Uncategorized

Clubs, Players, Referees Scoop NNL/Prostar/Sportslight January Monthly Awards

Published

10 months ago

February 13, 2025

…We will not relent in our efforts – NNL
By Joel Ajayi

Clubs, players, coaches, and referees have been honored with the January edition of the 2025 Nigeria National League (NNL) / Prostar / Sportslight Hub Monthly Awards.

Abdulahi Umar, the lanky forward of Kebbi United, was named the Most Valuable Player and Highest Goal Scorer of the Month, while Crown FC’s Oladeji Joshua pocketed the Best Goalkeeper of the Month award. Gateway’s Babtunde Toafeek won the Goal of the Month.

Solution FC’s Emmanuel Deutsh and Ogunfolarin Joshua were named Best Coach and Best Referee of the Month, respectively.

Additionally, Gateway United of Abeokuta was recognized as the Best Behaved Team of the Month.

Oladeji Joshua maintained three clean sheets in his matches without receiving any cautions, while Abdulahi Umar scored four goals, including a hat-trick—his first of the season. Emmanuel Deutsh guided Solution FC to two wins and a draw during the month.

The ProStar NNL Monthly Awards ceremony took place on Thursday at the NNL Headquarters, the Glass House in Wuse Zone 7, Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigeria National League, Mr. Emmanuel Attah, congratulated all the awardees and urged them not to relent in their efforts. He emphasized that the awards are part of the NNL’s initiative to motivate coaches, players, and referees to give their best, serving as inspiration for others to excel.

He assured that the awards would continue, while also commending Prostar and Spotlight Hub for helping to raise the profile of the NNL, which he described as the most important league.
In his remarks, the Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Ayo Hameed Abdulrahman, expressed that the awards would go a long way in motivating the recipients to continue improving their performance, as well as inspiring others.

Commenting on the progress of the league, Abdulrahman said there has been significant improvement.

“You see, apart from fair play, the next focus is development in football. And that is what is happening in the National League,” he said. “We are committed to development. We are actively seeking sponsors, and we believe that rebranding the league will make us more visible.

“We are working hard to motivate good performances and, on the flip side, address negative behavior officially. This is part of what we promised during the last AGM in Bauchi, and we are fulfilling that promise. We are confident that the National League will reach greater heights in the near future,” Abdulrahman added.

In his vote of thanks, Abdulahi Umar, the Most Valuable Player and Highest Goal Scorer of the Month, expressed his gratitude to the Nigeria National League for the initiative. He pledged to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that he and his teammates help Kebbi United reach the Super 8.

Share on Facebook

Uncategorized

Reps Security Session: Wale Raji Proposes Service Extension, Special Courts to Tackle Insecurity”

Published

3 days ago

November 27, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi
The House of Representatives, on Thursday, intensified its search for sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s worsening security challenges as lawmakers continued it’s Special Plenary Session dedicated to reviewing the nation’s security architecture and strengthening its legislative response to growing threats.

Contributing to the debate, Hon. Wale Raji Member Representing Epe federal constituency of Lagos State and the Chairman House committee on livestock development presented far-reaching proposal aimed at strengthening national defense and tackling the escalating wave of insecurity across the country.

Hon. Raji commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the recruitment of additional personnel into the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army. He, however, stressed that beyond new recruitment, Nigeria must urgently retain the institutional memory and field experience of officers nearing retirement.

Raji proposed an extension of service years for retiring military and police personnel—provided they are medically certified fit—arguing that their expertise is indispensable at a time when national security is under severe strain.

“New recruits will require extensive training and time to gain experience,Meanwhile, we have seasoned hands whose skills and knowledge can still be harnessed. The Public Service Rules allow for this extension, and we can consider an additional two to five years for fit and capable officers.”he noted.

The lawmaker further pushed for the establishment of Special Courts or Tribunals to handle terrorism and banditry-related cases. He recommended that investigations, trials, and convictions be conducted within a six-month window to ensure swift justice and send a strong message to criminal elements.

Hon. Raji also urged the House to accelerate constitutional amendments to make state police a reality and called for stronger integration of local governments into Nigeria’s security structure. Citing successful community-based security models from Lagos, he stressed their effectiveness in tackling local crimes and aiding prosecution.

Responding to Raji’s presentation, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu praised the recommendations as “thought-provoking,” particularly the suggestion to re-engage retired officers whose experience the nation cannot afford to waste.

Kalu said the idea could lead to the creation of a special, highly trained force led by experienced officers who left the service due to promotions or political appointments.“It is a very stimulating suggestion,We will dissect it further and reflect it appropriately in our resolutions.”he said.

The House is expected to develop concrete actions based on these proposals as Nigeria presses forward in the fight against insecurity.

Share on Facebook