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SWAN confers fellowship award on sahel sports news editor, Abdulgafar Oladimeji

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The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN has honored the news editor, sahel sports news, Abdulgafar Olawale Oladimeji with the professional status of the Fellow of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, FSWAN.

 

The association in a letter dated October 13, 2025, signed by the secretary general of the association, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo said the recognition is given to Abdulgafar Oladimeji , for his outstanding professionalism and enduring service to the growth and strength of sports journalism in Nigeria.

 

Amb. Ikenna said “ as a valued pioneer and pillar in our profession this recognition is a token of appreciation for your sacrifice and legacy in promoting excellence and credibility in sports reporting.

Our checks reveal that, Abdulgafar Oladimeji began his sports journalism career in 1996 as a cub sports reporter with now defunct People and Events newspaper.

In his career as a journalist, he worked as a freelance sports presenter with Super Screen TV in Lagos, before he travelled abroad to work with Daily Express newspaper, he served as the West African correspondent with goal.com.

He is the founding sports editor of Daily Express newspaper, republic of The Gambia. He also served as the co sports anchor, sportsfile with wel respected African sports media guru, Peter Gomez, West Coast Radio, The Gambia, co anchor sports panorama with veteran sports journalist, Moses Ndene , City Limit Radio , The Gambia.

He returned to Nigeria in 2007, he worked briefly with Independent newspaper as a special correspondent, before joining Daily Trust newspaper as a reporter , he worked with National Mirrors , Kano Correspondent, then proceed to Leadership newspaper also as Kano correspondent.

Abdulgafar Oladimeji is in the era of the pioneer digital sports journalists in Nigeria, when founded pyramid sports news in 2007.

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He played an frontline role in founding the now defunct judicialsketch.com, pyramiitportsnews ,com, he is the CEO of Bantabba Sports owners of sahelsportsnews.com.

He is currently member of the editorial board, Nigerian tracker,.

He obtained his certificate in arbitration from Chattered Institute of Arbitration, CiArb in 2013, he is currently member of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration, ICCA, Netherland.

He is winner of the City Limits awards in 2007. He has facilitated over 30 sports journalism human resource development sessions organized by SWAN, NFCA, SWIBODA, CS-CRIN. GPSJA.

 

Abdulgafar Oladimeji is an doctoral fellow of the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management, he hold qualifications in philosophy, journalism and law from renown institutions in the UK, Qatar, France and Ireland.

Aside his degree in the field of philosophy, he obtained over 60 Continuous Professional Development . CPD certificates from prestigious institutions from across the globe.

In the years of his work as a sports journalist, covering major global sports events, Abdulgafar Oladimeji has travelled to over 30 countries across Africa, America and Asia.

An PFSA and IPSO football scout, he is a licensed Corporate and Business law consultant.

He is the founder, Sports Without Borders development Association. SWIBODA, he is the CEO Naim Adebayo Limited, Arab republic of Egypt.

Nigeria electoral umpire, INEC Kano, under Prof Risqua Arabu Shehu in 2023 had appointed Abdulgafar Olawale Oladimeji as an INEC Youth and Sports ambassador.

He is the CEO, Wazobia Sports Events services , state of Qatar.

Born in Kano in 1975, into the family of Alhaji Busari Oladimeji of the Gbadamosi family in Offa, Abdulgafar Olawale Oladimeji is an indigene of Offa, Kwara state.

He has two handbook to his credit, namely “Know The Game” and “Laws you Must Know As A Journalist.”

A renown clergy and sports commentator, Pastor Joseph Andishu described Abdugafar as an sports institution.

According to him, Abdulgafar has always demonstrated how sports could be deployed to develop citizens and also communal growth.

He said “ one quality has stood Abdulgafar tall like an iroko, he is decent, transparent and a firm believer in huma development through sports.”

Pastor Andishu prayed that God would continue to grow SWAN and endowed it with the right membership roll call that would be forthright in the pursuit of the truth in their work , serving as the mirror of the society. He enjoined SWA members to aways remain fearless and dedicated to their work and service to humanity.

In his reaction , Abdulgafar Oladimeji said ” this is heart warming and distinguish, distinguish in the sense that this is an award that is recognized by SWAN statues.
” I am delighted and am happy, I am a SWAN person and would always be one all the days of my life. Thank you SWAN for the honour.”
” I dedicate this award to my maternal grand father, his royal highness ,late chief Samson Andishu.

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

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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.”

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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