21- Day of Blessing: The Blessing of Fruitfulness is the mystery of enjoying life in its fullest – Dr. Bright reveals

By: Celestine Ukah 

The Minister in charge of Shalom Baptist Church of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, NBC, Ekpan off Pipeline Road Ekpan in Delta State, Nigeria, PST. Dr. Opate Bright has revealed that the Blessing of Fruitfulness is the mystery of enjoying life to its fullest.

Dr. Bright made the revelation known Saturday, September 6, during Day 6 of the ongoing 21 Days of Blessing at the Church, where he focused on the topic: The Blessing of Fruitfulness and took his text from Deuteronomy 28:4 with different biblical reflections.

PST. Dr. Bright explained that the Blessing of Fruitfulness qualifies one for a life of usefulness (Genesis 1:28; 9:7), a life of success, a life of plentifulness (Joel 2:23), and a life of resourcefulness.

Other qualifications that the Blessing of Fruitfulness can attract, according to Dr. Bright, are as follows: It qualifies you for a life of resultfulness, it qualifies you for a life of colorfulness (Isaiah 65:23; 2 Corinthians 3:18), it qualifies you for a life of gainfulness (Galatians 6:7), as well as a life of fatness (Psalm 92:12-14).

The program continues tomorrow with Sunday service through 21st September daily from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. The general public is cordially invited to come hear God’s word like never before as well as pray for yourself.

LOBI STARS UNLEASH GOAL STORM IN TEST MATCH WIN

Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi lit up the McCarthy Stadium on Friday, 5th August 2025, with a dazzling 5-1 demolition of Freedom FC in yet another commanding pre-season test match.

The fireworks began early as defender Francis Tochukwu struck a spectacular long-range free kick that sailed beyond the keeper to open the scoring.

Freedom FC responded swiftly, earning a penalty after Emeka John Pen was brought down inside the box. The striker stepped up and slotted home to level the tie.

But that was as close as Freedom FC would get.

Lobi Stars kicked into overdrive, with Emmanuel Afem restoring the lead through a powerful strike that deflected off a defender and into the net.

The Makurdi side continued to swarm forward with purpose as Dominic Foga, Stephen Eneji, and Barnabas Imenger Jr. each found the back of the net with beautifully executed finishes.

All five goals came in a blistering first-half performance that left Freedom FC reeling.

In the second half, Coach Abubakar Bala introduced fresh legs to consolidate the lead. While the intensity remained high, no further goals were added as Lobi Stars saw out the match with maturity and control.

Speaking after the game, Technical Adviser Abubakar Bala said:
“It’s encouraging to see the work we’re putting in reflect on the pitch. There’s still a long way to go, but performances like this give us something solid to build on.”

From defence to attack, Lobi Stars looked organised, purposeful, and sharp, a performance that underlined the steady progress of the team in pre-season preparations.

Lobi Stars Media Team.

Asaba 2025: Lagos State Outpaces, Delta, Edo in Medal Rush at National Youth Games

The ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba has lived up to its billing as the cradle of tomorrow’s champions, with Lagos, Edo, and defending champions Delta State locked in a thrilling battle for the top spot.

As of press time on Thursday, September 4, Team Lagos had stormed to the summit of the medal table with 61 medals, which includes 33 gold, 15 silver, and 23 bronze.

Hot on their heels, Edo State sits second with 25 gold, 9 silver, and 15 bronze (41 medals in total). The hosts and defending champions, Delta State sit third with 59 medals – 17 gold, 20 silver, and 22 bronze.

Abia State has also made an impressive showing, currently in fourth place with 9 gold, 8 silver, and 7 bronze medals.

The Games have seen young athletes break and set new records, igniting the passion of fans and signaling the emergence of future global stars.

While addressing Newsmen on Thursday, Kola Daniel, S.A, Media, Office of the Director General, National Sports Commission (NSC) said With the closing ceremony scheduled for Saturday, September 6, all eyes are on the home stretch, to see what state will ultimately claim glory.

Rep Ereyitomi Congratulates Warri Muslims as They Celebrate Eid-el-Maulud

By: Celestine Ukah 

The Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Abuja, Honourable Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi, has congratulated Muslim faithful as they celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Maulud, which marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) being celebrated across the world.

Chief Ereyitomi, in his congratulatory message to Muslims in Warri South, Warri North, Warri South-West, Delta State, and Nigeria, urged Muslims to foster peace, love, and unity within their communities and the wider nation.

While also encouraging them to reflect on the Prophet’s life and strive to embody his teachings and character in their daily lives, Hon. Ereyitomi enjoined Muslims to maintain the universal truth of the values the Great Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) stood for, which remain unmovable.

The Warri Federal lawmaker, Chief Ereyitomi, implored all Muslims, constituents, Deltans, and Nigerians to keep faith with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and his representation, which is targeted at making a difference in the lives of the people.

NFF to partner Vivacity Group on innovation, entrepreneurship, youth employment

The Nigeria Football Federation has agreed to partner with a non-governmental organization, Vivacity Group, on the latter’s Future of Work Initiative (NigeriaWorks 2030), which is aimed at driving innovation, entrepreneurship and youth employment across services and care economy, agriculture and agribusiness, creative and cultural industries, and technology and digital economy.

Speaking on her visit to the NFF Secretariat on Tuesday, Founder and CEO of Vivacity Group, Oluwakemi Ann-Melody Areola remarked that the vision and dedication of NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) has continued to elevate Nigerian football on the global stage.

“Through your stewardship, the NFF has not only strengthened Nigeria’s international image but also nurtured homegrown talent and expanded opportunities for young people across the nation. The unifying power of football, championed by your leadership, continues to drive national pride, foster social cohesion, and inspire youth engagement, while simultaneously opening pathways for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.

“The Future of Work Initiative (NigeriaWorks 2030) aims to equip Nigeria’s workforce across youth, professionals, and entrepreneurs with the skills, opportunities and global competitiveness required to thrive in the 21st-century economy.”

Responding, Gusau lauded the initiative, reiterating that his administration will continue to encourage meaningful and positive moves and endeavours that seek to enhance opportunities for the youth, engage professionals and groups productively and foster social cohesion while creating value.

NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi (MON) also recommended critical path measures that the group can adopt to spring it swiftly towards attaining its goals and objectives.

Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria to stage soccer tournament In Delta September 6

The Delta State Chapter of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) will on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 9:00 am, stage its much-anticipated Soccer Tournament at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE) Sports Complex, opposite the University Main Gate, Ugbomoro. The event promises a rich blend of sporting excellence, entertainment, unity, and camaraderie.

The tournament, which will feature both male and female teams from various professional bodies, is expected to draw a large crowd as participants trade their workspaces for the football pitch in a spirited contest of skill, teamwork, and fair play.

Organizers explained that the competition goes beyond football, describing it as a festival of fun, culture, and relaxation. Spectators will enjoy comedy skits, cultural dance troupes, live music, and rib-cracking jokes, while a colourful parade of teams will add glamour to the occasion.

Outstanding teams and players will not leave empty-handed, as trophies and up to 20 gold, silver, and bronze medals will be presented to the top three teams, recognizing both individual brilliance and collective achievement.

According to the organizers, the initiative is designed to strengthen bonds among professionals, promote wellness, and create networking opportunities in a relaxed atmosphere. They added that the tournament reflects APBN’s commitment to teamwork, integrity, collaboration, and excellence through sports.

Chairman of APBN Delta State Chapter, Surv. Victor Ezie, who signed the statement, extended a warm invitation to members, stakeholders, and the public to be part of the carnival of sports and entertainment. “The 2025 APBN Soccer Tournament is set to deliver an unforgettable experience, with music, awards, and cultural displays all on parade,” he said.

Join War Against Crude Oil Theft, TANTITA Security Services Encourages Communication Scholars

The management of Tantita Security Services Limited has called on the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) to use its intellectual and professional strength to support the ongoing war against oil vandalism and crude theft in the country.

Speaking at the 12th Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting of ACSPN, held September 3–4, 2025, at MBB Events, Effurun, Delta State, with the theme “Corruption, Governance and Media in Nigeria”, Capt. Waredi Enisuoh, Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, noted that oil theft remains one of the most devastating forms of corruption, undermining governance, national revenue, and community development.

He stressed that beyond government action and security interventions, the role of communication professionals is crucial in shaping public consciousness against oil theft, exposing criminal syndicates, and amplifying the importance of transparency in the oil sector. According to him, the media and scholars of communication can serve as powerful allies in creating a cultural shift where acts of vandalism and crude theft are widely condemned.

Capt. Enisuoh also used the occasion to review the activities of Tantita Security Services Limited, explaining that the company’s operations in collaboration with security agencies and host communities had greatly reduced incidents of pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal bunkering across the Niger Delta. He emphasized that these gains must be sustained through continuous awareness and communication-driven advocacy.

He commended ACSPN for engaging in discourse on corruption, governance, and media, urging participants to expand their research and public enlightenment efforts to cover the dangers of oil theft. He assured that Tantita Security Services Limited would continue to partner with stakeholders to secure Nigeria’s oil assets for the benefit of all citizens.

SWAN Confers Award of Excellence in Sports to DTHA Speaker, Guwor

The National Leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, on Tuesday, September 2, conferred the Award of Excellence in Sports to the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.

SWAN, also at a brief ceremony where the Speaker was decorated with the award in Asaba, the Delta State capital, admitted the awardee as an associate member of the Association with all the rights and privileges.

According to the Leadership, the honors were in recognition of Guwor’s dedication to promoting sporting activities in Delta State and his collaboration with sports journalists in Nigeria.

SWAN National President, Comrade Isaiah Benjamin, paid glowing tributes to Rt Hon Guwor for his unwavering commitment towards sports development, saying that the award is to encourage him to do more for the industry.

Comrade Benjamin recalled their last convention in Asaba, disclosing that the support received from the Speaker assisted so much in the successes recorded by the Association at the event.

He further lauded Guwor’s leadership style as Speaker of the 8th Assembly, assuring him of the Association’s unalloyed support to the State Legislature.

Receiving the award, the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, who is the National Treasurer of the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, said he was elated by the honors bestowed on him.

Rt Hon Guwor described himself as a lover of sports and appreciated the National Leadership of SWAN for recognizing his efforts towards sports development and for finding him worthy of the award.

The Speaker reaffirmed his commitment towards sustainable partnership and collaboration with SWAN and other sports-loving bodies in taking sports to the next level.

Guwor particularly noted that the 8th Assembly under his leadership would continue to strengthen its involvement in sporting activities in the State.

He emphasized that the award would spur him to ensure increased participation in sports development in Delta State and beyond.

The Speaker, flanked by some members of the State Assembly including Honourables Edafe Emakpor, Prince Emeka Osamuta, Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, Benson Obire, Matthew Omonade, and Anthony Alapala, was decorated with a badge as an Associate Member of the Association by the Vice Chairman, SWAN South-South, Azuka Chiemeke, and received a plaque for the Award of Excellence in Sports Development from the National President, Isaiah Benjamin.

Nobody is championing refund of 13% derivation fund to host communities, Pioneer DESOPADEC Chair, Chief Okirika groans

The Bolowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West LGA and pioneer Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), High Chief Dr. Wellington O. Okirika (JP), has lamented the neglect of the advocacy for the refund of the 13 percent derivation fund to host communities in Nigeria.

Chief Okirika, popularly called Mr. 13% Derivation Fund, also expressed his displeasure over the continuous bickering among the ethnic nationalities in Delta South over land ownership, while no serious attention is given to the core issue of the 13% fund that has been hijacked from them, exacerbating their state of poverty.

The Bolowei made this observation when some members of Host Communities, led by Hon. Kukaye Foster, Delta State Chairman of HOSCON, and Dr. Grace Ese Oghenekevwe, Women Leader, Delta State HOSCON, paid him a condolence visit at his residence on Sunday, August 31, 2025.

Recall that the wife of the Bolowei, the late Chief Mrs. Esther Okirika alias Adorable Mama, passed away after a protracted illness at the age of 75 years on Monday, August 25, 2025.

Chief Okirika, who posited that there are no leaders who speak truth to power anymore, hailed the late Alfred Rewane and other leaders who stood during their time for the truth and advocated for the refund of the earlier 1.5% derivation fund to the benefit of the people.

“God has blessed us. However, leaders who stand for truth, I see that they are all gone. The battle for resource control started a long time ago. When the derivation fund was 1.5%, Rewane stood and told Dr. Ambrose Ali of the now-defunct Bendel State and encouraged President Shehu Shagari to send the money to our people.

“The 1.5% Committee, I was a member. Barr. Jemide, Ododo… was a member. Today, do we have any leader saying that 13% belongs to the people? I’ve been talking, but I’m tired now,” he added.

In their condolences, the Delta State HOSCON men and women said the late Chief Esther Okirika is a mother to them as they are all her children and pledged their support to the Okirika family when the time comes to give her a befitting burial.

They prayed to Almighty God to strengthen the Bolowei and his family at their moment of sadness.

Hon. Kukaye also appealed to Chief Okirika to not throw in the towel as it is his destiny to stand for the truth always and lead the clamour for the realization of the refund of the 13% derivation fund back to the host communities.

WCQ: Nigeria in Group C Tango, Plays Rwanda on Saturday

The race to qualify for the world’s most prestigious sporting event, Men’s football hots up across the lands of Africa thus September with the 7th round games.

Six matches will be played in Group C where the Super Eagles of Nigeria is struggling to qualify from. On Friday, 5th September Benin Republic will host Zimbabwe while Lesotho will same day host South Africa.

On Saturday, the Super Eagles who are already trooping to Uyo in Akwa Ibom Sate of Nigeria has to strangulate the Amavubi (Crocodiles) of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in a must win encounter starting at 5pm.

Three matches will be decided in the group on 9th September to continue “the weeding of the chaff to the weeds” when Zimbabwe will host Rwanda; Benin Squirrels will host Lesotho while Nigeria will play Bayana Bayana of South Africa at Free State Stadium, Bloemfotain.

The two legged matches are absolutely important to teams in Group C before they conclude the weeding with another two matches to be played by each country in October. Then, Zambia will host South Africa; Rwanda will play Benin and Nigeria will tackle Lesotho to surrender.

Also in October, the last group matches will see South Africa move to subdue Rwanda; Lesotho will fight Zimbabwe while Nigeria will host Benin Republic with their former coach on the Benin bench.

The group Structure is dicey for now as South Africa leads in a controversial manner because the world is waiting for CAF to deduct three vital points from the Mandela Boys for fielding an illegitimate player in a qualifier match. Notwithstanding, South Africa leads with 13 points from 6 matches having won 4, drawn one and lost one.

Rwanda is currently 2nd with 8 points in 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 loses; Benin is 3rd with 8 points too having won 2 matches, drawn 2 and lost 2 with goals difference of -1 slump to Rwanda; Nigeria is 4th with 7 points after winning just a match, drew 4 and lost one; Lesotho is 5th with 6 points having also won a match, drew 3 and lost 2 while Zimbabwe rocks the bottom with 4 points failing to win a match, drew 4 and lost 2.

It is important to inform you that only the group winner will get automatic ticket to the world cup finals to be hosted in 2026 by USA, Canada and Mexico. The group runners up will have a chance to compete in a play off in an inter conference battle.

For the records, Rwa played goalless with Zim in the group opener on 15/11/2023; Ngr played 1-1 with Lesotho on 16/11/2023; Ben slumped to SAF 1-2 on 18/11/2023; Ngr drew 1-1 with Zim on 19/11/2023; and Les played goalless at home with Ben on 21/11/2023 while Saf lost to Rwa 0-2 on 21/11/2023.

In June 2024 Ben beat Rwa 1-0; Zim lost at home 0-2 to Les; Ngr played 1-1 with SAF in Uyo. Ngr surprisingly lost 1-2 to Ben in Abidjan; SAF sanctioned Zim 3-1 and Les lost at home0-1 to Rwa.

In March 2025 Zim played 2-2 with Ben; SAF won 2-0 over Les; Rwa lost at home 0-2 to Ngr; Ben too lost at home 0-2 to SAF; Ngr played 1-1 draw with Zim in Uyo and Rwa played 1-1 with Les in Kigali.

We report that two players will be missing in action for the September games. Dodo Dokou of Benin will miss the match against Zimbabwe as he bagged a yellow against Rwanda in June last year and another yellow against South Africa last March. Marshall Munetsi of Zimbabwe will also miss the match against Benin as he got yellow in June against Lesotho and another against Nigeria last March.

Today Tuesday, The Rwandans will land in Lagos, wait for 4 hours before their AIR Rwanda will take them to Uyo. Already the Super Eagles are planning the win their match on Saturday convincingly as a gift to their Captain William Ekong whose birthday was on Monday 1st September.

Nigeria and Rwanda Male senior team have played 7 matches with Nigeria winning 2, drew 4 and lost one. They met in the world cup twice and Nigeria won once and drew the other. Nigeria’s biggest win over Rwanda was the 2-0 victory of 21st March 2025 in Kigali. The prediction is that Nigeria that needs a massive win in Uyo may struggle to have a win but football pundits say that the 2-0 victory was an away match and with the Super Eagles who may be playing like a wounded Lion on home ground, the Rwandans may “collect” as the slang goes in Nigeria. Another motivation is that the Super Falcons, the female wing dominated Africa winning WAFCON 11 times and the Male wants to be the conqueror the Lion on the pitch now.

Look at six of their meetings, 29th February 2012 Rwa 0 Ngr 0 in AFCON; 16th June 2012 Ngr 2 Rwa 0 AFCON; 15th January 2018 Ngr 0 Rwa 0 CHAN; 10th September 2024 Rwa 0 Ngr 0 AFCON; 18th November 2024 Ngr 1 Rwa 2 AFCON and 21st March 2025 Rwa 0 Ngr 2 WCQ.

The Nigerian Football Federation has been making efforts to ensure the Super Eagles win their matches. The body met with the South African Ambassador in Nigeria at Abuja to discuss a safe diplomatic corridor especially from perennial Xenophobic attack of the Mandela People when Nigeria plays in South Africa on 9th September.