NiDCOM Boss Celebrates Ajayi, Nigerian Sprint Sensation, Anunoby For Excellence Feats

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), celebrates the duo of Nigerian sprint sensation Ajayi Kayinsola on his outstanding achievements at the global athletics stage as well as OG Anunoby, British-Nigerian basketball star on his remarkable performance and historic contribution to the New York Knicks’ dramatic victory in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
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In a congratulatory message to the two Champions, Dabiri-Erewa described them as a shining example of Nigerian excellence, and resilience across the globe.

She commended Ajayi, the young athlete from Ikorodu, Lagos State, for his remarkable rise in world athletics and for consistently breaking records while proudly representing Nigeria on the international scene.

She noted that Ajayi’s historic qualification for the 100m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships made him the first Nigerian in 18 years to reach the event’s final, a feat that rekindled national pride and renewed optimism for Nigerian athletics.

The NiDCOM Boss further praised the sprinter’s extraordinary performances during the 2026 season, which have established him as one of the world’s most exciting athletes.

Beginning the 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion, Ajayi won the 60m title at the SEC Indoor Championships with a national record time of 6.45 seconds, a performance that equalled both the African and NCAA collegiate records. He subsequently matched the feat to claim the NCAA Indoor Championship title.

The sprint star continued his record-breaking run during the outdoor season by eclipsing the long-standing Nigerian 100m record previously held by Olusoji Fasuba, clocking a world-leading 9.84 seconds and becoming the fastest man in the world over the distance this season.

In another historic achievement, Ajayi recently won the 100m title at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, recording an astonishing wind-assisted 9.72 seconds, the fastest all-conditions time ever run by an African athlete.

According to Dabiri-Erewa, Ajayi’s accomplishments have once again demonstrated Nigeria’s capacity to produce world-class athletes capable of competing and excelling at the highest levels.

“His success story underscores the importance of investing in youth development, sports, and talent discovery. We are proud of his accomplishments and confident that he will continue to make Nigeria proud on the global stage,” she added.

Dabiri-Erewa urged corporate organizations, stakeholders, and relevant authorities to continue supporting and celebrating outstanding Nigerians who distinguish themselves internationally, noting that their achievements contribute significantly to Nigeria’s image and reputation worldwide.

She wished Ajayi continued success in his athletic career and expressed confidence that greater accomplishments await him in the years ahead.

In the same vein, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa, OG Anunoby, who was born in London to Nigerian parents of Igbo descent, delivered a defining moment in the game when he soared through the air to tip in Jalen Brunson’s shot attempt with just 1.2 seconds remaining, sealing a stunning comeback from a 29-point deficit and sending Madison Square Garden into celebration.

Describing the feat as inspiring and a result to the resilience, determination, and excellence associated with Nigerians in the diaspora, she stressed that Anunoby’s achievement has once again placed Nigerians on the global sporting map.

“On behalf of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and Nigerians at home and abroad, I congratulate OG Anunoby on this historic accomplishment. His outstanding performance on one of basketball’s biggest stages reflects the immense potential of Nigerians and those of Nigerian heritage who continue to excel globally,” she stated.

The NiDCOM Chairman noted that Anunoby’s game-winning contribution has resonated far beyond the United States, inspiring millions of young basketball enthusiasts across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and around the world.

Speaking after the match, Anunoby described the moment as significant for basketball in the United Kingdom, saying: “Game four was probably the top of British basketball history. It was just amazing for Britain and the UK, and just everyone that loves basketball in the UK.”

NiDCOM, Ajayi

Dabiri-Erewa commended Anunoby for remaining an exemplary ambassador of his Nigerian heritage and for demonstrating excellence, discipline, and professionalism throughout his career.

She added that the Commission remains proud of Nigerians and Nigerians in the diaspora who continue to distinguish themselves in various fields, contributing positively to the image and reputation of Nigeria globally.

The NiDCOM Boss wished Anunoby and the New York Knicks continued success as they progress in the NBA Finals and expressed confidence that his achievements would continue to inspire the next generation of athletes of Nigerian descent.

E-signed
Abdur-Rahman Balogun
Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit.
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Government Bans Fuel Sales In Jerrycans, Motorcycles In Katsina

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has announced fresh security measures aimed at curbing banditry and kidnapping across the state, including a ban on the sale and transportation of petroleum products in jerrycans and the closure of Point of Sale businesses and commercial phone-charging points in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas.

The measures were contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Mohammed, and made available to journalists on Tuesday.
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The statement noted that the directives were contained in an Executive Order issued after an emergency security meeting attended by security agencies, traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders.

According to the statement, the new measures are designed to cut off logistics and communication channels allegedly being exploited by criminal elements.

“As part of the Executive Order, the sale, purchase, transportation and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans have been banned across Katsina State with immediate effect. The measure is designed to prevent the diversion of fuel supplies to criminal elements operating in remote locations.

The Governor also approved the immediate closure of all Point of Sale (POS) businesses and commercial phone-charging points in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas. Security assessments have shown that these facilities are being exploited by criminal networks to facilitate their activities.

“In addition, the use of motorcycles has been banned throughout Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas. The restriction is intended to disrupt the movement and operational activities of bandits and kidnappers who often rely on motorcycles for transportation.

Katsina

Governor Radda stated that the safety of citizens remains the highest priority of his administration and assured residents that the government will continue to work closely with security agencies to restore peace and stability in all parts of the state.

“He called on residents to support security efforts by complying fully with the directives and providing useful information to security agencies whenever necessary. More importantly, the state government will not treat any defaulters of these new directives with kid gloves.

The Katsina State Government remains committed to taking all lawful and necessary measures to ensure that communities across the state remain safe, secure and conducive to economic and social activities,” the statement added.
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Akwa Ibom Lawmaker Empowers 61 Constituents With N15.25m Grants

Akwa Ibom lawmaker empowers 61 constituents with N15.25m grants. The member representing Essien Udim State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Ukpong Akpabio II, has empowered 61 constituents with grants totalling over N15.25 million.

The beneficiaries were empowered under the first phase of the Prince Ukpong Akpabio II Business and Agric Grant Scheme.
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Speaking while flagging off the empowerment programme in Ukana Ikot Ntuen, Essien Udim Local Government Area, on Monday, the lawmaker said each beneficiary would receive N250,000 to support and expand his or her business or agricultural venture.

The event, which coincided with Akpabio’s third anniversary as a member of the State House of Assembly, attracted an array of stakeholders, including current and former political office holders, community leaders, youth representatives and party stalwarts.

“In furtherance of the ARISE Agenda of our Governor, Umo Eno, today, 61 beneficiaries of this empowerment programme will receive the sum of N250,000 each under the Prince Ukpong Akpabio II Business and Agric Grant Scheme to support and expand their business ventures,” Akpabio said.

He explained that the initiative was designed to fulfil his campaign promise to empower young people and enhance economic opportunities for his constituents.

According to him, the grant complements the educational, youth empowerment and human capacity development programmes being championed by Governor Umo Eno under the ARISE Agenda, as well as the empowerment initiatives of President Bola Tinubu and the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The lawmaker disclosed that a monitoring committee had been constituted to oversee the utilisation of the grants and ensure that beneficiaries invest the funds in productive ventures capable of strengthening and expanding their businesses.

Akpabio said the empowerment programme would continue in phases to promote entrepreneurship, agricultural development and economic self-reliance among his constituents.

He also highlighted his legislative achievements over the past three years, revealing that he had sponsored 10 bills and moved more than 20 motions, alongside carrying out oversight functions and maintaining close engagement with constituents.

Providing details of the selection process, the Chairman of the Business and Agric Grant Committee, Engr. Enobong Patrick explained that five beneficiaries were selected from each of the 11 wards in Essien Udim Local Government Area, while an additional six beneficiaries were chosen under the Special Consideration Category, largely comprising persons with disabilities.

Akwa Ibom

In his remarks, the State Publicity Secretary of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Paul Ibara, who led other youth leaders to the event, commended Prince Akpabio for what he described as people-oriented representation.

Ibara praised the lawmaker’s legislative contributions, empowerment initiatives and constituency projects, including the construction of three Compassionate Homes, noting that the interventions had positively impacted many residents.

The ceremony was attended by several prominent sons and daughters of Essien Udim, including the APC State Secretary, Envoy Nsentip Akpabio; former members of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Sunday Akpan and Hon. Suyiekekere Inokon, former member of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nse Ntuen, former Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area, Barr. Martin Umanah, and the Secretary of Essien Udim Local Government Council, Dr Margaret Udofia, among others.
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