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Uproar as Alleged Inauguration of Taekwondo Board Leaks

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Controversies that arose from the election into various sports federations in Nigeria have not totally been settled.

In one of the sports bodies with inconclusive election, the stakeholders in taekwondo have alleged that the sports ministry had decided to inaugurate the board of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) despite the election of the president being inconclusive.

According to a statement signed by retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Gideon Akinsola, the secretary of the federation on Tuesday clandestinely called on elected board members to come to Abuja by 3.00pm on Wednesday despite the absence of a president for the board.

The election of a president on June 13 was inconclusive and subsequent rescheduling of the activity for July 21 did not hold.

According to the press statement, “it has become crystal clear that some individuals are so desperate for fame, power and control that they are willing to play any possible dirty game to smuggle themselves through the back door into elective offices of the NTF, especially the office of the President”

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It went on to state that “many times the delegates trooped to Abuja to vote for the NTF President at great expenses, on the invitation of the Sports Ministry, for elections that never held.

“At the last call on July 21, the information was that the delegates would be called back to Abuja in two weeks for the final elections for the position of the NTF President.

“But alas, this was not to be as weeks later, nothing was heard from Abuja.

“But like a bad macabre dream of the worst kind, yesterday evening, Tuesday, 22/8/2017, news slipped out to us that the NTF Secretary was clandestinely calling NTF elected Board members to sneak into Abuja by 3.00pm the next day, for inauguration of the NTF Board by the Honourable Sports Minister.

“The big question is why the hurried, hush, hush over night secrecy, without a completed ballot and without a duly elected NTF President?

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“It reeks of conspiracy, complicity and compromise. One is compelled to smell foul play in high places.

“Is the Sports Ministry entwined in these evil machinations? Is this a power play to wrest power by force with connections from high places?

“Is this a fear that the majority of true taekwondo stakeholders will vote right? Is this money at work?

“Why can’t we just cast the ballots and let a true winner emerge?”

Continuing, the statement urged the sports minister not to allow himself to be dragged or associated with such unacceptable and undemocratic process.

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“We the true taekwondo stakeholders have toiled for years to get to this level and we say a big ‘no’ to such hoodwinking and undemocratic process.

“This is neither a military regime nor a dictatorship. Let it be noted by the teeming taekwondo practitioners, club owners, media, NTF, NOC, IOC, AFTU, WTF and the world at large, that anything short of a proper election to choose the next NTF President will be unacceptable in its entirety”.

 

Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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Lagos Set to Host Africa’s First-Ever All-Electric Powerboat Championship

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History will be made in Lagos as the city becomes the first on the African continent to host the world’s all-electric powerboat championship, the E1 Series, from October 3 to 5, 2025.

The announcement marks a major milestone for Nigeria and Africa, as the E1 Lagos Grand Prix brings cutting-edge water sport, innovation, and environmental sustainability to the continent’s shores for the first time.

Sharing the news on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the event as “a demonstration of innovation and progress, showing how sport can inspire sustainable solutions for the future.”

He added: “It is also a celebration of the creativity and resilience that define our people. This occasion gives us the opportunity to showcase Lagos to the world as we know it: welcoming, dynamic, and determined to embrace the future with confidence.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also extended an open invitation to Lagosians and the global community to witness the groundbreaking spectacle.

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“The E1 Lagos Grand Prix is a chance for Lagos, and for Africa, to stand proudly on the global stage,” he said.

Traditionally renowned for its passion for land-based sports like football, Africa is now set to explore its aquatic potential as the UIM E1 Series, presented by PIF, transforms Lagos’ waterfront into a thrilling race track.

Scheduled for October 4–5, the E1 Lagos Grand Prix promises a unique blend of speed, culture, and sustainability, turning the city’s coastline into a symbol of Africa’s readiness to embrace innovation and green technology in sports.

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Pastor Adeboye unveils stadium and Olympic-size swimming pool

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Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has unveiled a full-size stadium and an Olympic-size 50-metre swimming pool at the Peaceville International Academy, located within the Redemption City of God, Ogun State.

The esteemed cleric was accompanied by his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, along with top church leaders including Pastor Joseph Obayemi; RCCG National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, and the management of Peaceville International Academy led by Head of School Dolapo Fatoki.

The event was graced by several board members of the school, including Leke Adeoye, Olugbenga Omojola, Ayoola Jolayemi, Noah Osato, and Mrs Busola Ogunsiji.

Reflecting on his past, Pastor Adeboye lamented the lack of such facilities during his university days and the general scarcity of quality sports amenities across the country.

“This kind of well-grassed stadium and serene environment were not available in universities during our time. Remarkably, God has made this possible in a secondary school, showing that He is on our side,” he remarked.

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He offered prayers for those who contributed to the realization of these facilities and expressed his vision for the school to become a global brand.

In her welcome address, Pastor Mrs. Adeboye, the founder of the college, described the institution as a legacy made possible by God’s support.

She thanked her husband for his unwavering support in making the school a reality and emphasized the importance of the sports facilities in moulding Godly champions.

The unveiling ceremony also featured a novelty match to celebrate Pastor Adeboye’s 83rd birthday, with him performing the ceremonial kick-off for the match between Redemption City FC and Region 1 FC. The home team triumphed with a 4-0 victory.

Head of School Dolapo Fatoki highlighted that the facilities would be judiciously used to enhance the physical well-being of students and position the school as a hub for sports development in Ogun State and Nigeria.

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Burnley go 1,000 minutes without conceding a league goal

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Championship promotion chasers Burnley clocked up 1,000 minutes without conceding a league goal as they drew 0-0 at Preston North End on Saturday to stay third in the table.

It was Burnley’s 24th Championship clean sheet of the season and their 11th in a row — a new English second-tier record.

In 33 Championship games their miserly defence has been breached only nine times and no opposition player has scored against them in the league since Dec. 21.

Burnley keeper James Trafford has faced only 21 shots on target in achieving his 11 successive clean sheets — including two penalties which he saved against Sunderland.

Scott Parker’s side need just one more clean sheet to match the Championship record of Queen’s Park Rangers in 2010-11.

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“It’s something we pride ourselves on. We’re proud of being hard to beat and if you can’t win games, don’t lose them,” Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen told the club’s website.

“We come away with a point thanks to that defensive record and being solid again here at a tough place.”

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