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Report Uncovers Lack of Inclusivity, Legal Compliance in Political Parties

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By Justina Auta

The Political Parties Performance Index (PPPI) report has revealed lack of inclusivity, legal compliance and public outreach in Nigeria’s 19 registered political parties.
This was disclosed at the launch of the PPPI report and the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) constitution on Wednesday in Abuja.

The PPPI is an evidence-based framework developed by Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) to assess political parties performance in the areas of inclusivity, legal compliance, and public outreach.

Adebowale Olorunmola, Country Director of WFD, Nigeria, said that the data revealed gaps between how well parties think they are doing, how their members perceive their performance, and how the public experiences them.

Olorummola said that parties reported an average score of 82.4 per cent on inclusivity, while party members rated this at just 67.6 per cent, exposing a 15 per cent implementation gap.

“In legal compliance gap, While parties self-reported 86.4 per cent, members gave an average of 72.4 per cent.

“Citizens rated political parties at just 45.9 per cent for public outreach, which is the lowest score across all assessment layers” he said.

According to him, the launch of the PPPI report and adoption of the revised IPAC constitution will strengthen democracy and commitment by political parties to embrace accountability, inclusion, and institutional reform.

”We believe that strong, transparent and citizen-responsive political parties are the cornerstone of a healthy democracy.

“These tools are not just documents; they are instruments of transformation that can help political parties better serve the Nigerian people,” he said.

He said that the documents would contribute to building a more resilient and inclusive democratic system.

Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, National Chairman, IPAC, said that the constitution now served as a new ethical standard that all registered political parties must uphold as a platform that produced elected office holders across the country.

”We are duty bound to champion good governance accountability and service delivery.

“We must hold leaders to their promises and keep the welfare of the people above personal interest in line with section 14, sub section two, paragraph B of the 1999 constitution,” Dantalle said.

Prof. Kunle Ajayi, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commissioner, said that the problem was with parties not complying with their own constitution.

“So this framework is to ensure that they drive their own internal constitution to enforce it on them to avoid crisis and loosing credibility in the eyes of the public.

”Parties have to reach out to the public.
They have to be active, not only during election time, but before, during and after election, they have to be visible,” he said.

Mr Kingsley Chinda, Minority Leader, House of Representatives, noted lack of political discipline, ideology and vision as challenges affecting political parties.

Chinda described the PPPI report as a developmental framework designed to nudge parties toward transparency, accountability and better engagement.

“There is an urgent need for a national conversation on political party reform.

“This conversation must be anchored, not only on the deficiencies we see today, but on the possibilities we can imagine,” he said. (NAN)

A Square Peg in a Square Hole: Kaduna Gets New Commissioner Of Information

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Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state, North West Nigeria, has appointed the Managing Director, Kaduna State Media Corporation, (KSMC) Alhaji Ahmed Maiyaki,  as the new Commissioner of Information.

This came after the Governor relieved Professor Muhammad Sani Bello, a financial expert, of his position as Commissioner of Information and a member of the State Executive Council.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Malam Ibraheem Musa Tuesday July 29, 2025 has said.
According to the statement, the governor has relieved Professor Muhammad Sani Bello of his position as Commissioner of Information and a member of the State Executive Council.
The statement which acknowledged the contributions of Professor Muhammad Sani Bello, wished him success in his new endeavour.
Professor Sani Bello was the pioneer Commissioner of Education in the Governor Uba Sani Administration before becoming  Commissioner of Information

Kogi Community Sends SOS TO Gov. Ododo Over Suspected Herder’s Attacks, 50, 000 Residents Displaced, Houses Razed

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By Comrade Husseini A.Aloko
Oganenigu communities in Dekina local government area of Kogi State have been plagued by a relentless cycle of attacks from suspected herdsmen. This has left over 50,000 residents displaced, rendering them homeless and seeking refuge in neighbouring villages hence the urgent  government intervention.

The recent attack on Saturday, July 26th, 2025, was particularly devastating as scores of houses were burned down and properties worth millions of Naira destroyed.

The situation in Oganenigu is dire, with the people facing not only the trauma of displacement but also the threat of hunger as they are unable to access their farms and livelihoods.

Dr. A. P. Onuh, the Executive Chairman of Oganenigu Youth for Peace and Development Foundation, has appealed to the state government for immediate intervention.
Dr Onuh said, It is heart-wrenching to see the residents of Oganenigu, who were once a thriving and peaceful community, now reduced to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in their own land. That the  constant fear of attacks has left the community in a state of distress, hindering farming and other commercial activities, we urgently need the government’s assistance to restore peace and normalcy.

As our  community reels from this tragedy, we  look to His Excellency, Governor Usman Ododo, for support. We urge the governor to mobilize security operatives into the area to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed.
It is also  crucial for the government to constitute a high-power fact-finding committee to investigate the incessant attacks and find a lasting solution to the herdsmen’s aggression in the community.
Additionally, we also  call on the state government to direct emergency response teams to provide relief efforts to the community IDPs. These immediate interventions will bring much-needed relief to the affected residents and help them rebuild their lives.
The people of Oganenigu have been crying out for help, and it is time for the government to take swift and decisive action. We implore Governor Ododo to act swiftly and decisively to ensure the safety and security of his people. Let us not forget that the ultimate goal is for Kogi State to succeed, and for Oganenigu to be safe and peaceful once again.

In conclusion, we appeal to the government to hear the cries of the Oganenigu communities and take proactive measures to put an end to the incessant herders’ attacks.

The time to act is now, and we hope that Kogi State will emerge stronger and more united from this tragedy. Let us work together to build a safer and more secure future for all our communities in Kogi State.

Middle Belt Forum Opposes Establishment Of National Council For Traditional Rulers’ Bill Over Contentious Clause

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PRESS STATEMENT
The Position of the Middle Belt Forum on the Proposed Legislation Making the Sultan of Sokoto, Permanent Co-chairmen of National Council for Traditional Rulers of Nigeria

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) wishes to categorically express its firm opposition to a contentious clause in the National Council for Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024, currently before the National Assembly. The Bill, sponsored by Senator Simon Bako Lalong (Plateau South), who is respected son of the Middle Belt and the Gwad-Goemai of the Goemai ethnic nation, has passed its second reading as of March 2025 and is now under consideration by the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service.

At the heart of the controversy lies a deeply troubling clause in the Bill which proposes that the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife be made permanent co-chairmen of the proposed National Council for Traditional Rulers.

While we leave our esteemed partners from the Southern region, to determine their position on the inclusion of the Ooni of Ife, the Middle Belt Forum unequivocally rejects, abhors, and condemns the institutionalisation of the Sultan of Sokoto as a permanent co-chairman of this proposed council.

This rejection is anchored on strong historical, cultural, constitutional, and moral grounds, which we now outline in clear terms:

1. The Sokoto Sultanate is Historically Junior to Middle Belt Monarchies

Historically, the Sokoto Caliphate is a relatively young institution compared to ancient kingdoms and confederacies in the Middle Belt. For instance, the Kwararafa Confederacy, which flourished for centuries, predates the Caliphate.
It is a historically documented fact that the confederate state of Kwarafa existed right back to circa 800s-1700s A.D. The Aku Uka of Wukari, its current spiritual heir, represents a legacy that predates Sokoto Caliphate’s very existence. The Sultan of Sokoto can therefore not supersede the Aku Uka of Wukari in status and prestige to seat over him as Chairman of the Traditional Council created by law.

2. The Attah of Igala Ranks Higher in Historical and Traditional Status
The Attah of Igala, whose kingdom flourished well before and after the 14th century, occupies a higher pedestal in terms of history, cultural roots, and legitimacy. The Igala Kingdom never came under the caliphate’s domain and continues to represent deep-rooted indigenous authority far older and more authentically Nigerian than the Sokoto Sultanate.

3. The Tor Tiv Represents a Powerful, Independent Cultural Identity
The Tiv Nation, one of the largest ethnolinguistic groups in Nigeria, was never conquered by the Sokoto Caliphate. The Tor Tiv stands as the supreme symbol of a proud, resilient people who were acephalous and thrived independently before colonial rule. To ask that the Tor Tiv permanently defer to the Sultan in council matters is a gross distortion of historical facts and a violation of indigenous dignity.

4. The Nupe Kingdom Preceded the Sokoto Caliphate
The Nupe Kingdom, with a proud lineage dating back to the 15th century, has its own deep-rooted traditional structures. Even though Fulani jihadists eventually imposed Islamic rule in Nupe land post-1835, the Etsu Nupe today still represents an enduring cultural institution that predates the Caliphate. In no logical or historical context can the Caliphate claim seniority or supremacy over Nupe tradition.

5. Sultan is Primarily a Religious Leader, Not a Secular Traditional Monarch
In Nigeria today, the Sultan of Sokoto is widely acknowledged as the spiritual head of all Nigerian Muslims, particularly across the 19 Northern States and the FCT. His spiritual leadership role is fundamentally religious. It is not secular. Therefore, his institutionalised leadership over a national council of traditional rulers would alienate Christians, traditional worshippers, and other faiths, violating the secular spirit of Nigeria’s Constitution. It would also skew the balance of representation in favour of Islam, thereby promoting religious supremacy under the guise of traditional unity.

6 Kanem Borno Historical/Islamic Legacy Outranks Sokoto Caliphate
Though the Kanuri people are not part of the Middle Belt, the truth must however be told: the Shehu of Borno ranks higher than the Sultan of Sokoto in historical standing. Kanem-Borno embraced Islam as early as the 11th century (circa 1085 AD), long before the 1804 Sokoto Jihad, which never conquered Borno. It is therefore left for the Kanuri people to state their position on this matter.

7. The Sultan’s Patronage of MACBAN and the Fulani Crisis
It is on public record that the Sultan of Sokoto is the permanent patron of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), an organisation whose name has become closely linked with violent Fulani herdsmen, who are responsible for thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions, especially in the Middle Belt. The Sultan has not done enough to condemn or dissociate himself from these atrocities. Making him a permanent co-chairman under such circumstances is a grievous insult to the thousands of victims who continue to suffer under Fulani militia attacks.

8. The Middle Belt Cannot Continue to Defer to the Sokoto Sultanate
Sixty-five years after Nigeria’s independence, the Middle Belt can no longer accept a subordinate position to the Sultanate of Sokoto or any traditional institution that does not reflect our history, culture, or aspirations.
Historically, the diverse ethnic nationalities of the Middle Belt resisted the incursions of Usman Dan Fodio’s jihadists. While Hausaland fell under the control of Dan Fodio’s forces in the early 1800s, the Middle Belt remained largely unconquered, preserving its distinct identity and sovereignty.
The imposition of the indirect rule system by the British colonial administration altered this dynamic. By forcefully placing our autonomous communities under the control of Emirate systems—most notably the Sokoto Caliphate—the colonial authorities created an artificial hierarchy that granted undue privilege and influence to Fulani-dominated Emirates over the indigenous peoples of the Middle Belt and beyond.
More than six decades after the end of colonial rule, it is unacceptable for any traditional authority to be elevated above others, particularly in a democratic Nigeria that champions equality, justice, and federal character.

*Our Position*

In light of the above, the Middle Belt Forum hereby states emphatically that:

i) If the Senate passes this bill with the contentious clause and it is assented to by the President, we will mobilise all ethnic nationalities across the Middle Belt to boycott participation in the Council.

ii) Traditional rulers of the Middle Belt will neither recognise nor attend meetings of a Council whose leadership is permanently skewed in favour of a non-indigenous, religiously aligned and a lesser monarch  status to our traditional rulers.

iii) We shall, in accordance with constitutional liberties, form our own autonomous Council of Middle Belt Traditional Rulers, which shall reflect the historical, cultural, and moral values of our people.

The Path Forward:

To preserve national unity, equity, and fairness, we propose the following:

(a) The Chairmanship of the Council should be rotational. It should cut across all geo-political zones or ethnic blocs

(b) It should also be tenure-based in a manner that  gives all traditional rulers and their peoples a sense of belonging and dignity.

(c) Another alternative is for traditional rulers themselves to democratically choose their chairperson(s) through a transparent, inclusive process that reflects Nigeria’s pluralism.

(d) Such a Council must reflect the values of equality, justice, and historical truth.

Conclusion.

The Middle Belt Forum stands firm in its belief that true national cohesion can only be achieved through fairness, mutual respect, and recognition of our rich historical diversities.

Any attempt to impose a permanent religious figurehead on a national institution of traditional rulers is a violation of Nigeria’s secular character, cultural heritage, and federal structure. We shall resist it using every lawful and democratic means available to us.

Signed:
Luka Binniyat

National Spokesman,
Middle Belt Forum (MBF)
27th July 2025
  Abuja, Nigeria

Establishment Of National Council For Traditional Rulers Bill, Middle Belt Opposes Contentious Clause

By
News Editor
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PRESS STATEMENT
The Position of the Middle Belt Forum on the Proposed Legislation Making the Sultan of Sokoto, Permanent Co-chairmen of National Council for Traditional Rulers of Nigeria

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) wishes to categorically express its firm opposition to a contentious clause in the National Council for Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024, currently before the National Assembly. The Bill, sponsored by Senator Simon Bako Lalong (Plateau South), who is respected son of the Middle Belt and the Gwad-Goemai of the Goemai ethnic nation, has passed its second reading as of March 2025 and is now under consideration by the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service.

At the heart of the controversy lies a deeply troubling clause in the Bill which proposes that the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife be made permanent co-chairmen of the proposed National Council for Traditional Rulers.

While we leave our esteemed partners from the Southern region, to determine their position on the inclusion of the Ooni of Ife, the Middle Belt Forum unequivocally rejects, abhors, and condemns the institutionalisation of the Sultan of Sokoto as a permanent co-chairman of this proposed council.

This rejection is anchored on strong historical, cultural, constitutional, and moral grounds, which we now outline in clear terms:

1. The Sokoto Sultanate is Historically Junior to Middle Belt Monarchies

Historically, the Sokoto Caliphate is a relatively young institution compared to ancient kingdoms and confederacies in the Middle Belt. For instance, the Kwararafa Confederacy, which flourished for centuries, predates the Caliphate.
It is a historically documented fact that the confederate state of Kwarafa existed right back to circa 800s-1700s A.D. The Aku Uka of Wukari, its current spiritual heir, represents a legacy that predates Sokoto Caliphate’s very existence. The Sultan of Sokoto can therefore not supersede the Aku Uka of Wukari in status and prestige to seat over him as Chairman of the Traditional Council created by law.

2. The Attah of Igala Ranks Higher in Historical and Traditional Status
The Attah of Igala, whose kingdom flourished well before and after the 14th century, occupies a higher pedestal in terms of history, cultural roots, and legitimacy. The Igala Kingdom never came under the caliphate’s domain and continues to represent deep-rooted indigenous authority far older and more authentically Nigerian than the Sokoto Sultanate.

3. The Tor Tiv Represents a Powerful, Independent Cultural Identity
The Tiv Nation, one of the largest ethnolinguistic groups in Nigeria, was never conquered by the Sokoto Caliphate. The Tor Tiv stands as the supreme symbol of a proud, resilient people who were acephalous and thrived independently before colonial rule. To ask that the Tor Tiv permanently defer to the Sultan in council matters is a gross distortion of historical facts and a violation of indigenous dignity.

4. The Nupe Kingdom Preceded the Sokoto Caliphate
The Nupe Kingdom, with a proud lineage dating back to the 15th century, has its own deep-rooted traditional structures. Even though Fulani jihadists eventually imposed Islamic rule in Nupe land post-1835, the Etsu Nupe today still represents an enduring cultural institution that predates the Caliphate. In no logical or historical context can the Caliphate claim seniority or supremacy over Nupe tradition.

5. Sultan is Primarily a Religious Leader, Not a Secular Traditional Monarch
In Nigeria today, the Sultan of Sokoto is widely acknowledged as the spiritual head of all Nigerian Muslims, particularly across the 19 Northern States and the FCT. His spiritual leadership role is fundamentally religious. It is not secular. Therefore, his institutionalised leadership over a national council of traditional rulers would alienate Christians, traditional worshippers, and other faiths, violating the secular spirit of Nigeria’s Constitution. It would also skew the balance of representation in favour of Islam, thereby promoting religious supremacy under the guise of traditional unity.

6 Kanem Borno Historical/Islamic Legacy Outranks Sokoto Caliphate
Though the Kanuri people are not part of the Middle Belt, the truth must however be told: the Shehu of Borno ranks higher than the Sultan of Sokoto in historical standing. Kanem-Borno embraced Islam as early as the 11th century (circa 1085 AD), long before the 1804 Sokoto Jihad, which never conquered Borno. It is therefore left for the Kanuri people to state their position on this matter.

7. The Sultan’s Patronage of MACBAN and the Fulani Crisis
It is on public record that the Sultan of Sokoto is the permanent patron of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), an organisation whose name has become closely linked with violent Fulani herdsmen, who are responsible for thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions, especially in the Middle Belt. The Sultan has not done enough to condemn or dissociate himself from these atrocities. Making him a permanent co-chairman under such circumstances is a grievous insult to the thousands of victims who continue to suffer under Fulani militia attacks.

8. The Middle Belt Cannot Continue to Defer to the Sokoto Sultanate
Sixty-five years after Nigeria’s independence, the Middle Belt can no longer accept a subordinate position to the Sultanate of Sokoto or any traditional institution that does not reflect our history, culture, or aspirations.
Historically, the diverse ethnic nationalities of the Middle Belt resisted the incursions of Usman Dan Fodio’s jihadists. While Hausaland fell under the control of Dan Fodio’s forces in the early 1800s, the Middle Belt remained largely unconquered, preserving its distinct identity and sovereignty.
The imposition of the indirect rule system by the British colonial administration altered this dynamic. By forcefully placing our autonomous communities under the control of Emirate systems—most notably the Sokoto Caliphate—the colonial authorities created an artificial hierarchy that granted undue privilege and influence to Fulani-dominated Emirates over the indigenous peoples of the Middle Belt and beyond.
More than six decades after the end of colonial rule, it is unacceptable for any traditional authority to be elevated above others, particularly in a democratic Nigeria that champions equality, justice, and federal character.

*Our Position*

In light of the above, the Middle Belt Forum hereby states emphatically that:

i) If the Senate passes this bill with the contentious clause and it is assented to by the President, we will mobilise all ethnic nationalities across the Middle Belt to boycott participation in the Council.

ii) Traditional rulers of the Middle Belt will neither recognise nor attend meetings of a Council whose leadership is permanently skewed in favour of a non-indigenous, religiously aligned and a lesser monarch  status to our traditional rulers.

iii) We shall, in accordance with constitutional liberties, form our own autonomous Council of Middle Belt Traditional Rulers, which shall reflect the historical, cultural, and moral values of our people.

The Path Forward:

To preserve national unity, equity, and fairness, we propose the following:

(a) The Chairmanship of the Council should be rotational. It should cut across all geo-political zones or ethnic blocs

(b) It should also be tenure-based in a manner that  gives all traditional rulers and their peoples a sense of belonging and dignity.

(c) Another alternative is for traditional rulers themselves to democratically choose their chairperson(s) through a transparent, inclusive process that reflects Nigeria’s pluralism.

(d) Such a Council must reflect the values of equality, justice, and historical truth.

Conclusion.

The Middle Belt Forum stands firm in its belief that true national cohesion can only be achieved through fairness, mutual respect, and recognition of our rich historical diversities.

Any attempt to impose a permanent religious figurehead on a national institution of traditional rulers is a violation of Nigeria’s secular character, cultural heritage, and federal structure. We shall resist it using every lawful and democratic means available to us.

Signed:
Luka Binniyat

National Spokesman,
Middle Belt Forum (MBF)
27th July 2025
  Abuja, Nigeria

Circulation Of Fake Cables, Electrical Wires In Nigerian Market Worries Distributors, Alert Regulatory Agencies

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News Editor
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Distributors of cable electrical wires in Nigeria have raised alarm over the proliferation of fake wires in the markets with attendance consequences, such as electrical hazards and the nation’s economy.

They argued that the issue comes with negative implications as it  discouraged investment in local manufacturing and increase the risk of fires and other electrical hazards, leading to further economic losses.

They asserted these during the 2025 Customers’ Forum meeting organised by the Northern Cables Processing and Manufacturing Company (NOCACO) in Kaduna at the weekend.

Fake and substandard electrical cables, they further emphasized, significantly harm Nigeria’s economy by incrbeasing maintenance costs, causing system downtime, leading to liability issues, and damaging the reputations of electricians and contractors.

Speaking on behalf of the distributors at the meeting, Chief Anthony Abiakam and Mr. Sunday Micheal urged the government and other relevants agencies to rise to the occasion and strictly address the issue of fake cables and wires in circulation in the Nigerian market.

In his remarks, the Managing Director and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NOCACO, Dr. Tunde Orija, explained that the meeting was to get feedback from the distributors who are directly dealing with the public on how the industry is supporting the economic growth of the country.

While fielding questions from the newsmen during the meeting, Orija disclosed that in the last one year, the company has maintained a stable price of its products despite the fluctuation in the price of dollars.

Orija, while proffering solutions to the issue of fake electrical cable wires in the country, he said that government must improve on its enforcement, while the relevant regulatory agencies must also ensure that only certified products are allowed into the market

” Today’s meeting is part of our effort as a company to create awareness on our own role in the fight against proliferation of fake cables and wires in the Nigerian markets. This is to let people to know that there are fake products of cables and wires in the market, which are not good for the economy of the country and the safety of the people. It is an environmental and sustainability issues that must be confronted.

” All the stakeholders, we must have collaborative effort to fight the evil of fake product of cables and wires in the markets,” Orija emphasized.

While appreciating the company, the distributors acknowledged the standard and the stability in the prices of its products, though, they  asked for reduction in the products’ prices and to also maintain the high standard.

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Experts Link Rising Mining Revenue To New Licence Rates, Strategic Promotion

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News Editor
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By Martha Agas

Experts have linked the rise in Nigeria’s mining revenue to new licence rates and strategic promotion of the sector, which has led to increased investment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Minster of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, had stated that in 2024, Nigeria’s mining sector secured more than 800 million dollars in investments for processing projects.

Alake said government revenue from the sector increased significantly from ₦6 billion in 2023 to ₦38 billion in 2024, attributing this to stricter licencing, the value addition policy, and measures against illegal mining.

The experts including Akinade Olatunji, a Professor of Geology at the University of Ibadan who spoke to NAN, noted  that the mining licence rates introduced in 2024 contributed to sanitising the sector, increasing Nigeria’s GDP, and attracting more investors to the sector.

Also, the immediate past president of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), Olatunji said the revocation of dormant licences sent a strong message that attracted genuine investors to the sector.

“Firmer implementation of the rule of use it or lose it has also helped, as those who had dormant and unpaid licences are complying more, otherwise, they will lose their licenses.

“ We must also state that the campaign to redirect attention to the sector seems to have caught the attention of Nigerians and foreign investors alike.

“Additionally, there is also an upsurge in increased investment by licence owners.

“There are no so many active exploration works ongoing in several parts of the country, so this has also led to increased job availability for professionals in the sectors

“There is also an increased attention in building of processing plants in the country, owing to the policy on value addition from the government,” he said.

According to him, a sustenance of the policy will ensure that the fruits from these investments are sustainable.

Also, Shekwonyadu Iyakwari, a Professor  of Applied Mineralogy and Exploration Geology at the Federal University of Lafia, hailed the revenue growth but said more should be done to add value to minerals before export.

Iyakwari noted that policies requiring mining companies to process their products locally would create jobs, provide roads, power, and water for host communities.

According to him, the policies will open up these areas to more economic activities and development.

“Also, most of these ores mined contain other economic minerals or metals, but in most cases, only one or a few are declared by the companies.

“When companies start processing here, we will see that what we allow them to export is beyond what is declared. Processing locally will go a long way in helping our economy,” he said.

The professor commended the government for introducing the value addition policy in 2024, which required mining companies to present concrete plans for adding value before they were given licences to operate.

He, however, said that proper and strict implementation was needed to further improve the sector’s revenue, and that the policy should also be extended to existing companies, that would need to be encouraged to do the same.

SWAN Salutes Super Falcons’ Over Historic WAFCON Feat, Bolaji On Para-Badminton Triumph In Cardiff

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News Editor
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1

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has congratulated the Super Falcons for their history-making performance at the just concluded 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) which ensured that they won record 10th title in Rabat, Morocco.

SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin in a statement via the association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Sunday, in Abuja, said the team’s victorious outing especially their comeback win against host Morocco in the final, was a testament of commitment and focus.

President Benjamin who noted that no effort should be spared in rewarding both the players and officials of Super Falcons, expressed optimism that Nigeria’s Sports ecosystem is capable of turning the economic tide of the country if well harnessed.

“On behalf of teeming Sports Writers in Nigeria, I congratulate the Super Falcons for exhibiting resilience in their pursuit and fulfillment in winning the 10th WAFCON title. The outcome of their display shows that as a nation, we can achieve greater heights in any endeavour.

“I’m particularly delighted with the steady growth of Women football in the continent. It goes to show that there’s more ahead. I couldn’t imagine the massive followership that greeted the just concluded WAFCON. The final matchday was spectacular.

“Though the match was played into late night, yet many football and even non-enthusiasts kept awake to catch a glimpse of what their darling team were up to. All that is needed is for government, corporate bodies and well-to-do individuals to channel greater attention to sports by investing in infrastructure and human development,” he said.

Also, the SWAN President has thumbs-up Nigeria’s 2024 Paralympic Games bronze medalist, Eniola Bolaji, who triumphed over all her opponents to clinch gold medal at the 2025 British and Irish Para-Badminton International.

Remarkably, Bolaji at the final of the women’s SL3 category, defeated world No. 1 and Tokyo Paralympic silver medalist, Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh of Indonesia to emerge champion at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff on Saturday.

“Eniola Bolaji has maintained a level of consistency on her sporting career path. All she and other Nigerian athletes (both elite and upcoming ones) need is continuous support,” he said.

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