Archery was introduced in Nigeria in the 1990s, but the sport is not popular in many parts of the country, largely due to lack of facilities. The Nigeria Archery Federation said it was campaigning for more awareness about the sport, which presents an opportunity for the country to win medals.
Monday, January 13, 2025
Video - Nigerian archers call for increased awareness about the sport
Archery was introduced in Nigeria in the 1990s, but the sport is not popular in many parts of the country, largely due to lack of facilities. The Nigeria Archery Federation said it was campaigning for more awareness about the sport, which presents an opportunity for the country to win medals.
Ex- Super Eagles star Odemwingie targets Olympic gold in Golf for Nigeria
Former Super Eagles forward Osaze Odemwingie has revealed his ambition of seeing Nigeria represented in golf at the Olympics.
The former West Brom star, who transitioned to professional golf after retiring from football in 2018 is determined to elevate the sport in his home country and inspire a new generation of Nigerian golfers.
Odemwingie began playing golf towards the end of his Premier League career at West Bromwich Albion. He graduated from the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) school in June 2024.
With golf's reintroduction to the Olympics in 2016, he sees a unique opportunity for Nigeria.
What Odemwingie said
“If I cannot play as a golfer, I can at least be in the team of a golfer who will play there,” he told BBC Sport Africa.
He continued, “I want to introduce people to the game and build a generation of golfers, from Nigeria in particular, that will participate in the Olympics.”
Odemwingie understands the prestige of Olympic competition, having been part of the Nigerian team that won silver in men's football at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
Referencing his own medal and the gold won by Nigeria in Atlanta '96, he stated, “The medal is very well respected. It’s a way to sell the project to our state government.”
Beyond the Olympics, Odemwingie is focused on promoting golf within Nigeria. He plans to engage with government officials and corporations to highlight the benefits of the sport and establish a golf academy in Benin City.
“If we have more golf courses, there will be tourism. Kids can get scholarships in good countries. If somebody sees an opportunity, they can latch on to [it] and give themselves an amazing life. It’s like any other sport. The earlier you start, you have a chance to become an elite,” he explained.
Odemwingie’s football career saw him play for Bendel Insurance in Nigeria before moving to Europe, where he played for clubs including La Louviere, Lille, Lokomotiv Moscow, West Bromwich Albion, Cardiff City, Stoke City, Bristol City, Rotherham United, and Madura United in Indonesia.
He also earned 65 caps for the Super Eagles, scoring 11 goals.
Nigeria experts call for reforms in oil, gas
They made the at a one-day symposium themed “Nigeria Petroleum Industry: The Way Forward,” organised by Classmasters in collaboration with other partners.
The symposium focused on addressing the social, economic, and environmental challenges affecting the sector central to Nigeria’s economy for nearly seven decades.
Speaking to journalists at the sideline interview of the symposium, the Managing Director of Classmasters Limited, publishers of Development Agenda Magazine, Paddy Ezeala, called for collaboration and innovative solutions to tackle the oil and gas sector challenges.
He said, “We aim to ensure that all stakeholders understand the complexities of this industry and collaboratively create a path forward that meets global standards.
“This industry is vital to our economy and national identity. For decades, we have failed to harness its potential fully. There is an urgent need for reforms and a unified strategy.
“The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) was a significant topic of discussion. Attendees advocated for amendments to address the diverse interests of stakeholders, including environmentalists, host communities, local operators, and international firms.
“No document is flawless, but this symposium aims to generate actionable recommendations to drive meaningful progress.”
Ezeala explained the event’s distinctiveness and strong support from key industry players, including NNPC Limited (NNPCL).
“Unlike previous gatherings, the outcomes of this symposium will not be ignored. As an environmentalist, I strongly advocate for mandatory environmental responsibility from all oil companies,” he added.
Participants expressed optimism about producing a comprehensive and actionable document to address critical issues such as energy transition, environmental sustainability, and socioeconomic challenges in the oil and gas industry.
For his part, Dr Oshita Oshita, the Executive Director of the Ubuntu Centre for Africa Peacebuilding and Development (UCAP), highlighted the growing security challenges in oil-producing areas.
“The Niger Delta faces evolving security threats that are deeply tied to the dynamics of oil production. Many underlying factors do not make it to the public domain but significantly impact the security landscape,” he remarked.
Oshita also underscored the link between Nigeria’s dependence on oil, often called the “Dutch disease,” and the neglect of oil-bearing communities. “The Niger Delta, despite being the source of the country’s oil wealth, remains one of the most underdeveloped areas. The people of this region see little to no benefit from the resources extracted from their land, fueling resentment and security crises. As long as these grievances persist, the challenges will remain.”
He argued that implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) presents a unique opportunity to address these issues.
“The PIA offers several opportunities that can be leveraged to transform oil-bearing communities and surrounding businesses. While the Act has its challenges, its potential to create a more equitable and sustainable industry cannot be overstated,” he said.
Oshita’s paper highlights the often-overlooked aspects of oil production, which significantly impact the security landscape.
He attributes the country’s struggles to the “Dutch disease,” which has led to an over-reliance on oil, neglecting other sectors of the economy.
A major concern is the lack of benefits for communities in oil-producing areas. This has led to ongoing security challenges, as people fight for their land and resources. Oshita proposes that Nigeria can overcome these challenges by leveraging opportunities presented by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Despite criticisms that Nigeria is not in control of its petroleum industry, Oshita believes that following the PIA’s guidelines can help the country regain control.
He stressed the need for stakeholders to focus on getting the benefits of the PIA, which can positively impact communities, oil-bearing communities, and surrounding businesses.
The symposium focused on addressing the social, economic, and environmental challenges affecting the sector central to Nigeria’s economy for nearly seven decades.
Speaking to journalists at the sideline interview of the symposium, the Managing Director of Classmasters Limited, publishers of Development Agenda Magazine, Paddy Ezeala, called for collaboration and innovative solutions to tackle the oil and gas sector challenges.
He said, “We aim to ensure that all stakeholders understand the complexities of this industry and collaboratively create a path forward that meets global standards.
“This industry is vital to our economy and national identity. For decades, we have failed to harness its potential fully. There is an urgent need for reforms and a unified strategy.
“The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) was a significant topic of discussion. Attendees advocated for amendments to address the diverse interests of stakeholders, including environmentalists, host communities, local operators, and international firms.
“No document is flawless, but this symposium aims to generate actionable recommendations to drive meaningful progress.”
Ezeala explained the event’s distinctiveness and strong support from key industry players, including NNPC Limited (NNPCL).
“Unlike previous gatherings, the outcomes of this symposium will not be ignored. As an environmentalist, I strongly advocate for mandatory environmental responsibility from all oil companies,” he added.
Participants expressed optimism about producing a comprehensive and actionable document to address critical issues such as energy transition, environmental sustainability, and socioeconomic challenges in the oil and gas industry.
For his part, Dr Oshita Oshita, the Executive Director of the Ubuntu Centre for Africa Peacebuilding and Development (UCAP), highlighted the growing security challenges in oil-producing areas.
“The Niger Delta faces evolving security threats that are deeply tied to the dynamics of oil production. Many underlying factors do not make it to the public domain but significantly impact the security landscape,” he remarked.
Oshita also underscored the link between Nigeria’s dependence on oil, often called the “Dutch disease,” and the neglect of oil-bearing communities. “The Niger Delta, despite being the source of the country’s oil wealth, remains one of the most underdeveloped areas. The people of this region see little to no benefit from the resources extracted from their land, fueling resentment and security crises. As long as these grievances persist, the challenges will remain.”
He argued that implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) presents a unique opportunity to address these issues.
“The PIA offers several opportunities that can be leveraged to transform oil-bearing communities and surrounding businesses. While the Act has its challenges, its potential to create a more equitable and sustainable industry cannot be overstated,” he said.
Oshita’s paper highlights the often-overlooked aspects of oil production, which significantly impact the security landscape.
He attributes the country’s struggles to the “Dutch disease,” which has led to an over-reliance on oil, neglecting other sectors of the economy.
A major concern is the lack of benefits for communities in oil-producing areas. This has led to ongoing security challenges, as people fight for their land and resources. Oshita proposes that Nigeria can overcome these challenges by leveraging opportunities presented by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Despite criticisms that Nigeria is not in control of its petroleum industry, Oshita believes that following the PIA’s guidelines can help the country regain control.
He stressed the need for stakeholders to focus on getting the benefits of the PIA, which can positively impact communities, oil-bearing communities, and surrounding businesses.
Google bans gambling ads in Nigeria
Google has implemented new comprehensive restrictions on gambling advertising in Nigeria, following a recent court ruling.
On Wednesday, 8 January, Google updated its ‘country-specific policies‘ related to the advertising of gambling and games for Nigerian audiences.
Effective immediately, Google will prohibit the advertising of online gambling products and offers in Nigeria. The ban on “gambling-related products” extends to promotional items such as vouchers and bonus codes, educational materials like books and eBooks, as well as gambling-related information, including tips, odds, and handicapping.
Although specific circumstances were not detailed by Google, last November Nigeria’s gambling sector was disrupted by the Supreme Court’s decision to void the National Lottery Act 2005.
The judgment transferred the authority to regulate lotteries and games of chance from the Federal Government to the House Assemblies of the States within the Federation.
The governance of Nigeria’s gambling licences has been a contentious issue since the introduction of the Lottery Act in 2005, as states have frequently contested the rule of federal authorities.
Long-standing conflicts saw the Assembly of Lagos argue that “lottery” falls under residual matters and is not part of the exclusive legislative list reserved for the federal government, which includes domains such as defence and banking. Lagos state sought judicial clarification on which level of government has the authority to regulate lotteries.
Following the ruling, the National Lottery Act is now limited in scope, applying exclusively to Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as State assemblies, including Lagos, will assume responsibility for regulating lotteries within their respective jurisdictions.
By Ted Menmuir, SBCNEWS
On Wednesday, 8 January, Google updated its ‘country-specific policies‘ related to the advertising of gambling and games for Nigerian audiences.
Effective immediately, Google will prohibit the advertising of online gambling products and offers in Nigeria. The ban on “gambling-related products” extends to promotional items such as vouchers and bonus codes, educational materials like books and eBooks, as well as gambling-related information, including tips, odds, and handicapping.
Although specific circumstances were not detailed by Google, last November Nigeria’s gambling sector was disrupted by the Supreme Court’s decision to void the National Lottery Act 2005.
The judgment transferred the authority to regulate lotteries and games of chance from the Federal Government to the House Assemblies of the States within the Federation.
The governance of Nigeria’s gambling licences has been a contentious issue since the introduction of the Lottery Act in 2005, as states have frequently contested the rule of federal authorities.
Long-standing conflicts saw the Assembly of Lagos argue that “lottery” falls under residual matters and is not part of the exclusive legislative list reserved for the federal government, which includes domains such as defence and banking. Lagos state sought judicial clarification on which level of government has the authority to regulate lotteries.
Following the ruling, the National Lottery Act is now limited in scope, applying exclusively to Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as State assemblies, including Lagos, will assume responsibility for regulating lotteries within their respective jurisdictions.
Nigeria military kills 16 civilians in air strike 'mistake'
At least 16 civilians in Nigeria's north-western Zamfara State have been killed in a military air strike, apparently after being mistaken for criminal gangs.
Residents told local media the victims were members of local vigilante groups and civilians defending themselves from armed gangs notorious for kidnapping people for ransom.
The strikes targeted militant gangs in Zurmi and Maradun areas and the state governor, Dauda Lawal, offered his condolences to the community.
The military has acknowledged conducting air strikes, which it said had dealt "a decisive blow to bandits terrorising villages in the area".
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it was investigating "reports of vigilante losses".
"While the operation successfully eliminated several bandits and led to the recovery of some kidnap victims, the NAF views with grave concern reports of the loss of civilian lives in the course of the operation," it said in a statement.
It said an ongoing "comprehensive investigation" would ascertain the truth of the matter, which would be "communicated to inform and reassure the public".
The AFP news agency quoted a local as saying that the civilians were returning to their villages after chasing away bandits when they were bombed.
The villagers "recovered 16 bodies from the attacks and took several other people with severe injuries to the hospital", Sa'idu Ibrahim was quoted as saying.
Rights group Amnesty International Nigeria put the death toll at 20 and said dozens of others were injured in the attack on Tunga Kara village, and called on authorities to "immediately and impartially" investigate the incident.
"Launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method by anyone's standard. Such reckless use of deadly force is unlawful, outrageous and lays bare the Nigerian military's shocking disregard for the lives of those it supposedly exists to protect," it said in a statement.
In recent years, Nigeria's security forces have been fighting powerful criminal gangs, known as bandits, who have been terrorising north-west and central states. The bandits raid villages, burn homes and kill and abduct residents for ransom.
Several accidental air strikes have occurred in recent months including a Christmas Day attack that killed at least 10 civilians in neighbouring Sokoto state.
In 2023, at least 85 civilians, mostly women and children, attending a Muslim religious gathering at a village in Kaduna state were killed after they were mistaken for bandits.
In January 2017, at least 112 people were killed when a jet struck a camp housing 40,000 people who had been displaced by jihadist violence in a town near the Cameroonian border.
By Basillioh Rukanga in Nairobi & Nkechi Ogbonna, BBC
Residents told local media the victims were members of local vigilante groups and civilians defending themselves from armed gangs notorious for kidnapping people for ransom.
The strikes targeted militant gangs in Zurmi and Maradun areas and the state governor, Dauda Lawal, offered his condolences to the community.
The military has acknowledged conducting air strikes, which it said had dealt "a decisive blow to bandits terrorising villages in the area".
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it was investigating "reports of vigilante losses".
"While the operation successfully eliminated several bandits and led to the recovery of some kidnap victims, the NAF views with grave concern reports of the loss of civilian lives in the course of the operation," it said in a statement.
It said an ongoing "comprehensive investigation" would ascertain the truth of the matter, which would be "communicated to inform and reassure the public".
The AFP news agency quoted a local as saying that the civilians were returning to their villages after chasing away bandits when they were bombed.
The villagers "recovered 16 bodies from the attacks and took several other people with severe injuries to the hospital", Sa'idu Ibrahim was quoted as saying.
Rights group Amnesty International Nigeria put the death toll at 20 and said dozens of others were injured in the attack on Tunga Kara village, and called on authorities to "immediately and impartially" investigate the incident.
"Launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method by anyone's standard. Such reckless use of deadly force is unlawful, outrageous and lays bare the Nigerian military's shocking disregard for the lives of those it supposedly exists to protect," it said in a statement.
In recent years, Nigeria's security forces have been fighting powerful criminal gangs, known as bandits, who have been terrorising north-west and central states. The bandits raid villages, burn homes and kill and abduct residents for ransom.
Several accidental air strikes have occurred in recent months including a Christmas Day attack that killed at least 10 civilians in neighbouring Sokoto state.
In 2023, at least 85 civilians, mostly women and children, attending a Muslim religious gathering at a village in Kaduna state were killed after they were mistaken for bandits.
In January 2017, at least 112 people were killed when a jet struck a camp housing 40,000 people who had been displaced by jihadist violence in a town near the Cameroonian border.
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