EKO CHRONICLES

Bimbo Adeola... Ademola Lookman is turning heads in the Europa League final match in Dublin.  Lookman is now the first African player to score thrice (a hat-trick) in the final of a major UEFA competition. Glorious & Historic. He is also the third Nigerian player to score in the final of a major UEFA competition, after Alex Iwobi (2019 Europa League) and Joe Aribo (2022 Europa League). What a hat-trick for Ademola Lookman. Lookman's is the sixth hat-trick to be scored in the final of a major UEFA competition, and the first since Jupp Heynckes' for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the 1975 UEFA Cup. Awesome! He is the first player to score a hat-trick in the final match of the Europa League.  Eluku is doing great things and definitely in the running for this year's Africa Footballer Of The Year gong. Comment and Share...

Opeyemi Akinola BOXING ROAD TO PARIS 2024. Team Nigeria (Boxing) staying ready in the gym in Bangkok, Thailand, ahead of the 2nd World Boxing Olympic Qualification Tournament. The Boxing Road to Paris Olympic Games Qualification Tournament is scheduled between May 24th to June 3rd, 2024 at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok, Thailand. Team Nigeria will participate at the Final qualification tournament with a team of 5 boxers (1 male and 4 female) and two coaches. List of boxers:         FEMALE: 1. Zainab Adeshina__(50kg) 2. Elizabeth Oshoba__(57kg) 3. Blessing Oraekwe__ (70kg) 4. Patricia Mbata__(75kg)                  MALE: 5. Ifeanyi Onyekwere__(+92kg) The team is Headed by Coach Anthony Konyegwachie and Olusegun Ajose. The qualifications Tournament will offer boxers a final chance to secure a quota for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. With 51 quotas at stake, including 23 for women and 28 for men, quota places will be on offer across 13 Olympic Boxing weight classes, six for women a

 EX-FOOTBALL LEGEND IN NEED... Let's help while alive  Babajide Joseph on the hospital Babajide Joseph is a legend in Lagos state football arena who has paid his dues physically and mentally. He now plays his timeout with Epe All Stars in Epe division of Lagos state.  Babajide is a defender with a distinguish quality on the field of play.  He is presently bed ridden and other members of the club have extended their support to bring the lanky player back to the field. It was initially a fall on the field of play and now requires a thorough test for kidney disease.  Eko Chronicles implores all legends to rally round one another to give life supports rather than a befitting burial. Epe AllStars have delegated a member to collect donations on behalf of Babajide Joseph and an Opay account number 8166623919,  Obalola Ismail Oriyomi released for use.  All AllStars clubs and other stakeholders are hereby enjoined to give a hand of love and care to one of theirs. Babajide is presently recei

 Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu receives the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, on a courtesy visit at the State House in Marina, Lagos.  During the meeting, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the economic recovery efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rested on the premise of law and order, noting that the seed of the President’s economic vision would germinate quicker if the military tightened its grip over those attempting to undermine the nation’s security.  He also mentioned that the nation has witnessed a sharp decline in criminal attacks in areas burdened by instability and thanked the servicemen for upholding their duty to protect law-abiding citizens.

 LASG Takes Over Katangua Market, Terminates Contract with Agent ...Assures Traders of Transparency, Rights Protection Lagos State Government has taken possession of the land in Katangua market in Abule-Egba area in preparation for the development of an ICT International Market. The market which hitherto had been in control of a property agent, Bridgeways Global Projects Limited, in contractual agreement with the state government, was said to have been terminated two years ago. Speaking during a scheduled visit to the market, the Special Adviser to the state governor on electronic Geographic Information System (e-GIS) and Urban Development, Dr Olajide Babatunde, said the government came to practically take over the land to stop unauthorised people from defrauding the traders in the market. According to Babatunde, “The concession agreement that was signed between the Lagos state government and Messrs Bridgeways Global Projects Limited had been terminated two years ago for which we belie

 LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION TRAFFIC DIVERSION LASG ANNOUNCES TRAFFIC DIVERSION FOR REHABILITATION OF ADENIJI–FALOMO – BOURDILLON - QUEENS DRIVE IN LAGOS ISLAND/IKOYI The Lagos State Government has announced a traffic diversion plan along Adeniji through Falomo, inclusive of Bourdillon and Queens Drive. This diversion is necessary to facilitate the repair of failed Asphaltic Sections of the roads.  The repair work will commence from Monday, 13th May, 2024, and is expected to continue until 7th November, 2024. To mitigate the traffic implications, the repair works will be conducted in phases. Phase 1 will focus on the stretch from Glover Road Junction on Alfred Rewane Road to Falomo Roundabout, starting from Monday, 13th May, 2024. During this phase, the portion of the road from Glover Junction to Falomo Roundabout will be closed to traffic. For the period of the 1st Phase repair works, Motorists on Alfred Rewane Road heading towards Falomo Roundabout will turn lef

SANWO-OLU PREACHES CONTINUOUS SYNERGY FOR NATION’S ECONOMIC GROWTH  Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) to continuously push for synergy between the public and private sectors for a collective agenda of service and benefit to citizens.   Sanwo-Olu spoke during the Nigerian Economic Summit 30th Anniversary Public Lecture and Founders’ Forum by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) held at the Lagos Business School, Lekki, on Thursday.   The theme of the event is “In the National Interest: Reflecting on the Past, Reimagining the Future.”   Governor Sanwo-Olu, who launched the 30th anniversary logo of the Nigerian Economic Summit alongside the Chairman of the NESG Board of Directors, Mr. Niyi Yusuf, said that with the current economic and social realities, it is more advantageous to begin to build a foundation of like-minded people in all sectors.   He said, “The second half of the theme for today is ‘Reimagining the Futu

 *Lagos FA To Hold Bye Elections 10 April* *Electoral Committee Rolls Out Plans* The Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) has fixed 10 April for the bye elections to elect a new vice chairman and some members into the Board of the association. In a notice made public by the Chairman of the electoral committee, Alhaji Tijani Abdulazeez, the Congress members and other stakeholders are informed that Monday 1 April forms for the vacant positions would be on sale, while submission of forms has been fixed for 4 April. The screening/publications of successful candidates  will hold between 5 and 6 April with the election proper holding on 10 April. The electoral committee says the form for the vice chairman position will be sold for the sum of N175,000, while Board Member goes for N100,000 payable into the First Bank account of the LSFA. Comment and Share...

Bolaji Eko-Odeyale Erinfolami OJU OLOKUN PROGRESSIVE FORUM GIVES ALMS TO THE AGED... Piety at its Utmost best  One of the beneficiaries receiving his gift from a member of OOPF. The entire members of Oju Olokun Progressive Forum, Isale-Eko, Lagos Island have extended appreciable gestures of alms giving to the vulnerables, aged and the needy, thereby, donating to the course of Almighty Allah and Humanity. This was executed on Sunday 31st March, 2024. This is in line with the doctrine of Islam especially during the month of Ramadan. The recipients of the donation were elated and prayed fervently for the group. The coordinators of the group have also deem it fit to organize a special prayer session to bring peace and tranquility to Nigeria.  A beneficiary is giving thanks and gratitude to the group for a job well done Olawale Onibudo who is the face of the group chats with Eko Chronicles on the continuity of this august project every year.  He reiterates that "The progressive forum h

As Received: Real Reasons Fouad Oki Was Impeached As Lagos FA Chairman Contrary to insinuations in some quarters that the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Lagos State Football Association acted arbitrarily in the impeachment of the former chairman of the association, Mr Fouad Oki, documents obtained by this platform have shown the real reasons the politician cum football administrator was sacked by the Congress on Saturday. Early on Saturday, the Executive Committee of the LSFA met for an emergency meeting, and a resolution was passed by10 out of 12 members of the Executive Committee to suspend Chairman Oki before the Congress. Later on, that same Saturday, Oki was reportedly impeached and banned for life during an Extraordinary General Assembly of the LSFA where 12 out of 14 statutory members of the Assembly voted in favour of his impeachment. However, a look at the Statutes of the LSFA shows that Found Oki might have grossly violated some of the statutes that prompted his sack.

  EPE ALL STARS FOOTBALL TEAM WINS FIRST FRIENDLY MATCH...  Football retirement without tiredness has brought exfootballers and lovers of the game together on Saturday 17th January, 2024 at AUD Primary school, Odo Egiri, Epe, Lagos.  Epe All Stars Football Team and Universal Football Club engaged each other in a scintillating football friendly match which was full of glamour, emotions and utmost entertainment and was under a peaceful atmosphere. The teams display good and quality football skills and performances. The game was goaless in the first half, but the second half bore a goal in the 53rd minute. The goal came from Diego Seun as he's fondly called, who jubillated to celebrate his record of first to score for Epe All Stars Football Team in a friendly match. An unbreakable record.   The return leg of this match shall be fixed within a short time as reiterated by the Executive directorate of Universal FC. Epe All Stars...  Keep fit and be happy... Comment and Share

Lagos State News:  SANWO-OLU FLAGS OFF LAGOS MARKET TRADER MONEY, DISTRIBUTES N750M TO 15,000 BENEFICIARIES •Says Initiative Will Stimulate Economic Activities in Food Markets   In fulfilment of his promise and demonstration of love to market men and women on Valentine’s Day, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, flagged off the distribution of N750million financial intervention scheme tagged “Lagos Market Trader Money” for 15,000 beneficiaries. The 15,000 beneficiaries, who received N50,000 each, were drawn from across all the six geo-political zones of Nigeria – South-West, South-East, South-South, North-Central, North-West and North East, but are all residents of Lagos. Speaking during the launch of the Lagos Market Trader Money held at De Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the gesture will go a long way to actualise his goal of transforming the food systems in Lagos State and stimulate economic activities in various food markets in line with h

 Sportdotcom Limited Unveils the Successful *"Let’s Do It Again"* *Campaign* ......Celebrating Super Eagles Spirit and Community Unity  Sportdotcom Limited, in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) is proud to announce the triumphant culmination of the "Let’s Do It Again" campaign, an initiative designed to reignite the passion and support of Super Eagles fans and football enthusiasts across Nigeria. Toyosi Oyetunji, Senior Partner of Sportdotcom Limited, emphasized, "The 'Let's Do It Again' campaign is a call to make Nigerians believe in the Super Eagles once more. Our objective is to revive the nostalgic enthusiasm for Nigerian football, engaging both the young and the old, with a particular focus on the Gen Z demographic."Embracing a vision of inclusivity, the campaign seeks to evoke nostalgia and reignite the enthusiasm of both old and young fans, with a particular focus on engaging GenZ audiences. To amplify this message,

Construction of Fourth Mainland Bridge to begin first quarter of 2024 – Sanwo-Olu • Red Line Rail to be Unveiled in February – Sanwo-Olu Comment and Share... 

 RESIDENTS FRAY OVER UNCOMPLETED SCHOOL PROJECT IN LAGOS ISLAND - Becomes miscreants base... The school building project embarked on by the Lagos state agency, had since been abandoned since 2022 and have rather served as the home for unscrupulous elements within the community. The school, Girl's Junior Academy in Simpson Street, Lagos Island is one of the waiting to be done projects of Lagos State. The residents therefore, implore the government of Governor sanwo-olu to direct the concerned agency to do and the project in order to continue to save and protect lives and properties of Lagosians . This clarion call is inevitable, we should be at our best state of mind things like this is put in proper stance and completion. Says Chief Owolabi Jinadu. SAVE OUR SOULS OUR AMIABLE GOVERNOR... Comment and Share... 

 CELESTIAL CHURCH OF CHRIST CALLS NIGERIANS TO A NEW ORDER...  Prayers, hardwork and sincerity of purpose heals a nation - Prophet Segun Davis  A NIGHT OF EL-BERACAH CCC Covenant Aladeshade International Crusaders is beckoning to all God loving individuals, groups and associations to come forth to a special crusade 2024. Prophet Segun Davis (USA) , the host shepherd reiterated that Nigeria as a country blessed with natural and human resources should be guided in the way of the Lord. He implores the government of the day and the masses to augment their patriotism and selflessness with prayers. Nigeria shall be great again, so he says. Ministers of repute are expected on the podium to deliver great evangelism of our time, choir of Aladeshade shall be on stage with other gospel musicians. The venue is the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. The flyer speaks volume. Comment and Share... Eko Chronicles

 As Received Lagos State News... SANWO-OLU ASSENTS TO LAGOS’ N2.267 TRILLION BUDGET OF RENEWAL  • Governor Prioritises Economic Affairs, Targets Improved Wellbeing for Citizens in 2024 Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, signed the N2.267 trillion 2024 Appropriation Bill of Lagos State into law, ushering in a new expenditure cycle. The Governor, at a ceremony held in the State House, Alausa, assented to the “Budget of Renewal” days after the House of Assembly passed the proposed expenditure bill and transmitted it to the executive arm for approval. The State Government is prioritising spending on infrastructure, environment, education and technology, just as it significantly raised allocation to security and public safety. Of the total budget, N1.315 trillion, representing 58 per cent, is allocated for capital expenditure, while the recurrent spending gulped N952.4 billion, which represents 42 per cent of the budget. After signing the Appropriation Bill into law, Sanwo-Olu said ass

AFCON 2023: Lagos Legends Club Rallies Support For Super Eagles ..restates confidence in the team to do well By Akeem Busari  Ahead of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) football championship which starts Saturday, in Abidjan, Cote'dvoire the Lagos Legends Club (LLC) is abuzz with excitement and anticipation. The club, known for parading some of Nigeria's finest ex- footballers as members, is throwing its support behind the national team, the Super Eagles. In a statement to the press, the LLC's Convener, ex- Nigeria international, Engr.  Waidi Akanni, expressed his full confidence in the Nigerian team's capabilities.  "We believe that the Super Eagles have what it takes to make a remarkable impact in the upcoming tournament. Their skills and determination, are an inspiration to all of us at the club," he remarked. In the same vein, LLC's Secretary, Mr Monday Kanu, is equally enthusiastic about the chances of the team in the championship.  "Repres

 As Received. :SOME DEEPER AND MORE BALANCED VIEW SUPPORTED BY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. *OSITA CHIDOKA, FORMER MINISTER OF AVIATION*   *The Betta Edu Saga Reveals Deep Systemic Issues*  The controversy about the request by the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to the Accountant General, as widely reported, is only a reflection of the systemic failure in our public service. I will point out a few issues while we await the outcome of the investigation.  Before I proceed, it is evident that the Ministerial Retreat did not deal with serious governance issues. I am confident that no one in the retreat presented the case study of Minister Adenike Grange, who was advised to approve payouts for the end of the year. A sterling career suffered extensive damage. If Minister Edu knew of this case, she would have shown more caution in using her red pen.  From publicly available and unverified reports, the Honourable Minister received a memo from Mr. Thalis Olonite Apal

 Lagos Legends Club Celebrates Yuletide With Gifts For Members A group of retired footballers under the aegis of Lagos Legends Club (LLC), are in celebration mood in view of the yuletide season.  And it is not for nothing, as the leadership of LLC led by the convener, Engr. Waidi Akanni and others including Monday Kanu, Onyechi Monday and others during the week doled out cash gifts to over 50 members of the club as support in the spirit of the season.  "Lagos Legends Club is committed to ensuring the physical and mental well-being of its members at all times. The cash gifts to members is just another way to support and ensure all members enjoy the yuletide season," Akanni, a former Super Eagles player, who was also a former Chairman of Lagos State Football Association stated. He went on to express gratitude and appreciation to the donors that included members both in Nigeria and diaspora, for their support.  "On behalf of all members of Lagos Legends Club, I say a big th

 YP4T Celebrates Yuletide With Lagos Widows  ..says Nigeria Shall Be Better  A group of young Nigerians under the aegis of Young Professionals For Tinubu (YP4T), last Friday in Lagos, put smiles on the faces of hundreds of widows, as they donated food items and other gifts to the needy and particularly, widows.  The event which was one of the several life impacting activities of the group held across different parts of Nigeria, took place at the Nigeria Police Barracks, Ikeja, Lagos, to the delight of the obviously joyous and grateful recipients, who could not stop singing and dancing in appreciation of the gifts.  Speaking with journalists at the event, National Coordinator of YP4T, Hon. John CDO Ikeotuonye, said the donations by the group is one of its several impactful programmes taking place across different cities in Nigeria.  He added that it's in line with the policies of President Bola Tinubu's government. Which is aimed at refreshing the hopes of the people in a better

NBBF, Says 2023 A Wonderful Year  ...Kida thank Nigerians Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), has described 2023 as a wonderful year for the game of basketball in Nigeria.  In a release that chronicled some of its programmes and activities in 2023, NBBF stated that 2023 gave it a wonderful experience, as it achieved more with the help and support of Nigerians. NBBF President Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida in the release extends the appreciation of the board to all concerned basketball lovers. "We thank you all for your support, understanding and helping us with your personal resources to make basketball in Nigeria have a wonderful 2023." "We thank all stakeholders, the states, private and individual clubs who graced our tournaments and leagues starting from the Total Energies Division 2; Total Energies Division 1; Zenith Bank Female league and Nigeria Men Basketball Premier league." "We also thank all media outlets for their contributions to our projects." For t

Imo Strikers Wins Cup, Mauls Giant Empress 6-1, In Final  By Akeem Busari The second edition of Ifeanyi Chiejiene memorial football cup ended on Sunday, with last year's finalist Imo Strikers, winning the tournament, as the second-tier Nigeria Women Football League side defeated Giant Empress 6-1 in the final match played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.  Imo Strikers who left no one in doubt about their intentions from the start of the tournament, ran riot in the match with 16 years old Chidi Harmony, who interestingly dorned jersey number eight,  same as the late Ifeanyi Chiejine scoring four goals in quick succession to take her tally in the tournament to 14 goals.   Chiamaka Damian and Oscar Precious added two more goals to take the winds of the sails of Giant Empress. Even as Ohuche Agnes' goal was a mere consolation.  Earlier in the day, Fortress Ladies defeated Delta Babes 1-0 to win the third place game, as well as N200,000 prize money. While Imo Strike

 NFSC Congratulates Osimhen, Oshoala For Winning African Football Honours By Akeem Busari  The long wait of 24 years, finally came over as Nigeria and Napoli's star, Victor James Osimhen, was overwhelmingly voted as the Best African Footballer Of the Year for 2023, alongside Asisat Oshoala, who won a record-extending sixth title as the best African female footballer.  In a swift reaction to the exciting news, National Chairman of Nigeria and Africa's foremost football fans group, the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Ambassador (Rev). Samuel Ikpea, has congratulated the Nigerian duo of Osimhen and Oshoala for making Nigerians proud.  "We're celebrating the well-deserved honours bestowed on our players, as the best male and female African players. We're happy and all Nigerians, home and in diaspora are, indeed very happy." "We're not surprised that Asisat Oshoala won a record sixth title as the best African female footballer. It shows her consistency,

 Eko-Odeyale Bolaji (Eko Chronicles) The entire members of All Stars FC, Epe celebrates its inaugural end of year party on Saturday 9th December, 2023 amidst fun fair and merry making. Teams A and B of the club had an entertaining football match which ended in a draw with one goal apiece. The goals were scored by Oluwatosin Sunday and Kasali Samson for teams A and B respectively Chief Eko-Odeyale Bolaji Said was given a honorary captainship of the Team A . The Epe Divisional Football Association Chairman, Mr. Adekoya Felix took the center stage on the pitch to officiate the match without prejudice. The officiating was worthy of emulation.  Families of club members were exposed to a special treat and wished for an improved treat in the subsequent years. The Chairman of the club, Mr. Kingsley G-Money reiterated that all members must be up and doing to elevate the club to the next level. He said that all members owing the club should pay up. G-Money in his speech promised a better and spe

 As Received: *LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT* *MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION* *PRESS RELEASE* *LASG CRUSHES 1,500 MOTORCYCLES APPREHENDED IN PROHIBITED ROUTES* *... says crushing exercise will continue on recalcitrant operators.* The Lagos State Government today crushed 1,500 apprehended motorcycles popularly called okada in line with the ban on okada operation in the Ten (10) Local Government’s (LGs) and Fifteen (15) Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos. Reiterating the Government’s commitment to safety and security of lives and property, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi while supervising the crushing of the motorcycles at the Taskforce yard, Alausa, Ikeja stated that the exercise shows that Government is not rescinding its decision to apprehend, impound and crush recalcitrant motorcycles plying the restricted areas. Mr. Osiyemi further emphasized that the regular crushing exercise is to further show okada operators, riders and passengers alike

Eko Chronicles (Sports Beat)..… Akeem Busari Lagos Agog As 1XBET Cup Final Holds Thursday  Finally, the maiden edition of 1XBET Community Football Championship is coming to a climax after six weeks of pure grassroots football across five different communities in Lagos State.  Forty teams of non-league players started the journey and now, the tourney sponsored by foremost Nigerian betting company, 1XBET, has Ighalo FC and Bariga FC  who topped the Mainland and Epe Conferences respectively in the final.  Organisers of the championship, Match International Limited led by Engr. Waidi Akanni, while chatting with 1XBET Cup Media team, expressed his satisfaction with the standard, discipline and quality of play displayed by the teams and officials, so far, in the championship. "We are very impressed by what we have seen so far, in the championship. All the teams and officials have showed that with more of such competitions, there's hope for non-league players, as well as, young playe

 Eko Chronicles (Sports Beat)  players in Bariga and Lagos state in general converged at the Araromi Mini stadium, Roundabout, Ifako, Gbagada, Lagos. This was done to celebrate the exemplary life of Coach Isaac Udofia popularly called Coach BORO and a memorial novelty march was played to flavour this august event. Spectators were thrilled and glued to their seats to enjoy the fun filled fiesta after which the plague was unveiled. This is to implore the state and all stakeholders to do it rightly enough for sports and sports men and women when they are alive rather than mourning the dead. Coach BORO have lived a life worthy of emulation by all sports men and women. BORO was dedicated, hard working and a committed human being.  May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen. Comment and Share...

 Akeem Busari Adeboye Confident Of Super Eagles Ahead World Cup Qualifiers Ahead of the Super Eagles World Cup qualifiers campaign, football stakeholders have continued to express optimism on the chances of the team to edge their group opponents to the 2026 World Cup ticket.  Speaking with journalists in Lagos, Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports to the Minister of Sports Development, Hon. Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, expressed confidence in the abilities of the Super Eagles defeat Lesotho and other oppositions to the ticket.  "This present Super Eagles is loaded with unbelievable talents and with the wherewithal to take all oppositions to the cleaners," Adeboye remarked.  According to the experienced sports administrator, the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, is equally optimistic of the abilities of the Super Eagles to make Nigeria proud.  "The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh believes so much that the Super Eagles are