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Africa Athletics Championships Organising Body Inaugurated

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The Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has inaugurated a 17-man Local Organizing Committee for next year’s Senior African Athletics Championships tagged “Asaba 2018”.

Governor Okowa while inaugurating the Chief Solomon Ogba led LOC on Monday said the state has chosen to start early in order to put together a world-class event that Delta people and indeed Nigeria as a whole will be proud of.

He also stated that the early inauguration is also geared at making sure that the economic planning arm of the LOC have their figures captured in the state’s budget for 2018.

The Governor noted that Delta state remains the home of sport in Nigeria as it has continually set the pace in the hosting of international events and churning out talents that have over time grown to become world beaters.

Delta State, fresh from hosting its Sports festival is also gearing up for the Principal’s Cup final as the state continues to be a beehive of sporting activities.

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Among other events, Delta State successfully hosted the inaugural Africa Youth Athletics Championship, AYAC and also put up a memorable spectacle when it hosted the Africa Women Championships.

Governor Okowa reiterated that sports has a lot of advantages including uniting people and it has also helped in projecting the image of the country.

One will not be wrong to call Delta State, a sporting state going by the antecedence of the athletes that have come out from the state as well as top sporting figures like the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick who recently was voted into the CAF executive committee and Chief Solomon Ogba a big wig in the Confederation of African Athletics and Special Adviser to the IAAF President Lord Sebastian Coe.

Despite the recession in the country, Governor Okowa stated that he knows the worth of sport and he is ready to make more investment in the development of facilities and manpower.

He said he is impressed by the calibre of the members in the LOC and he is sure they will do a good job.

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On his part, Ogba assured that the LOC members will not disappoint as they are ready to deplore every means to make Asaba 2018 an epoch-making event.

The erstwhile AFN boss promised to ensure that the private sector is fully involved in the organization of the epic athletic event.

“We are happy with the mandate given to us by the governor, as you know, Delta State have the track record and we are ready not just to keep the high standards but also raise the bar” Ogba submitted.

 

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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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