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Former Sports Minister Lawal dies at 83

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A former Nigerian Minister of Youth and Sports Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Hamed Lawal (rtd) is dead.

According to his daughter, Mrs. Yinka Enahoro, AVM Lawal died in his sleep on  Sunday, June 23at his home. He was  83.

The Sergeant at Arms at the National Assembly, Air Commodore Sani Zakari (rtd), who also confirmed the ex-minister’s death to the media noted that the funeral was to be held yesterday.

“AVM Frank Ajobena (rtd) further informed us that AVM Bayo Lawal passed on in his sleep at the early hours of Sunday 23 Jun 24,” Zakari said.

AVM was born on 14 September, 1941 in Offa, Kwara State.

He attended Government College, Ibadan between 1955 and 1962 before joining the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in 1963 among the pioneer officers.

Lawal was trained as a Military Pilot in West Germany from where he graduated in 1964.

His postings included Commander, NAF Port Harcourt (1969–1970), Commander, Enugu Air Force Base, 1970-72; NAF Kano twice; (1972–1973) and (1975–1977) and Air Officer Commanding HQ Tactical Air Command NAF Makurdi. (1977–1978).

AVM Lawal was a very active and vibrant fighter pilot who was at a point the Commander, Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi, 1977-78, before his appointment as Military Governor of Benue State in July 1978 until October 1979.

At one time, he was Director of Air Faculty Command and Staff College Jaji. He was later appointed Federal Minister of Youth and Sports.

After retirement, he went into business and philanthropy. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.

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Standard-Times Newspaper Publisher, Ayo Fadimu Sets for Induction into Abeokuta Sports Club

Established in 1904, Abeokuta Sports Club is recognized as the oldest social club in West Africa, originally founded as a relaxation hub for members of the West African Command Headquarters.

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The Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Standard-Times Newspaper, Mr. Ayo Fadimu, is set to be inducted into the prestigious Abeokuta Sports Club on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Established in 1904, Abeokuta Sports Club is recognized as the oldest social club in West Africa, originally founded as a relaxation hub for members of the West African Command Headquarters.

The club has evolved into a gathering place for elites in the region, while its membership comprises prominent public figures, including influential politicians, business moguls, and respected professionals from various sectors.

Mr. Fadimu’s upcoming induction is a testament to his significant impact in the field of journalism and media in Nigeria, as Standard-Times Newspaper has been lauded for its commitment to ethical journalism, factual reporting, and public enlightenment.

The induction ceremony is anticipated to be a high-profile event, attracting dignitaries, club members, media personalities, and well-wishers from various sectors across the country.

In anticipation of the ceremony, Mr. Fadimu expressed his gratitude thus: “Being recognized and considered for membership in such a historic and respected institution is truly an honor.

The Abeokuta Sports Club represents a legacy of excellence and service and I look forward to joining hands with other esteemed members in promoting the club’s legacy and social impact”.

Beyond inducting and celebrating Mr. Fadimu’s personal accomplishments, the event also highlights the Abeokuta Sports Club’s enduring commitment to excellence, community leadership, and recognition of individuals who have made notable contributions to society.

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President Federation Cup: NFF unveils venues, dates for quater-finals

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The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has announced venues and dates for the quater-final of the President Federation Cup.

Plateau United and Rangers will clash at the Area 3 Stadium in Abuja.

The encounter between Akwa United and Kwara United will be played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

Abakaliki FC abd Nasarawa United will lock horns at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, while Wikki Tourists and Ikorodu City clash is billed for the Bwari Stadium in Abuja.

All the matches will kick-off at 4pm on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025.

The winner of the competition will represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup next year.

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U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles Coach Unveils 24- Man Squad

The team is scheduled to play a series of warm-up matches in Egypt before their group opener against Tunisia on May 1.

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Head coach of the U-20 national team, Flying Eagles, Aliy Zubairu, has unveiled a 24-man squad for the upcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 2025 U-20 AFCON will take place from April 27 to May 18.

Zubairu named first-choice goalkeeper, Ifeanyi Harcourt, defender and captain, Daniel Bameyi, midfielder Sulaiman Alabi, and forward Kparobo Arierhi in the squad.

The squad is a blend of home-based and foreign players who have intensified training in Abuja ahead of the tournament.

Some of the top foreign-based players invited include: Emmanuel Chukwu, Precious Benjamin, all of German outfit TSG Hoffenheim and Kparobo Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway).

The Flying Eagles, who are seven-time African champions and two-time FIFA Under-20 World Cup runners-up, will depart Nigeria on Sunday for Cairo in a bid to clinch an eighth continental title.

The team is scheduled to play a series of warm-up matches in Egypt before their group opener against Tunisia on May 1.

They will then face Morocco on May 4, followed by a clash against Kenya on May 7 to wrap up the group games.

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