News

Berom Nation’s Cup: Semi-Finals Set as Controversy Ends

Published

1 year ago

April 2, 2025

Preport

The quarter-finals of the Berom Nation’s Cup have concluded, with four district teams advancing to the semi-finals. The teams—Kuru Wurom FC, Gyel Wurom FC, Za’ang Wurom FC, and Du Wurom FC—will compete for a spot in the finals on Thursday, April 3, and Friday, April 4, 2025. Notably, all four qualifying teams hail from Jos South LGA, as districts from Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and Jos were eliminated, while Bachi, Gashish, and Foron did not participate.

The tournament, which aims to promote grassroots football among the Berom people, has been a testament to dedication and sacrifice. The Main Organizing Committee (MOC), led by President Geoffrey Bottson, has worked tirelessly to ensure smooth operations, often covering costs personally. The unwavering support from district heads, particularly the Da Gwom Rwei of each participating district, has been instrumental in transporting teams and ensuring their participation. Additionally, the Berom Educational and Cultural Organization (BECO) has provided moral support, and large crowds have consistently attended matches in Riyom, Jos South, Barkin Ladi, and Du.

Despite the tournament’s success, financial challenges persist. Efforts to secure sponsorship fell short, with only a few individuals stepping forward, including a concerned Berom woman who donated ₦20,000 and a non-Berom coach/scout who contributed ₦100,000. Some stakeholders reportedly questioned the motives behind the initiative instead of offering support.

The tournament has also faced a significant controversy involving the Vwang District team. The issue arose when Gyel Wurom FC filed a petition against Vwang for fielding a non-Berom player. Before the tournament, BESDA had clearly stated that only Berom players were eligible to participate. However, during the opening match, a Gyel captain identified a Vwang player who allegedly did not meet the eligibility criteria. While Vwang officials initially denied the claim, it was later confirmed that the player was Igbo. Consequently, BESDA awarded the match points to Gyel.

Vwang Wurom FC protested the decision by refusing to play their subsequent match against Za’ang Wurom FC, disrupting the tournament. They later petitioned the Plateau Football Association (PFA), which ruled that Gyel had not provided enough evidence, leading to the restoration of Vwang’s points. However, BESDA officials, citing repeated violations—including fielding an ineligible player, refusing to play a scheduled match, and inciting violence—decided to suspend Vwang from the tournament.

The dispute escalated when PFA issued letters to BESDA questioning the suspension of Vwang Wurom FC. In response, BESDA maintained that the decision was an internal matter, guided by cultural norms. The tournament continued despite PFA’s attempts to intervene. Eventually, during a meeting in March 2025, PFA withdrew its partnership with the Berom Nation’s Cup while also retracting its earlier decision to suspend the competition. However, PFA Chairman Hon. Suleiman Kwande announced that the sports equipment he had promised to BESDA—including 10 balls, two sets of jerseys, and two sets of bibs—would instead be given to the Vwang District team.

Despite the challenges, BESDA remains committed to the development of sports in Beromland. The association has reassured fans that future editions of the Berom Nation’s Cup and other sports initiatives will continue without interference from external influences. The focus now shifts to the semi-finals, where the four remaining teams will battle for a chance to become the inaugural champions of the Berom Nation’s Cup.

Berom Nation’s Cup Is here to stay all thanks to the Berom Sports Development Association – BESDA

News

‘We Need Unity and Professionalism’ — Dimkpa Unveils Blueprint to Rebuild Nigerian Karate

Published

1 hour ago

August 18, 2026

Preport

Newly elected Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN) President, Dr Chukwudi Dimkpa, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap aimed at repositioning Nigerian karate through stronger administration, grassroots development and improved international competitiveness.

Dimkpa said his immediate priority is to reunite stakeholders within Nigerian karate and establish a clear strategic direction for the federation. He plans to convene the new board to begin implementing the federation’s development agenda.

The new president also wants the federation to establish a sustainable pathway for athletes to progress from grassroots participation to elite competition, while improving opportunities for young karatekas across the country.

“Our athletes deserve a united Federation. Our coaches deserve an enabling environment. Our officials deserve the support to perform effectively.”

Focus on Coaches and Technical Officials

A major part of Dimkpa’s plan is strengthening the technical side of Nigerian karate.

The federation intends to introduce continuous education and certification programmes for coaches, referees and technical officials, with the aim of improving standards and ensuring Nigerian representatives can compete effectively at continental and global events.

Dimkpa also identified collaboration with the National Sports Commission, Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK), World Karate Federation (WKF), state associations and development partners as important to achieving the federation’s objectives.

International Competitions and Domestic Development

The federation has already begun preparing for upcoming international competitions, including the Japanese Ambassador’s Cup and UFAK Championships.

More recently, the KFN board approved the establishment of a Nigerian Karate League, designed to provide a structured domestic competition and create more opportunities for athletes to compete regularly in Nigeria. The board also approved a one-year activity calendar running from August 2026 to August 2027.

Nigeria is also scheduled to participate in the 2026 UFAK African Championship in Algeria from September 6 to 13, with the federation directing its technical and administrative officials to begin preparations for the competition.

Governance and Accountability

Dimkpa has also placed emphasis on improving the federation’s governance, promising greater transparency, accountability and professionalism.

The new administration is seeking to strengthen sponsorship and partnerships to improve funding, athlete welfare and infrastructure, while ensuring official federation activities are managed through clearly defined structures.

The KFN board’s inaugural meeting has already resulted in the creation of several committees covering areas such as marketing and sponsorship, competitions, ethics, youth and women, technical development and refereeing.

Dimkpa believes the federation’s success should not be measured solely by the number of medals won, but also by the strength of its institutions, the quality of its programmes and the opportunities created for athletes and other stakeholders.

The new administration has therefore placed unity, grassroots development, technical improvement and stronger governance at the centre of its plan to rebuild Nigerian karate.

Business

May & Baker disowns ‘fraudulent M&B Equity Stake’ investment scheme

Published

2 hours ago

August 18, 2026

Preport

May & Baker Nigeria Plc has dissociated itself from the ‘M&B Equity Stake’ investment scheme, noting that the purported investment opportunity is fraudulent and unauthorised by the company.

The company disclosed this in a regulatory filing signed by Adetoun Abiru, Secretary of Marina Nominees Limited, on Tuesday, urging the investing public to disregard promotional materials that promise daily or guaranteed returns for the equity stake.

This followed the circulation of “fraudulent materials” through social media, messaging applications and other online platforms, purporting to offer an investment opportunity described as an “M&B Equity Stake.”

“The company hereby unequivocally dissociates itself, its subsidiaries and affiliates from the purported ‘M&B Equity Stake’ investment scheme and any person, platform, website, group, publication or other communication promoting or soliciting funds in connection with the scheme,” May & Baker said.

The consumer foods manufacturer stated that any person, platform, flier, message, website or other communication soliciting funds under the guise of May & Baker Nigeria Plc is unauthorised and was not issued by or on behalf of the company.

It advised Nigerians to disregard the communications, refrain from making any payment or disclosing personal information in response to the ‘M&B Equity Stake’ investment materials.

“Report any such fraudulent activity to the appropriate authorities,” the pharmaceutical and beverage company said, urging the investing public not to disclose their financial information to anyone.

The company confirmed that it is not currently undertaking any Rights Issue, Public Offer or other capital-raising exercise involving the solicitation of investments from the public.

ALSO READ: May & Baker posts 215% profit growth in mid 2017 result

“Any future capital-raising exercise will be formally communicated through the Company’s authorised communication channels and conducted in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and the requirements of the Nigerian Exchange Limited and other relevant regulatory authorities,” the company added.

It further urged its shareholders, customers, employees and members of the general public to remain vigilant and verify any purported investment opportunity or communication relating to the company through its official communication channels before taking any action.