News
Prof. Christopher Yilgwan Marks 50th Birthday with Grand Golf Tournament in Jos
Over 150 golfers from across the country on Saturday converged on the Lamingo Golf Club, Jos, to celebrate the 50th birthday of the Chief Medical Director of Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Prof. Christopher Sabo Yilgwan, through a ceremonial golf kitty.
The colourful event, held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, attracted friends, colleagues, health sector stakeholders, and golf enthusiasts who gathered to mark the milestone birthday with a day of sporting activities and fellowship.
Speaking during the ceremonial tee-off, the Captain of the Lamingo Golf Club, Mr. Silas Vem, congratulated Prof. Yilgwan on attaining the golden age of 50, describing his choice of celebrating on the golf course as a reflection of his passion for fitness and healthy living.
Also speaking at the event, the Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, congratulated the celebrant and commended his leadership at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital. He noted that Prof. Yilgwan’s dedication and contributions to the health sector were evident in the large turnout of hospital staff and well-wishers at the celebration. The Commissioner prayed for God to grant the CMD continued wisdom and strength.
In his remarks, Prof. Yilgwan expressed deep appreciation to all who honoured him with their presence, describing the celebration as humbling and memorable.
Following the singing of the birthday song, Prof. Yilgwan officially kicked off the tournament. Other dignitaries who performed ceremonial tee-offs included Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, Dr. Kefas Zawaya, the Director of Administration of Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Mr. Jacob Dung, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Williams Golit, Arc. Suleiman Umar representing KOSA, and Hadassah Yilgwan representing the Academy.
Several teams participated in the tournament, which lasted several hours before culminating in a reception at the Lamingo Golf Club House. The reception featured goodwill messages from the club captain, friends, and family members.
On behalf of the Lamingo Golf Club, Mr. Silas Vem once again congratulated Prof. Yilgwan, urging him to continue making well-thought-out decisions in service to society, given the wealth of experience he has acquired over the years.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Chief Robert Taple described the celebrant as “an icon in Mupun land,” expressing pride in his achievements and praying for good health and long life. Representing friends, Dr. Kefas Zawaya eulogised Prof. Yilgwan as a reliable and dependable individual.
Highlights of the celebration included the presentation of trophies and gifts to outstanding professional and amateur golfers, cutting of the 50th birthday cake, photographs, music, dancing, and general merriment.
In recognition of his outstanding leadership and commitment to sports, the Sports Committee of Plateau State Specialist Hospital presented Prof. Yilgwan with an Award of Excellence for his sportsmanship and transformative leadership at the hospital.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Yilgwan thanked all attendees for celebrating with him and prayed for God’s blessings upon them. The programme ended with a closing prayer, after which guests continued networking and exchanging pleasantries.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 28 candidates for appointment as judicial officers across five states and two appellate courts.
The recommendations were made at the council’s 112th meeting held on November 3, 2026, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by NJC’s deputy director (Information), Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe.
Of the 28 candidates, 24 were recommended for appointment as judges of the High Courts of Kano, Ebonyi, Edo, Adamawa and Ogun states.
One candidate was recommended for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal, while another was recommended as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal.
Two other candidates were recommended for appointment as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.
The council also included Ijeoma Agugua in the shortlist of candidates for appointment as substantive chief judge of Imo State.
The candidates recommended for the various courts include Tijjani Zololo for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal.
For the Kano State High Court, the recommended candidates are Hassan Nafisan, Ahmad Halima, Bature Abdullahi and Umar Musa.
Amaga Dickson was recommended for appointment as a judge of the Ebonyi State High Court.
The candidates recommended for the Edo State High Court are Osawaru Benson, Omoruyi Taiye, Adamaigbo Dorathy, Usiobaifo Festus, Oiwoh Pius, Amune Majebi and Imuekemhe Emile.
Those recommended for the Adamawa State High Court are Sa’ad Aminu, Musa Ibrahim, Giwa Sadiq, Mijinyawa Musa, Ibrahim Japhet, Bakari Aliyu and Ahmadu Yakubu.
For the Ogun State High Court, the recommended candidates are Oke Olakulehin, Obienu Adebimpe, Daudu Fatimat, Kadiri Rafiat and Osho Oludotun.
Ishaku Abubakar was recommended for appointment as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal, while Dimas Elsha and Pembi David were recommended as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles could be handed a lifeline in their quest to qualify for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup following reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering including the team in the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
The development follows Ghana’s reported removal as hosts of the continental competition, potentially creating an opening for Nigeria to secure a place in the tournament.
Sports247 reports that CAF has informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to keep the Flying Eagles on standby for a possible invitation to the 2027 U-20 AFCON.
Nigeria initially missed out on automatic qualification after suffering a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the final of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship.
Burkina Faso secured the region’s automatic qualification ticket, while Ghana were expected to occupy the second available place as hosts of the continental tournament.
However, Ghana’s reported failure to meet CAF’s hosting requirements has thrown the arrangement into uncertainty, with the continental governing body expected to appoint a new host.
The situation could work in Nigeria’s favour, with the Flying Eagles potentially considered for the place initially reserved for Ghana as tournament hosts, having finished runners-up in the WAFU Zone B competition.
Although CAF is yet to make an official announcement confirming Nigeria’s inclusion, the reported development has raised hopes of a second opportunity for the seven-time African champions.
The 2027 U-20 AFCON will carry additional significance as it will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
According to CAF’s qualification format, the four semi-finalists will represent the continent at the global tournament.
Nigeria’s possible inclusion would therefore provide the Flying Eagles with another opportunity to compete for continental honours and keep their World Cup ambitions alive.
The West African giants have a proud history at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, having finished runners-up on two occasions, in 1989 and 2005.
For now, Nigeria will await CAF’s final decision, with the reported development offering renewed hope after their disappointment in the WAFU Zone B final.
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