Sports

Imo Cricket Chairman Disassociates From Alleged Petition Against NCF Elections

Published

1 year ago

August 25, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The Chairman of the Imo State Cricket Association, Hon. Rodney Tony Ajaelu, has categorically distanced himself and the association from a controversial petition allegedly authored by one Pakribo Telema-Darego, who falsely claims to be the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Cricket Association.

The petition in question, reportedly addressed to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), and the National Assembly, alleges a plot to manipulate the forthcoming Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) board elections. It claims that the process is being orchestrated to favour certain individuals, thereby excluding legitimate stakeholders and aspirants from contesting.

The petition, allegedly signed by Pakribo Telema-Darego, claimed that four states—Bayelsa, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo—had jointly submitted a formal protest to the NSC. The complaint centers around the alleged adoption of an “illegal” constitution purportedly designed to give undue advantage to the incumbent NCF President, Uyi Akpata.

However, in a swift and clear rebuttal, Hon. Rodney Tony Ajaelu disassociated himself and the Imo State Cricket Association from any such action.

In his statement, he said: “I, Hon. Rodney Tony Ajaelu, the Chairman of the Imo State Cricket Association, disassociate myself from any written petition against the NSC or Uyi Akpata on the issue of an illegal constitution. This serves as a disclaimer to such petition. Thanks for understanding.”

In addition, when Reporter contacted the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Musa Ehiozoje, confirmed that the only valid petition before the federation originated from the FCT Cricket Association, chaired by Engr. Emeka Onyeama.

He emphasized that no formal petition had been received from Bayelsa State and dismissed Pakribo Telema-Darego as an impostor with no official standing in the cricketing community.

Media reports published on Monday, 25th August 2025, further confirmed that only the FCT Cricket Association had officially submitted a petition to the NSC.

The reports also highlighted that the name of Bayelsa was falsely used by an unauthorized individual claiming to represent the state’s cricket association..

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Sports

Lagos Women Run: Excitement Builds Ahead of Saturday’s TBS Race

Published

2 days ago

November 10, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Participants from different walks of life are eagerly looking forward to the Lagos Women Run scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.

The participants have expressed excitement about the opportunities and experiences the annual event promises to offer.

Our correspondent reports that, in addition to runners from within Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, some athletes are expected to travel from outside the country to participate in the race.

The organisers are already making preparations for the large number of registered participants, while the possibility of accepting late entries will depend on the timing and other arrangements.

The Coordinator of the Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, said participants should expect an improved experience compared with previous editions.

“We have to continue to get better, as that is the driving force for us as organisers. We will be bigger and better with every edition,” Popoola said.

The 2026 Lagos Women Run will hold on Saturday, November 14, with Tafawa Balewa Square serving as the starting point.

Participants are expected to arrive at the venue by 6:30 a.m. for the event.

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