Gusau-Led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Commended As Major Project Kicks Off At MKO Abiola National Stadium

Gusau-Led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) commended as major project kicks off at MKO Abiola National Stadium. In a landmark move aimed at revitalizing Nigerian football, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday officially launched the construction of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Surrounded by notable figures from Nigeria’s political, business, and football sectors, the ceremony signaled a new era for the Ibrahim Gusau-led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The ambitious project, funded by FIFA, is expected to provide top-notch infrastructure for national teams, reduce operational costs, and boost grassroots development.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Abbas expressed the National Assembly’s commitment to the project, commending the collaboration between the National Sports Commission, the NFF, and FIFA.

“This is a noble project, and the National Assembly will give it full support. I congratulate the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, and I thank FIFA for agreeing to fund this project,” he stated.

Representing FIFA, Gelson Fernandes, Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer and Regional Director for Africa, highlighted the importance of infrastructure in FIFA’s vision under President Gianni Infantino.

He emphasized that the organization is committed to developing football facilities globally to enhance the sport’s growth.

NFF President Ibrahim Gusau expressed his excitement about the project’s impact on Nigerian football, describing it as a significant milestone for his administration.

“For sustained success, we must create an environment that supports our players and officials to perform at their best. This project will also help cut costs and allow us to invest more in grassroots development,” Gusau noted.

The event saw a gathering of distinguished guests, including the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko; Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi; former Edo State Deputy Governor, Phillip Shaibu; former Youth and Sports Minister, Chief Sunday Dare; and Nigerian football legend Olusegun Odegbami.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)

Also present were members of the NFF Executive Committee, former NFF General Secretary Ambassador Fanny Amun, and football icons Mutiu Adepoju, Samson Siasia, Victor Ikpeba, Precious Dede, and Stella Mbachu.

The project’s impact is expected to extend beyond the national teams, benefiting football academies and leagues while positioning Nigeria as a competitive force on the global football stage.

As construction begins, optimism runs high that this initiative will foster a new chapter of success for Nigerian football, strengthening its foundation for future generations.

Alex Otti To Revamp National War Museum, Ojukwu Bunker For Tourism

Alex Otti to revamp National War Museum, Ojukwu Bunker for tourism. “By revamping these sites, we will not only preserve history but also create economic opportunities through tourism,” he said.

The Abia government says it will collaborate with the federal government to upgrade the National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker, both in Umuahia, into world-class tourism destinations.

Information commissioner Okey Kanu disclosed this at the Government House, Umuahi while briefing journalists on the outcome of Monday’s State Executive Council meeting.

Mr Kanu said the initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, aims to preserve the state’s rich historical heritage while boosting tourism.

He expressed the Abia government’s commitment to making Abia a key destination for historical and cultural tourism.

“By revamping these sites, we will not only preserve history but also create economic opportunities through tourism,” he said.
According to him, the government has made broader efforts to identify and develop tourism sites across the state.

Mr Kanu also said the ministry recently discovered over 55 unique heritage sites across the state. He listed the sites to include Ulochukwu Cave in Alayi in Bende, the Mazi Okoro Orji’s Compound in Arochukwu, and Ntubugwo Oloko in Ikwuano, where participants in the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929 were tried, among others.

The commissioner also affirmed the government’s commitment to building a five-star hotel in Umuahia to support the growing tourism sector.

“These projects are part of a comprehensive strategy to make Abia a leading tourism hub, attract visitors, and boost the state’s economy,” Mr Kanu said.

Also, the commissioner for arts, culture, and creative economy, Matthew Ekwuribe, said Abia has numerous historical and natural attractions.

“Abia is blessed with waterfalls in at least three LGAs, caves in places like Alayi, Isuikwuato, and Umunneochi, as well as the Azumini Blue River, a unique natural attraction.

Alex Otti

We also have Akwaete Beach, which remains an untapped coastal treasure,” Mr Ekwuribe said.
He also said if the sites got properly developed, they could position the state as a top tourism destination in Nigeria and beyond.

The commissioner also spoke about the uniqueness of the National War Museum, the only one of its kind in West Africa, and the Ojukwu Bunker, which played a significant role during the Nigerian Civil War.

He said, “These historical sites, if properly rehabilitated, would attract visitors from across the country and beyond.”

Nigerian Music Star Rema Becomes First African Artist On Rolling Stone Cover

Nigerian music star Rema vecomes first African artist on Rolling Stone cover. Nigerian music star Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has made history as the first African artist to be featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

The American publication, renowned for its coverage of music, politics, and pop culture, announced Rema as the cover star for its April 2025 edition. Mavin Records celebrated the achievement on Instagram, calling him the “Afrobeats Visionary.”

Following the announcement, Rema delivered an electrifying performance at the Rolling Stone concert, thrilling audiences with hits like Dumebi, Woman, and Calm Down.

This milestone further solidifies Rema’s influence in global music, coming shortly after his feature on Dazed magazine.

Since rising to fame in 2019 under Mavin Records, Rema has continued to push Afrobeats to new heights. His hit song Calm Down, featuring Selena Gomez, became the most streamed Afrobeats track in history, surpassing a billion streams on Spotify and earning multiple platinum certifications.

Nigerian Music Star Rema

It also became the first African-led track to top the Middle East and North Africa’s official streaming chart, earning him a Guinness World Record.

Rema has also made history as the first African artist to perform at the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony in 2023, further cementing his status as a trailblazer for African music.