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Nneka Ogwumike Bows Out Of WNBA With Another Prestigious Award In Her Grip
Los Angeles Sparks of the USA women’s basketball club’s Nigerian-born star, Nneka Ogwumike, is bowing out of the game on a high, with another prestigious award now resting firmly in her grip, Sports247 reports.
The latest individual laurel picked up by the lady of multiple honours in the USA’s Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has come just two months after she announced her impending retirement from the beautiful game
With her departure fixed for the end of the WNBA’s ongoing season, nothing much was expected from Ogwumike, but she has pulled off a stunning swansong in being named winner of the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award.
En route to clinching the gong, Ogwumike got 38 votes, while the next closest to her was Rebecca Allen of the New York Liberty, who had seven votes, making it the fifth time the Nigerian-born former US international will win the award.
It also marks the second time during Ogwumike’s illustrious career that she has won the award in back-to-back seasons, with her previous three conquests having all come in consecutive years, from 2019 to 2021.
This time out, the 2026 award is a final splash of honour for the ever impressive Ogwumike, who has 11 WNBA All-Star appearances, eight All-WNBA appearances, seven All-Defensive selections, a Rookie of the Year award, an MVP award, one WNBA championship and epochal recognition on the W25.
The 36-year-old veteran also gained lots of respect as the president of USA’s Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) since 2016 and was in the midst of yet another All-Star year when she announced in August that the 2026 season would be her last.
Sparks responded to that news by naming a spot inside the team’s new practice facility after Ogwumike and, while they could not win the title in her last campaign, her latest award gives her a huge sendforth recognition, as she calls time of a very illustrious career.
Makinde made the call on Sunday during a church service at the Headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Jos, where he was received by the church leadership and congregation.
The presidential candidate said his visit was not for an open campaign but to worship with the congregation, seek prayers and encourage Christians to take an active role in determining the nation’s political direction.
Describing Nigeria as being at a defining moment, Makinde said the country needed leadership capable of addressing insecurity, reducing economic hardship, strengthening the economy and implementing policies that improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
“Nigerians deserve better. We need a leader who has the fear of God, who sees the pains of Nigerians, who can change bad governance to good governance,” he said.
Makinde Challenges Christians to Embrace Politics
The Oyo State Governor challenged Christians who avoid politics because they consider it dirty or incompatible with their faith to reconsider their position.
He argued that Christians should not abandon the political space but should participate actively and contribute to decisions that shape the nation’s future.
“As Christians, we must participate. We must participate. Let our voices be heard in changing the course of history for Nigeria,” he urged.
He also encouraged the congregation to turn out on election day and make informed choices, stressing that decisions taken today would have lasting consequences for future generations.
Recounts Political Journey, Promises Return to Plateau
Reflecting on his political journey, Makinde recalled how many people doubted his ambition when he first expressed interest in becoming Governor of Oyo State.
He said his eventual emergence as governor demonstrated that political expectations could be challenged through determination and public support.
Makinde maintained that his message to Nigerians, particularly the Christian community, was to support leadership that understands their challenges and is committed to building a better country.
He disclosed that he would return to Plateau State in the coming days for an open campaign.
The service featured prayers for Nigeria, Plateau State and peaceful, credible elections in 2027.
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Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested five suspected criminals during a security operation at Prime House Hotel along Baring Road, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation, which took place on Friday, November 6, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m., reportedly followed a phone-snatching incident after the stolen device was tracked to the hotel.
According to a report, the operation was carried out by troops of Sector 1, OPEP, leading to the arrest of five suspects identified as Tahir Suleiman, 25; Muhammed Ahmed, 25; Muhammed Labaran Haruna, 27; Yahya Yunusa, 20; and Aisha Mohammad, 22.
The suspects were reportedly found in possession of the tracked mobile phone.
A subsequent search led to the recovery of 26 mobile phones, 27 phone pouches, three MP devices, two earpods, an HP laptop, a knife and four power banks.
A vehicle reportedly belonging to the suspects was also towed to the headquarters of Sector 1 for a comprehensive search.
The five suspects and recovered exhibits remain in military custody as investigations continue.
The development forms part of ongoing security efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to tackle criminal activities and strengthen public safety across Plateau State.
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