News
Nigeria Shines in Bangkok, Secures Multiple Podium Finishes at Global Scrabble Championship
Nigeria has once again reinforced its status as a global scrabble powerhouse after recording impressive results at the prestigious Causeway Scrabble Challenge held in Bangkok, Thailand, from May 29 to June 1, 2026.
The tournament attracted more than 440 players from over 30 countries and is regarded as one of the most competitive scrabble events in the world.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, praised the Nigerian contingent for their resilience and outstanding performance, describing the achievement as further proof of the country’s dominance in international scrabble.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting athletes who continue to make Nigeria proud on the global stage.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s top performer in Division One was Olaribigbe Hakeem, who finished as first runner-up after recording 24 wins and 12 losses from 36 games, with a cumulative spread of +1355 points. His performance placed him among the tournament’s elite competitors.
In Division Three, Mbonu Olachi emerged champion after a dominant campaign that saw him record 27 wins and 9 losses from 36 games. He finished with an impressive spread of +2141 points, securing one of Nigeria’s major podium finishes at the championship.
The Nigerian delegation comprised 31 members, including 26 athletes and five officials. The team featured reigning African Champion Temileyin Doko, National Champion Ezinore George, and Nigeria’s highest-rated player, Jimoh Abdulmumuni.
Young players were also included under the Scrabble-to-Schools Initiative aimed at developing future champions.
Despite visa-related challenges that disrupted preparations and forced some team members to compete almost immediately upon arrival, the athletes displayed remarkable determination.
As Nigeria prepares for the African Scrabble Championships in October and the World Youth Scrabble Championships in Kenya, September, 2026, the latest success in Bangkok further strengthens the country’s reputation as the reigning world scrabble champion nation
News
Ogun Govt Warns Public Against Fraudulent ₦20,000 Youth Empowerment Scam
The Ogun State Government has issued a strong alert to residents over a circulating fraudulent social media message falsely claiming that Governor Dapo Abiodun is offering a ₦20,000 Youth Empowerment Cash Transfer through an online registration link.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the government described the message as “entirely false and fraudulent,” labelling it the handiwork of unscrupulous individuals attempting to defraud unsuspecting members of the public by exploiting the Governor’s name and image.
The government emphasised that no ₦20,000 cash transfer programme is currently being offered by the state. It clarified that the online link being circulated has no connection whatsoever with the Ogun State Government or the Office of the Governor.
Residents have been strongly advised to refrain from clicking the suspicious link, providing any personal or banking details, or forwarding the message to others, as doing so could expose them to financial fraud and identity theft.
“Members of the public should disregard the fake message completely and rely only on information released through the official communication channels for authentic announcements on government programmes and initiatives,” Akinmade said.
The statement further revealed that security agencies have been notified to track down and prosecute those behind the criminal impersonation.
The Ogun State Government reiterated its commitment to protecting residents from such fraudulent schemes and urged the public to remain vigilant against online scams designed to exploit innocent citizens.
News
Kano Gov Yusuf Nominates Garo as Deputy Governor for 2027 Re-election
The Governor said that the decision followed Garo’s outstanding loyalty, commitment, and unwavering passion for the development of Kano State since assuming office as Deputy Governor.
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has officially announced the nomination of his deputy, His Excellency Murtala Sule Galadima Garo, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Monday.
Governor Yusuf made the announcement during a strategic meeting with Federal Political Appointees of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held at the Kano Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.
The Governor said that the decision followed Garo’s outstanding loyalty, commitment, and unwavering passion for the development of Kano State since assuming office as Deputy Governor.
He expressed satisfaction with the working relationship between them, noting that Garo had demonstrated competence, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility in the discharge of his duties.
“I have no regrets for choosing Garo as my Deputy in the last few months, and he has proven to be the right choice so far. I want to confirm to you that I have every confidence in him,” Governor Yusuf declared.
The Governor also passed a vote of confidence on the Deputy Governor, describing him as a dependable partner whose contributions have strengthened the administration’s drive to deliver meaningful development across Kano State.
Governor Yusuf urged party leaders, political appointees, and supporters to remain united and committed as the administration continues to consolidate on its achievements while preparing for the 2027 general elections.
News
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour loses mum
Rhodes-Vivour disclosed the development in a statement posted on his official X account on Monday.
•Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour image credit: Instagram
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has announced the death of his mother, Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour.
Rhodes-Vivour disclosed the development in a statement posted on his official X account on Monday.
The statement, issued on behalf of the family by Olawale Rhodes-Vivour, described the deceased as a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother.
” With sadness in our hearts and gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the call to glory of Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour (née Waboso). A loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother. The epitome of love,” the statement read.
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