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
NMMA shortlist 972 entries for 2026 awards
NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.
The Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA) said that it has shortlisted 972 of 1,112 entries for this year’s awards.
The Chairman of the NMMA Panel of Assessors, Otunba Dele Adetiba, said that the entries for the 34th edition cut across print, radio, and television categories.
Chairman of the NMMA Board of Trustees, Prof. Dayo Duyile, said that the award was established in 1990 to promote professionalism, ethical journalism and excellence among media practitioners.
Duyile, a veteran journalist and academic, said the NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.
News
Nigerian Law school student dies after falling from hostel rooftop
The deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
•Faith Alayande
A Nigerian Law School student identified as Faith Alayande, is dead after she fell from the rooftop at Lagos campus.
In a statement on Monday, Aderonke Osho, secretary to the council and director of administration, said that the deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
Osho said preliminary findings revealed that the student died from injuries sustained after falling from the rooftop of the campus hostel around 4am on Friday.
The Nigerian Law School is deeply saddened by this tragic development.
“Management is working closely with the appropriate authorities and the family to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, ensure that all necessary procedures are duly followed, and provide further information as appropriate.”
News
Ekwulobia Suspends New Yam Festival for Kidnap Billionaire Son
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
• Joseph Ezeokafor
Ekwulobia community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has cancelled its New Yam festival celebration billed for September 4, 2026.
Ohibaba.com learned that this is because of the kidnap of billionaire businessman and owner of Jezco Group of Companies, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor.
Ezeokafor was kidnapped in Awka on Tuesday last week when he stepped out of his house without his security details to attend to his spiritual need, where he goes to offer prays.
Public Relations Officer of Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who confirmed the development said that serious operation is currently ongoing to save the elder statesman.
His kidnap has sent his community into mourning, causing the postponement of the new Yam festival, an annual festival which holds on a static date every year.
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
“The Igwe said the community of Ekwulobia cannot celebrate while their son remains in the custody of the kidnappers,” the source said.
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