… As Chelsea’s Sporting Director for Africa, Kicks-off Scouting Programme in Yenagoa
Organisers of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament also known as the Prosperity Cup seeks to expand the frontiers of talent discovery as it partners ex-international, Seyi Olofinjana to conduct a scouting programme in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
The football tournament/scouting programme, which will hold at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa from 5th to 10th April, 2026 is an initiative of Seyi Olofinjana and Imperial FC in collaboration with the Prosperity Cup, Ministry of Sports Development and the Bayelsa State Football Association.
The organisers of the Prosperity Cup, the biggest grassroots football tournament in the country, are using the programme to expand the frontiers of talent discovery in the State.
The Seyi Olofinjana programme is coming less than two months after the FC Barcelona scouting programme organized in conjunction with the Prosperity Cup and the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development.
In their bid to catch them young, the organisers of the scouting programme are targeting young footballers in the age bracket of 13-15 and 16-19 years.
The programme is aimed at showcasing the talents of some of the finest young Bayelsa footballers. It will also afford the best among the young footballers, the opportunity of playing professional football both in the country and outside.
The football tournament/scouting programme will further entrench the name of Bayelsa on the footballing map of the country. It will also boost the image of the State as the new sports destination of the country.
It will be recalled that Olofinjana began his career with local sides Crown FC and Kwara United before moving to Europe with Norwegian side, SK Brann. After two seasons at Brann he moved to English club Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The midfielder became a regular at Molineux making 213 appearances for the club over four seasons before joining Premier League club, Stoke City in August 2008 for a fee of £3 million. He played only the 2008–09 season with the team before joining another top flight side, Hull City, again for a fee of £3 million. He also featured for Cardiff City.
Olofinjana made his international debut for the Nigeria national team in June 2000, in a 3–2 win over Malawi. He has 48 caps for Nigeria.
In April 2021, Olofinjana left Wolves for Swiss side, Grasshopper Club Zürich, becoming their new sporting director. He resigned and left on 20th June, 2022. In June 2024, Olofinjana was appointed the head of scouting by Premier League club, Chelsea. He was tasked with the responsibility of identifying talents from Africa.
Prosperity Cup, Bayelsa Football Ass. Seek To Discover More Talents
Prosperity Cup 2026: NYSC FC Stage Comeback to Qualify for Round of 32
… As Tournament Commences in Kolga LGA
The National Youths Service Corps, NYSC FC produced one of the greatest comebacks in the 2026 edition of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup.
NYSC FC came from two goals down to beat United Stars 4-2 on penalties after a two-all draw in regulation time to advance into the round of 32 in an encounter decided at the Golf Course, Onopa, Yenagoa.
Ifeanyi Johnson put United Stars ahead three minutes into the game from a beautiful finish. Genesis Ebi doubled the lead for United Stars on 16 minutes to rekindle their hopes of winning the tournament.
Ugoh Victor on 83 minutes reduced the deficit for the NYSC side to give the NYSC team a lifeline, having taken charge of the game but when it looks like United Stars were coasting home with victory, Joshua Xaga scored on 86 minutes to drag the game into the anxiety of penalty shootout.
Hummels Stars FC of Otuokpoti pipped Donbai United by a lone goal thanks to Richman Barnabas’ 63 minutes strike to secure a place in the round of 32, having lost to Izuo Gillette in the last match of the Swali centre.
Mighty-Mighty FC in the third match of the runner up play-offs defeated Etivie FC 7-6 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time while Citiboi Feeders in the last match of the day edged out Rich Destiny FC two nil to move into the round of 32 of the spectacle.
In the Yenagoa LGA quarter finals tie, Akinima/Biogbo hammered Global City by four goals to one. Afini FC beat Sea Side FA 4-3 on penalties after a barren draw in regulation time while Brazil FC beat high-scoring MFM FC 4-3 on penalties, having played out a one all draw in normal time at the Golf Course, Onopa.
Elsewhere, Bina FC at the Odi centre in Kolokuma/Opukuma LGA beat Oko/Safa FC 7-6 on penalties after a one-all draw at normal time while Mezeh City in the last fixture at the Odi centre triumphed 5-4 on penalties over Adaka FC after a two all-draw in regulation time to secure a place in the next round of the competition.
Odi United at the Sabagreia centre beat Amatugu FC by three goals to two to progress to the next round of the competition. Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG Bayelsa FC in the last fixture, pummeled Orukarebai FC by four goals to one to keep their hopes of winning the tournament alive.
Action will resume on Saturday, 4th April, 2026 in Kolokuma/Opokuma as De Rhema United battle Premium FC at 12.00 Noon. Mountain of the Lord’s Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC will take on Sir Temple FC at 3.00pm at the Odi centre.
Opu-Okun United at the Sabagreia centre will welcome Premium FC at 12.00pm while King Warriors FA will face Creek FC at 3.00pm as the battle for the N30,000,000 prize money gets tougher.
Bayelsa United Feeders will confront Afini FC on Sunday, 5th April, 2026 at 12.00 noon as Akimima/Biogbo battle Brazil FC at 3.00pm at the Golf Course, Onopa, Yenagoa.
Anti-corruption group writes Tinubu, Ribadu over rising tension over surveillance contracts
….seeks stakeholders meeting to safe guard peace, stability in Niger Delta
Anti-çorruption group known as the Niger Delta Advocate for Good Governance, Anti-Corruption and Transparency Initiative has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, (GCFR) and the National Security Adviser (NSA),Nuhu Ribadu to urgently engage critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta region over rising noticeable tension in the region.
According to the group, the engagement of the critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta region over various contentious issues rising will sustain the prevailing peace and forestall any resurgence of militancy.
The Niger Delta Advocate for Good Governance, Anti-Corruption and Transparency Initiative, after a high-level meeting in Abuja urged the Federal Government to reach out to respected peace advocates and key stakeholders who played crucial roles during the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), particularly individuals who made immense sacrifices toward stabilizing the region.
The group in a statement signed by its convener, Engr. Captain Momoh Royal Erickson, declared that one of such notable stakeholder is DCN.Dr Shola Mese, JP, also known as Mr FBI, a highly regarded Security Consultant and Peace Facilitator who played a significant role at the height of militancy in the Niger Delta region.
It would be recalled that during the Presidential Amnesty proclamation era, DCN Shola Mese JP, courageously engaged several notorious militant groups operating around the Bini River axis of Egbema Kingdom, spanning Delta and Edo states.
Through strategic dialogue, sustained persuasion, and considerable personal risk, he successfully convinced many armed groups to lay down their weapons and embrace the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme, thereby contributing significantly to the relative peace presently enjoyed in the region.
The group therefore maintains that individuals such as DCN Shola Mese JP, who were instrumental in the disarmament process and broader peacebuilding efforts in the Niger Delta, should once again be consulted and actively integrated into ongoing peace and security initiatives.
Furthermore, we call on Mr. President to engage other respected Niger Delta leaders and stakeholders, including elder statesman Chief Timi Alaibe, former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), pioneer Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, who personally sacrificed to the success of the presidential Amnesty proclaimation and to the relative peace that the federal and the region is enjoying today, alongside other credible and influential leaders in the region.
“We accordingly propose the immediate establishment of a Presidential Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution in the Niger Delta. Such a committee would bring together all relevant stakeholders for a comprehensive roundtable dialogue aimed at addressing emerging tensions surrounding the pipeline surveillance contract controversy, which, if left unresolved, could trigger renewed militancy.”
The Niger Delta region has come too far in its journey toward peace to allow avoidable contractual disputes to undermine the fragile stability achieved after years of conflict.
“We also advise certain traditional rulers from Delta State, who are currently presenting themselves as members of the HOSCON Advisory Council, to exercise restraint and caution in their public statements.”
“Traditional leadership should be firmly directed toward fostering peace, unity, and inter-ethnic harmony, rather than issuing pronouncements that may deepen divisions or inflame tensions within the region.”
The group also described as misleading, faulty and entirely unfounded the recent statement attributed to HRM Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, alleging that the revered monarch, His Imperial Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III (CFR), the Olu of Warri Kingdom, and the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria limited PINL, was awarded an annual pipeline surveillance contract valued at over ₦2.7 trillion.
According to the group, “Additionally, we wish to categorically place on record that the recent statement attributed to HRM Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, alleging that the revered monarch, His Imperial Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III (CFR), the Olu of Warri Kingdom, and the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria limited PINL, was awarded an annual pipeline surveillance contract valued at over ₦2.7 trillion, is unverified, misleading, Faulty and appears entirely unfounded.”
” Such claims lack credible evidence without no single truth, no proof, and should not be deployed to tarnish the integrity of respected traditional institutions.”
Meanwhile, the group has called for a quick stop to the rising tantrum against oil pipeline surveillance contractors operating in the region over discourse on status of the existing contracts.
The group urged all critical stakeholders and traditional rulers in the region to be guided, and stop throwing tantrums against the present contractors handling the pipeline surveillance contract job in the region.
The Niger Delta Advocate for Good Governance, Anti-Corruption and Transparency Initiative applauded the performance of Tantita Security Services, Maton Engineering and the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria limited PINL for building host Community and Stakeholders engagement relationship in their operations in the war against crude oil theft and Pipeline vandalism.
The group affirmed that the three oil pipeline surveillance contractors have succeeded in bringing about sustained relative peace and economic stability in the nation.
The group therefore called on the Presidency and the general public to disregard such unsubstantiated allegations and sensational claims against Oil surveillance contractors which appear primarily designed to attract social media attention rather than promote constructive and meaningful dialogue and sustainable peaceful coexistence within the region, and should be disregard in totality by the general public.
“At this critical juncture in the Niger Delta’s history, responsible leadership, inclusive dialogue, and proactive stakeholder engagement remain the most effective instruments for preserving peace and ensuring sustainable economic stability for both the region and the nation at large.”
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How Oyebanji’s Legal Team Boxed Opposition into a Corner at the Pre-election Court Battle
By Ahmed Lawal
As an observer who has been following up on the legal fireworks between the legal team of Mr. Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji and those of his challengers as the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti, the more I think of the procedural flaw of the latter, the more I resign to fate that indeed God is with Oyebanji.
First, it was the suit filed by Ms. Abimbola Olajumoke Olawumi, which was filed on 21/10/2025, wherein she claims that presented four questions for the court’s determination and level reliefs. Whereas the only authentic candidate of APC is Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, it was surprising that Abimbola’s legal team forgot or failed to join BAO. Meanwhile, under the law, once a necessary party to a suit is not joined, the case becomes incompetent, and the court will have no jurisdiction over the case.
Later, Abimbola changed her legal team and brought in Ogunleye SAN, and pronto, the SAN filed an application to join BAO as a necessary party to the suit in order to properly invoke the jurisdiction of the court.
Thus, when the matter came up on 13/2/26, Counsel to Abimbola sought to move an application for substituted service on BAO in her motion for joinder and other processes.
At that point, the court told the team emphatically that the procedure adopted was wrong, and the following conversation ensued:
Judge: Learned Counsel, I am looking at this application. Do you think it’s a proper procedure?
Counsel: Yes, my lord.
The judge looked bewildered and suddenly dropped his pen and asked. “Counsel, if you say this procedure is proper, please address me. I want to learn a new jurisprudence from you. You mean you want to join someone to your suit, and you are filing a motion on Notice to seek his opinion? This is strange. Besides, you want to seek an order for substituted service on a party that is yet to be joined. Address me, I want to learn.”
At that point, the lawyer took an adjournment. When the matter resumed at the next adjourned date, the court asked them to serve their processes on everyone they wish to join so that the court will deliver a composite ruling on the propriety or otherwise of the joinder, because it’s the contention of BAO’s legal team that BAO can no longer be joined. The reason is that under the law, a party becomes a party on the day it is joined.
In other words, BAO became a party on 20/02/2026 when the order was made. The effect of this in law is that BAO can not be joined because, under the law, a pre-election case can only be filed within 14 days. But as of 20/2/2026, when BAO was joined, it was well over four months. Meaning that the case was already statute-barred against BAO, and without BAO, the case is dead based on the principle of fair hearing that can simply be explained as you cannot shave a man’s head in his absence. In other words, it is legally impossible to cancel BAO’s candidature without him being a party to the suit. So once BAO’s name is struck out, Abimbola’s case fails.
On 30th March, which was the day of the final hearing, Abimbola’s team was led by Ogunleye SAN, while Mr Ajibola Bashir held sway for the APC. The BAO legal team comprises another consortium of lawyers, namely: Tunji Oso SAN, Kabir Akingbolu Esq, Umar Esq, Mrs. Tamunotonye Ekudayo and one other lawyer whose name I cannot readily remember at the time of filing this report. It was a fierce battle, and the team demonstrated to the court in no uncertain terms that the suit is incompetent and constitutes an abuse of the court process.
After a fierce battle amongst the various lawyers, the court reserved judgment in Ajibola’s suit to 14th April 2026.
On the other hand, the case of Omotosho and his other cronies, who are fighting for Kayode Ojo, is not any better than that of Abimbola. The lawyer who stood for them is one Mr. Ojaomo. He appeared alone. Mr Bashir stood in for himself as the party’s secretary, one Mr Kankie, a life Bencher, stood for APC, Mr Love for APC Chairman and a Human Rights Activist, Kabir Akingbolu Esq, leading one Tamunotonye Ekundayo for Oyebanji. At the last adjourned date, the court had queried the application of the Plaintiffs’ lawyer that his application for a joinder of an additional 14 people to the case as Plaintiffs is not the same as an amendment.
Whereas the court granted joinder to them, but they sought to amend their processes without any order of the court.
At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, Senator Bashir and BAO’s lawyers pointed out to the court that the new 14 parties just added to the suit can no longer join as parties because it would amount to giving them an order to file a suit to challenge the candidature of BAO after several months. The question the BAO team is asking is whether a suit can be filed to challenge a primary after several months of the primary, and if the answer is no, then the new parties can not be joined. But for the sake of time to save the cases which expire on the 17th and 21st of this month, the court decided to take the case together with all the applications and said he will deliver a composite ruling and judgment on the 14th and 16th respectively.
At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, it was exciting as well as fun, the way the APC and BAO’s team marshalled their points. They first dealt with their arguments on the Preliminary Objections to the competence of the suit on various grounds.
According to Mr. Kankie, this case is not a pre-election but a pre-primary election because it was filed before the primaries.
Senator Bashir maintained that the court had no power to decide the matter because it was an internal affair of the party, which party has the unfettered right to choose anyone it pleases as its candidate, and in that way, it has sponsored BAO. BAO’s lawyers maintained that all the Plaintiffs have no locus standi, that is, the right to file the action, because Kayode Ojo, on whose behalf they filed, is not complaining at all, let alone filing any suit.
They maintained further that Kayode Ojo can not sue by proxy or representative action under the law. However, all the lawyers agreed and argued that under section 84(14) of the Electoral Act, only an aspirant can challenge BAO’s primary.
They contested further that the Plaintiffs are not only unqualified to file the suit on the ground that they are not Aspirants nor Mr Kayode Ojo, but also they are not members of the party. Again, the lawyers argued that a pre-election case challenges a pre-election but that the case of the Plaintiffs complained of the party’s adoption of consensus candidature. But when both of them realised the futility of their cases, they changed their cases to the challenge of the primary. Lawyers argue that the cases are speculative, academic, and anticipatory.
This position was held because while the adoption of BAO was done on 27th October 2025, the disgruntled politicians filed their cases before 27th. One filed on 21/10/2025 the other filed on 24/10/2025.
During the hearing, the court refused to allow INEC to make oral submissions on the grounds that INEC can not be partisan but must stay neutral.
During the hearing, BAO’s legal team and APC team lit up the courtroom with lots of jabs and teasing jokes that showed they likely had a vocation in Nollywood after being masters in their trade. The first salvo was fired by Senator Bashiru, who doubles as the APC’s National Secretary, when he taunted the Plaintiffs’ lawyer Mr Ojaomo if he could consider joining his party APC, so he would be able to reason differently. But Mr Ojaomo flared up, rejecting it as a Greek gift. Mr Ojaomo further expressed his hatred for politics, and the judge joined the fun making by saying, maybe Mr Ojaomo may still change his mind tomorrow. Not done yet, BAO’S lawyer threw another jab when in their submission, they stated that the Plaintiffs are nobody. The judge asked them what they meant by calling human beings nobody and at that point, Mr. Ojaomo said he was about to object to the statement and they submitted that what they meant was that as far as the case is concerned, the Plaintiffs are nobody because they are neither members of the APC nor Aspirants who participated in the primaries therefore, they cannot file any case under section 84 (14 ) of the Electoral Act, which gives power or right to challenge a primary election to only Aspirants. Mr Ojaomo wanted to make issues out of it, and BAO’s team teased him not to be alarmed as the day of judgment was near.
The question to now ask is that, although the Plaintiffs in both cases have realised their terrible plights and abandoned their original claims by now saying that the sponsorship of BAO is not legal, it is elementary and common sense that it is not possible for Abimbola who filed her case on 21st October 2025 to challenge the primary or adoption of BAO done on 27th October 2025. Same for Omotosho and his cohorts. They can only win if they can prove that they know the outcome of the primary or adoption of October 27th from 21st October or 24th in the respective case. In any case, the 14th and 16th are almost here.
Lawal is the Ekiti State Co-ordinator of the APC Fans Club
NDDC Cautions Nigerians Over Internship Scam Targeting Youths
The Niger Delta Development Commission has warned Nigerians to beware of fraudsters exploiting its Youth Internship Scheme to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
In a statement, the Commission said its attention had been drawn to a viral message circulating across social media platforms, in which scammers are asking “all Nigerian youths” to submit their bank account details to receive a N50,000 monthly stipend as purported beneficiaries of the scheme.
According to the Commission, the individuals behind the scheme are attempting to deceive youths by posing as representatives of the NDDC and falsely linking the offer to its legitimate empowerment programmes.
“The criminals behind this deception are luring youths into falling for their phantom scheme, hiding behind the cover of NDDC’s various youth empowerment schemes,” the statement noted.
The Commission clarified that beneficiaries of its Youth Internship Scheme were carefully selected and documented through its official database, stressing that many eligible youths from the Niger Delta had already benefited from the genuine programme.
It urged the public, particularly young Nigerians seeking employment opportunities, to exercise caution and rely only on verified communication channels.
“We advise members of the public, especially our youths who are seeking genuine means of livelihood, to beware of the antics of scammers and seek information only from the NDDC official channels,” the Commission stated.
Describing the situation as troubling, the NDDC lamented that some individuals were exploiting the vulnerability of youths eager to secure legitimate means of livelihood.
“It is indeed disturbing that some mischievous individuals are trying to take advantage of our youths who are genuinely eager to be gainfully engaged in legitimate activities,” it added.
The Commission further directed that all enquiries regarding its Youth Internship Scheme and other empowerment initiatives should be made through its official platforms. It also encouraged beneficiaries and prospective applicants to verify information via its website and social media handles to avoid falling victim to fraud.
Prosperity Cup 2026: Agbere FC Crash Out Of Tournament
… As Movers FC, NDU Oilers, Onde United Qualify For LGA Finals
Sagbama Local Government Area defending champions, Agbere FC of Agbere have been booted out of season 8 of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup.
Kolobiriowei FC at the Ebedebiri centre shocked Agbere FC by two goals to one to secure a place in the round of 32. Kolobiriowei FC took a surprise lead 13 minutes into the game from Arepade Asu’s beautiful finish.
Agbere FC responded swiftly from Toledo Precious’ beautiful delivery to level the scoreline before halftime
The second half proved tense and a scrappy affair, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances despite the pressure from Agbere FC, Kolobiriowei FC remained resilient at the back while waiting to hit their opponent on the counter.
Kolobiriowei FC’s persistence paid off late in the game when Israel, who had been a constant menace to Agbere FC’s defence throughout the game, struck on 84 minutes to seal a memorable victory for the underdogs to qualify for the round of 32.
Coach Ebi Amula of Agbere FC will have to wait another year to see if they can realize their dream of winning the tournament.
Agoro United at the Ogobiri centre triumphed 4-3 on penalties against determined Akeddei FC, in a very physical, if not aggressive match, after a one-all draw in regulation time to secure passage to the round of 32, having shown dominance at the Ogobiri centre.
Afini FC in the final match in Yenagoa LGA decided at the Biogbolo centre, beat the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC FC 4-3 on penalties after a barren draw in normal time to qualify for the business stage of the competition.
On their part, Onde United of Ondewari, in the Southern Ijaw LGA play-off decided at the Bishop Dimeari Grammar School, BDGS centre beat Onyoma FC by two goals to one while NDU Oilers FC, in the second game, defeated Eniwari FC of Eniwari by two goals to one to set up a LGA final with Onde United.
Movers FC of Otuasega in the second semi final play-off in Ogbia LGA pipped Kolo Creek United by a lone goal, courtesy of Miracle Nathaniel’s 81st minute finish.
Movers FC will now face Edi 1 FC of Ayakoro in the Ogbia LGA final next month as the competition gets closer to the money-spinning stage.
The Prosperity Cup train is expected to move to Kolokuma/ Opokuma LGA this weekend as the LGA finals get underway next month.
NIPR Reaffirms Commitment to Amplifying Women’s Voices at its First IWD
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), says it is committed to a future where women’s voices will be heard more, stressing that their talent and leadership is crucial to drive an inclusive national growth.
These were the words of the President, Chairman of Council of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku on Monday, 30th March, 2026 at the International Women’s Day event organised by the Institute in Abuja, in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser.
Themed, “Communicate to Balance: Gain Equity, Empower Women”, it was the Institute’s maiden International Women’s Day.
While emphasising that societies do not diminish, instead flourish when women are enabled to contribute in key sectors, including public service, media, corporate governance, civil society and public relations, Dr. Neliaku noted that women have continued to demonstrate brilliance, resilience and transformative attributes even within the fold of NIPR.
Describing as “paradox” a situation where men adore their mothers, love their wives, honour their sisters, cherish their daughters and at the same time are reluctant in supporting women to take up leadership positions. “I don’t understand the paradox. When it comes to women being in leadership positions, they say no”, he stated.
He continues, “In the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), we therefore reaffirm our commitment to a future where women’s voices must be heard. Every woman’s talent is valued, and every woman’s leadership is welcomed.
“As we gather to celebrate the first NIPR International Women’s Day, we celebrate not only the struggles of the past, but the extraordinary possibilities of the future. As we lament the past, we must look up to the future. We celebrate the unstoppable force of human progress that women represent. The progress of humanity has never been the work of men alone”, the NIPR boss further stated.
In her remarks, the Keynote Speaker and Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman described communication as a tool to correct stereotypes that have worked against women for decades, urging public relations practitioners to contribute in changing the narrative by communicating with precision, backed by data and enabled by courage.
While underlining that it is not enough for few women to shatter the glass ceiling and make their way to the decision-making table, Usman said the systemic barrier that stop others must be addressed holistically to create more opportunities for others.
“It is therefore the responsibility of communicators to pioneer equity branding and communications that explains and advocates for policies that advocate specific barriers”, she said.
She urged that social and cultural stigma that silence women’s voices in leadership and public discourse should be confronted, decrying low representation of women in leadership across board.
Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event said the theme is a direction, strategy and national call to action which speaks directly to the conscience of the nation.
The governor said a communication that excludes women sustains inequality, calling on public relations professionals to use their privileged positions to strike a balance that highlights women as leaders, thinkers, innovators and decision-makers.
“When women are empowered, the future is secured. Let us, therefore, not just celebrate women, let us create systems where they thrive. Let us not just speak about equity let us institutionalise it. And let us not just communicate, let us communicate to transform”, the governor advised.
Source: www.niprng.org.ng
Prosperity Cup 2026: Silas Scores Again As MFM FC Crush Rich Destiny FC
Mountain of Fire Ministries, MFM FC produced a composed performance on Matchday five in Yenagoa LGA in the biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup.
MFM FC at the Tombia centre thrashed Rich Destiny FC by four goals to nil to continue their impressive form in the competition. Desmond Godday put the prayer warriors ahead 13 minutes into the encounter from a perfect finish.
Azibola Collins and Benjamin Silas whose combination has been a subject of discussion in the tournament scored on 64, 70 minutes respectively as well as an own goal from Rich Destiny FC to give MFM FC the deserved victory.
The National Youths Service Corps, NYSC FC at the Biogbolo centre pipped Ayamalem FC by a lone goal to keep their dreams of winning the tournament alive.
In the second match of the day at the Biogbolo centre, Afini FC of Amarata triumphed over Pioneers FC 5-4 on penalties after a barren draw in regulation time.
NDU Oilers FC at the Amassoma centre beat Saturday FC by two goals to one to book a place in the round of 32. Akpikpi Alaga put Saturday FC in front two minutes into the game. Isiaah Isaac restored parity for NDU Oilers FC on 27 minutes. Youngstar Pereladei made it 2-1 on 30 minutes to seal NDU Oilers FC victory.
Elsewhere, Agbere FC at the Ebedebiri centre overpowered Hensard FC by five goals to two to move a step closer to the round of 32 while Kolobiriowei FC in the second game, beat Bright Future by two goals to one to secure a place in the next round of the tournament.
At the Ogobiri centre, Agoro United pipped Owei FC by a lone goal. In the other tie at the same centre, Akeddei United spanked Agorogbene Global FC by two goals to nil to move into the next round.
Kolo Creek United at the Ogbia LGA play-offs beat Federal University Otuoke FUO Kings FC by three goals to two in an encounter decided at the Imiringi centre. Edi 1 FC of Ayakoro in the second game defeated Orashi FC 7-6 on penalties after a barren draw in regulation time.
Edi 1 FC will now face the winner of Movers FC and Kolo Creek United on Tuesday 31st March, 2026 in the final of the Ogbia LGA.
The final round of matches in Yenagoa LGA will climax on Monday 30th March, 2026 in eight different centres as the tournament train revs up in preparation to move to Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA.
Prosperity Cup 2026: Ruthless Akenfa FC Hammer U James FA
…As Hostilities Begin In Sagbama LGA
Akenfa FC of Akenfa and Ikolo FC of Ikolo have continued their impressive run in Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football showpiece, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup.
Akenfa FC at the Okordia centre
bashed U. James FA by eight goals to one to make a statement of intent in the tournament. Williams Robert opened the harvest of goals ten minutes into the encounter from a finely finished effort with Ebi Moses recording a hat trick for the coach Wilson Mumeya-managed side.
Super B FC earlier at the Okordia centre beat Tovie FC 6-5 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time to reach the next round of the tournament.
At the Bishop Dimeari Grammar School, BDGS centre, United Stars FC defeated Solid Stars FC 4-2 on penalties in the battle of stars to advance to the next round of the competition. Sea Side FA in the second game pipped New Chester by a lone goal to advance into the next round of the competition.
The National Youths Service Corps, NYSC FC, at the Biogbolo centre pipped Ohaneze Ndigbo by a lone goal while Afini FC in the last match at the centre humbled Oyis FA by three goals to one.
Akinima/Biogbo FC at the Igbogene centre demolished Royal FC five nil to progress to the next round of the competition. Bayelsa Medical University BMU Strikers in the second game thrashed Okotiama FC four nil, having won their protest against Okordia United.
Donbai United at the Kpansia centre edged out Agbura FC by two unreplied goals. Peace FC in the second game crushed Northern Strikers by four goals to one.
Citiboi Feeders at the Obunagha centre walloped Starlight FA by six unreplied goals to keep their hopes of winning the tournament alive. Dominion FC defeated Rich Destiny FA 4-3 on penalties after a two-all draw in normal time.
Playing at the Swali centre, God’s Mercy City trounced Ghen FC six goals to nil to secure qualification to the next phase of the tournament. Ikolo FC in the second game eased out Experience FC by three goals to one to continue their impressive form in the season 8 of the spectacle.
Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe at the Eniwari centre triumphed 6-5 on penalties over Enewari FC, after a one-all draw in regulation time. The victory moves the Ekowe side into the round of 32 in the competition.
Prosperity Cup Organizers Inaugurate Women’s Tournament Committee
The Central Organizing Committee, COC of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup, has inaugurated a six-man committee to organize the women’s version of the tournament.
The committee has Ebimotimi Zuzu as chairman, veteran broadcaster, Mablas Akpuluma Jnr as secretary, former Director of Sports and retired Permanent Secretary, Chief Patimidi Tukuru, Atie Ebizidei, Kate Obubo and sports enthusiasts Ebi Charles are to serve as members of the committee.
Inaugurating the committee, Deputy Director General of the tournament, Mr. Perela Aboro urged the committee to discharge its duties with utmost responsibility, stating that the committee members were carefully selected.
Mr Aboro charged members of the committee to work hand in gloves with the Central Organizing Committee to ensure that the female final was in tandem with the men’s final slated for 8th of May, 2026 at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
According to him, the vision of the Prosperity Cup organisers was to see Bayelsa girls in the state-owned team, Bayelsa Queens and various national teams in the nation.
Chairman of the women’s Prosperity Cup, Mr Zuzu Ebimotimi in a remark on behalf of the other members of the committee, said the committee was committed to its new assignment, maintaining that they are focused to deliver a seamless and successful tournament.
He appreciated the Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr Ono Akpe for giving him the opportunity to serve as the chairman of the women’s tournament.