Connect with us

News

NFF GS appointment brouhaha: FG, Odegbami, Pinnick, speak out

Published

on

NFF

 

By Abdulgafar Oladimeji

The monster roaring to consume the Nigerian sports sector is the outcry and tussles surrounding the upcoming appointment of the next General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, NNF, Nigeria’s federal minister of sports development, senator John Enoh has stated.

The minister in his remarks , while addressing NFF Annual General Assembly, AGA held last Friday in Asaba, Delta state capital , Enoh admitted that in the aftermath of the loud decry against Team Nigeria’s performance at the 2024 Olympics, NFF is now swimming against the tempest that may make or mar sports life in Africa’s most populated nation.

He noted that the federal government is weary that football statues prohibits government interference in football, he however pointed out that, there are expectations of government, which are legitimate and eligible to be accommodated in the running of the affairs of the game of football.

He further cautioned the august gathering over the issues bordering on the appointment of the General Secretary of the federation, he said the matter is gearing to stir bitter emotions amongst Nigerians, warning that, if not properly handle it would send the federation to the chasm.

Advert

Enoh who spoke with an voice loaded with words of caution had also warned that the game of football is the centre of gravity for national unity in Nigeria , he said NFF must proceed to handle the issue of the next appointment of an GS with the prism of national interest at heart.

He said “ we can not grow football without listening to what Nigerians are saying, Nigerians have deep emotions for football, therefore every step should be for the happiness of Nigerians.

“we can not continue to operate in an atmosphere, full of confusion, we need peace in this sector, you should be guided not to trigger negative emotions or contribute to the unhappiness of Nigerians, you have to listen to whatever Nigerians are saying.” Senator Enoh stated.

Also speaking at the august occasion, former NFF president and incumbent member of the FIFA Council, Amaju Pinnick had opine that the incumbent GS, Dr Sanusi Mohammed deserved to be reappointed as NFF scribe.

The former Nigerian football generalismo is widely quoted in sections of the Nigerian sports press to have told the gathering that the incumbent GS should be retained to continue in office, after spending over one decade as Nigeria’s top football scribe.

He argued that the incumbent GS has performed tremendously well, since his ascension to office till date.

Nigeria’s ex-international and frontline football advocate, Segun Odegbami in a lengthy podcast has warned that the issue should be accorded the thought on the need for an equilibrium of balance .

He added that , it is imperative to strictly adhere to an arrangement that is embroidery in the spirit of fairness to avoid setting the precedence that would hunt down the smooth transition chain in the cycle of football administration, which may result to catastrophic ripple effects on the administration of football in Nigeria.

Odegbami as he is fondly called then advised NFF executives to strictly adhere to the principles of careful balancing, which has been used to invoke the spirit of governance stability in Nigeria football . He appealed that common sense should prevail on all those deploying their resources with the mission to impose unpopular decisions against popular stance , warning that their planned retrogressive actions will hatch bad precedence in the country’s football ecosystem.“`

 

*.SAHEL SPORTS NEWS

News

Broadcast Journalist Ikechukwu Oyemike Joins The Isle 95.9 FM Lagos as Head of Events And OAP

Published

on

 

FemyWalsh Limited, a business, economy, and development-focused media group, is pleased to announce the appointment of veteran broadcast journalist  Ikechukwu Oyemike, popularly known as Ogbuefi ItisIkechukwu, as Head of Events and On Air Personality (OAP)  at  The Isle 95.9 FM Lagos.

Oyemike joins The Isle 95.9 FM Lagos after more than 11 years of superlative service at Wazobia FM, where he built a strong reputation for credible journalism, compelling storytelling, and audience-centred broadcasting.

Over the years, he has become widely respected for his ability to connect deeply with listeners while delivering news, current affairs, and commentary with clarity, energy, and cultural resonance.

Speaking on his move, Oyemike said:
“I am delighted to join The Isle 95.9 FM Lagos as Head of Events and On Air Personality. This new chapter offers an exciting platform to engage listeners on air while also creating dynamic experiences through events that connect with our audience in meaningful ways.”

Advert

Welcoming his arrival, Management described the appointment as a strategic investment in talent and audience experience. In his dual role, Oyemike will strengthen on-air programming and lead the development of high-impact events designed to deepen community connection, expand partnerships, and create memorable experiences for listeners and stakeholders.

FemyWalsh Limited is the owner of **The Isle 95.9 FM Lagos, *Souq News Television, and the soon-to-be-launched Kasuwa 97.9 FM Kano, as well as **Arewa Bayan Television, Abuja**. Across these platforms, the group is committed to business and development storytelling that elevates enterprise, strengthens institutional credibility, and amplifies African excellence.

Listeners and partners can look forward to fresh programming energy, stronger listener engagement, and innovative event experiences as Oyemike continues his mission to inform, inspire, and entertain audiences across Lagos and beyond.

Continue Reading

News

Public Calling for Justice in Kano as Six Arrested in Brutal Killing of NSCDC Officer

Published

on

 

Two weeks after the brutal killing of NSCDC volunteer, Abdurrauf Ali Ahmad Sharifai, on New Year’s Day, a wave of public outrage continues to sweep across Kano as the investigation unfolds.

The shocking and ruthless murder, which took place along the long Zoo Road/Court Road while Sharifai was on official duty, has sparked widespread calls for justice, with many residents demanding swift action from the authorities.

Sharifai, who was performing his constitutional duties to protect the public, was viciously stabbed by a group of thugs, an act that has left the community reeling.

His tragic death has not only shaken the NSCDC but also stirred deep anger among the people of Kano, who are now rallying for justice for the slain volunteer.

Advert

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) moved quickly to arrest four suspects in connection with the murder. These individuals were found in possession of dangerous weapons, and they were promptly handed over to the police.

In a further development, the police made two additional arrests, bringing the total number of suspects to six.

However, five more individuals linked to the crime have been identified by the NSCDC, but they remain at large.

Despite the severity of the crime, the public’s anger has been compounded by the reported attempts of the arrested suspects’ families to seek bail.

Many residents view these efforts as an attempt to undermine the gravity of the crime, and this has sparked an outcry for justice.

“The fact that they are trying to get bail for these suspects, who brutally murdered a law enforcement volunteer, is an insult to the family of the deceased and to the people of Kano,” said one local resident, who asked to remain anonymous. “We cannot allow this to happen. We demand justice for Abdurrauf.”

The silence from the police regarding these recent developments has only fueled the growing frustration.

Continue Reading

News

FG, ASUU Seal Landmark Agreement to End Decades-Long Disputes

Published

on

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

The Federal Government has finalized and unveiled a comprehensive renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, presented the agreement in Abuja on Wednesday, framing it as the culmination of President Bola Tinubu’s direct intervention to secure lasting stability, rebuild trust, and restore quality to the nation’s tertiary education.

“For decades, unresolved remuneration concerns, welfare gaps, and recurring industrial disputes disrupted academic calendars, undermined staff morale, and threatened the future of our young people,” Alausa stated. “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we deliberately chose dialogue over discord, reform over delay, and resolution over rhetoric.”

Key Provisions of the Agreement

The cornerstone of the pact is a significant review of remuneration for academic staff in federal institutions, approved by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission and backdated to take effect from January 1, 2026.

Advert

A major highlight is a 40% upward review of total emoluments, implemented through a newly established Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance. This allowance, now integrated into the salary structure, is designed to cover essential academic expenses including journal publications, conference participation, internet access, learned society memberships, and book allowances.

To promote transparency and productivity, nine previously contentious Earned Academic Allowances have been clearly structured and tied directly to specific duties performed.

In a groundbreaking development, the government has introduced a first-of-its-kind Professorial Credit Allowance, recognizing the elevated scholarly and administrative burdens on senior academics. Under this new structure: Professors will receive an additional N1.8 million per annum (approximately N140,000 monthly), while Academic Readers will receive N840,000 per annum (approximately N70,000 monthly).

This allowance is intended to support research coordination, academic documentation, and administrative tasks, freeing senior academics to focus on teaching, mentorship, and innovation.

The government has signaled its commitment by immediately commencing implementation. A circular from the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, dated December 30, 2025, has been issued to enact the new wage components.

ASUU President, Prof. Chris Pinuwa, provided the historical context, noting that the agreement concludes a renegotiation process that began in 2017 for a pact originally due for review in 2012. He recounted that successive renegotiation committees under previous administrations—chaired by Wale Babalakin, Munzali Jibrin, and Nimi Briggs—had failed to produce a collective bargaining agreement.

The current administration inaugurated a new committee chaired by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed in October 2024, which reached this consensus approximately 14 months later. The final agreement comprehensively addresses conditions of service, university funding, autonomy, and academic freedom.

Continue Reading

Trending