tournament by His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof) Alexander Olusegun MacGregor is not lost because of the high standard displayed by the participants at this year's event and we are convinced next year would witness higher standard." He said.

 Orelaja Congratulates Lagos, Ogun APC Consensus Candidates

.Urges Yoruba Unity Ahead of 2027

The Leader of the Tinubu Faithful Group and National Director-General of the Oduduwa Support Groups Organisation, Hon. Otunba Olusola Orelaja, has congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus governorship candidates in Ogun and Lagos States—Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) and Dr. Obafemi Hamzat—describing their emergence as a reflection of party unity and strategic leadership.

Orelaja gave the commendation following the APC strategic caucus meeting held on April 13, 2026, at the party’s state secretariat along Abiola Way in Abeokuta. 

At the meeting, Ogun State Gov. Prince Dapo Abiodun, formally unveiled Senator Adeola as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election after months of consultations and political negotiations.

According to Orelaja, the decision to adopt Adeola was largely driven by the need to promote equity and fairness within the state, particularly by giving the Ogun West Senatorial District (Yewa-Awori) the opportunity to produce a governor for the first time since the state’s creation over five decades ago.

He disclosed that the consensus process involved extensive consultations with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and key stakeholders, including elder statesman and former governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba. 

The process, he noted, also witnessed rare alignment among past and present political leaders, with notable figures such as former governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun in attendance—an indication of growing unity within the party.

Orelaja further revealed that several aspirants from Ogun West stepped down in the interest of party cohesion and to present a formidable candidate. Among them were Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, Mrs. Iyabo Obasanjo, and Hon. Kayode Amusan, all of whom cited the need for collective progress and confidence in Adeola’s leadership capacity.

Speaking on Adeola’s credentials, Orelaja highlighted his extensive legislative experience, having represented both Lagos West and Ogun West in the Senate, as well as his current role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. He described these as strong indicators of competence, national relevance, and capacity to deliver impactful governance.

He also praised Adeola’s track record of grassroots development, noting his widely recognized empowerment initiatives, including medical outreach programmes, scholarship schemes, vocational support, infrastructure development, and distribution of agricultural equipment and transportation tools.

 According to Orelaja, these efforts have earned Yayi widespread acceptance and positioned him as a strong contender for the governorship.

Reaffirming the mission of the Oduduwa Support Groups Organisation, Orelaja stated that the group remains committed to supporting credible Yoruba candidates across the Southwest who demonstrate capacity for development and people-oriented leadership.

He concluded by calling on political stakeholders and citizens across Ogun State, the Southwest, and Nigeria at large to embrace unity, fairness, and collective progress. 

He also invited the public to attend the forthcoming inauguration and press conference of the Oduduwa Support Groups Organisation scheduled to hold on April 22, 2026, at the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State.

 

Eleiko Emerges Equipment Provider For Glasgow 2026 Games

 By Odukoya Adedeji

Eleiko Group AB, a global leader in precision strength training equipment, has been officially appointed as the Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting Equipment Provider for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Under the agreement, Eleiko will supply all competition, warm-up, and training equipment for both disciplines. These include specialized benches for para powerlifting, competition platforms, training and competition plates as well as bars—ensuring athletes perform with equipment that meets the highest standards of safety, precision, and performance.

The company will deliver two fully equipped competition arenas alongside more than 50 warm-up and training stations- all featuring custom branding to create a cohesive and world-class competition environment.

Weightlifting and para powerlifting events will take place at the SEC Armadillo when the Games return to Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August 2026. Notably, para powerlifting will make history by awarding the first gold medal of the Games, marking the first time a para sport opens the medal table at a Commonwealth Games.

With over 65 years of expertise, Eleiko has built a reputation for excellence in strength sports. Its involvement in Glasgow 2026 underscores the Games’ commitment to inclusivity and elite performance, supporting athletes from grassroots to the highest level of competition.

Eleiko will also introduce its latest barbell innovations at the Games—designed to enhance feel, durability, and performance—further elevating the athlete experience on the platform.

Natalie Cunningham, Director of Sport at Glasgow 2026, welcomed the partnership, stating that weightlifting and para powerlifting are expected to be among the most thrilling events of the Games. She highlighted Eleiko’s proven track record in major sporting events and the confidence its equipment brings to athletes aiming to set new records.

Meanwhile, Eleiko CEO Erik Blomberg expressed pride in the appointment, reaffirming the company’s commitment to delivering world-class equipment and supporting athletes to perform at their best.

The partnership strengthens Eleiko’s long-standing role in global strength sports and sets the stage for a high-performance, inclusive, and memorable Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

 Police Contributory Pension Scheme Is A Scam, Says Askari Fuji

A Fuji musician who is also a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Alhaji Ishola Adeyinka aka Askari To Nko Fuji has declared that the contributory pension scheme for the Nigerian Police Force is a scam and unacceptable.

Adeyinka who retired alongside other members of April 1, 1991 PCI intakes called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police,Tunji Disu to scrap the police contributory pension scheme because it is a complete scam and very ridiculous.

The retired police officer who entertained guests and colleagues at a well attended reception told the gathering that policing is one of the dangerous professions because it involves total commitment and one could be killed or maimed anytime.

 ‘Why should we retire after 35 years of meritorious service to the nation only to be given a meagre N3 million (three million naira), he queried 

While thanking God for coming out unscratched, Askari thanked the Nigerian Police Force for giving him the opportunity to combine his talent of singing Fuji music with policing ‘despite the ups and down. 'It's been interesting all the way and I thanked Almighty Allah for this exceeding grace.' he added 

Speaking about his next step after retirement, Askari said, ‘its time to face music squarely and serve my people in Ibadan as the Mogaji (head ) of Alare Agbejonku royal dynasty.

Among dignitaries that attended the reception ceremony held at the Police College Ground, Ikeja are  Mogajis from Ibadan such as Mogaji Arotayo, Mogaji Otin, Mogaji Osho, Hon Benjy Oshundairo; High Chief Ifatunji Alabi, the Akogun of Ibese Land.

Others include old students of Urban Day Grammar School, Adekile Ibadan; Justice Estate CDA, Ikorodu where Askari presided as Chairman; Presidents and  members of Ambassador Club of Ibadan Indigenes.

Others are Arems Entertainments, Islander Magazines, Magic Concepts crew. Among musicians that attended are Alh Adewale Konta Student Fuji, Medina Ashabi Baritide, Arole Askarifuji, Ooji Tajudeen, Abebi Ayala, Pa Adawa Adewale and Supa Sunny.

 JUBEL Beer Is the Official  Beer for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

 By OdukoyaAdedeji

UBEL Beer, a fast-rising beverage brand known for its fruit-infused lagers, has been unveiled as the Official Beer Partner of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The partnership will see JUBEL served across all competition venues alongside Tennent’s and Tennent’s Zero during the Games, scheduled to hold from July 23 to August 2, 2026, in Scotland

Founded in 2018, JUBEL has built a reputation for its culture-driven approach and strong community partnerships. Its involvement in Glasgow 2026 reflects the brand’s ambition to expand its presence on the global stage while enhancing fan experiences at major sporting events.

Hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected to attend the 11-day multi-sport event, with competitions taking place at key venues including the Scottish Event Campus, Tollcross Swimming Centre, Scotstoun Stadium, and the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.

 Fans will have access to JUBEL’s signature fruit-cut lagers, designed to complement vibrant, social sporting atmospheres.

The partnership also aligns with the Games’ sustainability goals. JUBEL, a Certified B Corp, offsets 100 per cent of its carbon emissions annually, uses recyclable aluminium cans, and supports regenerative agriculture through its brewing processes. Organisers have also confirmed that draught beer will be prioritized at venues to reduce environmental impact.

Director of Games Services and Workforce for Glasgow 2026, Diane McLeod, described the collaboration as one that goes beyond refreshment.

“This partnership is about more than great beer—it’s about shared moments, community, and celebration. JUBEL brings a fresh, innovative approach that aligns with our vision for an inclusive and sustainable Games,” she said.

JUBEL founder Jesse Wilson also expressed excitement about the milestone, noting that the brand’s identity is rooted in creating joyful, shared experiences.

“We’re incredibly proud to be part of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The event represents community, competition, and togetherness—values that are central to everything we stand for,” he said.

For Nigeria and other Commonwealth nations, the Games present another opportunity to shine on the global stage, not only in competition but also in cultural exchange and fan engagement. 

With a strong Nigerian contingent expected to participate across multiple sports, the vibrant atmosphere at Glasgow 2026 will resonate with fans back home, where football, athletics, and community-driven celebrations remain deeply rooted in the nation’s sporting culture.

As anticipation builds, the addition of brands like JUBEL signals a broader effort to enhance the overall fan experience, blending sport, sustainability, and shared moments in what promises to be a memorable edition of the Commonwealth Games.