News

APC Congress: Hon. Rufus Bature emerges Chairman in Plateau State

Published

5 years ago

October 17, 2021

Preport

The All Progressives Congress in Plateau State have gotten new state executives over the weekend at a State Congress in Jos where members of the State Executive Committee were also elected.

Hon. Rufus Bature, the immediate past Secretary to the Government of Plateau State and one-time member of the State House of Assembly emerged as Chairman-elect after a consensus arrangement was reached also producing other executives to pilot the affairs of the ruling party in the state.

The Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong while addressing the congress said the All Progressives Congress family in Plateau State remains a beacon of democracy and the hope for the peace, progress and unity of the State and the nation at large.

He said the level of maturity and seamless conduct demonstrated by members clearly shows the strength of the party in the State and the unity of its members.

Lalong said the peaceful conduct of the State Congress which was through consensus shows how committed the members are in galvanizing all differences and working together for the common interest of the party. He said such unity of purpose has been responsible for the continued acceptance of the party and its consolidation in Plateau State, which accounted for the recent overwhelming victory of the APC in the recent Local Government elections and enable the party to win in all the 17 Local Government areas.

While urging the new State party Executives to work in synergy with other party officials at the Local Government, Ward and Unit levels, Governor Lalong emphasized the need for them to carry along all members and be fair, honest and transparent in all their dealings.

Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Idris Wase and other APC political leaders described the State Congress as yet another record breaker in the successes achieved by the party in the State.

They said this successful congress has clearly shown that the APC remains the biggest party in the State and across the nation with clear capacity for more victories in forthcoming elections. They urged members to come together and embrace reconciliation and patience in supporting the elected party officials to deliver on their mandate.

Responding on behalf of the newly elected State Exco, Chairman-elect Hon. Rufus Bature expressed appreciation to the members and leaders of the party for electing them. He said the fact that their election done through consensus without any challenges means that the party has fully evolved and is taking major strides in good governance, inclusivity and fairness to the citizens.

Bature specifically thanked Governor Lalong for giving the State the needed leadership that has endeared APC to the people and continued to give them hope. He said the party exco will support him and also carry along all members at all times and also avail them level playing field for aspiring to any position.

The election was conducted by the APC State Congress Committee set up by the national body and witnessed by INEC with 36 new state executives emerging to serve in various capacities.

News

Nigerian Teenage Stars Raheem Salaudeen, Fawas Adeleke Spark UK Scholarship Interest After Stunning Trial

Published

5 hours ago

August 25, 2026

Preport

Two promising Nigerian midfielders, Raheem Moyinoluwa Salaudeen and Fawas Ayomide Adeleke, have attracted significant attention in the United Kingdom after impressing during a football trial, with both youngsters now being considered for scholarship opportunities that could combine their football development with further education.

The teenage midfielders, who are products of Buruj Sports Academy, caught the attention of the technical team with their performances during the trial, opening the door to what could become a major step forward in their young careers.

Following their impressive showing, Anthony Williams MSC, Director of UK Football Trials, approached the players over a potential scholarship opportunity, with discussions now ongoing with their management representatives.

The proposed scholarships would give the two youngsters an opportunity to continue their football development in the United Kingdom while also pursuing further education, providing a pathway that could prove crucial to their ambitions of becoming professional footballers.

Salaudeen, born on May 13, 2010, has already built an impressive international résumé despite his young age.

The midfielder represented Nigeria at U-15 level during a two-legged international friendly against Morocco in 2024 before featuring for the country at the All African School Games in Algeria in 2025.

His performances subsequently earned him a call-up to the Nigeria U-17 set-up for a four-nation international invitation tournament in China in 2026.

Salaudeen has also gained experience beyond youth international football, having featured in Nigeria’s Nationwide League One, giving him an opportunity to compete against older and more experienced players.

Adeleke, born on April 20, 2011, has followed a similarly impressive path.

The young midfielder represented Nigeria at U-15 level against Morocco in 2024 and was also part of the Nigerian team at the African Schools Football Championship in 2025.

Like Salaudeen, Adeleke has already stepped into senior football through appearances in the Nationwide League One despite still being a teenager.

That combination of youth international experience and exposure to senior football has now helped place both players firmly on the radar in the United Kingdom.

Their latest trial has therefore become more than just another opportunity to showcase their ability.

It could potentially open the door to a new football and educational environment where they can continue developing their technical and tactical qualities while preparing academically for their future.

Both players have completed their secondary education in Nigeria and are now looking ahead to the possibility of beginning the next chapter of their lives in the United Kingdom.

For Salaudeen and Adeleke, the opportunity comes at a crucial stage in their development, with both youngsters determined to take full advantage of the interest generated by their performances.

Their journey from representing Nigeria at youth international level, to gaining valuable senior experience in the NLO, and now attracting scholarship interest in the United Kingdom, underlines the progress made by the two Buruj Sports Academy products.

With discussions over the proposed scholarships continuing, the young Nigerians now have an opportunity that could take their careers to another level.

And if they can build on the promise that attracted attention during their UK trial, Salaudeen and Adeleke could be taking their first major steps towards turning their dream of professional football into reality.

Business

AXA Mansard Health Takes World Hepatitis Day Campaign to Bariga with Free Screenings and Community Relief

Published

6 hours ago

August 25, 2026

Preport

PRESS RELEASE—As part of efforts to promote preventive healthcare and early detection of diseases, AXA Mansard Health has taken its hepatitis awareness campaign to Bariga, Lagos, providing residents with free screening, health education and support services.
The initiative, organised to commemorate World Hepatitis Day 2026, reflects the health management organisation’s continued focus on improving access to preventive healthcare, particularly in communities where routine screening and health information may be limited.
Residents who participated in the outreach received free hepatitis screening and were educated on prevention, diagnosis and the importance of seeking timely medical attention.
The programme also extended beyond medical intervention, with relief packages distributed to vulnerable families in the community as part of efforts to provide immediate support to beneficiaries.
According to AXA Mansard Health, taking health education and screening directly to communities is critical to closing gaps in awareness and access to preventive services.
The initiative underscores the growing importance of preventive healthcare in Nigeria, where delayed diagnosis and limited access to routine screening can worsen the health and financial consequences of treatable diseases.
For insurers and health maintenance organisations (HMOs), greater emphasis on prevention and early detection could also help reduce long-term healthcare costs by encouraging timely intervention before illnesses become more severe.
The Bariga outreach therefore highlights a broader shift in healthcare delivery towards awareness, screening and early intervention rather than treatment after diseases have advanced.
AXA Mansard Health said it would continue to support initiatives that equip Nigerians with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their health.
The organisation stressed that sustained public education and improved access to screening are essential to preventing hepatitis from progressing into serious and potentially life-threatening conditions.
The campaign also demonstrates the role of private-sector, early detection and preventive care.

The post AXA Mansard Health Takes World Hepatitis Day Campaign to Bariga with Free Screenings and Community Relief appeared first on Business Today NG.