Other Sports
SWAN ADVISORY COUNCIL APPLAUDS NEC OVER MITCHELL OB’S AIPS AFRICA RE-ELECTION
The Chairman, National Advisory Council of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Steve Alabi has applauded the role played by the Honour Sirawoo-led Executive Committee towards the re-election of Mitchell Obi as President AIPS Africa at the just concluded Congress in Nairobi, Kenya.
Alabi, accompanied by Sani Zaria, Olu Amadasun and Saidu Abubakar, all members of the Council which consist of the association’s past presidents, stated this during a visit on the SWAN president, Sirawoo in his office at the National Stadium Complex, Abuja.
He said, “As part of our regular evaluation session with you, we are here to sincerely applaud steps taken to ensure victory for Nigeria.
“As past presidents, we are pleased with your efforts and commitment to ensuring that SWAN plays its promotional role not only in Nigeria’s sports development, but Africa.
“As a way of building on the success, you must ensure that states chapter leadership key into your vision, just as we expect members to rally round your administration to enable quick cover of lost grounds; we have a defined role and we must unite to effect it,” he declared.
Responding, the SWAN President described the re-election of Mitchell Obi as a soothing balm for Nigeria’s sports and a clear statement of SWAN’s leadership role in Africa’s sports journalism.
While thanking the leaders for acknowledging the role of his administration, he said “you cannot contest any position in AIPS without being nominated by a national association; this we didn’t only do, but set up a high powered committee to source and mobilize support for our candidate.
“Indeed, Nigeria showed political clout in Kenya, by ensuring that our steps were in order as well as working for the emergence of candidates that would ease our reign.
“SWAN is indeed glad that with the support of other member countries, one of our own was re-elected; the victory is not just for us as a people, but also for sports journalists across the continent, our responsibility is to support him to succeed in the task of taking AIPS in Africa to a greater height,” Sirawoo stressed.
The SWAN boss aligned with the President of AIPS, Gianni Merlo, who spoke at one of the sessions during the Congress, where he called on national associations to be credible and create avenues for funding in their bid to become independent.
According to Merlo, “It’s our credibility that we have to build. If we are press officers for ministers then we are not respecting the profession.
“Our national associations have to be organised. The society has changed and we have to change with it because sport is part of the society, it’s a culture and for that reason we have to invest in our culture.”
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.
“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 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.
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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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.
“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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