Kwara United Coach Dogo: Douye Diri Pre-Season Tournament Reveals NPFL Season Insights

In a testament to the visionary leadership of the Director-General, Amb  Ono Akpe and his exceptional staff, the Douye Diri preseason tournament has set a new benchmark for excellence in Nigerian football. The Government of Bayelsa State deserves immense praise for their unwavering support and commitment to hosting a world-class tournament.

Coach Kabir Dogo of Kwara United FC was effusive in his praise for the tournament, saying, "The caliber of teams and players in this tournament is a clear indication of the high level of competition we can expect in the upcoming NPFL season." The tournament, held at the state-of-the-art Samson Siasia Sports Stadium in Bayelsa State, features the crème de la crème of NPFL teams competing in intense group stages.

After Kwara United's thrilling goalless draw against Rivers United, Coach Dogo lauded the tournament's standard and quality, saying it "provides a fascinating preview of what the 2024/25 NPFL season holds." He suggested a minor adjustment to the scheduling to accommodate teams representing Nigeria in CAF competitions, a testament to the tournament's growing reputation.

Dogo expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Bayelsa State Government and organizers for hosting a tournament that has become a cornerstone of Nigerian football. He assured that Kwara United will capitalize on the opportunity to fine-tune their strategy and build a formidable squad for the NPFL.

The tournament continues to captivate fans with Kwara United facing Krusaders FC on Wednesday at 2:30 pm.

Governor Douye Diri Pre Season Tournament Kicks off in Yenagoa

 ...Commissioner for Youth Development Declares Tournament Open***

The Governor Douye Diri pre season Football tournament kicked off on Monday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital ahead of the new Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL season slated to commence on the 30th of August, 2024. 

The pre-season tournament has in attendance seven NPFL teams comprising Rivers United, Abia Warriors, Bendel Insurance, host Bayelsa United, Sunshine Stars, Kwara United and a non league side Krusaders FC of Yenagoa.

In the first match of the day, Bendel Insurance beat Krusaders by a lone goal scored by substitute Chinedu Chukeujiekwe in the 65th minute from a defensive blunder.

Rivers United and Kwara United played out a barren draw in the second game leaving both teams with a one point apiece.

Bendel Insurance lead group 'B' with three points after the victory against Krusaders Feeders of Yenagoa.

Sunshine Stars piped Bayelsa United 1-0 in the official kick off match. Ismail Ayodele's lone goal gave Kennedy Boboye's men the vital three points at the Samson Siasia Stadium.

In the last fixture of the day, Akwa United and Abia Warriors settled for a one all draw. Ezekiel Eddiong put the Promise Keepers ahead on 15 minute from a spot kick but the Abia Warriors side restored parity on 61 minutes from Sheddy's sweet finish.

Declaring the tournament open, commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Alfred Kemepado remarked that the tournament is in line with the Prosperity administration's mantra of creating an  enabling environment for the youths to thrive in their chosen careers.

According to him, the tourney is aimed at adding to the corporate value of the state, stating that he was elated to see Bayelsa hosting national competitions, describing the State as a  centre of good things.

He noted that the tournament would provide the technical adviser of Bayelsa United, Ladan Bosso the opportunity to select his preferred team before the commencement of the league, pointing out that he was impressed with the quality of football he witnessed.

Chairman Central Organizing Committee, Mr Ono Akpe asserted that the standard of game he saw was beyond a pre-season game, stressing that all the teams gave a good account of themselves.

Mr. Akpe applauded the sports-loving duo of Governor Douye Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo for their immense support to the development of sports in the last five years.

He also commended the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali for translating the governor’s vision for sports in the state.

Tuesday is rest day, with the teams returning to action on Wednesday, when Abia Warriors will take on Bayelsa United in the first game at 8:30am while Sunshine Stars entertain Akwa United at 10:30am, Kwara United will slug it out with  Krusaders FC at 2:30pm, while Bendel Insurance trade tackles with Rivers United at 4:30pm.

Diri Pre-Season: Quality of invited teams will offer insight ahead coming season- Coach Dogo

Elevated Standard of Teams in Douye Diri Preseason Tournament Offers Insight into the Upcoming NPFL Season, Remarks Dogo

The Head Coach of Kwara United Football Club, Kabir Dogo, has emphasized that the caliber of teams and players participating in the ongoing Douye Diri preseason soccer tournament has unveiled a glimpse of what can be expected in the imminent NPFL season.

Commencing in Bayelsa State at the Samson Siasia Sports Stadium, the Douye Diri preseason tournament inaugurated its matches in group A and B on Monday.

Speaking to the press following his team's goalless draw against Rivers United in the second group B encounter of the tournament, Coach Dogo characterized the match as a significant trial for both sides as the new league season approaches.

"The level of competition showcased in the Douye Diri Preseason tournament is indicative of its standard and quality, offering a preview of what the 2024/25 NPFL season holds,"remarked Dogo.

He recommended that the organizers adjust the scheduling in future editions to accommodate the country's representatives in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, aiding in their preparation for continental matchups.

Expressing gratitude towards the Bayelsa State Government and the tournament organizers for convening and inviting NPFL teams to partake in the competition, Dogo emphasized that it serves as a platform to assess and evaluate the clubs' readiness ahead of the league.

Dogo, the coach of Kwara United, affirmed that his team is committed to refining all identified areas of improvement from their trial games, maintaining their focus on constructing a formidable squad for the NPFL.

The tournament progresses with Kwara United facing Krusaders FC on Wednesday in the second match day of group B at 2:30 pm.

IOM Chief, NAPTIP, Journalists Identify Anti Irregular Migration Strategies

Paola Pace, Interim Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria, joined forces with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), journalists from various countries, and other key stakeholders on Saturday to discuss strategies for combating irregular migration. 

The discussions took place during a virtual international migration seminar titled Migration Dialogue, organized by the Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM) with "Migration Trends: Threats and Opportunities" as the theme

In her address as guest speaker, Paola Pace emphasized the importance of continuous capacity building, the use of appropriate language, and a human-centered approach in migration reporting as essential tools for journalists to effectively cover migration issues.

The IOM Chief also stressed the need for journalists to tell positive and impactful stories about migrants, noting that the number of Nigerian emigrants has increased from 610,200 in 2000 to approximately 1.7 million in 2022, significantly boosting diaspora remittances.

Citing the Government of Nigeria's Diaspora Policy 2021, Pace mentioned that the Nigerian diaspora population is around 17 million. She underscored the importance of creating safe pathways as part of counter-strategies against irregular migration. While acknowledging that migration is a significant driver of human development, she reaffirmed the IOM's commitment to supporting journalists in disseminating accurate information and exploring regular migration channels.

Pace highlighted that the IOM has successfully returned 38,597 stranded Nigerians through its Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration program, with over 24,000 reintegrated into society.

Journalists Daphine Tolis (Greece), Biram Jobe (Gambia), Juliet Makwama (Zambia), and Bimbo Oyetunde (Nigeria) also shared their perspectives on migration. They identified collaboration, media capacity building, and networking as key elements in strategic communication efforts to engage journalists in the fight against human trafficking and irregular migration.

Vincent Adekoye, Communications Officer for NAPTIP, addressed the strategic roles of the media in mitigating irregular migration and human trafficking in Nigeria. He urged journalists to counter the false narratives promoted by human traffickers and called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to develop effective migration policies and reshape public perceptions.

Dr. Qasim Akinreti, Deputy Director, Digital and Media at th Voice of Nigeria, expressed concerns over the alarming rate of irregular migration among Nigerian youths, with over 10 million attempting illegal migration to Europe. He called on African governments to improve economic conditions, create employment opportunities for youths, and enhance media advocacy against irregular migration.

Also speaking, Dr. Ajibola Abayomi, President of JIFORM, stated that the outcomes of the seminar would be crucial in shaping actionable strategies to address the threats and harness the opportunities migration presents. He emphasized the need to strengthen networks among journalists, stakeholders, and migration experts. Dr. Abayomi also announced that JIFORM would host its 5th Annual Global Migration Summit in Canada, alongside other workshops in Nigeria and other countries, and called on the IOM and other migration organizations to lend their support.

Notable participants at the seminar included Adewale Ojomo, Director of the Diaspora Innovation Institute (France); Ambassador Collins Idahosa, Governor of the Nigerian Youth Council in Sweden; and Modupe Adelanwa, Executive Director of Shield Support Organization and National Secretary of the Network Against Trafficking, Abuse, and Labour (NACTAL).

Established in 2019, JIFORM boasts over 300 journalists and migration volunteers as members. The organization has initiated several training programs for journalists and hosts annual conferences, including the African Migration Summit, the West African Media Migration Summit, and the Annual JIFORM Global Migration Summit.

Yenagoa Agog As Governor Douye Diri Pre-Season Tournament Kicks Off

...... Youth Development Commissioner Takes Kick Off

 

 

In less than forty eight hours all six visiting teams will be in town and Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital will be the cynosure of all eyes as the maiden edition of the Governor Douye Diri Pre-season Football Tournament kicks off.

 

 

Six premier league teams, Abia Warriors of Umuahia, Akwa United of Uyo, Bendel Insurance of Benin, Kwara United of Ilorin, Sunshine Stars of Akure, and Rivers United of Port Hacourt, to be joined by Bayelsa United and Krusaders Selected teams will lineup for the pre-season competition, the first to be staged in Yenagoa..

 

A statement by the Chairman of the Tournament, Mr Ono Akpe, said the Youth Development Commissioner, Hon. Alfred Kemepade will be the Special Guest of Honour and will perform the ceremonial kick off, while former Youth and Sports Development Commissioner and current Chairman of the Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission, Hon. Perekiye Buruboyefe, will be the Chairman, with Mayor of Yenagoa City Local Government Area, Hon Boloudiseye Ndiwari, and one-time Kolokuma Opokuma Council Chairman, Hon Ebikitin Diongoli, as Guests of Honour.

 

Mr Ono Akpe said the draws will take place by 7pm on Sunday, while games will commence by 8am on Monday, at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa.

 

Mr Akpe disclosed that the winner of the Pre-season football tournament will go home with the sum of N1.5m, N1m for second place, and N500,000 for third position.

 

Mr Akpe also expressed his appreciation for Governor Douye Diri and his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo for their pragmatic efforts in making the state one of the sporting hubs in the country.

 

He equally urged Bayelsans to turn out enmasse to support the two Bayelsa teams participating in the Pre-season tournament.

Delta State Governor Pledges to Collaborate with NDDC

The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has pledged to collaborate and support the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in its efforts to fast-track the development of the Niger Delta region.

Governor Oborevwari spoke at the Delta State Government House, Asaba, during a courtesy visit by members of the NDDC Management team, led by the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku. The NDDC team included the Executive Director Projects, Sir Victor Antai and other directors of the Commission.

The Governor appealed to NDDC to urgently complete all ongoing and uncompleted projects in the state, stressing the need for a strategic and collaborative approach between the Commission and the Niger Delta states to address the challenges confronting the people of the region.

Governor Oborevwari said: “I assure you that we are ready to collaborate with all development agencies committed to the development of the Niger Delta region and we are going to support you to enable you discharge your duties.”

Responding to the NDDC request for collaboration on the execution of the Omadino-Okeronkoko-Escravos Road, Oborevwari noted such a partnership which would involve Chevron was a welcome development.

He assured the NDDC that his government was open to partnership and collaboration in the execution of projects. He urged the Commission to embark on projects that would add value to the lives of the people of the region.

Addressing the issue of duplication of projects, the Governor advised the Commission to avoid cases of duplication of projects, stating that it was very necessary to consult the states before embarking on projects in their respective territories.

Speaking earlier, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said that the Commission would increase its collaboration with development partners, including the state governments and other stakeholders to achieve its objectives.

The NDDC boss assured the Governor that the NDDC Board and Management would work in synergy with governors in the nine states covered by the Commission. He stressed the need to re-activate the NDDC Advisory Committee, as provided for in its Establishment Act, to advise and monitor the activities of the Commission.

Ogbuku made a case for a tripartite execution of the Omadino-Okorenkoko-Escravos Road, stating that when completed the road would boost the economy of Delta State.

He said that discussions were on-going with Chevron, the major International Oil company operating in the state, as one of the parties in the execution of the project. Ogbuku presented a document detailing the proposal for the key project to the governor.

The Managing Director noted that the NDDC recently inaugurated five mega projects across the nine states of the Niger Delta region, which included the 25.7-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road, executed in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC.

He said further: “We also commissioned the 132KV Transmission Line and I32KV/33KV electricity substation at Okitipupa to serve over 2,000 communities in the southern part of Ondo State. Similarly, we inaugurated another 1x15 MVA 33/11 KVA injection substation in Amufi, Edo State.

“In Akwa Ibom State, we commissioned the 600-meter Ibeno Bridge and the 6.87-kilometre Iko-Atabrikang-Opolom-IwuoAchang Road in Ibeno Local Government Area. The N10 billion virgin road project links 20 communities, hitherto separated by the Qua Iboe River.

In the area of youth development, Ogbuku, said that the NDDC had given more opportunities and hope to Niger Delta youths through our Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement, HOPE, meant to identify interests of the youths for skills training.

He said that the Project HOPE had helped the Commission to develop a comprehensive digital repository, comprising important information about the youths of the Niger Delta region; including their qualifications, skills, interests, needs, and current employment status.

Ogbuku remarked that the NDDC was working with the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce in the training of youths and young entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta region. He explained that the Commission would collaborate with the Chamber of Commerce to support Small and Medium Enterprises in the region and ensure the sustainability of youth development programmes.

He added: “We are also partnering with the Bank of Industry to fund projects and support businesses to facilitate the success of our empowerment programmes.”

To ensure that a new institutional culture, anchored on sound ethics and good corporate governance was established in NDDC, Ogbuku said that the Commission engaged KPMG, a reputable global business consultancy, to review and strengthen its corporate governance system, as well as improve its internal processes and institutional protocols.

Tinubu’s Administration Aims To Correct Historical Missteps, Not Cause Hardship - Information Minister

 

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the Tinubu Administration’s primary focus is not to impose hardship on Nigerians but to correct poor policies and dysfunctional choices that have historically hindered Nigeria's progress, with bold and effective solutions.

Idris stated this in Abuja on Wednesday while briefing the Diplomatic Community on the recent nationwide protest at a meeting held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He said President Tinubu is determined to implement reforms that would drive sustainable growth and improve the quality of life for all citizens, stressing that the current challenges are only temporary.

“It is important to kick off on this note: that President Tinubu did not come to office to cause hardship or make life difficult for Nigerians. He has come to office with bold solutions to historical problems; with the determination to correct many of the poor policies and dysfunctional choices that have held us back as a nation for decades.

“The President assumed office during one of Nigeria's most challenging periods in its history, where the country was spending 97% of all its revenue on debt service; coupled with widespread poverty, rising unemployment, dilapidated infrastructure, and insecurity. Faced with these daunting realities, the administration took decisive action and implemented long-overdue reforms to save the economy from collapse,” he said.

The Minister said for decades, the costly, wasteful and unsustainable fuel subsidy regime had denied Nigeria the opportunity to invest in critical infrastructure, social service, and the welfare of its citizens hence the President took a very painful decision to abolish the fuel subsidy and redirect the funds towards critical sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security, which directly impact citizens' well-being and the development of the country.

He said the President was not under any illusion that the withdrawal of fuel subsidy and the harmonization of foreign exchange rates would not come with some transitional pains - situation that informed the decision of the Federal Government to design comprehensive intervention programmes to cushion the transitional pains. 

“We have been very determined about ensuring that these interventions are fully implemented, and bring the intended relief to Nigerians,” he stated.

While speaking on the nationwide protest, the Minister said the government respects the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, which are cornerstones of all democratic societies, but stressed that what began as a peaceful protest in some States and the Federal Capital Territory, was soon hijacked by elements who infiltrated the protest and orchestrated violent activities that destroyed lives and properties. 

“There were reports of arson, vandalism, looting, and clashes with law enforcement agents in several cities. Tragically, these incidents led to the loss of innocent lives and significant damage to properties.

“In response to these unforeseen events, the Federal Government acted swiftly to restore peace and order. It is important to emphasize that the security forces were instructed to exercise maximum restraint and adhere to international standards in managing civil protests. They have indeed put in a lot of work to ensure the safety of all law-abiding Nigerians, and to maintain order, in the last week. But they have also been decisive in their response to criminality, and it is important to separate these from their commendable approach to legitimate protests,” he said. 

Idris, who assured the Diplomatic Community that the worst is over, said the Federal Government has launched an investigation into the violence that occurred during the protest in order to identify and bring to justice all those responsible. 

“We are committed to preventing the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents in the future,” he said.