News
Group Backs Tinubu on Sports Funding, Tells Atiku to Leave Politics to the Ballot
Cyril Ogar
The Arewa Youth Sports Forum has faulted Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, over his call for a probe into the N6.44bn budget provision for World Cup qualification, saying the demand is based on “misinformation.”
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday and signed by its Coordinator, Yohanna Pam, the group said a proper check of budget records would show that the PFIPC subhead has been in existence since the 2025 appropriation to support Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers.
“A simple check would see that this subhead has been in the budget since the 2025 budget to support the qualifiers, but was not released despite the qualifiers being executed, including even playing in the play-offs, and expenditures made by the National Sports Commission, NSC,” Pam stated.
He explained that the Federal Government rolled over all unfunded 2025 budget provisions into the 2026 budget to enable settlement of expenses already incurred and to fund ongoing projects.
“Also, the Federal Government of Nigeria decided to roll over all 2025 budget provisions that have not been funded into the 2026 budget so they can be funded — especially to defray the expenses already expended in 2026 and/or execute the projects in 2026,” the statement added.
The group commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for what it described as “renewed commitment” to sports development.
“Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, sports funding has seen renewed commitment. From timely support for athletes, improved welfare, early preparation camps, to backing for NSC’s push to surpass our best Commonwealth Games performance, this government has prioritized sports development more than lip service,” Pam said.
He urged Atiku to channel his energy toward the 2027 general election rather than politicizing budgetary matters.
“Instead of politicizing budget processes he clearly does not understand, we advise Alhaji Atiku to focus on the task ahead of the presidential election. This is especially important now given his legal status as a presidential candidate following the latest Court of Appeal ruling. Nigerians deserve issue-based campaigns, not distractions and sensational claims,” the statement concluded.
Atiku had earlier called for a probe into the N6.44bn allocation, alleging mismanagement of funds meant for the Super Eagles’ failed World Cup qualification campaign.
News
DNKI President Champions Humanitarian Service, Sustainable Community Development
Cyril Samania
The President of De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI), Chief Oliver Patrick Ityohegh, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to humanitarian service, stressing the importance of supporting vulnerable people and improving community welfare beyond the annual celebration of Humanitarian Day.
Ityohegh stated this during the organisation’s Cauldron Night and Award Presentation held to commemorate its 2026 Humanitarian Day celebration, theme: “Humanity First: Advancing Hope, Dignity and Community Well-being.” organised by the DNKI Abuja Chapter.
He emphasised that humanitarian service should be a continuous responsibility driven by compassion, solidarity and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in society.
According to him, DNKI’s humanitarian activities reflect its dedication to giving back to society and supporting people in need, while encouraging members to sustain initiatives that promote human dignity and community well-being.
He added that the organisation would continue to strengthen its humanitarian engagements through practical interventions aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable people and promoting community development.
Speaking at the event, the representative of the Abuja Chapter Chairman and Chairman of its Advisory Council, Prince Efiong Okpe, said the organisation’s humanitarian activities extended beyond the annual celebration of Humanitarian Day on October 15.
Okpe explained that DNKI undertook several initiatives throughout the year, including blood donation exercises, visits to hospitals and correctional centres, as well as support for orphanages and other vulnerable groups.
According to him, the organisation also collaborated with humanitarian bodies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to identify areas of need and provide assistance within its available resources.
He described Humanitarian Day as an opportunity for members to renew their commitment to service and demonstrate solidarity with people facing difficult circumstances.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee and Coordinator of the DNKI Gwagwalada Zone, Mr Etudaiye Hamzat, disclosed that the chapter had provided financial assistance to some members to help pay their children’s school fees, alongside distributing bags of rice and other relief items to members experiencing hardship.
Hamzat explained that the interventions followed concerns over the difficulties some members faced in meeting their family responsibilities, particularly the rising cost of their children’s education.
He maintained that supporting members in need was consistent with the organisation’s humanitarian principles, adding that DNKI remained committed to extending assistance to non-members and vulnerable communities as part of its commitment to leading by example.
Looking ahead, Hamzat said the Abuja Chapter planned to expand its humanitarian outreach to remote communities within the FCT, with particular attention to orphanages, schools and widows facing difficulties in meeting their family responsibilities.
He also recalled previous interventions for internally displaced persons (IDPs), which included the distribution of food, clothing and educational materials, noting that the chapter intended to scale up such initiatives in the coming year.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding members and distinguished non-members in recognition of their contributions to humanitarian service.
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