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FG to Prioritize Entertainment, Culture in Sports Development- Enoh
FG to Prioritize Entertainment, Culture in Sports Development- Enoh
Dabiri-Erewa Insists Sports Development Would Go A Long Way With Involvement of Diasporas
By: Michael Mike
Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has said the federal government would place entertainment and culture at the front burner of sports growth in Nigeria.
This is even as the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri- Erewa said Sports Development in Nigeria will go a long way if its Diaspora Component is fully harnessed and developed through knowledge-sharing, expertise, skills and investment in the Sector.
Speaking at the reception ceremony organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) for the National Basketball Association (NBA) legends “Lisa Leslie and Chinenye Ogwumike” in Abuja on Tuesday evening, Enoh said: “It is not just about their talent but collaborating cultural exchange; sport sector will not have made significant improvement without combination of entertainment and culture of our people and I am here to promote that.”
The Minister said both legends are in Nigeria to provide invaluable guidance to reinforce cultural, social, political, and economic ties between U.S. and Africa, and promote trade, investment, and educational exchanges between the U.S., and Africa.

He said, “Beyond football we have several sports: What I am trying to do is balance that beyond football, we have other sports, this is not about football therefore, this is about basketball.
“I am glad this is happening now that the U.S. President considered this as best time to send Leslie and Chiney to three African countries, it is good Nigeria is listed among the three.
“In terms of the NBA and the Women’s NBA (WNBA), Nigeria performing talents have been incredible, notably in the increase of talents and their contribution.“
NBA, a professional basketball league in North-America is composed of 30-teams, as major sports league in the U.S. and Canada. It is considered the premier basketball league in the world.
Leslie and Chiney are members of the inaugural President Joe Biden’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States.
Also speaking at the reception, the Chairman/CEO, of NiDCOM, commended Leslie and Chiney for their passion to grow sport talents in Africa, describing the likes of Leslie and Ogwumike as strategic and important for the advancement in sports development in Nigeria since they are embedded with skills and resources to groom home-grown talents as a way of volunteerism and giving back to Nigeria.
She noted that there will be lots of engagement with the duo to promote growth of sports talent not just in Nigeria, but Africa at large.
She said: “We believe as Africans you are diasporas, if we cannot make Africa the way it should be as a continent, the world will continue to look down on us as black people.
“So, it doesn’t matter where you are, let us do all we can for the beauty and benefit of this continent.
“We will continue to engage with you and we hope that the NBA Vice-President Africa, Gbemisola Abudu will do a lot more while here in Nigeria.”
On her part, Abudu said since the establishment of the Council in Nigeria in 2022, there have been no opportunities to have the NBA legends in the country.
The NBA vice-president said, “The fact both of you are here today is a big honour,” stating that: “in the history of the NBA we have had 120 players of Africa descent, more than 50 of those have been of Nigeria descent.
“In the history of WNBA, we have had 10- First/Second generation WNBA-players of Nigeria descent and this tells you the level of talent Nigeria has, not just from talent standpoint, but commercial standpoint.”
She said the organisation has since past 10-years reached 250,000 youths in Abuja through its Power-Point programme, adding that plans are underway to expand the programme.
For his part, Mr Tochukwu Ebere, Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, said as a nation of more than 200 million people, the legends were celebrated for their doggedness.
He noted that Nigerians have achieved remarkable feats in various fields of life, including science and technology, medicine, arts, American football among others.
Ebere said: “We celebrate you and salute your sports doggedness, you came you saw and you both conquered.
“Whenever women successes are ranked one thing remains sacrosanct, both of you are in there with the very best.”
Meanwhile, Amb. Samson Itegboje, who represented the Minister of Foreign Affairs, extolled the NiDCOM boss for putting the event together to honour the legends.
He said: “Leslie and Chiney have not just achieved unparalleled success in their respective fields, but become beacons of inspiration to countless individuals globally.
“Their unwavering commitment to excellence, resilience in the face of challenges and dedication to making positive impact is now example for all of us.”
Chiney, 31-year old Nigerian-American, is a Stanford graduate, WNBA player and an NBA analyst for ESPN, the youngest female in the council.
Leslie, an American former professional basketball player currently head-coach for Triplets in the BIG3 professional basketball league is an early-star of WNBA and four-time Olympic gold medalist.
FG to Prioritize Entertainment, Culture in Sports Development- Enoh
News
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
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Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
News
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
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