News
NiDCOM Boss Celebrates Ajayi, Nigerian Sprint Sensation, Anunoby For Excellence Feats
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.
Eereporter.com
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.
Eereporter.com
News
Davido: I’m a Die-Hard Cristiano Ronaldo Fan, we Chat Regularly
Davido: I’m a Die-Hard Cristiano Ronaldo Fan, we Chat Regularly
Afrobeats star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has declared himself a dedicated Cristiano Ronaldo fan and claimed that he regularly communicates with the football legend.
Eereporter.com
Davido disclosed this during a livestream with content creator and streamer, Carter Efe.
The ‘If’ singer said he supported Portugal to win the recently concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup because of his connections with players in the national team.
“Because I have a lot of friends in the Portuguese team. I want Portugal to win,” Davido said.
When Efe suggested it was because of Ronaldo, the singer replied, “I love Ronaldo, I’m a CR7 fan.”
Davido further claimed that he has ongoing conversations with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, saying in Pidgin English that he talks to the “legend back to back.”

Cristiano Ronaldo, Davido
Efe reacted with visible excitement, repeatedly exclaiming:
“God, I don mad! I don mad! I don mad! I don mad!”
The clip has since circulated widely on social media.
Davido has previously expressed his interest in football and has been seen with several international football stars.
The authenticity of the apparent chat shown during the livestream could not be independently verified.
Eereporter.com
News
President Tinubu Approves Pay Rise for 250,000 Armed Forces Personnel
President Tinubu Approves Pay Rise for 250,000 Armed Forces Personnel
President Bola Tinubu has approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for Nigeria’s armed forces personnel.
Eereporter.com
The pay package that will benefit approximately 250,000 personnel and take effect from September 1, 2026, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed in a statement signed Tuesday.
Onanuga said the graduated structure of the increase scales inversely with rank, with the highest percentage increases going to the most junior personnel.
Under the new arrangement, he said officers above the rank of colonel, Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.
Personnel ranking from colonel down to warrant officer will receive a 50 per cent increase, while those from private to staff sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase.
The pay package will raise the annual salary bill for the armed forces from N660 billion to N924 billion, an increase of N264 billion.
The President linked the pay rise directly to the sacrifices personnel continue to make in the fight against banditry, kidnapping and terrorism across parts of the country.
Tinubu said troop welfare and military modernisation would remain a standing priority of his administration.
“Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties,” he said.
Tinubu tied the salary increase to his broader philosophy on national security saying, “Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians,” he said.

President Tinubu
“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland.
“Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” the President said.
Eereporter.com
News
Awori Renaissance Forum Urges ADC to Relist Lagos Reps Candidate
Awori Renaissance Forum Urges ADC to Relist Lagos Reps Candidate
The Awori Renaissance Forum has urged the leadership of the African Democratic Congress to relist Mr. Olalekan Anjolaiya as the party’s candidate for Alimosho Federal Constituency, saying the move would address the alleged marginalisation of the indigenous Awori people.
Eereporter.com
The call was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Coordinator of the Forum, Mr Muraina Ajala.
Ajala said the forum was making the appeal following reports that Anjolaiya, who was initially presented as the party’s candidate, had been disqualified over alleged multiple party registration.
He argued that replacing him with a non-indigene would amount to “a miscarriage of justice” when qualified Awori sons and daughters were available to represent the constituency in the National Assembly.
According to him, relisting Anjolaiya would give the indigenous Awori-speaking people of Alimosho the opportunity to produce a representative and end what he described as years of political marginalisation.
“We are using this opportunity to call on the leadership of the ADC to right the wrong being meted to our son and standard bearer, Hon. Olalekan Anjolaiya, who is the only hope of the indigenous Awori people of Alimosho.
“Our appeal is to the national leadership of the party, particularly the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, whom we believe has the power to do the needful in this instance.
The forum alleged that Awori-speaking people had consistently been sidelined in the choice of candidates for the constituency despite having qualified sons and daughters capable of representing the area.
It also described Anjolaiya as “a son of the soil,” noting that his contributions to community development had earned him the traditional title of Bobakeye of Igandoland.
“The affected member is known to us and he has contributed so much to the development of Aworiland, particularly his native Igandoland. This has prompted the traditional ruler of Igando, Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi, to recently bestow on him the title of Bobakeye of Igandoland,” the statement said.

ADC
The group further argued that allowing a non-indigene to emerge as the constituency’s representative would amount to “double jeopardy” for the Awori people.
“We are even more concerned that the only time we have been represented by one of us is now by our incumbent representative, Hon. Ganiyu Adele Ayuba, who has been denied a return ticket by the ruling All Progressives Congress. We don’t want our son, Olalekan Anjolaiya, to suffer the same fate, and this is why we are making the clarion call,” Ajala added.
Eereporter.com
-
Crime1 year agoKogi Assembly Considers Law To Regulate Rent, Establish Control Board: Tenancy Law
-
News1 year agoAtiku Reveals Why He Failed To Pick Wike As Running Mate In 2023
-
Akwa Ibom2 years agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New Territorial Chairman, Exco
-
Crime1 year agoFederal High Court Jails 2 For Vandalizing Transformer, Telecom Mast In Kogi
-
News1 year agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New National President, Executive
-
Akwa Ibom2 years agoUmo Eno Commences Payment Of 80,000 Naira Minimum Wage With Arrears
-
News1 year agoSenator Natasha Returns To Senate With Husband Amid Seat Dispute
-
Economy1 year agoKiyosaki: Is Tinubu’s Government Afraid Of Ibrahim Traore?
