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World Cup 2026: Journalists Urged to Promote Peace Through Sports at Sahel Sports Interactive Session

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Abbas Yushau Yusuf

Journalists have been urged to use their platforms to promote peace and unity through sports as preparations intensify ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The call was made during an interactive media session organized by Sahel Sports News in collaboration with the Kano State Library Board, and powered by the Fortress Centre for Human Rights and Peace Advocacy (FOCHPA) and the Peace Initiative Network (PIN).

Delivering a keynote paper, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano Council, emphasized the critical role of journalists in shaping narratives that foster peace. He noted that failure should not be seen as the opposite of success but rather as part of the journey toward achieving it.

“Failure is when you stop trying,” Ibrahim said. “Sports writers should write stories that promote peace among rival groups. We must check our words carefully, because the words we use can either build peace or fuel conflict.”

He recalled the tragic role of hate speech in the Rwandan genocide, where radio broadcasts incited violence that led to the massacre of over 800,000 Tutsis in just 100 days. He praised Rwanda’s post-genocide reforms under President Paul Kagame, which have fostered reconciliation and unity, including intermarriages between Hutus and Tutsis.

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“As journalists, we should stop taking sides when writing stories. We must rise and preach peace, setting our emotions aside to promote unity,” Ibrahim added.

 

The Chairman of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), Alhaji Abdullahi Aliyu Sumaila, commended the organizers, stressing that peace-building through sports is vital at a time when insecurity threatens communities.

“It is time for journalists to promote peace and encourage youth to engage in sports. With well-grounded initiatives, we can emphasize collaboration among communities and educate the citizenry. We are ready to work with journalists to promote peace,” Sumaila said.

In his remarks, Rilwanu Idris Maliksawa Garu, a member of the National Executive Committee of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), lamented Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 World Cup.

“Missing Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup is bad news for journalists and for the country. The NFF must go back to the grassroots to recruit national players. It should be a balanced process, 50-50, to ensure fairness and quality,” Garu stated.

 

Representing the Peace Initiative Network, Mr. Friday highlighted the unifying power of sports across cultural divides.

“Sports foster unity, teamwork, tolerance, and respect. It has the power to break barriers and bring people together. Among the youth, there are immense talents that can be nurtured through sports,” he said.

The Executive Secretary of the Kano State Library Board, Garba Ado Zakirai, pledged his support for the initiative, while Dr. Abdulgafar Oladimeji, News Editor of Sahel Sports News, emphasized the importance of professionalism in journalism.

“For journalists to achieve great feats in this profession, they must build themselves professionally and uphold the ethics of the craft,” Oladimeji said.

 

The interactive session urges intersection between sports, journalism, and peace-building. With Nigeria missing out on the 2026 World Cup, participants agreed that journalists have a responsibility not only to report sports but also to use their platforms to promote unity, resilience, and hope in society.

 

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Gombe flags off the disbursement of the second batch of the AGILE Conditional Cash Transfer

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Gombe State Government has flagged-off the distribution of ATM cards to Adolescent Girls in public schools under the Conditional Cash Transfer,CCT of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment, AGILE Project.

Speaking at the flagging off of the disbursement at Government Junior Secondary School Malamsidi central in Kwami Local Government area, the Honourable Commissioner of Education, Associate Prof Aishatu Umar Maigari said the disbursement of the CCT is part of the Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s zeal and passion for the girl child education in the state.

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She said the concept is also geared towards supporting parents to cater for their children to remain in schools up to completion of their secondary education.

Associate Prof Aishatu Umar Maigari then assured the students that the government will continue to bring more educational policies that will further support students to pursue education with ease.

Earlier, the project coordinator of the AGILE, Dr. Amina Abdul noted that with the disbursement of the second cohort of the conditional cash transfer, the project was able to record significant improvement in enrollment and retention of students in schools across the state.

The project coordinator therefore urged parents to utilize the funds judiciously through supporting the education of their children.

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‎China, Nigeria Mark Friendship with Joint Cultural Mural

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‎A colourful mural celebrating both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day has been unveiled at an overseas project site, serving as a vivid symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
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‎The artwork, jointly produced by Chinese and Nigerian staff, features builders dressed in traditional Chinese costumes and Nigerian ethnic attire holding hands and dancing together.
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Above them, fireworks and white doves of peace illuminate the sky, while the inscription “10.1” highlights the dual significance of October 1, the China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day.
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‎On the left side of the mural, ancient Chinese architecture, red lanterns and auspicious cloud motifs showcase Chinese heritage.
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On the right, red earth, coconut palms and African drums reflect Nigeria’s cultural identity. Flowing ribbons weave across the painting, symbolising unity and shared destiny.
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‎Project officials described the mural as a “living testament” to cooperation at the frontline of development. They said it embodies mutual trust and support as workers from both countries overcome challenges together.
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‎The initiative underscores cultural integration and partnership, with both sides pledging to continue working hand in hand to strengthen ties.
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“Celebrating two festivals as one, we march forward with one heart,” a statement read, emphasising the commitment to write new chapters of friendship along the path of cooperation.
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‎The mural, rooted in the overseas project site, stands as a reminder of the brotherly bond between China and Nigeria, and the shared vision of building together for a brighter future.

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Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso Celebrates Senator Lado @60, Says Is A Political Dogma

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From Muhammad Kabir Kano

The spokesperson of Political Appointees Forum from Kano State, Dr. Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has described Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on National Assembly Matters (Senate), who also doubles as the Chairman of the Appointees, on his 60th birthday, as a Political Blog who plays the game with maturity and respect.

Kwankwaso who also describes Senator as Political Dogma, praised his contributions to democratic governance, humanitarian services and national development.

“Senator Lado is a dependable public servant and accomplished legislator whose experience had helped strengthen relations between the Executive and the Senate and also steer ship the activities of the Political Appointees with huge respect and understanding”,

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He said it is on notice that Lado served in the Senate for four years before his by late President Buhari on Relief agency and subsequent appointment as Tinubu’s liaison officer in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

Lado represented Kano Central Senatorial District in the Seventh National Assembly from 2011 to 2015, where he served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.

Lado facilitated several constituency projects, including the Kundila Bridge, popularly known as Gadar Lado, in Kano State. His contributions to humanitarian services through his previous roles as Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

He said Lado contributed to protecting vulnerable Nigerians, combating human trafficking and improving the welfare and rehabilitation of displaced persons.

Kwankwaso further commended the senator’s humanitarian initiatives through the Ladon Alheri Foundation, particularly in education, healthcare, women’s economic empowerment, rural water supply and support for disadvantaged communities.

” Lado’s contributions across public service reflected his commitment to national development and the welfare of Nigerians”, he added.

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