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“Sports Can Help Reduce Crime” — Kwara Governor Pledges More Support For Grassroots Development
Kwara State Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has pledged increased government support for grassroots sports development, saying sustained investment in youth sports can help reduce crime while improving the physical, mental and economic well-being of young people.
The governor made the commitment during the closing ceremony of the 17th Kwara State Commissioner of Police Cup, organised by the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) in Ilorin.
Represented by the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Mogaji, AbdulRazaq said his administration would strengthen its sponsorship and active participation in future editions of the competition.
The governor stressed that keeping youths actively engaged in sports would provide a positive avenue for them to develop their abilities while keeping them away from criminal activities.
“Keeping young people actively engaged in sports would help reduce crime while promoting their physical, mental and economic well-being,” the governor said.
He also highlighted the importance of properly structured grassroots programmes in identifying talented athletes and creating pathways for them to secure professional contracts with major clubs.
Mogaji, who represented the governor at the event, commended YSFON for introducing the female category, describing sports as one of the strongest unifying forces across communities and cultures.
He said the inclusion of the women’s competition, now in its second year, demonstrates the importance of gender inclusivity in grassroots sports development.
Mogaji also praised Commissioner of Police CP Adekimi Ojo and the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) for their partnership and support towards the successful staging of the tournament.
On the field, Future Stars FA emerged champions of the U-17 Boys category after defeating Koller FC 3-2 in an entertaining final.
Future Stars completed a boys’ double after also defeating UNIPES FA 2-0 to claim the U-13 title.
In the U-17 Girls category, Kwara United Queens secured the championship with a convincing 4-0 victory over Model Queens FC.
The results brought the 17th edition of the YSFON Commissioner of Police Cup to a colourful conclusion, while reinforcing the growing importance of grassroots competitions in discovering and nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of sporting talents.
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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