The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating Children’s Day, describing children as the foundation of the nation’s future and calling for increased investment in their development, education, welfare, and sporting potential.
In a special Children’s Day message, Adeboye emphasized the importance of creating opportunities and safe environments that allow children to grow, dream, and maximize their talents.
“Today, we celebrate the joy, innocence, creativity, and limitless potential of every Nigerian child. They are the future of our nation, and we must continue to invest in their growth and development.”
The SSA noted that sports remain one of the most effective tools for empowering children, building confidence, promoting discipline, and creating pathways to success.
“Through sports, children learn teamwork, leadership, discipline, and resilience. Grassroots sports development is not just about discovering talents—it is about shaping lives and building responsible future leaders.”
Adeboye reaffirmed the commitment of the Presidency toward youth-focused initiatives that support children across communities, especially through education, sports, and social development programmes.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to creating opportunities for young Nigerians to thrive. Our responsibility is to continue building systems that nurture their dreams and unlock their potential.”
The SSA also urged parents, teachers, coaches, and community leaders to continue guiding and supporting children positively.
“Every child deserves love, encouragement, protection, and the opportunity to succeed. Together, we must create an environment where every child can dream big and believe in a brighter future.”
He further encouraged children to remain focused, hardworking, respectful, and committed to their dreams regardless of their background or circumstances.
“To every child across Nigeria, never stop believing in yourself. Your dreams are valid, and with hard work and determination, you can achieve greatness.”
Adeboye concluded by wishing children across the country a joyful and memorable Children’s Day celebration.
“Happy Children’s Day to all our amazing children. Continue to shine, continue to dream, and continue to inspire hope for a better Nigeria.”
As celebrations take place nationwide, the message from the SSA remains clear— the future of Nigeria depends on how well the nation nurtures, protects, and empowers its children today.
The Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Kwara State, Abubakar Kabir Basambo, has resigned from the party, accusing some of its leaders of hypocrisy, dishonesty and double standards.
Basambo announced his decision in a resignation letter dated October 23, 2026, addressed to the state party chairman through the Magaji Are 1 ward chairman and the chairman of Ilorin East Local Government Area.
He said his decision followed careful consideration of the party’s direction in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the letter, Basambo criticised some party leaders and members of the state executive committee, accusing them of failing to practise the values they publicly claim to uphold.
“This decision was not taken lightly. After deep reflection, I can no longer cope with the direction the party is going in the state.
“There is so much hypocrisy, lies, and double standards amongst some party leaders and State Excos who parade themselves as loyal leaders,” he stated.
The former spokesman also criticised the party’s governorship candidate, Zakari Mohammed, alleging that his arrogance, alongside the conduct of some members, had contributed to his decision to leave.
He warned that the alleged behaviour of some party leaders could prevent the ADC from growing if it was not addressed.
“If this situation does not change, it will surely bring the party down. This party cannot grow with hungry and hypocritical people parading themselves as leaders,” he wrote.
Despite his departure, Basambo said he had no regrets about leaving the party, describing the decision as the end of his political journey with the ADC.
He also expressed disappointment that he would no longer be working with his political leader, Abubakar Kannike, whom he said he had grown to respect over the past year.
Basambo described Kannike as a man of honour and sincerity, adding that his regard for him would remain unchanged despite his resignation.
He also wished the state chairman, secretary and woman leader success in their respective positions.
While thanking those who supported him during his time in the party, he said he had no apology to offer to those who disliked him.
Basambo further clarified his meeting with the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bolakale Kawu, insisting that it was not intended to work against the ADC.
“For the purpose of clarity and to exonerate myself from any anti-party allegation, my meeting with Mallam Bolakale Kawu was purely an act of brotherhood and that of a committed member trying to canvas for the party,” he stated.
He added that some ADC leaders had also been involved in similar activities privately.
Nigeria’s teenage sensation Kanyinsola Yusuf has emerged as one of the standout performers at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after winning the Player of the Match award in the Flamingos’ sensational 3-1 victory over defending champions North Korea on Friday.
The prestigious individual recognition crowned an unforgettable afternoon for Yusuf, whose second-half goal helped Nigeria dismantle the tournament favourites and secure a place in the Round of 16.
Yusuf struck in the 56th minute to give Nigeria a commanding three-goal advantage, completing a remarkable attacking display against opponents who had scored 12 goals in their opening two group matches.
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi had opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 38th minute, leaving the defending champions stunned at half-time.
North Korea pulled a goal back through Yu Jong Hyang’s 82nd-minute penalty, but the Flamingos held firm to record a famous victory.
For Yusuf, the individual honour represents another significant moment in a rapidly developing World Cup campaign.
The youngster had already made an impact in Nigeria’s opening 2-1 defeat to Poland, coming off the bench and helping spark a late fightback, before playing her part in the team’s recovery.
Her emergence adds another exciting dimension to coach Akeem Busari’s squad, which has transformed its fortunes after beginning the tournament with defeat.
Nigeria followed that setback with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico before producing Friday’s stunning performance against the reigning champions.
Yusuf’s award also means Nigerian players have claimed the Player of the Match prize in consecutive victories, following Adegbuyi’s recognition against Puerto Rico.
With the Flamingos now through to the knockout stage, Yusuf’s growing influence could prove crucial as Nigeria chase a historic first title.
From an impact substitute against Poland to a match-winning star against North Korea, Yusuf is rapidly making her name on the world stage.