...As Genesis FC, Okoroma United, Others, Secure Victories
Genesis FC began their quest to win the ₦30,000,000.00 prize money for this edition of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup with a slim but important win over Victory FC.
Genesis FC beat Victory FC by three goals to two in an encounter decided at the Nembe City centre in Nembe LGA. Innocent Suku put Genesis FC ahead on 17 minutes from a close effort. Samuel Aniete doubled the lead for Genesis FC on 21 minutes from a volley.
Wakaebiyon Bomo pulled one back on 34 minutes. Livingstone Goodluck restored parity for Victory FC just before the half time mark to restore Victory FC’s hopes of progressing to the next round of the tournament. Substitute Mac Job made it 3-2 in favour of Genesis FC, on 78 minutes when it seemed the game was going to stretch into a penalty shootout.
Magic Champions (MC) FC in the second game at the Nembe City centre pipped favorite Nembe City by a lone goal.
Okoroma United in the last match of the day annihilated Fisherman’s Sons FC by eight goals to nil. Noble Erasmus and Taribo Opubo’s hat tricks as well as Ambrose Friday ensured that Fisherman Sons FC returns home with their heads held low.
The duo of Erasmus and Opubo’s goals on 8; 27; 66 and 20; 29; 84 minutes respectively ensured the duo became the first players in this year’s edition to record hat trick in the competition.
Fantua FC at the Opu-Nembe centre beat Okoroba FC 4-2 on penalties after a barren draw in regulation time. Mangrove FC in the second game thrashed Young Rangers FC three nil. Goals from Garford Happy, Patrick Preye, and Jackson Idubomo on 35, 37 and 81 minutes respectively ensured that Mangrove FC secure a smooth passage into the next round of the tournament.
Elsewhere at the Okpoama centre in Brass LGA off the Atlantic ocean, saw Igoni FC defeating Kurotee FC by a lone goal, thanks to Cookey Monday’s 51 minute goal that gave the Igoni side their deserved victory.
Egweama FC in the second game beat Imbikiri FC 4-3 on penalties after a one all draw in regulation time. Alexander Roland put Imbikiri FC ahead but Egweama FC replied on 75 minutes from Robinson Tekena to stretch the encounter into penalty shootout.
Formosa FC spanked Agbalakoko FC in the last match of the day at the Okpoama centre by four goals to one to qualify for the next round of the tournament, having defeated Hausa United in their opening fixture.
Action will continue on Wednesday, 11th of March, 2026 at the Sangana centre when Tough Dynamite FC and Mini FC go head to head in the battle of supremacy.
Despite their victory, coach of Igoni FC, Alexis Orumiegha in his post-match reaction, acknowledged that their opponents gave them a tough battle, maintaining that their attention has moved to the next fixture.
Also, Genesis FC coach, John Okoli, said his team felt relaxed after scoring two early goals in the game, pointing out that their priority is to win the tournament and lift the coveted trophy.
Prosperity Cup 2026: Erasmus, Opubo Record First Tournament Hat Trick
Prosperity Cup 2026: Mini FC Secures Next Round Qualification
...As Nembe LGA Prelims Get Underway
Mini FC of Minibie have qualified for the next phase of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football showpiece, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup.
Mini FC humbled Sangana FC of Sangana by four goals to two in an encounter decided at the Sangana centre in Brass Local Government Area of the State.
Forward, Olali Agebanua put Mini FC in front eight minutes into the game as he dribbled past Sangana defenders to find the back of the net. Prince Yabei doubled the lead on 29 minutes from a well-delivered free kick to beat Sangana FC goalkeeper, Eli Dressman.
Nelson Olali on 38 minutes added salt to the injuries of the Sangana FC side with a brilliant finish to make it three nil just before the halftime mark. Despite the score line in the first half, the Sangana side did not relent in their search for goal as it paid off on 50 minutes when Amazi Iniwei pulled one back for Sangana FC.
Daniel Goodnews on 72 minutes lifted Sangana FC hopes of progressing to the next round but his dream was aborted by Austin Inapaime’s late minute goal, compounding Sangana FC’s woes to advance to the next round of the tournament.
Hostilities will resume Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at Okpoama and Nembe LGA. Kurotee FC in the first match of the day at the Okpoama centre will battle Igoni FC at 11.00am; Egweama FC entertains Imbikiri FC at 1.00pm while Formosa FC will keep a date with Agbalakoko FC at 3.00pm.
At the Nembe City centre in Nembe LGA, Genesis FC will square up against Victory FC at 11.00am, MC FC will slug it out with Nembe City at 1.00pm as Fisherman’s Son FC confronts Okoroma United at 3.00pm.
And at the Opu-Nembe centre,
Fantua FC welcome Okoroba FC at 12.00pm while Young Rangers will battle Mangrove FC at 3.00pm.
Victorious coach of Mini FC, Messiah Ben Dikuro in his post-match reaction, attributed Sangana FC’s resurgence in the second half to his team’s complacency, pointing out that they will improve as the tournament progresses.
Prosperity Cup 2026: Egweama FC, Formosa FC Secure Next Round Tickets
Egweama FC of Egweama and Formosa FC have qualified for the next round of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, christened the Prosperity Cup.
The preliminary round of the showpiece began over the weekend in both Sangana and Okpoama centres in Brass Local Government Area with the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, who was represented by Chief Benjamin Ayebatonye, taking the kick-off.
Egweama FC at the Okpoama centre beat resilient Ama-ogbo FC 3-2 on penalties after a barren draw to secure a place in the next round of the competition.
A determined Formosa FC in the second game at the Okpoama centre pipped Hausa United by a lone goal. Aonadagagha Peter’s 30th minute goal gave the Formosa FC side the deserved victory.
Action will return on Monday 9th, March 2026 at Sangana centre as Sangana FC of Sangana welcome Mini FC at 2.00pm.
Earlier on Saturday at the Sangana centre, Tough Dynamites defeated Brass Boys by two goals to one with Jacob Samuel scoring the first goal of the tournament.
Still at the Sangana Centre, in the second match of the tournament, Mini FC, pipped hard-fighting Orukele Thunders FC by a lone goal courtesy of Wisdom Elliot’s 31st minute strike to set up the tie with Sangana FC.
At the Okpoama centre, Kurotee FC edged out Canaan FC. Lucky Ayibaidigienini’s 82nd minute strike was all Kurotee FC needed to progress to the next phase of the tournament.
In the last match of the day at the Okpoama centre, Igoni FC defeated Ibidi FC by a lone goal. Lokobo John’s 62nd minute goal ensured that Igoni FC qualified for the next round of the competition.
Formosa FC coach, Tom Ayibafie in his post-match reaction, hailed his lads for the show of determination, pointing out that they are already focused on their next opponents.
The goalscorer, Aonadagagha Peter in an interview, said he was happy to see his team into the next round of the tournament.
NDDC Kicks off Performance Management System Implementation
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has commenced the implementation of the Performance Management System, PMS, aimed at enhancing staff efficiency with a view to ensuring better service delivery.
Speaking during a two-day retreat for the deployment and institutionalization the PMS at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Commission’s Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated that the implementation of the new system was crucial for achieving the nation’s development goals.
Ogbuku noted that the new Performance Management System will replace the old Annual Performance Evaluation Report, APER, currently being used in the Public Service. The new PMS is based on the Balanced Scorecard System and covers both organisational and individual performance.
The NDDC boss stated that with the implementation of the Performance Management System, the NDDC was demonstrating its commitment to efficient service delivery in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.
While commending the Federal Government for bringing forward innovative ideas and ensuring the implementation of policies and initiatives aimed at transforming Nigeria’s Public Service in line with contemporary global realities, the MD encouraged staff to prioritise performance in their daily work, emphasising teamwork and continuous striving for excellence.
Ogbuku assured that the Commission would comply fully with federal civil service policies. He announced that the NDDC would be fully automated to enhance efficiency and accountability.
Ogbuku explained that the new employee management system is designed to improve staff productivity, noting that promotions will henceforth be based strictly on performance. He urged staff to embrace continuous learning, particularly in computer literacy, as adaptability to the Performance Management System (PMS) is now mandatory.
“Every staff member must cultivate the habit of learning to be familiar with computer systems. This is very mandatory in this new policy, especially as all directorates in the Commission will be fully automated by the end of March,” Ogbuku stated.
He said staff would be trained and exposed to different aspects of the workflow to facilitate easy adaptation to the PMS.
The NDDC Director Planning and Statistics, Dr. Patterson Ogon, said the Performance Management System will enable the Commission to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions, he said.
“The introduction of the Performance Management System marks a significant step in strengthening accountability, efficiency, and service delivery within the NDDC.”
The Director of Admin and Human Resources, Mr Kelechi Nwelue, stated that there would be both quarterly and annual assessments of staff performance to identify areas requiring attention and improvement.
According to him, there would be support systems across all directorates to help staff adapt to the new system.
The Consultant, Dr. (Mrs.) Offiong Achibong, remarked that the main objective of the PMS was to ensure excellence at work.
She outlined Key Features of the PMS to include: Regular Performance Evaluations, Goal Setting, and Performance-Based Promotion.
Consultant Dr Mrs. Offiong Achibong remarked that the PMS is focused on measurable results across units and directorates, in line with Federal Government policies. She reiterated that the ultimate goal is to ensure excellence at work, where dedication and hard work are duly rewarded.
Prosperity Cup Preliminary Round Kicks-off In Brass LGA
…As Samuel Grabs First Goal of Season 8
The preliminary round of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup has begun in Brass Local Government Area of the State.
A total of 257 teams, comprising 227 in the men’s category, 28 in the women’s category and two para soccer side, will jostle for the total prize money of ₦80,000,000.00 in this year’s edition of the showpiece.
Governor Douye Diri on Thursday, 26th of February, 2026 took the ceremonial kick-off of the tournament to herald this year’s edition of the soccer fiesta.
The competition kick-starts in both Sangana and Okpoama centre in Brass LGA with the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, who was represented by Chief Benjamin Ayebatonye, taking the kick-off.
At the Sangana centre, Tough Dynamites beat Brass Boys by two goals to one. Jacob Samuel put Tough Dynamites ahead on 25 minutes as he records the first goal of the tournament while Benson Iniedogi doubled the lead for Tough Dynamites on 60 minutes, having controlled the first half of the game.
Brass Boys on 72 minutes pulled one back from Godgift Gogoli’s beautiful finish but the effort was not enough to grant Brass Boys FC visa into the next round of the tournament.
In the second match of the tournament, Mini FC, at the Sangana centre pipped resilient Orukele Thunders FC by a lone goal courtesy of Wisdom Elliot’s 31st minute strike.
At the Okpoama centre, Kurotee FC edged out Canaan FC. Lucky Ayibaidigienini’s 82nd minute strike was all Kurotee FC needed to progress to the next phase of the tournament.
In the last match of the day at the Okpoama centre, Igoni FC defeated Ibidi FC by a lone goal. Lokobo John’s 13th minute goal ensured that Igoni FC qualifies for the next round of the competition.
Ama-gbo FC will face Egweama FC on Sunday, 8th of March, 2026 at the Okpoama centre, while Hausa United will keep a date with Formosa FC at 3:00pm.
Mini FC coach, Messiah Ben Dikuro in his post match reaction, commended his lads for the show of determination throughout the encounter, maintaining that their opponents gave them a tough fight.
Also, Kurotee FC coach, Rawlings Walter noted that the sun affected the quality of their game, stating that their attention has been shifted to the next match.
He commended the organizers of the tournament for the continuous innovations in the competition particularly the FC Barcelona coaching clinic and the referees refresher course.
Chief Of Air Staff Commends NDDC On Infrastructure In Niger Delta
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has lauded the current Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for its support to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies operating in the region.
Air Marshal Aneke, who gave the commendation during a courtesy visit at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, highlighted some of the development projects the Commission had executed to assist the security agencies, according to a statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs.
He said: “Let me seize this opportunity to commend the NDDC for its support to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies for its unflinching support to us. We can see the good work you are putting in, such as the provision and installation of solar lights, the provision of 713 solar inverters, which have helped enhance safety and operational efficiency in the region, and the donation of a multi-purpose facility to the Nigerian Air Force at Kolo-Otuoke, Bayelsa State. In that facility, we now have one of the Administrative and Management Schools, the physical education, skills acquisition centre and a host of other centres which were deliberately drafted from Kaduna State as a mark of appreciation to the commission’s efforts”
Air Marshal Aneke observed that the objectives of the NDDC, anchored on providing socio-economic development for the Niger Delta region, were in tandem with the strategic duties of the Nigerian Air Force of providing a secure environment for national growth and development, noting that the learning centre would provide opportunities for the Nigerians, foreigners and interested members of staff of the Commission.
He appealed to the NDDC board to consider rehabilitating and equipping the Internally Displaced Persons IDP centres with reliable modern systems to serve as a training hub.
The Chief of Air Staff, who said that the Nigerian Air Force is committed to a long-lasting partnership capable of promoting peace and stability, sought NDDC’s intervention to provide accommodation for its staff serving in Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, Benin, Asaba and Warri.
Responding, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said that, as an interventionist agency, the Commission was always prepared to partner with both private and public organs in areas of development, especially in security.
He remarked, “Terrorism is like a virus, and if not curtailed, will spread to other parts of the country. But I want to commend you because, since you assumed office, you have risen to the challenges posed by insecurity. So, what we do here in the Niger Delta is to support you, because there can be no development without peace, and we need this collaboration. It is a collective task between us and the security agencies, and we are ready to support you because the President wants peace in this part of the country.
“All we expect is for you to maximise the benefits, the same way we have taken development to the nooks and crannies when we started the ‘Operation light up the Niger Delta’, where almost every community has been lit up, which has drastically reduced militancy and criminality and helped in the area of commerce.
Ogbuku commended the Nigerian Air Force for maintaining the facilities donated to it over the years, and appreciated the security agency for extending its gesture of allowing staff of the Commission to participate in the new School of Administration and Management relocated from Kaduna State to the region, as a way of enhancing staff training.
He assured that the partnership between the Commission and the Nigerian Air Force would stand the test of time.
CSOs demand probe of Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu over alleged NYSC, Law school irregularities
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations led by the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance, CSGGG has called for a full investigation into the academic and national service records of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, over allegations of perjury and false representation.
Addressing a world press conference in Abuja on Friday, the coalition urged the Deputy Speaker to step aside from office pending the outcome of investigations into claims that he may have simultaneously participated in the Nigerian Law School programme and the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.
The group said the allegations raise serious questions about compliance with the rules governing both institutions and the integrity expected of public office holders.
According to the coalition, Mr. Kalu allegedly took an oath during his admission into the Nigerian Law School declaring that he would not engage in employment or participate in the National Youth Service Corps during the period of his studies.
However, the civil society organisations claimed records suggest he was issued an NYSC discharge certificate covering March 9, 2010 to March 8, 2011, a period they say overlaps with his time at the Law School.
The coalition argued that both programmes are full time commitments and questioned how the Deputy Speaker could have lawfully participated in both at the same time.
“We are not imputing any crime at this stage, but we demand clarity and accountability from the relevant authorities,” the group stated.
The organisations called on the NYSC to provide details of Mr. Kalu’s service year and confirm whether he fully participated in the compulsory programme.
They also urged the Nigerian Law School and the Council of Legal Education to release records showing his attendance and participation in the institution’s academic activities.
As part of their demands, the coalition asked Kalu to publicly present evidence clarifying the circumstances surrounding the alleged overlap and demonstrate that he did not violate the rules of either institution.
The group warned that if the authorities fail to address the matter within 72 hours, it would consider further actions, including peaceful protests at the National Assembly.
They emphasized that public officials must be held to the highest standards of transparency and accountability in order to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi, Abuja
2027: South West Youth Arise Appeal to Tinubu to Back Ambode Re-Election
In a powerful display of unity and political consciousness, the South West Youths Arise Movement has passionately appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to throw his weight behind the re-election bid of former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, in 2027.
The appeal was made during a well-attended summit held in Lagos, themed: “Targeted: How to Achieve Millions of Votes for Tinubu’s Re-Election.”
The event brought together youth leaders, political strategists, community mobilisers, and stakeholders from across the South West region, all united by a common goal of strengthening grassroots structures and consolidating electoral victories.
In their communiqué, the youth body emphasized the need for unity within the progressive family, stressing that strategic reconciliation and inclusiveness will be key to achieving overwhelming victory for President Tinubu in 2027.
They described Ambode as a seasoned administrator, a loyal party man, and a silent achiever whose tenure as governor left indelible marks on infrastructure development, civil service reform, and urban renewal. According to them, bringing him back into frontline politics through a re-election bid would not only consolidate party strength in Lagos but also energize millions of supporters across the South West.
Speakers at the summit highlighted practical strategies for mobilising millions of votes, including, strengthening ward-to-ward youth engagement, expanding digital mobilisation and voter education, deepening community-based outreach programmes, as well as promoting unity among party stakeholders.
They affirmed that the South West remains the stronghold of progressive politics and assured President Tinubu of unwavering loyalty and massive electoral support.
The group showered encomiums on President Tinubu, describing him as a visionary statesman, a master political strategist, and the architect of modern progressive politics in Nigeria. They noted that his decades of sacrifice, mentorship, and nation-building have paved the way for a new generation of leaders.
According to the youths, the 2027 election is not merely about politics but about consolidating reforms, sustaining economic transformation, and protecting the democratic gains achieved under his leadership.
The summit concluded with a passionate appeal for reconciliation, collaboration, and strategic inclusiveness within party ranks. The South West Youths Arise Movement expressed strong belief that unity between President Tinubu and Ambode would further solidify Lagos and the entire South West as the backbone of progressive politics in Nigeria.
As chants of solidarity filled the hall, one message stood clear: the youths are ready, the structure is strengthening, and the resolve to deliver millions of votes in 2027 remains unwavering.
Tumaka Lauds Tinubu on Gender Sensitivity
_…As SMDF Executive Secretary Hosts NIPR IWD Team_
Chairman of the maiden Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) International Women’s Day (IWD) Planning Committee, Haj. Lami Tumaka has commended President Bola Tinubu for being deliberate in appointing women into positions of authority at different sectors of the economy, noting that it is a demonstration of gender sensitivity.
Tumaka, a Fellow of NIPR made this commendation on Wednesday while leading a delegation of the Institute on a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary, Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), Hajia Fatima Shinkafi ahead of the NIPR IWD coming up 30th March, 2026 in Abuja.
While expressing delight at the appreciable number of younger women in Tinubu’s administration, Hajia Tumaka applauded the Executive Secretary for her creativity and innovation that have brought tremendous value to SMDF and the nation’s economy.
She said the recently signed $1.3b direct foreign investment deal between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) was one of the milestones achieved through the efforts of a female Chief Executive Officer that currently leads the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), noting that the NIPR is proud of Hajia Fatima Shinkafi’s transformative strides.
The Executive Secretary in her response to the presentation by the NIPR team, emphasized the need for deliberate mentorship system to equip young females for leadership responsibilities, while commending the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake for providing a conducive atmosphere for women within the solid minerals sector to operate at the best.
“I see so many young, bright and intelligent girls and women that we should be mentoring. It is important that we invest and impact the this critical set of people as part of our contributions to the development of our society. That way, we are sure of credible succession generation of competent female leaders. If we don’t, there won’t be anything for them to look up to”, she noted.
Themed, “Communicate to Balance: Gain Equity, Empower Women”, the 2026 NIPR IWD will take place at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, Abuja.
Members of the delegation include, Chief Moji Makanjuola; NIPR FCT Chapter – Mr. Stanley Ogadigo; Fellow Grace Ayoola; Dr. Tope Ojeme; Fatima Abaji; Princess Tiwalade Fapohunda; Suwaiba Baba, and Alexandria Eke.
Prosperity Cup 2026: Tournament Gets Underway This Weekend In Brass LGA
The preliminary round of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup, will take centre stage this weekend in Brass Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Diri last week took the ceremonial kick-off to herald this year’s edition of the spectacle after the completion of capacity-building training for officials of the tournament ahead of the commencement of the 2026 edition of the showpiece
The competition will kick-start in both Sangana and Okpoama centres in Brass LGA, off the Atlantic Ocean with the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere expected to take the kick-off at the Sangana centre.
Tough Dynamite FC in the first match of the Sangana centre battles Brass Boys by 9:00am, Mini FC will face Orukele Thunders FC at 2:00pm while Sangana FC are drawn bye. Sunday 8th March, 2026 will witness other fixtures at the Sangana centre.
Elsewhere, at the Okpoama centre, Canaan FC will entertain Kurotee FC in the match of the day by 11:00am, Ibidi FC will be up against Igoni FC in the second game at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 7th 2026.
Ama-gbo FC will face Egweama FC on Sunday, 8th of March, 2026 at the Okpoama centre, while Hausa United will keep a date with Formosa FC at 3:00pm.
This year’s spectacle will witness 257 teams comprising 227 male teams, 28 female and two para soccer sides jostling for the prize money in thirty different centres across the eight LGAs.