Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has been suspended from all legislative activities for six months.

The Senate had earlier proposed a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following a probe by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.

The investigation concluded that she had “totally violated” Senate regulations.

This followed her confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over sitting arrangements.

Natasha’s suspension is set to last for six months.

However, the senator will not be allowed within the premises of the National Assembly while her suspension lasts. Additionally, her security details will be withdrawn.

However, in a viral video after her suspension, Senator Natasha said, “This injustice will not be sustained,” before her microphone was yanked off.

Natasha had on Monday failed to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Rules, and Code of Conduct who invited Natasha.

Two teachers at Ibru College, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, were caught on camera engaging in a physical fight inside the staff room.

The video which was shared on Facebook by Nkeiru Udoh Ogosi on Wednesday was captioned, “Two ,teachers fighting in Ibru College Agbara-Otor in Delta State. What a shameful act. I wonder what they are impacting on the children.”

The video which has since gone viral video shows two male teachers attacking each other while their colleagues screamed and made frantic calls.

Students and other staff members were also seen peering through the windows to witness the altercation. Despite multiple attempts to separate them, the two male teachers continued their brawl.

The altercation is said to have occurred on Wednesday, March 6, 2025. Though the reason behind the clash remains unclear.

Many have condemned the teachers’ behavior, calling it an embarrassing display and a poor example for students who look up to them for guidance and discipline.

Brig. Gen. Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu has officially assumed duty as the 23rd Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, taking over from Brigadier General YD Ahmed.

The handing-over ceremony, which took place at the NYSC Headquarters in Abuja, marked a new chapter for the scheme as Nafiu pledged to leverage his extensive military and peacekeeping experience to advance the goals of the NYSC.

This was stated in a release shared on the agency’s X and Facebook pages on Thursday.

“Nafiu, a seasoned artillery officer and member of the 47 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, previously served as Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General OO Oluyede, and his predecessor, the late Lt. General TA Lagbaja, CFR.

“He holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and a Master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria,” the statement read.

In his inaugural address, Nafiu highlighted his commitment to the scheme’s mandate of fostering national unity and youth development.

“I am honoured to lead this noble institution at a time when the role of our youth in national integration and development has never been more critical,” he stated.

“My administration will focus on enhancing the welfare, security, and professional development of corps members across the country.”
Drawing from his vast experience in peacekeeping missions with the United Nations in Liberia, Sudan, and South Sudan, Nafiu expressed his readiness to strengthen the scheme’s management and operational efficiency.

“My diverse exposure to multicultural environments and organisational policy formulation will guide my leadership approach,” he added.

“General Nafiu’s impressive military career includes serving as a United Nations Military Observer in Sudan, where he played a key role in monitoring the South Sudan Independence Referendum in 2011, and as a Staff Officer in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

“His leadership journey also saw him command artillery regiments multiple times, including in the North-East theatre of operations,” the statement further noted.

According to the release, he is expected to bring a blend of strategic foresight and practical leadership to the NYSC, leveraging his background in critical and systems thinking to implement policies that enhance the scheme’s impact on national development.

As the new Director-General settles into his role, the NYSC community and stakeholders are optimistic that his tenure will usher in a new era of progress and transformation for the scheme, the release concluded.

Armed military men Thursday morning stormed the Ikeja Electric headquarters, brutalising civilians and destroying the property of the power company.

The power firm had disconnected a logistics base of the Nigerian Air Force for failing to pay a multimillion-naira debt.

The armed officers from the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base in Ikeja, at about 7:40 a.m., invaded the company’s head office at Alausa in Lagos, abducting the Ikeja DisCo CEO Folake Soeta after brutalising the workers.

Another set of military men were reported to have launched an onslaught on IKEDC’s branch in Ago Palace Way, Okota.

NAF and IKEDC could not be immediately reached for comments.

Viral videos captured the armed men, forcing several employees of the power company to go on their knees.

Meanwhile, the police command in Lagos has denied any involvement in the violent raid.

“The police were not involved in that incident. Meanwhile, normalcy has returned to the area, and the police are on the ground to ensure that the restored normalcy is maintained,” Benjamin Hundeyin, the command’s spokesman, told Peoples Gazette.

The Sam Ethnan Air Force Base has been without power for two weeks following its disconnection by the energy firm over a multimillion-naira debt. An agreement was reached for NAF to pay IKEDC a monthly sum of ₦60 million to ensure a daily electricity supply of 10 to 12 hours to the base.

However, a reliable source said the prolonged power outage compromised the base’s safety and security and confirmed the base had consistently kept to its part of the bargain.

According to the source, his concern is about the operational warehouse housing high-calibre armaments, which are reportedly at risk due to rising temperatures caused by the failure of the cooling systems.

The source said NAF paid up to N60 million in excess for the bill in November, and there were no returns or any accounting for the balance.

Bishop Alfred ‘Lahojah’ Ogunnusi of the Cherubim & Seraphim Unification Church has apologised over the tongue-to-tongue anointing ritual he conducted.

A viral video had captured the cleric performing the ritual with a younger bishop.

The ritual elicited flurry of reactions with many expressing shock and disapproval over the action.

Lahojah, while defending his action in another live video, said: “I thank God that everything that happened occurred while I was still alive and not after I was gone.

“The work of God will not be destroyed through me, and everything I do is biblical. I don’t do anything that is not biblical. Since I have been practising this, the Bible has been my guide, and I have done everything through the blood of Jesus.

“Please look at Genesis 48:10, which says: ‘Now Israel’s eyesight was poor because of old age; he could hardly see. Joseph brought his sons to him, and his father kissed them, embraced them, and advised them.’ Can you hear me now? That’s it! This is not from my knowledge but from God.”

But in what appears to be u-turn, the cleric in another live video monitored by The Nation, apologised to the Cherubim & Seraphim Unification Church and the Christian community.

He said: “My name is Eminence Baba Aladura Alfred Oluwasegun Okikiola Ogunnusi, also known as Lahojah.

“Please don’t be angry. Everyone who believes what I did was wrong, please forgive me.

“I seek forgiveness. What happened in the viral video was what I did, and I led the session. I greet all pastors and Christians and ask them to forgive and not be angry.”

The Cherubim & Seraphim Unification Church, in its earlier reaction to the controversial tongue-to-tongue anointing and Ogunnusi’s defence, distanced itself from his action.

The church condemned the act in a statement titled ‘Vexatious Anointing of a Bishop by a Self-Acclaimed Church Leader: Our View’.

They described it as disturbing, labelling Ogunnusi’s actions despicable before God and man.

The Nigerian Air Force has taken delivery of the Air Mobile First Aid Unit, a cutting-edge medical facility to strengthen efficient response to medical emergencies.

The German Technical Advisory Group set up the unit under a bilateral agreement between Nigeria and Germany.

The chief of defence staff, Christopher Musa, described the event as special to the fight against insurgency and other criminals in the country.

He said the Nigerian Armed Forces benefited immensely from the agreement, especially the Equipment Aid Programme.

Mr Musa said that the EAP covered the Medical Emergency Project at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, the mechatronics project at AFEME, the Counter Improvised Explosive Devices at NASME, and the Reconnaissance Wing Project at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, among other projects.

The defence chief said the unit would strengthen medical emergencies, as it would provide emergency treatment, including minor surgeries to injured personnel to save lives.

Mr Musa said, “The unit can be deployed for a maximum of 72 hours to any part of the country and consists of a triage, theatre and a recovery ward.

“This project involves setup training, implementation and construction of molecular medical treatment facility for operation in order to ensure immediate and rapid medical support to personnel of the AFN.”

He said that under the agreement, several personnel had been trained in Aero Medical Emergency, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and provision of medical utility vehicles for Teams A and B.

According to him, it also involves the provision of medical tentages and the construction of a training hall, among others.

Mr Musa thanked the German government’s laudable efforts and assured that the Nigerian Air Force would put the facility to optimal benefit.

The Federal Road Safety Corps has appealed to the Nigerian public to comply with traffic laws and regulations to reduce the high rate of crashes on the roads.

The FRSC spokesman, Olusegun Ogungbemide, said Thursday in Abuja, that public support and cooperation were essential in ensuring a safe and secure motoring environment.

Mr Ogungbemide, who expressed concern over the high rate of casualties on Nigerian roads, attributed it to impunity and disregard for traffic laws.

He disclosed that the corps had recorded a high number of crashes and fatalities resulting from reckless driving, overloading, and mix loading.

He also said that advanced countries being celebrated for their development did not achieve their status without the support and cooperation of their citizens.

He noted that these countries have well-developed systems and laws in place, which were strictly enforced and complied with by their citizens.

He stressed the need for Nigeria to replicate the same level of development and safety on its roads with citizens complying with traffic laws and regulations.

Mr Ogungbemide also said compliance with traffic laws was crucial in preventing crashes and saving lives, emphasising that the laws were in place to ensure harmony, security, and safety.

The FRSC spokesman also cautioned against “mix loading” and overloading, which he said could lead to crashes and fatalities.

Mr Ogungbemide, however, said the corps would continue to enforce traffic laws and regulations and urged the public to cooperate with its personnel.

He appealed to the public to support the FRSC’s efforts to ensure safety on Nigerian roads, adding that it helps the corps in achieving its goal of reducing crashes and fatalities on the nation’s roads.

Authorities in the United States have arrested and charged a Nigerian national who was accused of defrauding Americans in a sprawling benefits scheme.

An indictment unsealed Wednesday said Matthew Abiodun Akande, based in Mexico, was the ringleader of a syndicate that used the personal identifying information of Americans to request about $8.1 million in social benefits from the government. At least $1.3 million was received by Mr Akande, who appeared preliminarily in a Boston, Massachusetts, court on Wednesday.

Mr Akande, 36, was arrested at London Heathrow on October 24, 2024, and his extradition was completed with his transfer to Boston on March 5, U.S. prosecutors said.

He used “fraudulent phishing emails to be sent to five Massachusetts tax preparation firms,” prosecutors said.

“The emails purported to be from a prospective client seeking the tax preparation firms’ services but in truth were used to trick the firms into downloading remote access trojan malicious software (RAT malware), including malware known as Warzone RAT,” they added.

Officials said Mr Akande “allegedly used the RAT malware to obtain the PII and prior year tax information of the tax preparation firms’ clients.”

Stolen funds were transferred to Mexico, with authorities identifying at least “1,000 fraudulent tax returns seeking over $8.1 million in fraudulent tax refunds over approximately five years,” adding that the fraudsters “successfully obtained over $1.3 million in fraudulent tax refunds.”

His co-conspirator, Kehinde Oyetunji, another Nigerian national, had previously been charged and sentenced to prison over his role in the vast scheme, which authorities said was carried out between June 2016 and June 2021.

Mr Akande faces several counts of stealing government funds and identity theft. He was summarily remanded in prison pending the appointment of an attorney and trial.

The case comes amid a flurry of high-profile prosecutions of internet fraudsters of Nigerian origin in the U.S. A senior Nigerian politician and a monarch were charged in separate fraud cases in recent weeks.

A yet-to-be-ascertained number of persons was feared dead after a truck conveying a 40-feet container on Tuesday crashed into a shuttle bus, tricycles and pedestrians at the Idemili Junction, near Oba, in the Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The state spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps, Margaret Onabe, confirmed the accident, but said she was still awaiting a detailed report from officers at the scene.

Mrs Onabe said that she would provide updates as soon as possible.

It was gathered that the truck experienced brake failure, while descending a hill, causing the driver to lose control and crash into the shuttle bus, tricycles and other vehicles.

“It crashed into some tricycles loading passengers at the junction and a shuttle bus, trapping people underneath the container, including bystanders waiting for vehicles,” an eyewitness said.

The Israeli military said on Wednesday that its forces demolished the houses of two Palestinians who killed seven people in an attack in Tel Aviv last year.

Videos have shown troops detonating explosives in the homes located in Hebron, a Palestinian city in the south of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Seven people were killed and several more injured in the attack by two men at a light rail station in Jaffa, in the south of Tel Aviv, in October.

One of the assailants was armed with an assault rifle and the other with a knife.

The two men were shot dead.

Hamas, the Palestinian militant group in the Gaza Strip, claimed responsibility.

The demolition of the family homes of Palestinians accused of attacks against Israelis was controversial, with rights organisations decrying the practice as collective punishment.

Israel, however, argues it is an effective deterrent.

A Special Anti-Cultism Court sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Wednesday sentenced a 34-year-old man, Damilare Oyero, to 10-year imprisonment for belonging to a secret society.

The Magistrate, O. L. Oke, convicted Oyero on a three-count charge of belonging to an unlawful society, unlawful possession of a wooden axe, and unlawful conduct causing breach of peace.

Mr Oke held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

He said that pieces of evidence presented by the prosecution were tenable.

He sentenced Oyero to seven years in prison for belonging to a secret cult, two years in prison for being armed with a wooden axe, and one year in prison for behaving in an unruly manner.

According to Mr Oke, the sentences will, however, run concurrently.

The magistrate did not give the convict an option of fine.

He held that the jail terms would be served at the Ibara Correctional Centre in Ogun.

“There is no doubt that there has been an increase in the occurrence of cult-related clashes in Ogun, and it is the duty of the court to send a strong message and warning to the people. I hope this will serve as a lesson and warning to others,” the magistrate said.

During the trial, the prosecutor, Inspector Olaide Rawlings, told the court that Oyero committed the offences on March 26, 2024, about 6.35 p.m. at Ayomide Petrol Station area, near Iyana Mortuary in Abeokuta.

According to Ms Rawlings, the Ibara Police Station received a distressed call about a cult clash at Iyana Mortuary.

She said, “Upon the information, a police team visited the scene and found the defendant with a wooden axe at the scene of the fight which led to his arrest. Also, upon his arrest, the defendant made a confessional statement that he was a member of the Eiye confraternity.”

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 34 and 36 of the Prohibition of Forcible Occupation of Landed Properties, Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Cultism and other Anti Violence Related Matter Law of 2016.

She also said the offences contravened Sections 70 and 80 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court has adjourned the case against controversial musician Habeeb Okikiola a.k.a Portable, to March 26 to enable the prosecution to merge his charges with those of his workers.

When the case against the artist resumed on Wednesday after his earlier arraignment on February 20, the prosecution told the court that it would be a waste of time for the court to hear the case of Portable and that of his workers separately.

Senior State Counsel, Timileyin Oredein, told the court that the musician’s case had a sister case, which needed to be merged before trial begins.

Mr Oredein reminded the court that the musician and nine of his workers were earlier arraigned on February 6 on similar charges.

He said that it would be time wasting if the defendants were tried separately.

Mr Oredein prayed the court to give a short date for the charge to be merged and substituted.

Portable and his workers were arraigned on five-count charge of conspiracy, assault, unlawful obstruction while armed with cutlasses and gun and conduct likely to cause the breach of the peace.

They were also arraigned for allegedly assaulting three officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

Operatives of the Ebonyi State Police Command have arrested a suspect, Ovuta Chigozie, from the Okoffia community in the Ezza South Local Government Area, who was in possession of two human skulls and three locally made guns.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

Ukandu stated that Chigozie confessed that the human skulls were given to him for the preparation of a spiritual concoction.

“Authorities are actively pursuing the individual mentioned in connection with this case,” he said.

The spokesman also revealed that the police in the state have recovered some stolen tricycles in the state.

“While tracking a stolen tricycle, operatives of the command uncovered a criminal syndicate specialising in altering the colours of stolen tricycles from neighbouring states,” stated.

He noted that the operation led to the arrest of four suspects, Nweke Chukwudi, Nwankwo Obinna, John Abba and Uche Abba.

“Three stolen tricycles were recovered from the suspects, who admitted to receiving the vehicles from accomplices for colour modifications”

“All suspects will be charged to court upon the completion of investigations,” he said.

During its routine enforcement of the ban on highways and restricted routes, the Lagos task force has impounded 82 commercial motorcycles (Okada).

The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Mr Osiyemi explained that the areas visited included Alakija, Iyana-Iba, Festac, and Mile 2, as well as Berger Suya inward Mile 2 Oke.

“A total of 82 commercial motorcycles were impounded for violations in all the areas visited,” he said.

He noted that the reduced number of recalcitrant okadas on the highways reflected the positive impact of consistent enforcement and compliance efforts across the state.

“This has significantly reduced the crime rate in the metropolis,” he added.

He said the operation was carried out smoothly, with the highest level of civility and professionalism.

Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the re-appointment of Adebayo Adegbola as the Eleruwa of Eruwa.

Dotun Oyelade, the commissioner for information and civic orientation, announced the re-appointment in a statement on Tuesday.

Mr Adegbola was installed in 1998 but deposed on November 29, 2019, by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“A document by the state’s Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters indicated that the stool of Eleruwa has remained vacant. This is as a result of recent legal proceedings, specifically the dismissal of suit number HER/10/23 by the High Court of Oyo State on October 22.

“In response to the circumstances surrounding the succession, the Laribikusi ruling quarters was unable to submit candidates within the stipulated time frame as stipulated in Section 15(1) of the Chiefs Law Cap 28 of Oyo State.

“Consequently, after due consideration, the esteemed discretion of the governor facilitated the Akalako ruling house to be recognised as the next ruling quarters to nominate candidates,” the Oyo government said in the statement.

It added that, after a thorough selection process, the kingmakers of Eruwa convened and unanimously selected Mr Adegbola from the Akalako ruling house as the candidate to fill the vacant stool.

The Kano government has set up a six-member draft committee to implement the recommendation of the committee of inquiry over the breach of peace during #EndBadGovernance.

Inaugurating the committee on Tuesday in Kano, Governor Abba Yusuf said the committee is tasked with thoroughly examining the report and making further recommendations to prevent future occurrence.

The governor described the violence as a painful experience.

According to him, the loss of lives and the destruction of property valued in billions of naira significantly set Kano back.

The governor reiterated the government’s commitment to taking all necessary measures in order to prevent a recurrence, rebuild the economy, and alleviate the suffering caused by the crisis.

While highlighting the committee’s critical role, the governor expressed confidence that its members’ expertise would ensure a timely and effective response.

The committee is chaired by Dan Yahaya, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services; Aliyu Garo, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, member; and Hadi Bala, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, member; Salisu Marmara – a Ministry of Justice member; Yahaya Umar, director, Planning, Research, and Statistics, Kano State Pension Fund Trustee, secretary; and Jamilu Usman, assistant secretary II, REPA Directorate, SSG’s Office, to serve as assistant secretary.

Speaking on behalf of the members, Mr Yahaya thanked the Kano government and Mr Yusuf for entrusting them with such an important assignment.

He assured that the government that the committee would work hard to justify the confidence placed in them.

President Bola Tinubu has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as an “extraordinary leader and statesman” whose contributions to Nigeria’s development remain indelible.

He also said Obasanjo’s regular interventions in national affairs, sometimes controversial have helped shape public policies and put leaders in check.

In a birthday tribute on Wednesday to mark Obasanjo’s 88th birthday, Tinubu hailed the former president’s decades-long service to the nation, acknowledging his role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape both as a military and civilian leader.

“Providence has constantly thrust General Obasanjo to the forefront at critical junctures in Nigeria’s story,” Tinubu said.

He recounted Obasanjo’s pivotal role in ending the Nigerian Civil War, noting that as a colonel in the Nigerian Army, he received the instrument of surrender from Biafran Army Commander, Col. Philip Effiong, in 1970.

The President also highlighted Obasanjo’s leadership following the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed in 1976, commending his commitment to democracy by overseeing a transition to civilian rule in 1979.

“Twenty years later, in 1999, he emerged as a civilian president, freed from prison a year earlier, to herald the rebirth of another democratic dispensation, which recently clocked 25 years and still counting,” the President stated.

Beyond his time in office, Tinubu acknowledged the former President’s enduring influence in national and global affairs, describing him as an “ambassador of global peace and a troubleshooter,” whose efforts in conflict resolution and governance advocacy have earned him respect across Africa and beyond.

“Sometimes controversial, former President Obasanjo’s regular interventions in national affairs have helped shape public policies and acted as a check on leadership,
” he added.

The president lauded Obasanjo’s statesmanship and dedication to national unity, peace, and progress, praying for continued strength and wisdom for the former leader.

“At 88, the former president is still gaining strength. I pray that God Almighty will grant him more years so the nation and Africa can continue to benefit from his wisdom and knowledge,” Tinubu said.

Residents of Ikot Mfon in Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have appealed to the state government to urgently reconstruct the collapsed Ikot Mfon/Ndiya bridge, which has claimed at least three lives, including schoolchildren.

The bridge, originally built by the military during the Nigerian Civil War, serves as a crucial link for motorists and traders transporting agricultural produce.

Speaking to The PUNCH on Tuesday, a community leader, Ekaette Akpan, who represented the village head, lamented that since the bridge collapsed in 2011, residents have been completely cut off, disrupting social and economic activities.

“Since the bridge collapsed, more than three people have died while trying to cross, including schoolchildren. Apart from the loss of lives, our economic activities have also suffered because this road and bridge are the only access points to Ndiya, which connects us to Eket, Oron, and other parts of Akwa Ibom,” Akpan said.

Flanked by the deputy village head, Obong Safety Tony, Akpan urged Governor Umo Eno to intervene urgently to prevent further casualties.

Meanwhile, a member representing Etinan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Uduak Ekpo-Ufot, had in July 2023 raised the issue before the House, calling for immediate government intervention.

Ekpo-Ufot, in his motion, noted that the bridge, constructed around 1970, had become a death trap, forcing residents to rely on unsafe boats to access education, healthcare, and other essential services in neighbouring communities.

He warned that unless urgent steps are taken, more lives could be lost, and economic hardship in the area would worsen.

Operatives of the Ekiti State Amotekun Corps in Efon Alaaye, Efon Local Government Area, have arrested a 43-year-old woman, Damilola Ajenifuja, for allegedly attacking her son and causing serious injuries to his head.

The Head of Communication for Ekiti Amotekun, Abiodun Adeleye, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Adeleye said the woman hit her nine-year-old son on the head with a pestle.

He stated that the incident happened in Efon Alaaye on Saturday, March 1.

“The suspect mercilessly hit a pestle on her son’s head, which she devised as a punishment measure for his wrongdoings,” he said.

He added, “Upon interrogation by the officers who made the arrest, the suspect confessed to the alleged crime.

“She has been promptly handed over to the Police Division in Efon-Ekiti for further investigation and necessary action.”

At least 11 countries have arrived in Abuja for the 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament, set for March 6-8, 2025, at the Velodrome, Moshood Abiola National Stadium. .

The tournament is part of celebrations for the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS.

Director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, Francis Njoaguani, announced the event on Tuesday at a news conference.

He said that 55 athletes, comprising both male and female wrestlers, would compete to foster unity and regional integration.

According to Njoaguani, the event will feature 11 out of the 12 ECOWAS member states, with 33 male and 22 female wrestlers taking part in individual and team competitions.

He said, “Female wrestlers will compete in the 65kg and 75kg categories, while the male wrestlers will compete in the 85kg, 100kg, and 120kg categories. A total cash prize of 24,000 dollars is up for grabs, with 10,000 dollars for the winning team, 6,000 dollars for second place, and 3,000 dollars for third place. Individual wrestlers can win between 1,000 dollars and 2,500 dollars based on their performance.”

A Deputy Director at the National Sports Commission, Ikana Mbora, stressed the significance of Nigeria hosting the flagship wrestling tournament.

She assured that the NSC, as a key partner in the event, would ensure a seamless competition in accordance with international best practices.

Olufemi Ajao of the NSC and former Secretary of the Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria stated that security and logistics arrangements had been finalised to ensure a successful tournament.

He urged Abuja residents to turn out in large numbers to witness traditional wrestling at its best.

“This will be the best-organised tournament in the competition’s history, so I encourage everyone to come and experience the best of regional African wrestling,” he said.

The tournament marks a historic milestone as Nigeria hosts the event for the first time, which was previously held in Senegal and Niger.

The countries participating in the tournament include Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and hosts Nigeria.

Regional leaders have officially adopted African wrestling as an ECOWAS sport and aim to popularise it for regional integration and Olympic Games status.

African wrestling, a traditional style of West African folk wrestling, is known as Laamb in Senegal, Boreh in The Gambia, and Kokowa in Nigeria and Niger.