Paramount FM - 94.5 - Abeokuta

16/07/2025

Oba Gbadebo Sees CAA Championship Producing Africa's Next Athletics Stars

The Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, has expressed optimism that the CAA African U18/20 Athletics Championship will produce the next generation of Africa athletics Super Stars.

Oba Gbadebo stated this he received the Director General, National Sports Commission, NSC, Chief Bukola Olopade led a delegation of the Confederation of African Athletics, CAA, to a courtesy visit to his Royal Highness in his palace in Abeokuta.

The Paramount ruler of the Egbaland said Abeokuta as the host city of the junior championship, boost of rich Cultural heritage and history.

Oba Gbadebo also urged the CAA officials to take full advantage of their presence in the state by ensuring they experience the rich culture and hospitality of Egbaland.

Earlier, The President of CAA, Halmad Kalkaba Malboum expressed his great appreciation to the Alake of Egbaland as well as President Bola Tinubu, for creating the platform and support that enabled Nigeria and Ogun state to host the championship in the shortest possible time after the withdrawal of Algeria, the former host.

15/07/2025

3rd CAA U18/U20 African Athletics Championship: 35 Countries Set to Compete

With just one day to go, the excitement is building in Abeokuta as 35 African countries arrive in Nigeria for the 3rd edition of the CAA Under 18 and Under 20 African Athletics Championship.

The championship, scheduled to take place from July 16 to 20, 2025, at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena promises to be a thrilling display of youth athletics.

The latest contingents from Algeria and Morocco have joined a star-studded roster of nations, including South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Ghana, and Egypt. Nigeria, as host, has put in place all necessary structures to deliver a world-class competition, with top-notch arrangements for security, protocol, transportation, and accommodation.

The host city is buzzing with energy, as cultural troupes showcase Nigeria's rich heritage.

Delegations from participating countries have been enjoying the vibrant displays and traditional dances, soaking up the fun and atmosphere.

In conjunction with the championship, the Confederation of African Athletics ,CAA, held its congress meeting in Abeokuta Led by CAA President Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, the session focused on reforms, sustainability, and advancing the competitive edge of African athletes globally.

The congress aims to shape the future of African athletics, making the event a platform for both competition and policy-making.

14/07/2025

Awujale of Ijebuland Laid to Rest in Emotional ceremony

The remains of the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, have been laid to rest at his private residence in Ijebu-Ode.

Meanwhile, the Ogbeni Oja and Olorogun of Ijebuland, Dr. Sunny Kúkù has been saddled with the responsibility of serving as the town's regent until a new Awujale is installed.

Islamic clerics, led by the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheikh Muftau Ayanbadejo presided over the final rites for the late monarch in accordance with Islamic tenets.

Speaking after the interment, Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed optimism that Oba Adetona’s enduring legacy would continue to inspire the present and future generations.

The event was witnessed by Governors Dapo Abiodun and Babajide Sanwoolu of Lagos State, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Former Ogun State Governors Olusegun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel as well as former Osun State Gboyega Oyetola.

Also, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani and the Business icon, Alhaji Aliko Dangote were among the dignitaries at the ceremony.

14/07/2025

Nigeria to Strengthen Collaboration with CAA for Athletics Growth

The National Sports Commission, NSC, has described the 3rd Confederation of African Athletics CAA Under 18 and Under 20 Championships as a critical platform for nurturing Africa’s next generation of stars.

NSC director general, Chief Bukola Olopade who stated this at the opening ceremony of the CAA Congress, held in Abeokuta reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to strengthen its collaboration with CAA towards the growth of athletics on the continent.

Chief Olopade pointed out that a meeting between the leadership of CAA and top Nigerian dignitaries, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and key industry players would be held, to foster stronger ties and chart a new course for athletics in Africa.

He restated the Federal Government’s dedication to youth development through sports, highlighting President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to providing opportunities for young African athletes to excel on the global stage.

Earlier, the President, Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, Chief Tonobok Okowa Okowa had encouraged the stakeholders to use the Congress to formulate policies that would address issues affecting young athletes, including access to training facilities, nutrition, medical support, and anti-doping education.

The Congress had CAA President Hamad Kalkaba Malboum; Vice Presidents of CAA—Bruno Konga, Derartu Tulu, Jackson Kiprono Tuwei, Amara Khaled, Zakhele Dlamini—as well as the President of the Asian Athletics Association (AAA), Gen. Dahlan Jumaan Al-Hamad, and heads of delegations from participating nations in attendance.

Over 700 athletes are expected to compete in the age-grade event, which runs from July 16 to 20, 2025.

14/07/2025

12/07/2025

96 Athletes to represent Nigeria at 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championship

A total of 96 athletes will represent Nigeria at the upcoming 3rd African Under 18 and Under 20 Athletics Championship slated for between 16th and 20th July, 2025 at MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta.

The Under 18 girls’ team will feature 18 athletes, while 24 female athletes will compete in the Under 20 women’s category.

The Under 20 men’s team leads the pack in numbers with 30 athletes, while 24 athletes will fly Nigeria’s flag in the Under 18 boys’ events.

The Special Adviser on media to the Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Mr Kola Daniel confirmed this in a statement.

Mr Daniel said the team would be supported by a strong technical and backroom unit, including 22 coaches, 8 medical personnel, and 8 additional staff comprising a team psychologist, physiotherapists, team secretary, media personnel, and logistics coordinators.

As part of final preparations, Nigeria’s sprint relay team of Lucy Nwankwo, Success Oyibu, Anita Itohan, and Chika Bakwunye joined forces at the recent AFN/Dynamic Athletics Meet, using the opportunity to sharpen their baton exchanges and race coordination ahead of the continental championship.

Speaking ahead of the event, officials noted that all athletes have undergone rigorous training camps and performance assessments, with the goal of maintaining Nigeria’s dominance on the continental stage.

With the championship just days away, expectations are high as Nigeria prepares to host over 40 countries at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena Abeokuta.

Team Nigeria will be looking to deliver a strong showing on home soil and inspire the next generation of athletics stars

10/07/2025

Ogun government Pledges Support for 2025 Veterans Cup Zonal Qualifier

Ogun State Government has pledged its support towards the successful hosting of the 2025 Veterans Cup Zonal Qualifier, scheduled to take place in Abeokuta from July 25 to 26.

The Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Wasiu Isiaka gave the assurance while receiving leaders and members of the All Stars Football Association in Abeokuta.

Mr Isiaka who acknowledged the association’s contributions to sports development in the state, reaffirmed the government's commitment to working closely with stakeholders to further enhance the growth of sports in Ogun State.

The All Stars Football Association, based at the Muda Lawal Stadium, was commended for its consistency in promoting football among veteran players.

Earlier, the president, Alhaji Salman Akinbo, who used the occasion to congratulate the commissioner on the successful hosting of the Gateway Games 2024, explained that the visit was to intimate the commissioner on preparations for the forthcoming Veterans Cup.

He said the zonal qualifier to be hosted by the Abeokuta All Stars Football Association, would determine the South West region’s sole representative at the national championship.

Alhaji Akinbo told the commissioner that the winners would join qualifiers from other zones and the host state, Lagos, for the final stage of the annual competition later in the year.

08/07/2025

Ogun Visionaries Back Senator Adeola for Governor, seek INEC' Credibility

A socio-political organization, Ogun Visionaries, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to intensify efforts in strengthening its systems and processes to ensure the smooth and credible conduct of 2027 general elections.

Convener of the group, Mr Leye Odunjo who made the call at a news conference in Abeokuta said the conduct of free and fair elections would boost the people’s confidence in the electoral umpire.

Mr Odunjo solicited support for Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, to emerge as the Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 election, describing it as a crucial step toward ending the decades - long marginalization of the Yewa-Awori zone in the Ogun West Senatorial District.

Describing the Chairman, Senate committee on Appropriation as the best candidate considering his interventions in the health sector and his role in upgrading the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro to a full-fledged University of Technology, the Ogun Visionaries Convener appealed to residents of the state to join the crusade for the realisation of Yayi's emergence.

Mr Odunjo expressed optimism that the emergence of Senator Adeola as Governor would help to transform the state and consolidate on past gains, while promot agricultural prosperity, economic growth, foreign investments, and industrial expansion.

He described Senator Adeola as a man with a clear vision, dedication, and focus to effectively manage the state's economic potential and natural resources.

03/07/2025

The Alternative Movement Renews commitment to National Transformation

Participants in the South West Town Hall meeting of a pan-Nigerian movement, The Alternative, have renewed commitment to national transformation and charting the way in redefining the country’s national values and public wellbeing.

The Town Hall meeting held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital attracted political stakeholders, civic leaders, youth representatives and community advocates from Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos and Ogun states with different speakers emphasizing that they were all united by the shared vision for a better Nigeria.

The participants called on Nigerians to turn up actively at the appropriate time to elect leaders through votes, stating the need for all eligible citizens to be committed to the future of democracy.

National Leader of The Alternative, Chief Segun Sowunmi said the movement would continue to grow as a platform for citizens seeking meaningful change, rejecting vote-buying, traditional political structures and tribalism, while emphasizing unity, innovation, and ethical leadership.

On the recent reports of Coalition Forces, Chief Sowunmi advised Nigerians to be wary of the assembly of individuals who had shown questionable judgment and had previously been involved in decisions that affected the country’s assets and economy, often to the disadvantage of the people.

He maintained that a situation where wealthy individuals dictated election outcomes through vote buying had reduced the chances of the poor to attain leadership positions in the country, urging the people to be vigilant and perform their civic duties responsibly.

In a remark, the Ogun State Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Committee, IPAC, Mr. Sanyaolu Abayomi, emphasized the need for unity and collective responsibility in reshaping the nation, noting that meaningful progress could only be achieved when all hands were on deck.

He also promised that the committee would work closely with The Alternative movement to support initiatives aimed at strengthening national development.

Other Speakers, like the National Publicity Secretary of Labour Party, Mr Abayomi Arabambi equally emphasized the urgent need to revive the culture of integrity, accountability and collective responsibility across all sections of the society.

03/07/2025

Nigeria Customs Service foils massive cannabis smuggling attempt

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has arrested a 39 year old man, William Asare for allegedly conveying 172 million naira worth of hard substances identified as cannabis sativa along the country's border area.

The Customs Area Controller, Ogun 1 Area Command Mr Godwin Otunla who disclosed this to newsmen at Idiroko said a total of 2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing about 1,450 kilograms were recovered from the suspect at Ilaro area of State.

While handing over the confiscated illicit drugs to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA claimed that the suspect, a resident of Challenge area of Ibadan, Oyo State had concealed the prohibited items concealed inside the truck compartments.

The Customs Area Controller attributed the feat to deployment of strategies tailored towards countering emerging smuggling trends, describing the successful interception of the large quantity of illicit drugs as a significant step in preventing the circulation of harmful substances in communities.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intensifying efforts against smuggling and cross-border crimes and commended other relevant agencies for their support towards the fight against illegal trades.

Mr Otunla who announced that the command had taken delivery of 13 operational vehicles for enhanced capacity, affirmed that the election of Nigeria's Comptroller General of Customs as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization Council comprising 186 member countries, was a glorious achievement.

In a remark after receiving the the contraband, the Area Commander, NDLEA Special Area Command, Idiroko, Mr Ekundayo Williams said the Agency would investigate to unravel those behind smuggling of the prohibited items in a bid to bring them to Justice.

He applauded the successful interception of the substances by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and assured the Customs Area Controller of further collaborations to rid the country of illegal trades.

03/07/2025

Child Protection Network Mentors Ogun Students on Goal Setting, Education

The Child Protection Network, CPN is collaborating with other relevant bodies to mentor young students in Ogun State and motivate them to set achievable goals while prioritising education as the key to unlocking their potential.

The students engagement included a seminar organized in Abeokuta to mark this year's Day of the African Child, where selected students from different schools were charged by notable professionals on the need to shun social vices and become "champions of right living" among their peers.

The mentorship seminar held in conjunction with the Ogun State Ministries of Education as well as that of Women Affairs and Social Development and the SOS Children Villages Nigeria was focused on the implementation of child safeguarding and protection policy.

A legal expert, Dr Kayode Akinsola counseled the students to be focused and exhibit strength of character while striving for excellence and maintaining good relationship with God and people.

In separate remarks, Justices Philip Akinsinde and Adebiyi Odugbesan also admonished the young learners to begin their future plans right from secondary school days and for greatness by cultivating sustainable reading habit and prioritizing education.

Other mentors, like a renowned Engineer and businessman, Mr Ayoyinka Akinyosoye and the State Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Kola Soremi who shared their experience of achieving success despite humble beginnings equally encouraged the students to embrace hard work and integrity as pathways to a successful life.

The State Commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Mrs Bosede Jimoh, who lamented the rising cases of young Nigerians being trafficked abroad under false promises of a better life warned the students against falling victim to human traffickers.

The State Chairman of CPN, Mr Damola Lapite had earlier announced that children perceived as truants and troublemakers from different schools were being targeted for proper mentorship and reorientation through the programme.

03/07/2025

CAF gives green Light to MKO Abiola Sports Arena for WAFU U-17 Nations Cup

Officials of the Confederation of African Football, CAF, have inspected the MKO Abiola Sports Arena ahead of the Under 17 West Africa Football Union, WAFU, Nations Cup later in the year.

Leading the delegation, the Executive Director of WAFU, Mr. Philip Chare, alongside the Chairman of the Ogun State Football Association and NFF Board Member, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi expressed satisfaction with state of facilities at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.

The team praised the 25,000‑seat stadium for its modern locker rooms, press and medical areas, security provisions, broadcast readiness, and flawless floodlighting, demonstrating its readiness for continental competition.

Speaking with journalists after the inspection, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Wasiu Isiaka described the approval as a proud moment for Ogun state and a testament to sustained commitment to elite infrastructure development.

Mr Isiaka noted that hosting countries from across Africa would not only elevate the state’s profile but also energise local businesses and fans.

He added that approval of the competition and the forthcoming 3rd combined Under 18 and Under 20 African Athletics Championships had showed the growth of sports infrastructure in the country and had made Nigeria a serious nation in sports infrastructure.