₦airaland Forum

Ogun State Shines as Abeokuta Hosts 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships

By Arajelo Ayoola Olatunji

The 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships, scheduled to take place from July 16 to 20, 2025, will be hosted at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Originally slated for Oran, Algeria, the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) relocated the event to Nigeria due to logistical considerations. This biennial championship is Africa’s premier platform for showcasing young athletic talent under the age of 20, combining both U18 and U20 categories into a single, grand continental event. The Abeokuta edition is expected to be a landmark occasion, as Nigeria steps up to host a record number of athletes, officials, and journalists from across the continent.

A total of 43 African countries have confirmed participation, with 937 athletes and officials set to compete across a range of track and field events. Leading athletics powerhouses such as Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Egypt will be in attendance, alongside newcomers and emerging nations looking to make their mark. The Nigerian team will be the largest delegation, featuring 110 athletes (60 male, 50 female) and 22 officials, followed closely by South Africa with 100 delegates, and Ethiopia and Kenya with 69 and 67 respectively. These numbers underscore the level of enthusiasm and the growing competitiveness of youth athletics in Africa.

To ensure a successful hosting, Nigeria's National Sports Commission (NSC) constituted a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) headed by Hon. Bukola Olopade, a seasoned sports administrator. Ogun State’s Commissioner for Sports, Wasiu Isiaka, serves as the committee's vice-chair. Since its formation, the LOC has worked rigorously to fine-tune logistics related to accommodation, feeding, transportation, competition schedules, and international coordination. The MKO Abiola Stadium, which was refurbished for the Gateway Games, is equipped with world-class facilities that meet international standards, providing an excellent stage for top-tier competition.

Media coverage for the event is expected to be significant, with over 240 sports journalists applying for accreditation. This includes 198 local reporters and 42 from international media houses. The high media interest not only reflects the significance of the event but also the expectation that future global champions may emerge from this championship. In addition to media presence, there is widespread anticipation among athletics enthusiasts and scouts, who see the tournament as a critical pipeline for talent ahead of global competitions such as the World U20 Championships and eventually the Olympics.

This championship is more than just a sports event—it is a celebration of African youth potential, unity, and excellence. As rising stars like Chioma Nwachukwu and Okon Israel lead the Nigerian charge, the championship also serves to boost the profile of Abeokuta as a sporting city. For the athletes, it is a chance to gain international exposure, set records, and inspire a new generation of competitors. For Nigeria, it’s a moment to reaffirm its leadership role in African athletics and to demonstrate its capacity to host world-class sporting events. As the continent looks to the future, the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships will surely be remembered as a defining moment in youth sports development.

In addition to the excitement surrounding the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships, special commendation must be given to His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, the Executive Governor of Ogun State, whose visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to sports development have made this monumental event possible. The successful relocation of the championship from Oran, Algeria to Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria is not by accident—it is a direct result of Governor Abiodun's timely intervention and strategic investment in the renovation and upgrading of key sports facilities, especially the iconic MKO Abiola International Stadium. His administration’s foresight has transformed Ogun State into a beacon of sports excellence in Nigeria and across Africa.

Governor Abiodun’s proactive approach in revamping the state’s sporting infrastructure is nothing short of remarkable. Under his watch, not only was the MKO Abiola Stadium brought to global standards with state-of-the-art facilities, but other sporting complexes across the state have also seen unprecedented improvement. These developments have attracted national and international attention, proving that Ogun State is more than capable of hosting world-class events. It is, therefore, no surprise that the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) confidently chose Abeokuta as the new host city. This decision alone is a ringing endorsement of the governor’s outstanding efforts in positioning Ogun State as a premier destination for sports tourism and youth development.

Beyond infrastructure, Governor Abiodun has demonstrated a strong belief in the power of sports as a unifying and empowering force. His administration has consistently supported grassroots sports initiatives, encouraged youth participation in athletics, and created platforms for young talents to thrive. The hosting of the African U18/U20 Championships is a culmination of these enduring efforts. It reflects a government that does not just promise but delivers—one that understands that investment in sports is investment in youth, in health, in community pride, and in international prestige.

The governor’s role in attracting such a prestigious continental event deserves to be celebrated across Nigeria and beyond. For Ogun State to be placed firmly on the map of global athletics is a legacy achievement. It sends a powerful message that when leadership is driven by vision, integrity, and purpose, great things happen. The state is not only hosting a competition; it is making history—and Governor Dapo Abiodun stands at the center of that narrative, as a true sports-loving leader, a champion of youth empowerment, and a governor who leads by example.

As the championships draw near and the world turns its attention to Abeokuta, we salute Governor Abiodun for this defining moment in the state’s journey. His bold decisions, commitment to excellence, and enduring legacy in sports development will be remembered for generations. Indeed, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, has not just renovated a stadium—he has revived a vision, reignited dreams, and repositioned Ogun State as a global sporting powerhouse.

ipobarecriminals:
that DAPO should sit his ⚫️ balls down at home.The Man is a mistake to Ogun people

wht makes him a mistake, cos you just opened your mouth and spit trash?

dhope:
Abi oo. That sanwoolu or wetin they call am na most useless governor that has even happened to Lagos state. He no longer stays in office since his godfather was sworn in. Things keep falling apart in Lagos, no government presence or touch in any critical sector, yet you won't see him in town to face the business he campaigned to do but be following his master upanddown. Mtcheww

sorry, what can you say about the blue train project?

Figure5:
City boys

is blue train and clearing water ways not crucial.

REJOINDER: SA to Gov Dapo Abiodun On Politics, Deter International Investors From Ogun State At Isara-Aforamodi Festival

IT is necessary to clear the air and let the people of Ogun State see the true picture of what happened at Afotamodi Day yesterday and to debunk the news going about the social media space, which was published by www.eagleforesight.com.ng

The truth of the matter is that there was gun shot indeed, but it was an accidental discharge on the part of one of the Vigilante officer attached to the event, eye witnesses said.

Mr Akanji who was one of the witnesses at the spot where the incident occurred said: The vigilante handled the gun unprofessionally as he was drunk and forgot to activate the safety tab in the gun he was carrying and by so doing the gun was misfired and unfortunately hit one person in the leg.

Hon Adebiyi Adeleye has nothing to do with the gun shot and nothing like hired thugs. In his entourage, was the Remo North Local Government Executive Chairman, the Executive Vice Chairman, all the LG Councilors among other important people within and outside the Local Government.

Afotamodi Day is an annual Festival, it's a day that we the indigene of Isara celebrates, rejoice, laugh, count our achievements and give thanks to Almighty God for spearing our lives, how on earth would someone like Hon Adebiyi Adeleye hired thugs to disrupt such a glorious day in Isara. An event where we have Odemo of Isara, Onipara of Ipara, Oba Of Ikenne Remo, High Chiefs, Baales, State Appointees, Government Representatives, Isara indigene in diaspora and in the presence of Isara people. Hon Adebiyi Adeleye is not a violent person, he respect and love his people.

It is evidence that the news emanated from the camp of unscrupulous elements and its already dead on arrival has the ugly incident happened in the presence of Isara people and security outfits assigned to provide security at the event.

Hon. Adebiyi Adeleye has already sent delegates to check the victim at the hospital and it was reported that the victim is recuperating and recovering from the gunshot wound.

Signed
ATOBA Media.

*OGUN COUNCIL POLL: REMO NORTH APC CHAIRMANSHIP CAMPAIGN TOURS*

*All Progressives Congress, Remo North Local Government, Party's Chairman, Comrade Samson Soyemi declares open 2021 Local Government Elections Campaign in Remo North Local Government on Monday, July 12, 2021.*

The APC Remo North Local government Chairmanship campaign was declared open by the Remo North Local Government Party's Chairman Comrade Samson Odeyemi. The much awaited campaign flag-off also had in attendance, Professor Joseph Odemuyiwa, Special Adviser to the Governor Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun on Technical Education, Com. Akin Arikawe member APC State Executive, Prince Yinka Soyemi Director General Dapo Odunsi Campaign Organization, Mr. Taiwo Soniyi, Vice Chairman, RNLG Transition Committee, Alh. G. O. Ogunfowora, Aare Kolapo Osoboke, Hon. Felix Fajobi, Otunba Ladejobi, Captain Festus Opanuga, Pastor Femi Onajoko, A role Funsho Awoyemi etc.

The Party Chairman, applauded the Governor of the Ogun state, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR for his dreams of BUILDING OUR FUTURE TOGETHER which has made him to bringing the dividends of democracy to the grassroot by setting up machineries to activate the paralyzed activities of the Local government.

He also appreciated Leaders and Elder-statemen of the Local government for Electing a true grassroot Persons Prince Dapo Odunsi and Mr. Waidi Sopelola to be our Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanship Candidates respectively.

Comrade Samson Odeyemi, also tasked the members present to mobilise and canverse votes for the Candidates July 2021 council election.

The indomitable campaign train moved en-masse to Akaka Remo (Ward 6), the country home of the Remo North APC party chairman, Comrade Samson Odeyemi.
After a campaign tour round the Ward, where we were received by party members, supporters and Admirers of out great party APC at the Ward 6 APC Party Secretariat where Mr. Oyenola Tiwalade was reaffirmed by members of the ward through Otunba Ladejobi to be the ward's councillorship candidate in the forthcoming Council elections.

In the same vein, The RNLG APC Party Chairman Com. Samson Odeyemi present the Chairmanship candidate Prince Dapo Odunsi and his Running mate Mr. Waidi Sopelola to the party faithfuls and Admirers.

The APC party faithfuls and Admirers were in joyful mood to receive the candidates and pledged their support and votes for them.

However, they expressed their displeasure on the deplorable state of the roads linking Akaka to urban areas to transport their farm produce for marketing.

The Chairmanship Candidate, Prince Dapo Odunsi expressed his sincere appreciations to the leadership of the ward and made it known to everyone present that he knows more about the ward as he grew up in Akaka.

He reassured the community about his promise to share the dividend of democracy evenly if elected. He thereafter promised that his administration will ensure prompt grading of the roads to ease access first while working with the state government to ensure rehabilitation of tarred ones.

The campaign train thereafter moved to Ward 5 (Ilara Remo) where we were as well received by party leaders, members and supporters of our Party and its Candidates.
The community received the entourage with loud cheers as the campaign buses approached in the great numbers.
After the campaign tour round the community, Elder Arole Funsho Awoyemi received the campaign train and thenceforth present the wards councillorship candidate in person of Osiname Ayoade to the party. The party chairman represent the epitome of God's grace In person of the Chairmanship candidate Prince Dapo Odunsi and his running mate Mr. Waidi Sopelola to the entire people of Ilara Ward 5.

The Leaders , party faithfuls, and Admirers received the highly influential entourage in a location well reserved for the visitation.

Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Tertiary Education, Professor Joseph S. Odemuyiwa reaffirmed the Governor's commitment in rehabilitating 8 Technical Colleges in the state and confidentially confirm the inclusion of Ilara Technical college. The Vice Chairman, Transition Committee, Mr. Soniyi Taiwo representing the LG Transition Chairman, Mr Abiodun Somoye who is also from Ilara responded that almost all the roads linking Ilara/Akaka to other towns would be fixed unavoidably because of the ongoing Cargo Airport construction.

The Chairmanship candidate Prince Dapo Odunsi expressed his gratitude to God and the people of Ilara for accommodating him while he was a student of the Technical college and promised not to disappoint them in seeking for and bringing the needed dividend of democracy to them swiftly.

Finally, the campaign train moved to Ode Remo Ward (9 &10). The entourage was received with much love and enthusiasm by the leadership of both wards. The ward 9 and ward 10 councillorship candidates were presented to the party chairman as Mr. Asenuga Yusuf and Mr. Sola Osoboke for ward 9 and 10 respectively. The RNLG, APC Chairman represent the Chairmanship Candidate Prince Dapo Odunsi and His running mate Mr. Waidi Sopelola.

The leadership of both wards expressed their heartfelt gratitude to God for the our dear Governor Dapo Abiodun who has prioritised his administration to boost political activities of the grassroot and also share the dividend of democracy evenly. They unanimously pleaded for rehabilitation of the major roads of the community.

The Chairmanship candidate Prince Dapo Odunsi appreciated the Leadership of both wards and promised not to disappoint them on seeking for/bringing dividend of democracy to them.

The campaign train was fanfare with sweet melodies from Dapo Odunsi Babes and all the Wards women's wing.

It is very crucial to acknowledge the State Representatives, Local Government Dignitaries, youths, women, and the entire campaign Committee for their show of love and support for the Chairmanship candidate.

We implore you all not to relent in our dreams to BUILD OUR FUTURE TOGETHER.

E-signed,
Dapo Odunsi Media Committee

BREAKING: DSS Reportedly Arrest Sunday Igboho At Guru Maharaji’s Temple.

Operatives of the Department of Security Service, (DSS) have reportedly arrested self acclaimed Yoruba Nation agitator, Mr. Sunday Adeyemo a.k.a Sunday Igboho.

Sunday Igboho has been moved to the Headquarters of the DSS in Abuja along with Sat Gurumaraji, a powerful spiritualist, who harboured him in his ‘Kingdom’.

Details Later….

REMO-NORTH APC ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN STRUCTURE, INAUGURATE COMMITTEES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

The campaign committees for All Progressives Congress in Remo North LG has been announced in preparation for the forthcoming Local Government elections in Ogun State. The party had earlier announced Prince Dapo Odunsi as its flag bearer in Remo North Local Government, a decision that generated wild jubilation among party faithfuls.

The party inaugurated seven committees that will oversee the campaign and election affairs to ensure victory in the poll. The committees include Finance, Publicity, Security, New Media, Contact and Mobilization, Adhoc and Logistics.


Each committee is led by a director and the directors were formally inaugurated at the party secretariat in Isara Remo by the party chairman, Comr. Samson Odeyemi. The party chairman also inaugurated Prince Yinka Soyemi and Aremo Akinlolu as the Director-General and Campaign Secretary respectively.

The inauguration had in attendance a large number of the committee members and notable figures in the party including;
Hon. Olaniran Abayomi- (representing the Caretaker Chairman of the Local Government)
Hon. Soniyi Taiwo (Vice Chairman)
Hon. Muyiwa Sodade (Secretary to LG)
Prince. Dapo Odunsi (APC Chairmanship Candidate, Remo North LG)

The campaign committees and the directors are listed as follows;

Campaign DG – Prince Yinka Soyemi
Campaign Secretary- Aremo Akinlolu Agunbiade

Publicity- Hon. Festus Fajobi
Security- Hon. Adeyinka Adeleye
New Media- Omoba Abiola Ogundeko
Adhoc- S.T Soyemi
Contact and Mobilization- Hon. Patrick Idowu
Logistics- Hon. Adesoye Samuel
Finance- Hon. Adebiyi Adeleye

The committee members and directors were charged to selflessly discharge their duties as the party cannot afford anything less than a successful outing from the poll given the already established popularity, capacity of its candidate and the party itself.

I , Prince Dapo Odunsi welcome you all to the Month of July, May the new month be one of the most blessed and happy month for us all.
In this beautiful month, May His shining light, lights up every dark corner of our lives, May all our prejudices against each other disappears, May God give us the strength to follow His orders. Embrace the month with enthusiasm.

I appreciate you all for your passion and support for our party the APC and My candidacy in the just concluded APC RNLG Primary election. Pls let's continue to support and encourage others to do same as the dream to becoming the Executive Chairman of our council will be in futility without your candid supports and votes.

Be alert for new opportunities. Utilise them passionately. We will all be successful.

Have a great month ahead.

E-signed
Odunsi Media Crew.

ROTO announces free ticketing for Tricycle operators with disabilities.

In preparing for Riders and Owners of Tricycle Organization (ROTO) week of operation within the state, the state chairman of the organization, Comrade Ismail Olanrewaju Yusuf a.k.a MonYahShau, has made it known through his media office that all Tricycle operators with disabilities or deformity should henceforth not be be charged a dime across the state during ROTO week.

The chairman stated that the move becomes necessary due to the current economic realities and engagement of the ticketers with persons of concerned attention who found solace in fetching for daily bread through tricycle transportation.

"I hereby instruct all ticketers and Exco Members not to collect any fee from riders with disabilities when ROTO is on operation, we need to cut down this tendencies so that people who are courageous and disabled can make ends meet without resorting to begging or going through rigorous exercise " The chairman concluded.

The Chairman also stated categorically that Ticketers should ensure they are on their ROTO customized outfit and be law abiding "Any ticketer found culpable of any illegal act while on duty might likely face the wrath of the law. ROTO is not an organization which doesn't respect rule of law" he stated.

Recall that ROTO had issued a statement during the course of its operation that Exco Members should not charge any female operator a dime during its week of operation.

ROTO MEDIA®

*ROTO UPDATE*

Cc:Hon.Tokunbo Talabi
Cc:Hon.Shuiab Salis
Cc:Rt.Hon.Tunji Egbetokun
Cc: Hon.Biyi Adeleye

It's almost two months that PAGADA inaugurated Riders and Owners of Tricycle Organization (ROTO) and yet ROTO have not commenced operation due to conflict of interest and power tussling in the house of Assembly.

ROTO upon commencement of operation will empower over 400 individuals who happen to be party faithfuls have ensured this administration came into fruition. These individuals who are yearning have gained next to nothing from this administration and have laboured for the party.

The institution of ROTO has been in pipeline since January 10,2020 during the existence of the Transport Committee set up by Prince Dapo Abiodun to oversee the affairs of the transport sector, therefore it's not strange.

Information has it that Hon. Elemide who happens to be the Chairman, Transport Committee at Ogun State House of Assembly (OGHA) and some other members of OGHA are being used by some people to enrich themselves by denying ROTO to operate.

Valid Information has it that ROTO has been approved to operate since the 19th of February 2021(this can be checked at the Ministry of Transport and other sister MDA relating to transport, parks and revenue).

The inability of ROTO to operate lies between the OGHA and Transport Commissioner.

We use this medium to call on our respectable leaders in the Executive, The Secretary to the State Government, The Chief Of Staff, to intervene in this matter as several loyal party faithfuls are still lagging behind in ensuring they are empowered by the administration they laboured for.

We also plead with our Political leaders at State level and Ogun Central leaders to come to our aid as we're ready to continue to be loyal ambassadors of this party while looking towards 2023.

At least as Unionists we aren't expecting appointments as Special Assistants or Personal Assistants but empowerment through what we know how to do best, "Transport business".

#IgbegaIpinleOgunAjosewani


Concerned Party faithfuls

Ohhh sorry

That serves them right and this will also be a lesson for others.

Teeboi56:
Okay but group stage is out bus stop

Na that one sure pass

Bobinovic:
I'm very happy to hear this news, I hope to see rugby, golf, formula1 in the coming years.

You must be dreaming, Golf? Formular 1 or what did u say, lolz. Do we even have the amenities, the tracks, the field to host that. Aside football, Nigeria doesn't have any other world class sport, maybe chess, table-tennis basketball ooo

In 2019, Nigeria just qualify for cricket world cup,
How do we want to qualify when we have Angola, Zimbabwe, Egypt even super South Africa.

Front page pls, to clear the dust.

olawamide042:
I have to order for one but the problem is where will i park it......

for ya garage na

Is this an Airplane or a hotel?

No be Naija Police, I don't trust them. They might have slept with them and let them go, Naija I Hail Thee

Is Ibrahim Mantu on the looters list?

Watch out for Batch 2 list of looters,

Even the formal NSA, Lt. Col. Sambo Dansuki
, he's name is not on the list,

Who get time for BBNaija, what value does it add to my life, madness.... I'd rather watch cartoon than sit to watch Indecency. Mtcheeeew

Police are working for the Fulani, it's order from above, when the police kill the youth now they will say they are cultists.,

God have mercy on us!!!!!

A state of unease pervades Benue State capital, Makurdi, as youths engage security operatives at Wadatta area, a suburb of the capital city.

Source told our correspondent that some youths had gathered in a particular place, with policemen and soldiers suspecting they could cause havoc, hence the decision to engage the youths.

It was gathered that some suspected miscreants at Wadata started gathering around 8.00pm on Sunday (today) and security operatives were said to have been alerted immediately.

Reasons for their gathering could not be ascertained as at the time of filing this report.

Both Tiv and Hausa youths had caused mayhem on Saturday, which led to several persons being injured and currently receiving treatment in hospitals in Makurdi.

The youths were said to be on a mission to avenge the death of their kinsmen.

A resident of the area who spoke to our correspondent said shootings were still going on as at 9.00 pm

Since the attack in some parts of the ancient town, soldiers have been stationed in Wadatta area to quell any possible outbreak of riot

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Moses Yamu, who confirmed the report, said the command received a report that “some cult members” were gathering around Wadataa and security men were promptly drafted to the area.

“We learnt that some cult members were gathering at Wadatta and we have drafted security men to the area.”

When asked if gunshots were still ongoing at the time of filing this report, Yamu said “there was no cause for alarm

She was in the prison for 1 year, logically she's 3 months pregnant upon trial.
Is the law permit the judge to imprisoned a pregnant convict?
And who impregnated her?

You don't call it Lagos when you are talking about cities in Yoruba land, the best and appropriate word to use is "EKO".
Nothing like Lagos is yoruba cities, Eko is what we call it in yoruba land, I was in JSS2 or 3 before I could know that Lagos is Eko.
EKO for show!!!!!!!

Oga Bakare, are you not one of the people that advocated for him? When you were campaigning for him God didn't reveal to you how PMB government will look like, your eyes have opened abi!!!! There is God ooooo, (in patience Jonathan Voice.)