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Riyadh 2025: Nigeria’s Boxing Contingent Departs for Saudi Arabia

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Joel Ajayi 


Team Nigeria’s boxing contingent has officially departs the shores of the country for Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ahead of the 6th edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games, taking place from November 7 to 21, 2025. 


The team forms a vital part of Nigeria’s contingent at the multi-sport event, which gathers athletes from across over 55 nations globally. Nigeria’s participation reflects the nation’s commitment to expanding its global sporting profile and using sport as a tool for unity, national pride, and youth development.


Chief de Mission, Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the Riyadh Games as a “crucial aspect of Nigeria’s strategic sports development plan,” emphasizing that the event serves as both a test of preparation and a pathway toward greater international success, including at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

He reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerian athletes receive the necessary support to excel on global platforms.


“This is more than just another international competition; it is a vital stepping-stone for our athletes toward Olympian ambitions,” Hon. Bukola Olopade said ahead of the team’s departure.

“Our team is prepared, focused, and hungry for success. We carry the hopes of the nation with us to Riyadh,” Hon. Olopade added.
Nigeria has maintained a strong presence at the Games since the inaugural edition in 2005. Over the years, the country’s athletes have recorded success across various sporting categories.


The contingent is led by experienced coaches and supported by technical staff dedicated to achieving peak performance levels.


As the competition gets set to begin in Riyadh, all eyes will be on the Nigerian contingent to deliver a performance that reinforces the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading sporting nations.

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

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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.

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