Ministry of Works Sports Club Commences 2026 Sports Week, Commends Minister and Management for Support

The Federal Ministry of Works Sports Club has commenced its 2026 Sports Week with a series of activities aimed at promoting physical fitness, staff welfare, unity, teamwork, and excellence amongst the Ministry’s employees.
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As part of the Sports Week activities, the Sports Club, led by its officials and members, paid courtesy visits to key management officials of the Ministry today, Monday, 31 August 2026. The visits provided an opportunity for the Club to appreciate the leadership of the Ministry for its continued support for sports development, staff welfare and the activities of the Sports Club.

Receiving the Sports Club’s delegation, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., commended the Club for its achievements and contributions to the image of the Ministry, through its participation in various sporting competitions.

The Minister of State congratulated the Club on its successes and assured the team of the Ministry’s continued support. He expressed that the achievements of the Sports Club were not only about winning trophies but also about promoting the physical and mental well-being of staff, noting that a healthy workforce was essential to the effective discharge of their responsibilities.

According to him, the Ministry would continue to encourage and support sporting activities that would keep staff physically fit, while also projecting the Ministry positively at national and inter-ministerial competitions. He congratulated the Sports Club for its commitment and urged its members to sustain the tempo and continue bringing glory to the Ministry.

The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary (DOOPS), Alhaji Aminu Ahmed, who assured them of his willingness to support its activities within the resources available to the Ministry. The DOOPS expressed optimism about the future of the Club and promised to do his best to support its programmes and activities. He, particularly, welcomed the planned hosting of future sporting activities in Kano, his home state, assuring the Club of the necessary support and hospitality within his capacity.

Alhaji Ahmed also expressed his commitment to addressing some of the challenges confronting the Club, while acknowledging the current financial constraints facing the Ministry.

In his remarks, the Director of Human Resource Management and Chairman of the Federal Ministry of Works’ Sports Club, Malam Ahmad Muhammad Tukur, appreciated the management of the Ministry for its continued support and urged members of the Sports Club to remain committed to excellence and the spirit of sportsmanship.

He assured the Club of his continued support and encouraged members to maintain discipline, teamwork, and dedication, stressing that their achievements represented not only the Sports Club but the entire Ministry.

The Sports Club also expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, and the Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq. for their encouragement of sporting activities and passion for staff welfare.

A major highlight of the Sports Week was the launch of the Federal Ministry of Works Sports Club’s magazine, Sport Waves, which received financial support from a former Senator Yakubu Lado, in collaboration with the Director, Highways, Bridges and Design (B&D), Engr. Musa Saidu. Senator Lado supported the publication of the Sport Waves magazine with the sum of ₦5 million and pledged to transfer the funds to the Sports Club’s account. He also promised to advertise his company in the next edition of the magazine.

The gesture was described by the Sports Club as a significant boost to its efforts to promote sporting activities, document its achievements and further strengthen its relationship with stakeholders.

Speaking during the commencement of the Sports Week activities, the Sports Manager, Mr. Fakande Ayorinde Adeniyi, said the Club decided to begin the celebration with Courtesy Visits to senior officials of the Ministry as a demonstration of respect and appreciation for their support. He further stated that the Sports Club would continue to work closely with the Ministry’s management to sustain its achievements and make the Ministry proud.

The Assistant Sports Manager, Mr. Tayo Omotosho, also expressed appreciation to the management and other supporters of the Club, noting that their encouragement had continued to boost the morale of members and inspire them to achieve more. He assured the leadership of the Ministry that the Sports Club would remain committed to excellence and continue to represent the Federal Ministry of Works positively at every sporting engagement.

Ministry of Works Sports Club

The 2026 Sports Week is expected to feature a range of sporting and fitness activities designed to promote healthy living, teamwork, friendship, and unity among staff of the Ministry.

The Sports Club reaffirmed its commitment to using sports as a veritable platform for staff development, physical fitness, team spirit, and the positive representation of the Federal Ministry of Works.

Mohammed A. Ahmed,
Director, Information and Public Relations.
31 August, 2026.
Eereporter.com

Governor Eno Backs Moses Itauma Ahead of IBF Heavyweight Bout, Assures Full Support

Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, has expressed his best wishes to Akwa Ibom-born heavyweight boxer, Moses Itauma, ahead of his highly anticipated vacant IBF world title fight against Filip Hrgovic on Saturday 29th August, at the O2 Arena in London.
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Governor Eno, in a goodwill message delivered by the Commissioner for Sports Elder Paul Bassey, described Itauma as a worthy ambassador of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria whose remarkable rise in the boxing world has continued to bring pride to the state and country. He commended the young boxer for his dedication, courage and commitment to his chosen profession, noting that his achievements have placed Akwa Ibom prominently on the global boxing map.

The Governor assured Itauma that he will not be alone when he steps into the ring, stressing that the sporting community in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria will be firmly behind him. He said the prayers, goodwill and support of millions of Nigerians, particularly the people of Akwa Ibom, will accompany him as he takes on the important challenge.

Pastor Eno urged the boxer who has recorded 14 professional victories including 12 knockouts to remain focused, disciplined and confident, while giving his very best in the encounter. He expressed confidence in Itauma’s ability and talent, encouraging him to approach the fight with determination and the winning mentality that has characterised his career.

Moses Itauma

The Governor wished Moses Itauma success and victory in the bout, urging him to continue making Akwa Ibom and Nigeria proud on the international stage.
“Akwa Ibom is behind you. Nigeria is behind you. Go forth and make us proud, Moses,” the Governor said, adding: “ARISE, Moses, ARISE!”

Moses Itauma’s father is from Eket in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria while his mother is from Slovakia. He was raised in Britain but he has embraced and identified with his Nigerian, Slovak and British roots.
Eereporter.com

Popular Muslim Singer Ere Asalatu Reveals Why He Sang Christian Song in Church

Islamic singer, AbdulKabir Alayande, popularly known as Ere Asalatu, has explained why he sang a Christian hymn during a church performance, saying Jesus Christ is recognised as Prophet Issa in Islam.
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He spoke in an interview with actress Biola Adebayo on her podcast published on Friday, following criticism from some Muslims over his performance.

The singer had sparked reactions on social media after clips of him singing the Christian hymn, “Jesus is the only true friend,” at a church surfaced online.

Explaining his decision, Asalatu said the Jesus referred to in the song was the same Jesus recognised as Prophet Issa in the Quran.

He said, “This Jesus we are talking about is Prophet Issa in the Quran, the child of Mariam. Is he no longer your friend? He is your friend, he is my friend. Prophet Muhammed didn’t deny Jesus Christ. Is Jesus no longer your friend? Was he not sent to you?”

Asalatu also argued that Islam did not teach Muslims to oppose Jesus.

“Islam didn’t tell us to go against Jesus. I don’t know where they found theirs,” he said.

The singer said he had initially decided not to speak publicly about the controversy but eventually agreed to answer questions on the matter.

“Although I said I won’t grant any interview on this issue, but as it is… anyone who refuses to answer a question when asked is a stupid person,” he said.

Asalatu disclosed that some Islamic leaders had contacted him privately and encouraged him to continue his work despite the criticism.

“I want to appreciate the true Islamic leaders who had called me and encouraged me to continue doing my work that the people dragging me on social media don’t know what they are doing,” he said.

Describing the leaders, he said, “These are people who are true Islamic leaders who know the Quran in and out and are also intelligent.”

He also thanked his supporters and critics, saying the criticism had helped him identify areas where he could improve.

“Although your hatred has done nothing to us, but you also made impact. We were able to pick out of the hateful words to make corrections because no one is perfect,” he said.

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The singer, however, reaffirmed his commitment to Islam, saying he would continue preaching the religion.

“Islam is a good religion and I will continue to preach Islam till my old age,” he said.

Asalatu described Islam as an orderly religion that teaches modesty and guides its adherents on how to live their lives.

“Islam is orderly. Islam preaches modesty in dressing. The religion explains how to live life,” he said.

He, however, criticised what he described as overzealousness among some Muslims, saying some people had become too rigid in their interpretation of religious teachings.

“Some people are over zealous. That’s who they are,” he said.

Asalatu questioned why some people would attempt to force others into religious practices, particularly when they were not responsible for their financial success.

The singer also questioned the idea of forcing someone to attain a particular conception of heaven.

“Which heaven? Your own or which one? Your own heaven or which one?” he asked.

He further joked about the threat of being killed over religious differences, saying, “You can’t go to heaven if you are not dead. Do you want to kill me?”

Asalatu said one of the people criticising him had allegedly claimed that he deserved to be beheaded.

“One of those dragging me said I am supposed to be beheaded. I am even trying to get the person’s number so I can tell him to come to my house to cut off my head in the presence of my children,” he said.

The singer also called for religious tolerance, saying, “Everybody should serve their God in their own way. Call your God however you can. Everything we do has a reward.”

He questioned some of the criticism surrounding photography and video recording, arguing that the two were closely related.

“One of them said whoever takes picture will go to hell. Meanwhile, video is an upgraded version of picture and you are there making video and everyone is posting you on social media, yet, you are not against them,” he said.

Asalatu also challenged some claims about music and Islam, saying there were references to knowledge and lessons in songs.

“Some people said there is no music in Islam. We read in one of Muhammad’s Hadiths where he said there is knowledge in songs. If he wanted to condemn it, he won’t say there is knowledge in songs,” he said.

He also referred to Quranic teachings on musicians, arguing that the issue required a broader interpretation.

“The same God who cursed the musician in the Quran. God said curse be unto all musicians. It is written in the Quran but if you read further, he said, except those who sing with the fear of God,” he said.

Defending the content of his songs, Asalatu asked whether his music had promoted disbelief or insulted anyone.

“Did I abuse your mother with my song? Did my song say there is no God?” he asked.

He also said Muslims should be careful about messages capable of driving people away from religion.

“I know a Muslim who lost interest in Islam. He lost interest in all the religion,” he said.

Ere Asalatu

According to Asalatu, the man had allegedly been told that calling God “Eledumare” instead of “Allah” made someone an unbeliever.

He rejected the position, saying, “Help me. The difference is just the language.”

Asalatu maintained that Islam was a religion of unity, love and peace and urged Muslims not to allow social media debates to distort their understanding of the religion.

“Islam is not a troublesome religion. Islam is not a religion that kills. Islam is a religion of unity. Islam is a religion of love and peace,” he said.
Eereporter.com