Da Sam Odeh has officially declared his interest to contest for the position of Member, House of Representatives, representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency in the 2027 General Elections under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a statement issued on Thursday, Odeh said his ambition was driven by the need to restore hope, unity, inclusive governance, and development across the constituency.
Speaking under the campaign theme, “Project: One People. New Direction,” the aspirant described the declaration as a call for a new era of leadership focused on healing divisions and promoting purposeful representation.
“I officially declare my interest to contest for the position of Member, House of Representatives, to represent the good people of Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency in the 2027 General Elections,” he stated.
Odeh, who described himself as an original Jos-born citizen, said he understands the realities and struggles facing communities within the constituency, having grown up among the people.
According to him, Bassa/Jos North has suffered years of ethnic and religious divisions, insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure, and what he termed unaccountable representation.
“For too long, our constituency has endured deep-seated challenges that have held back our collective progress,” he said.
He identified inadequate access to education and healthcare, insecurity, youth unemployment, and exclusion of women and young people from governance as some of the pressing concerns needing urgent attention.
The aspirant promised to pursue policies that would promote peace, economic empowerment, quality healthcare, education, and infrastructure development across all wards if elected.
“A leadership that listens; genuine grassroots engagement and open-door governance,” he said, is one of the key principles his administration would uphold.
Odeh also pledged to champion reconciliation among communities and create opportunities for youths and women through skills development, entrepreneurship support, and inclusive representation.
He further emphasized the need for balanced development and equal opportunities, regardless of ethnic, religious, or political background.
“The future of Bassa/Jos North can only be secured when every citizen feels seen, heard, and carried along,” he added.
Calling on residents of the constituency to support the movement, Odeh urged youths, elders, women, professionals, artisans, and community leaders to unite behind what he described as a defining moment for the constituency ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeboye Anthony Adeyinka, has taken another step towards expanding international opportunities for young Nigerian athletes following a diplomatic engagement with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Nigeria, His Excellency Moha Ou Ali Tagma, in Abuja.
Adeboye, who paid a courtesy visit to the Moroccan Embassy on Tuesday, held discussions with the Ambassador on strengthening bilateral cooperation in grassroots sports development, talent discovery, technical exchange and youth empowerment.
The meeting explored opportunities for both countries to leverage their sporting relationships to create sustainable development pathways for young athletes, coaches and sports administrators.
Speaking during the engagement, Adeboye emphasised that Nigeria’s ambition to become a stronger sporting nation requires strategic international partnerships capable of connecting grassroots talents with modern training methods, technical expertise and competitive opportunities.
“Our responsibility is not simply to discover talents but to ensure they have the right environment, exposure and opportunities to develop. Morocco has made significant investments in sports development, and there are valuable areas where both countries can collaborate for the benefit of our young people,” Adeboye stated.
The Presidential aide noted that sports diplomacy has become an important instrument for strengthening international relationships while creating opportunities for economic growth, cultural exchange and youth development.
He explained that collaboration between Nigeria and Morocco could open doors for coaching education, technical assistance, youth competitions, institutional partnerships and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
“We want partnerships that move beyond discussions to practical programmes. When young athletes, coaches and administrators have opportunities to learn, compete and exchange ideas internationally, the benefits ultimately return to our communities and national sporting system,” he added.
Adeboye also stressed the importance of creating structured pathways through which talented young Nigerians, particularly those emerging from schools, academies and community competitions, can access development opportunities without being limited by their backgrounds.
The visit comes as the Office of the Senior Special Assistant continues preparations for the National Grassroots Sports Development Summit 2026, scheduled for November 18 and 19 at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Summit, themed “Creating a New Pathway for Sustainable Grassroots Sports Development,” is expected to provide a platform for strengthening domestic and international partnerships towards a more sustainable sports development framework.
Adeboye expressed appreciation to Ambassador Tagma for the warm reception and constructive discussions, describing the engagement as an encouraging foundation for exploring mutually beneficial cooperation.
“Nigeria and Morocco share a passion for sports and a strong belief in the potential of young people. We must translate that shared interest into opportunities that can positively impact the next generation,” he said.
The Presidential aide reaffirmed his Office’s commitment to pursuing partnerships that strengthen grassroots participation, improve talent development and position Nigerian youths for greater sporting opportunities internationally.
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The income you save through the various side hustles can be contributed into your Retirement Savings Account (RSA).
For workers in the formal sector—such as those in federal government agencies, teachers, parastatals, university lecturers, staffs etc.—this can be contributed as an additional fund via voluntary contributions.
While, for those in the informal sector—such as market women, barbers, traders, students, petty traders, shop owners, etc.—their contributions will go into their Personal Pension Plan account.
All of these must go through Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) approved by the National Pension Commission, (PenCom).