Abuja 2026: 3rd National Paralympics  Games On Course

. As Venues Set For Final Checks

By Odukoya Adedeji

Preparations for the 3rd National Paralympics Games have gathered momentum after the Local Organizing Committee completed a thorough assessment of competition venues in Abuja ahead of the March 26th to April 3rd 2026 event.

The Games will take place at the MKO Abiola National Stadium Complex and other designated centres within the Federal Capital Territory. 

The inspection team visited all approved locations to evaluate their condition; ensure accessibility standards are met, and confirm technical readiness for the multi-sport competition.

15 different sporting facilities were examined during the exercise. Events to be staged at the Games include Amputee Football, Para Athletics, Para Badminton, Para Canoe, Para Cycling, Para Karate, Para Powerlifting, Para Shooting, Para Soccer, Para Swimming, Para Taekwondo, Para Table Tennis, Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Basketball, and Wheelchair Tennis.

Officials reported that most of the venues meet the required standards to host the competition. However, a small number of facilities were advised to carry out minor improvements, mainly involving technical fine-tuning and environmental adjustments.

The Indoor Basketball Hall, which will serve as the venue for Wheelchair Basketball, was adjudged fit for use, although slight upgrades were suggested to improve lighting and make court markings clearer.

The swimming arena also received approval, with recommendations for minor adjustments to lane ropes, better maintenance of changing areas, and the provision of temporary seating and shade structures.

Other venues, including the Velodrome, Gymnasium Hall, and Tennis Courts earmarked for various para sports, were declared ready without major concerns.

The organizing committee reassured stakeholders that all identified issues would be resolved before the opening ceremony, promising a safe, accessible, and athlete-friendly environment.

With the inspection phase completed and corrective work already underway, Abuja is on course to deliver another successful edition of the National Paralympics Games, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to inclusion and the continued development of para sports nationwide.

 Nigeria Judo Federation Applauds Appointment of Tunji Disu As New IGP.

The President of the Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF), Dr. Musa Oshodi, has congratulated Tunji Disu on his appointment as the new Inspector General of the Nigeria Police, describing the development as a strong affirmation of professionalism, competence, and integrity in national service.

Dr. Oshodi noted that Disu’s elevation reflects his distinguished record of service and leadership within the police, as well as his broader contributions to national development.

“On behalf of the Board and entire family of the Nigeria Judo Federation, I warmly congratulate Mr. Disu, who also served meritoriously as a member of our immediate past board, on this well-deserved appointment. 

"The decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to entrust this critical office to a core professional is both reassuring and commendable. I am confident that his tenure will strengthen public trust, improve operational efficiency, and foster deeper community engagement across the force,” Oshodi stated.

The NJF President further emphasized that strong and accountable institutions remain vital to national progress, noting that effective policing plays a pivotal role in youth empowerment, social stability, and the continued growth of sports development in Nigeria.

He expressed optimism that Disu’s leadership would usher in reforms that reinforce discipline, professionalism, and citizen-focused policing while wishing him a successful and impactful tenure in service to the nation.

 2026 Commonwealth Games: 

NBF Unveils Plans For National Boxing Week

By Odukoya Adedeji

Photo: Babajide Joseph

The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has unveiled the full programme of activities for the maiden National Boxing Week and the Open Trials ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The event will take place from March 1 to 6, 2026, at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex,  situated within the National Stadium in Lagos.

A key highlight of the week-long programme will be the National Open Trials, which will determine the boxers to represent Nigeria at the boxing event of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Participation in the trials is open to all affiliated clubs, state associations, institutions, and eligible Nigerian boxers worldwide. Each affiliated body is expected to present one boxer per weight division.

The competition will feature 10 weight categories:

Men: 55kg, 65kg, 70kg, 80kg, 90kg

Women: 51kg, 57kg, 65kg, 70kg, 70+kg

Beyond the trials, the Federation will honour Nigerian boxing legend, Hogan Kid Bassey by celebrating his life and contributions to the sport.

 The week will also include seminars for referees and coaches, orientation sessions for boxers that would focus on discipline and professionalism, and stakeholder engagement meetings aimed at strengthening the local boxing structure.

In line with its reform agenda, the Federation will unveil new digital initiatives during the event. These include the automation of its licensing system, a rebranded official website and social media platforms, and improved digital infrastructure to enhance governance, transparency, and athlete management.

Speaking on the significance of the event, NBF Vice President, Hon. Omonlei Imadu, emphasized the importance of honouring the past while building a stronger future for Nigerian boxing.

“Hogan Bassey remains an enduring symbol of courage, excellence, and national pride. As an icon, we want to celebrate him with respect and honor and show the young ones what it truly means to be a hero. His legacy must inspire a new generation of Nigerian champions.

“The old tradition of selecting boxers without an open meritocracy is not what we want to do anymore, especially under the leadership of the National Sports Commission and its strong focus on merit. Every boxer must earn the right to wear the green and white through performance and discipline.

“We are calling on all Nigerian boxers, at home and in the diaspora, to seize this opportunity. This open trial will determine who represents Nigeria at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Selection will be fierce, fair, and based strictly on merit.” He said.

Also speaking, NBF President, His Excellency Hon. Wale Edun, described the Federation’s digital transformation as a critical step toward repositioning the sport.

“We are repositioning Nigerian boxing for global competitiveness, not just inside the ring, but administratively and technologically. Governance must be as strong as the punches our athletes throw," he added.

National Boxing Week is expected to serve as a defining moment for the sport, blending competition, legacy celebration, structural reform, and national pride into one landmark event.

 

WHY EGBETOKUN WAS REMOVED AS IGP

The Snoop Media can authoritatively revealed why Kayode Egbetokun was removed as the Inspector General of Police by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Kayode Egbetokun was removed from his position as Inspector General of Police this morning and replaced by Assistant Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

According to impeccable sources, Egbetokun was relieved of his position by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in order to allow him opportunity to attend to his failing health.

The former police boss is said to be battling with kidney-related health issues which has been affecting his job.

His failing health according to sources has greatly affected his mental state in taking critical decision that would help improve the fortune of the police under his command.

Before his sack, Egbetokun was informed about the imminent change of guard by the presidency.

“Egbetokun was at the (Presidential) Villa yesterday and was told to go and prepare his handover notes. I believe he has done that already and he will be handing over to Tunji Disu,” one of the sources said.

Aside his failing health status, Egbetokun has also drawn flacks from some of his critics.  “He is incompetent and the scandals are just too many. He is power-drunk. The President said he should leave to focus on getting treatment for himself."

He is to be succeeded by Tunji Disu, the Assistant Inspector General of Police currently overseeing the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos.

Senior police officials and sources within the Police Service Commission confirmed the development to Snoop Media on Tuesday.

It was learnt that some police officers celebrated upon hearing the news of his removal on yesterday.

PROFILE OF NEW IGP, OLATUNJI DISU

Olayinka Disu is a Judoka and a law enforcement agent (police officer) serving in the Nigeria Police Force. He took over from a celebrity super cop, Abba Kyari, as the head of the Police Intelligence Response Team after he was indicted in an investigative report by the US Department of Justice in fraud and drug-related cases involving Raymond Abbas (Huspuppi).

Early Life and Education

Tunji Disu was born on April 17, 1966, in Lagos Island, Lagos State, Nigeria. He completed his post-primary education at Mayflower Junior School in Ikenne, Ogun State, and then went on to Saint Gregory’s College in Lagos and Pobuna Secondary Grammar School in Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria.

His educational accomplishments include a Bachelor of Arts in English from Lagos State University; a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and Strategic Studies from the same institution; a Certificate in Personal Protection from the United Kingdom; and a Master of Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University in Akungba, Ondo State.

In addition, he has taken a number of professional courses both domestically and abroad, including courses on small arms smuggling in Botswana, internet fraud training at Cambridge University in the UK, strategic leadership command at the Police Staff College in Jos, and forensic investigations and criminal intelligence at the University of Lagos, among others.

Career

Tunji joined the Nigeria Police Force as a cadet ASP in 1992 at the Nigeria Police Academy in Wudil, Kano State, Nigeria. He has served as the Officer in Charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Ondo, Oyo, and the Rivers States. He served as the Aide-De-Camp of the former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and later as the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

Tunji Disu formerly served as Deputy Commissioner of Police at the Force Headquarters in Abuja’s Department of Operations. He also served as the former Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Commander for the State of Lagos, where he was credited with repositioning, improving, and rebranding the RRS as a model security outfit in Nigeria.
Additionally, he has previously worked as the Deputy Head of the Unit at the State CID in Rivers State. Also, he had previously served as the Commander of the Nigerian Police Delegation to the African Union (AU) Peacekeeping Mission in the Sudanese region of Darfur.

He belongs to a number of professional organisations, including the Chattered Institute of Personnel Management, the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

 

Youths Are Co-Architects of National, Community Development – Tuggar

The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has underscored the importance of youth inclusion in governance and national progress, describing young Nigerians as active partners in shaping both national and community development.

The Minister made this remark during an interactive evening with Nigerian youth hosted by Dayo Israel at the Youth House, where discussions focused on leadership, diplomacy, and the role of young people in advancing the nation’s global and domestic priorities.

Ambassador Tuggar emphasized that Nigeria’s development trajectory depends significantly on harnessing the ideas, innovation, and participation of its youthful population. He urged young citizens to remain engaged in civic processes and policy conversations that shape the country’s future.

In his remarks, Dr. Dayo Israel, the APC National Youth Leader noted that the engagement formed part of broader efforts to strengthen dialogue between government leaders and young Nigerians, while creating platforms that encourage participation in nation-building.

The evening featured open exchanges, reflections on youth-driven development, and a shared commitment to sustaining partnerships that empower young people across Nigeria.

Nigeria Premier League:

 Ikorodu City Held At Home, As Bayelsa United Secure Vital Point in Lagos

By Odukoya Adedeji

Photos by Babajide Joseph

League leaders Ikorodu City were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Bayelsa United in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Week 27 clash on Sunday.

The encounter, played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos saw both sides share the spoils for the second time this season after playing out a draw in their previous meeting.

Bayelsa United took the lead in the 35th minute through Ikoi E. who finished calmly to silence the home supporters. The visitors held on to their advantage going into the break with a 1-0 lead.

Ikorodu City responded strongly in the second half and eventually found the equaliser in the 64th minute. Olanrewaju M. rose to the occasion to restore parity and spark celebrations inside the stadium.

Despite pushing for a late winner, the league leaders were unable to break down Bayelsa United’s defence as the game ended 1-1 at full time.

The result keeps Ikorodu City at the top of the NPFL table with 45 points after 27 matches, while Bayelsa United remain in 17th position with 31 points as they continue their fight to avoid relegation.

 Lagos FA, Cloud Sport Sign N100m Broadcast Right

Faces at the signing of N100m broadcast rights of the Lagos State FA Cup Football competition between Cloud Sports and Lagos State Football Association.

The agreement was signed on Friday, 13th February 2026 at the Lagos State FA Secretariat along Ogunlana Drive, Surulere, Lagos.

Photos by Babajide Joseph

 WHEN SCHOOL GIRLS LEARN, THE WORLD CHANGES IN ILAWO

. As Olori Fashola-MacGregor Mentors 200 School Girls on Menstrual Health & Hygiene

Three days to Valentine's Day, the queen of Orile Ilawo Kingdom, Her Royal Majesty, Ambassador (Dr) Omolara Fashola-MacGregor has led the charge for the preservation of the right of the girl-child through an awareness and mentorship initiative primarily designed for the promotion of menstrual health and hygiene in tennage girls.

The initiative, code named 'Project Reddot' in collaboration with a non-governmental organization, Vweta Chadwick Empowerment Foundation is a community-driven initiative focussed on empowering tennage girls aged 13 to 19 with vital knowledge, mentorship and access to essential menstrual hygiene resources.

The event which held on Wednesday 11th February 2026 at the Orile Ilawo Royal Palace along Oba MacGregor Road, Ilawo, Abeokuta had over 200 tennage school girls selected from neighbouring communities in attendance to create a safe, exclusive space where they learnt menstrual hygiene and health; boosted their confidence and received practical guidance on preventing teenage pregnancy.

The initiative also presented opportunity to break the silence around menstruation, confronted harmful taboos and ensured that no girl feels ashamed or excluded because of her menstrual period.

Through an engaging and culturally sensitive interactive session anchored by the NGO's Director of Organization (South)Joan Ejiro, the students were taught the importance of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), bodily autonomy and building self-worth. The use of relatable language and open dialogue allowed the girls to ask questions freely and learn how to care for their bodies with confidence and dignity.

Speaking on motivation behind the initiative, Olori Fashola-MacGregor said she is saddened by the prevalence of unwanted pregnancies particularly among teenage girls, many of whom have suddenly become teenage mothers due to lack of access to vital information about menstrual health and hygiene.

"As a queen and as a mother, I am saddened by the menace of teenage pregnancy among school girls because they are not getting the right information about the changes in their bodies as they grow into adulthood. 

She espoused her thoughts. "Education is one of the greatest gift a girl can receive. It does not only teach them how to read and write but it teaches them to think, dream and believe in themselves. Education gives them knowledge, confidence and the power to create a better future.

"When a girl goes to school, she learns her rights and understands her value. She becomes strong enough to make good decisions about her life. She gains skills that helps her support her family and contribute to society. 

"Sadly, many girls around the world are still denied this opportunity. Some are forced to drop because of poverty. Some are married off too young. Some are told education is not important for girls. But when a girl is taking out of school, her dreams are also taken away.

"Menstruation is a natural part of life. It happens to every girl and woman. It is nothing to be ashamed of. Yet for many girls, their periods come with fear, discomfort and hardship. 

"Some girls miss school every month because they cannot afford sanitary pads. Some use old clothes, tissue or unsafe materials that can cause infections. Some feel embarrassed and hide instead of asking for help. This is known as Period Poverty- when girls and women lack access to proper menstrual products, clean facilities and education about their bodies. 

"Period Poverty affects education, health and confidence. When girls miss classes regularly, they fall behind in their studies. Over time, many lose interest in school or drop out completely. But this problem can be solved," Olori Fashola-MacGregor insisted.

"When girls are provided with period kits, clean toilets, and accurate information about menstruation, they attend school confidently. They participate in class, sport and leadership activities without fear. No girl should lose her education because of her period," she added. "We must talk openly about menstruation. We must support programmes that provides sanitary products. And we must create safe environment where girls feel respected and supported. Ending period poverty means protecting dignity, keeping girls in school and giving girls fair chance to succeed."

On the need to support girls and women to be career-driven and live meaningful life, Olori MacGregor posited: "Every girl has dreams inside her heart. These dreams are powerful because they shape their future. But many girls are told to limit their dreams. Some are told certain careers are only for boys. Some are told their role is only in the home. Some are discouraged when challenges arise. But girls are just as intelligent, capable and strong as any one else.

"When girls receive education, mentorship, encouragement and opportunities, they grow into confident women who can achieve great things. They learn how to set goals, work hard and overcome obstacles. Being career-driven does not forgetting family or values. It means using their talents to create a better life for themselves and others. A meaningful life is one where you contribute positively to society and live with purpose. When girls succeed, family succeed. When women succeed, communities grow and when girls are empowered, nations progress.

"We must therefore continue to inspire girls to believe in themselves, to dream boldly and to never settle for less than their potential. These are some of the narratives we hope to correct through this initiative starting from here in Ilawo. Our girls must be well informed about their menstrual health and hygiene to make informed choices about their life and dreams. 

With the Valentine's Day around the corner, there is no better time to educate these girls about menstruation and personal hygiene other than now in order to stop the menace of unwanted pregnancies among our school girls especially here in Ilawo." She concluded.

Over 200 menstrual packs were freely gifted to all the girls in attendance as a form of support and encouragement to promote awareness of menstrual health and hygiene among school girls.

Among those who graced the occasion were the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye who was represented by the Director of Empowerment, Mrs. Olajumoke Adewusi; Special Adviser to Gov. Dapo Abiodun on Water Resources, Hon. Damilola Otunbanjo, who was ably represented by the Admin Officer, Mr. Hope Samson; the Osi of Ilawo Kingdom, High Chief Anthony Ajani Olufade and the Akogun of Ilawo, High Chief Wasiu Balogun and other members of Ilawo Traditional Council.