The Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Bunmi Adigun, has congratulated media practitioner, Bayo Adegboyega, on his appointment as Consultant on New Media to the National Sports Commission (NSC) under the leadership of the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade.

Adigun described the appointment as well-deserved, expressing confidence that Adegboyega’s professionalism, dedication, and experience would significantly contribute to the commission’s efforts in advancing sports development through effective digital communication.

In a congratulatory message made available to journalists, Adigun, who described Adegboyega as a brother, friend, and colleague, said the appointment was a recognition of years of hard work and commitment to excellence in the media profession.

He prayed for wisdom, strength, and divine guidance for the new consultant, expressing optimism that he would justify the confidence reposed in him.

The NUJ Secretary also lauded the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, popularly known as Ozogbula, for identifying and appointing competent individuals into strategic positions.

According to him, Olopade has consistently demonstrated an uncommon ability to discover talents, mentor young professionals, and create opportunities for deserving people across different sectors.

Adigun noted that his admiration for Olopade’s leadership was borne out of personal experience, recalling his time as Personal Assistant to former Gateway Football Club coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, during Olopade’s tenure as Ogun State Commissioner for Sports.

He added that even while serving in the National Youth Service Corps in Cross River State, he continued to benefit from Olopade’s encouragement and support, describing him as a personal source of inspiration whose leadership has positively impacted many lives.

He therefore congratulated Adegboyega on the new national assignment and urged him to see the appointment as an opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the growth of Nigerian sports.

Adigun expressed confidence that the new consultant would excel in the role and further justify the confidence reposed in him by the National Sports Commission, while wishing him a successful and impactful tenure.

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo (Okukenu IV) has urged Nigerians to develop interest in the game of Polo, describing it as a noble sport that is open to people of all ages.

The royal father made the call on Sunday during the maiden Abeokuta Polo Festival held in Abeokuta, where he shared personal reflections on the enduring appeal of the sport.

A polo enthusiast and player himself, the Alake recalled his interaction with the former Emir of Zazzau, Emir Muhammadu Aminu in 1971. 

He said the Emir, upon seeing a dexterous Yoruba horse rider, remarked that such skill must have been inherited from previous generations.

According to the Alake, Polo is not a game of force alone but one that encourages patience, love, and perseverance.

“Play Polo. Start by riding. Fall down and get up. Polo is called the Game of Kings, and we are all kings. Polo is the game of love. No matter your age, you can play slowly. You don’t have to compete with those who are still strong,” he said.

The monarch also expressed delight at the location of the Abeokuta Polo Club, commending the pace of development at the site.

“I am happy this is situated in Abeokuta. Less than a year ago, they had the groundbreaking, and within a short time, we are already seeing immense development,” he noted.

Earlier, the President of the Abeokuta Polo Club, Dr Sheriff Adams Abdulrahman, said the Club, situated on a 100-acre expanse along the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway, would contribute significantly to the state’s economy by creating hundreds of jobs.

He explained that the Abeokuta Polo Club would go beyond sports to include recreation, hospitality, wellness, and lifestyle facilities with construction work already ongoing at the site.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Abeokuta Polo Festival Organising Committee, Brigadier General Morakinyo Abiodun (rtd), said the Festival was organised to create awareness about the existence of the Abeokuta Polo Club and its benefits.

The Festival was attended by dignitaries including the former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof Saka Matemilola; former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola; the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Sesan Fagbayi; Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka; Permanent Secretary, Culture and Tourism, Dr Qudus Yusuf; former Minister for Agriculture, Najeem Awodele; and the Olu of Siun, Oba Lawrence Adeyinka, among others

The Abeokuta Polo Club had its groundbreaking ceremony in May 2025 and is poised to reposition Abeokuta on the global sporting and recreation map. 

Orile Imo in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State came alive on Monday as young footballers showcased their skills at the Asiwaju Kiddies Football Tournament, a youth-focused sporting event aimed at discovering and nurturing fresh football talents in the community.

The tournament, which drew a large turnout of residents and football enthusiasts, was organized by the Asiwaju of Orile Imo, Asiwaju Olalekan Joseph, as part of activities marking his birthday.

Speaking after the event on Monday, Asiwaju Olalekan Joseph a passionate lover of football and sports, expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his commitment to sports development.

“I thank God and I thank His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun. Early this year, the Governor organized a national sports festival in Ogun State, and that’s where I emulated him. I believe that the youths are the leaders of tomorrow, and Orile Imo is blessed with great football talents,” he said.

He noted that his commitment to sports goes beyond the tournament, emphasizing that he has consistently supported sporting activities and will continue to do so.

Beyond football, the celebrant revealed that his birthday activities would also focus on community development that will include the commissioning of lock-up shops and an estate named “Laleck Estate, Bara, Orile Imo,” along with empowerment programmes for artisans, traders, and widows in the town.

Community leaders and residents commended his efforts. The Youth Leader of the town, Chief Jimoh Olorunsogo, described him as a man who has brought remarkable development to Orile Imo, praying for his long life and continued success.

The Baale of Odofin in Orile Imo, Chief Omolade Sosanya, also praised Asiwaju’s consistency in organizing football tournaments and his support for widows and empowerment initiatives.

“He has been organizing football tournaments for a very long time, and we are very happy with it. He takes care of widows and empowers people with working tools,” he said.