39th Lisabi Festival:

Oke-Ona Bestows Balogun Woro Title On Fake Doctor Seun Ogunsanya

In a stark desecration of the highly reverred Egba traditional norms, Oke-Ona may have taken an ignoble path in the celebration of Lisabi by bestowing a fake doctor and impersonator, Seun Ogunsanya with Balogun Woro chieftaincy title.

The yearly festival is a vibrant celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Egba people in Abeokuta and across the globe. This unique festival honours the legendary Lisabi, a warrior and liberator of Egba people of old.

Lisabi holds a special place in Yoruba history, particularly among the Egba people. He’s remembered as a hero who fought tirelessly for freedom. 

His life story became a symbol of the struggle for self-determination, inspiring many with his bravery, eloquence, and heartfelt dedication to his community during turbulent times. These are the traits you find in the Egbas.

Unfortunately, the character traits that defines true noble Egba man may have been substituted for despicable characters as Oke-Ona, one of the key subgroups that make up the Egba kingdom has named a charlatan and shenanigan as Balogun Woro of Oke-Ona.

This disturbing development comes on the heels of revelation that Seun Ogunsanya-a self acclaimed medical practitioner and Ph.D holder is an impersonator and academic fraudster.

Investigation has revealed he is a nutritionist and not a medical doctor as he wants unsuspecting members of the public to believe. 

Again, on his LinkedIn profile, he claims to be a Ph.D holder. But diligent investigation has revealed he is guilty of academic fraud because he only has a Master Degree from University of Ibadan and not a Ph.D. 

He also claims to be an historian, but this has also turned out to be an outright lies.

This ugly development has therefore prompted many to question why the fake medical doctor successfully swayed the traditional authorities have chosen him for such exalted chieftaincy despite the litany of criminal investigations trailing him.

 Commonwealth Games:

Nigeria Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team Picks Historic Ticket

By Odukoya Adedeji

Nigeria’s women’s wheelchair basketball team have etched their names in history after qualifying for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

The team sealed their place with an impressive 8–3 victory over South Africa in Thursday’s final at the qualifiers held in Angola, overturning earlier disappointment to emerge champions.

Led by captain Ijigbamigbe Gbemisola Olubisi, the Nigerian side produced a spirited comeback performance against the tournament favourites. Having suffered a 7–3 defeat to the same opponents during the group stage, the team showed resilience and determination when it mattered most to claim the lone qualification ticket.

Reacting to the achievement, President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Seyi Johnson, described the qualification as a landmark moment for the sport in the country, highlighting its steady development over the years.

“As President, I feel very fulfilled that we have been able to write history in Nigeria wheelchair basketball. Everyone associated with Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball, both past and present, deserves to share in this achievement because it is the result of years of dedication and hard work,” he said.

Johnson also credited the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for their support.

“I must specially thank the leadership of the National Sports Commission under Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade for the direction they have brought into Nigerian sports, enabling all disciplines to grow, regardless of their size,” he added.

In the men’s category, Nigeria narrowly missed out on qualification after falling 13–8 to South Africa in the final.

As a result, Nigeria’s women’s team and South Africa’s men’s team will represent Africa in wheelchair basketball at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

 Glasgow 2026 Opening Ceremony To Hold Indoor

 . As Organisers Targets 700 Volunteer Performers

By Odukoya Adedeji

Organisers of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games have confirmed that the Opening Ceremony will take place at the renowned OVO Hydro, just as it called for 700 volunteers to help bring the event to life.

Set for July 23, 2026 the ceremony will mark a historic first for the Games, as it will be held in an indoor arena rather than a traditional stadium. The move is aimed at creating a more immersive and electrifying experience, with spectators positioned closer to the action during the curtain-raiser to 11 days of elite sporting competition.

The production will spotlight Glasgow’s culture and creativity, with a strong local influence at its core. The creative team includes show director Roxana Cole, choreographer Emily Jane Boyle, and costume designer Carole Millar, working under the guidance of Ceremonies Chief Louisa Mahon.

As part of the build-up, organisers are encouraging people from all walks of life to apply as volunteer performers. Opportunities are open to dancers, actors, musicians, and individuals without formal experience but with the enthusiasm to participate in a global event. Volunteers will feature in both live and pre-recorded segments, including athlete welcomes, dance routines, and storytelling performances.

The OVO Hydro, located within the Scottish Event Campus, is among the key venues for the Games and will also host the netball competition featuring 12 leading teams from across the Commonwealth.

Speaking on the plans, Louisa Mahon emphasized the ambition to deliver a ceremony that reflects Glasgow’s identity while offering a unique viewing experience for both in-person audiences and global broadcasts.

Scottish Event Campus Chief Executive Dominic McKay added that the venue is ready to play a central role in launching the Games, promising an opening celebration designed to inspire and captivate a worldwide audience.

The Games will run from July 23 to August 2, with more than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories competing across 10 sports and six Para sports.

 PPPM INT'L BRINGS 'JOY OF SALVATION' TO ABEOKUTA

. As Pastor Jimmy Bakare Anchors 3-Day Easter Programme

The rocky city of Abeokuta is in for another breathtaking and spiritually-filled Easter season as Praise Prayer Power Ministry International (PPPM) presents a three-day yearly outreach programme with US-based Pastor Jimmy Abayomi Bakare.

Aptly themed: 'Joy of Salvation' the Ogun State-born preacher is spreading the joy of being born again with the crucification and resurrection of Jesus Christ through an open crusade, visitations to selected places to spread the gospel and an impactful Night Vigil/Thanksgiving Service.

The annual event which first birthed in 2018 will kick off on Wednesday April 1st 2026 with an open crusade at Post Office Junction, Panseke Abeokuta from 5-7 pm.

This would be followed by another open crusade and street evangelism on Thursday 2nd April at Kuto Market Garage from 5-7 pm.

As part of its evangelical mandate, the ministry is slated to visit some selected public facilities to spread the gospel. The facilities to be visited include Aro Psychiatric Hospital (Wed. 1st April), Bankole Memorial Orphanage Home (Thur. 2nd April) and Ijaiye State Hospital (Thur. 2nd April).

Speaking on the proposed visits, Pastor Bakare is enamoured at the great impact from which patients, inmates and orphans have encountered Christ during previous visits.

"We are exceedingly excited at the impact of our previous visits to these facilities. We have seen situations where people have great encounters with God and this year's visit is not going to be different because there are quite a high number of people yearning for salvation which Christ offers lost souls," says the Man of God.

The three-day event is expected to be rounded off on Good Friday with a Night Vigil/ Thanksgiving Service slated to hold at the NUT Complex, Kuto, Abeokuta from 9pm to 5am.

Aside the host pastor, other anointed men of God have also been invited to minister at the vigil. They include Pastor Odunosu, Evang. Yemi David, Ayo Sax, Shijuade Sings, Yaya Golden Praise etc.

 NSC Hails Sarah Ogoke, As D’Tigress Icon Bows Out at 35

 By Odukoya Adedeji

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has paid glowing tribute to former D’Tigress captain Sarah Ogoke following her decision to retire from international basketball at the age of 35.

Ogoke formally announced her retirement in Lyon, France, on Monday, where she was honoured in a colourful ceremony attended by teammates and organised by Xejet, partners of Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team.

NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko praised Ogoke for her immense contributions over more than a decade in national colours, noting that the entire country is proud of her achievements. He also conveyed the admiration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting the administration’s recognition of her service to Nigerian sports.

Dikko further applauded the influence Ogoke has had beyond basketball, adding that First Lady Oluremi Tinubu deeply appreciates the inspiration she provides to women and young girls through her resilience, discipline, and achievements both on and off the court.

Also speaking, NSC Director General Bukola Olopade described Ogoke as a rare figure in Nigerian sports, commending her ability to balance a successful basketball career with academic excellence as a medical doctor, alongside her roles as a wife and mother. He added that her experience and expertise would continue to benefit Nigerian sports even after her retirement from active national duty.

Ogoke leaves the national team as one of its most decorated players, having played a key role in D’Tigress’ dominance in African basketball, including five AfroBasket titles since 2017.

She steps away from international competition as a celebrated athlete and accomplished professional, with the team hoping to honour her legacy with a victory against Germany in their final game of the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament in Lyon.