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Why Ex Kaduna Gov. El-Rufai Must Remain In Prison Till After 2027 Election – Senator Hunkuyi

By
Ayodele Oni
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Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi

By Ayodele Oni

 

In what looks like a retaliatory measure, former senator representing Kaduna North, Alhaji Suleiman Hunkuyi, has canvassed for continued detention  of ex Kaduna governor, Nasir El-Rufai, until after the 2027 governorship election.

 

Despite that El-Rufai is being detained on the order of the court, following his arraignment by anti corruption agency for alleged abuse of office among others, Hunkuyi, called on Governor Uba Sani not to release him.

 

Hunkuyi made the remark in Zaria, while Sani received former officials of the El-Rufai administration and their political associates who had reportedly defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mallam Nair El-Rufai
Nasir El-Rufai

Hunkuyi and El-Rufai were once political associates in the All Progressives Congress (APC) when El-Rufai ran for and won the governorship of Kaduna State in 2015, and Hunkuyi won his seat as the senator representing Kaduna North.

Their alliance broke down over political and governance disagreements—including opposition to El-Rufai’s foreign loan requests and control of the state party structure—leading Hunkuyi and a faction of the APC to suspend El-Rufai in 2018.

 

In retaliation during their bitter fallout, a property belonging to Hunkuyi used as a factional party secretariat in Kaduna was demolished by the state government under El-Rufai in 2018.

 

Among those received were El-Rufai’s former Chief of Staff, Alhaji Bashir Saidu, and Jafaru Sani, who served as commissioner for local government affairs, education and environment under the former governor.

The event was attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; former Kaduna State Governor Ramalan Yero; and other prominent political figures.

 

Hunkuyi, who represents the North-West in the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), made the remarks while addressing the gathering, linking El-Rufai’s continued detention to Sani’s political ambitions ahead of the 2027 election.

 

He began by making an indirect reference to the departure of El-Rufai’s former associates and their families from his political camp.

 

“All I want to say is just two things, perhaps a little more, because I have been given two minutes.”

 

He then addressed Saidu, asking about those who had remained in El-Rufai’s camp following the reported defections.

 

“They have taken away the children and the grandchildren. Let us ask, who did they leave behind—the short person who went with him? Please, for God’s sake… Who was he left with? We need to hear about this robbery.”

 

Turning to Governor Sani, Hunkuyi invoked religious imagery before urging him to keep El-Rufai in custody until after the next governorship election.

 

“Almighty God has restrained the devils and  chained them up during the month of Ramadan. In which month did you capture my elder brother? Please keep him for us. Hold him firmly and do not release him. Keep him securely.”

 

“Do not release him. Wait until everything is completed. Until you receive your crown in your hands, then release him to us,” Hunkuyi added.

 

His reference to the governor receiving his “crown” was understood in the context of Sani’s anticipated re-election bid in 2027.

 

Hunkuyi ended his remarks by praying for the success of the political alliance and urging the newly aligned political figures to work together towards their shared objectives.

 

“May Almighty God make it possible, for us to work together for the good, so that this journey we have embarked on will come together and reach its destination successfully,” he said.

 

The former senator also expressed hope that the alliance would yield political benefits, adding, “Almighty God, may we count our profits, deduct the principal, and set aside the profit.”

 

El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State for eight years, presented himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in February 2026 before being transferred to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

 

The anti-corruption agency subsequently investigated him and filed multiple charges relating to his tenure as governor.

 

The allegations include abuse of office, irregularities in the award of multibillion-naira light rail and closed-circuit television (CCTV) contracts, and the disposal of World Bank loan funds. The allegations remain subject to judicial determination.

Angry Youths Attack Zamfara Deputy Gov’s. Convoy While On Sympathy Visit

By
Ayodele Oni
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Angry Youths Block Zamfara deputy Gov

By Ayodele Oni

 

Tired of condolence and sympathy visits by government officials, angry youths in Gwashi community, Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on Sunday  chased away the state Deputy  Governor, Mani Malam Mummuni, during a visit to sympathise with residents over repeated bandit attacks.

 

The deputy governor had visited the community to commiserate with victims of the attacks and offer support to affected families.

 

However, the visit descended into chaos as frustrated youths confronted him and members of his entourage over the persistent insecurity plaguing their communities.

 

A video circulating online showed tensions escalating during the confrontation, with security operatives attached to the deputy governor reportedly fleeing the scene and abandoning their vehicle.

 

Gwashi and neighbouring communities in Bukkuyum Local Government Area have suffered repeated attacks by armed bandits, leaving residents exposed to serious security threats, particularly while travelling between villages and accessing local markets.

 

The incident occurred days after gunmen reportedly killed about 20 people in an ambush on traders travelling under military escort in the state.

 

The traders were said to have been travelling from Gwashi to Nasarawa Market in Bukkuyum Local Government Area on Saturday, October 10, when the attackers struck at about 2pm.

 

Reports indicated that four soldiers, three policemen, an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and 12 civilians were killed in the attack, while 19 other people sustained injuries.

 

In a separate incident about a month earlier, six Islamic clerics were reportedly abducted by armed bandits along the Dakko-Damri feeder road in Bakura Local Government Area while travelling to Talata Mafara.

 

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the abduction, stating that the victims, all imams, were intercepted by suspected bandits.

Kwankwaso: Obi Will Not Step Down For Atiku; NDC Ready To Win

By
James Orji
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Atiku Abubakar

Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has asserted that his party has no plan to forgo its presidential bid in favour of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in the 2027 general election.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, is the running mate to Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, who is up against incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Atiku Abubakar of the ADC, among other presidential candidates gearing up to contest next year’s presidential election.
Recently, there have been suggestions by political analysts in the country that opposition leaders should form a united front against the ruling party if they want to defeat the incumbent.
For instance, Obi and Abubakar have been advised by some political pundits to step down for each other to give the opposition a better chance of defeating the incumbent, who is running for a second term in office.
But in a post he shared on his verified Facebook page, Kwankwaso said Obi and he would not withdraw from the presidential race in favour of the ADC presidential candidate, describing calls for them to step down as “unnecessary.”
The former governor also accused the ADC of being behind attacks on his party, urging it to concentrate on its campaign instead of launching attacks on him and Obi, the NDC presidential candidate.
He also accused the ADC of planning to mislead NDC supporters on the eve of the election by claiming that the party intended to withdraw its presidential ticket, saying the trick would not work because Nigerians believed strongly in the NDC and would vote massively for the party next year.
He further accused the ADC of planning to mislead Nigerians into believing that the NDC had stepped down from the presidential election.
Kwankwaso said: “I have noted with deep concern the conduct of the ADC campaign team. The attacks directed at me, our presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, and our party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), are unnecessary and unhelpful.
“The ADC-PCC would be better served directing its energy toward rebutting the serious allegations levelled against their candidate by the Vice President, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, instead of targeting me and His Excellency Peter Obi.
“Let me state clearly and unequivocally: We will not withdraw our candidature for the ADC or any other party. We remain confident in our capacity, competence, and readiness to lead Nigeria.”
The ADC vice-presidential candidate was recently accused by the ADC of working for President Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 election, calling on him and Obi to join forces with the ADC to win the next presidential election.

Gov. Alia To Wike: Stay Away From Benue Politics

By
Ayodele Oni
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Hyacinth Alia
Gov Hyacinth Alia

By Ayodele Oni

 

As alliances unfold ahead of 2027 elections, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has warned Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to stay away from the State with his Rainbow Coalition.

 

The governor kicked against any attempt to influence the state’s political leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that Benue will not be subjected to the kind of political manoeuvres witnessed in Rivers State.

 

Alia, who made his position known through his Special Assistant on Social Media Communications, Asortar James Asortar, said the people of Benue must be allowed to determine who governs them without interference from powerful political figures.

 

He maintained that the state’s governorship was not a position to be decided through private agreements or negotiations among political leaders.

 

The warning comes ahead of the 2027 elections and reports of activities surrounding Wike’s Rainbow Coalition in the state.

 

In Benue, the development has brought fresh attention to the relationship between Alia and influential political figures, including former Governor Samuel Ortom and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.

 

In the statement, Alia challenged Wike, Ortom and Akume to explain the purpose of the coalition and clarify whether it was intended to influence the choice of the next governor of Benue State.

 

The governor warned that any attempt to determine the state’s political future through arrangements made outside the democratic process would be unacceptable, stressing that political alliances should not be used to deny residents their right to choose their preferred leaders.

 

“Benue is not a political commodity, and its governorship is not for settlement in private political negotiations.”

Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike

Alia’s position suggests that he does not intend to allow external political interests to determine the direction of Benue ahead of the next governorship election.

 

The governor insisted that the circumstances in Benue were different and that political actors should not assume that arrangements that influence politics elsewhere could automatically be replicated in the state.

 

“If the reported coalition is merely a political alliance, its proponents should explain its objectives openly. If it involves any arrangement intended to influence Benue’s governorship, the people deserve transparency.”

 

The governor also called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political parties to uphold internal democracy and respect the rights of their members.

 

He argued that the selection of candidates for the 2027 elections should follow established party procedures rather than decisions imposed by individuals with significant political influence.

2027: Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ogun State Chapter Endorses Tinubu, YAYI

By
James Orji
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0
President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

Igbo social cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Ogun State chapter has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election. The group has also thrown its weight behind the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in the state, Senator Solomon Adeola also known as YAYI for the election.

According to a statement issued on Monday by Chief Kayode Odunaro, the Special Adviser on Media to Senator Adeola, the President of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo in Ogun State, Eze Stephen Okorie made the announcement on Sunday when he led some of his members to visit the APC governorship candidate.

Odunaro quoted the Ndigbo leader as saying that the group decided to endorse Adeola for the election because of his track records of performance when he was senator in Lagos state.

Okorie also described Adeola as a performer, citing key projects he has executed in the state since he started representing Ogun in the Nigerian Senate, for instance, he mentioned strides in the areas of road construction and market infrastructure.

The group has also decided to confer the APC governorship candidate with a chieftaincy title this month to appreciate him for his public service to the people of the state.

“I have been a resident of Ogun State for the last 36 years, living in Owode-Yewa in Yewa South Local Government Area. We have been watching the politics and development in Ogun State, and based on the massive development that Senator Adeola has attracted to the state in the last three years, particularly in market infrastructure and road construction to promote trade and commerce, the Igbos have no hesitation in endorsing the senator for governor of Ogun State and Tinubu for president in the 2027 election,” Okorie was quoted in the statement.

How Fidelity Bank FundHer Supported Akara Café’s Next Chapter

By
James Orji
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Fidelity Bank Plc

Building a business is often about recognising opportunities at the right time and having the capacity to act on them.

For us at Akara Café, there came a point when an exciting opportunity presented itself: the chance to create a premium sub-brand that would offer a new expression of what we had built with Akara Café.

It was an exciting prospect, but it was also a significant financial commitment.

Like many growing businesses, we understood that expansion requires more than a great idea. It requires the right people, resources, planning and, importantly, access to capital. While we had continued to build and grow our existing business, taking on a new expansion meant having to carefully balance the investment required for the new venture with the working capital needed to keep our day-to-day operations running smoothly.

That was where Fidelity Bank’s FundHer programme became particularly valuable to us.

Through FundHer, we were able to access financing at a critical point in our expansion journey. The funding provided us with the additional capacity to deploy capital towards some of the costs associated with developing our premium sub-brand, while allowing us to preserve part of our working capital for the continued operations of Akara Café.

For a growing business, that flexibility can make a meaningful difference.

Access to financing is not simply about receiving funds. It is about having the financial room to make strategic decisions, pursue opportunities and continue building without unnecessarily putting pressure on existing operations.

Beyond the financing itself, our experience was made even better by the support we received throughout the process. Our Account Manager, Ms. Racheal, was responsive, supportive and available when we needed guidance. Her assistance made the process feel considerably easier and more seamless, which we appreciated, particularly at a time when there were many moving parts involved in the expansion.

Today, Pavillon  the newest  Akara cafe branch in Abuja, represents a new chapter for us.

It is a premium expression of the Akara Café brand and an opportunity to take what we have built into a new space. For us, opening Pavillon is more than simply adding another location; it is a reflection of our growth, our ambition and our willingness to explore new possibilities.

The journey from an idea to an actual physical space required careful planning, investment and commitment. Having access to the right financial support helped give us the capacity to take that important step.

More importantly, Pavillon represents what can happen when a growing business is able to recognise an opportunity and access the support needed to pursue it.

Looking back, I am reminded that growth does not always happen in one dramatic leap. Sometimes, it is a series of deliberate decisions, each one building on the last. Having access to the right financial support at the right time can help make those decisions possible.

We are grateful to Fidelity Bank for being part of this chapter of our journey through FundHer and for supporting our ambition to build, expand and create something even bigger.

As we look ahead, our focus remains the same: to continue growing the Akara Café story, creating memorable experiences and exploring new possibilities.

Pavillon is one of those possibilities. And for us, it is only the beginning.

Disbelief As Catholic Priest Is Crushed To Death By Falling Crucifix During Mass

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Catholic Priest Crushed To Death By Falling Crucifix

By Adesina Soyooye

 

It is an inexplicable mystery.Was it an atonement for sin committed. Was God angry? Or was it an accident? Whatever.

 

But confusion and disbelief and shock were the order of the day when a Priest of the Catholic Church, Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, was crushed to death after a big crucifix fell on him while he was celebrating Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

 

The unbelievable incident happened on Saturday during the celebration of Mass which was being live-streamed. The footage of the tragedy was watched live as it was circulating on social media.

 

In the video, Rev. Fr. Molinari was seen addressing worshippers when, suddenly, the crucifix fell on him, while the congregation watched in  shock and disbelief.

 

The Priest’s crushing death has been confirmed by the Archdiocese of Guayaquil in a statement published on social media on Sunday.

 

Rev. Fr. Molinari, the Archdiocese said, served as the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in the Central Vicariate.

 

“We announce that our beloved Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, CSsR., who served as parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chu,p in the Central Vicariate, has departed for the Father’s House to rejoice in His presence and glory.

 

“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen”, the Church wrote in a statement which announced his death in this unbelievable incident.

FIFA Under-17: Flamingos Lose Opener To Poland

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Flamingos of Nigeria

By Akinwale Kasali

 

The Flamingos of Nigeria  lost their opening Group Match against Poland in the ongoing Under-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

 

The match played at Rabat International Stadium saw the Flamingos lose 1-2 to Poland as both sides enjoyed spells of possession in the opening 30 minutes before Poland were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute.

 

Following a review by the Video Support System, the referee pointed to the spot after an incident involving the Nigerian defender and a Polish attacker. Wiktoria Skrzypczak converted to give Poland the lead.

 

The goal separated both teams at half-time, with Coach Akeem Busari’s side needing a response after the break.

 

Poland thought they had doubled their lead in the 63rd minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

 

Natalia Skrok made it 2-0 two minutes later, capitalising on a poor clearance by the Nigerian defence.

 

Coach Busari responded with double substitution in the 68th minute, introducing Oluebube Umejiaku and Awawu Bashiru for Harmony Chidi and Mary Dunstan.

 

He would also go on to make extra two substitutions ten minutes later, with Kanyinsola Yusuf and Precious Oscar coming on as replacements for Queen Joseph and Adesuyi.

 

The changes paid off in the 79th minute when Yusuf pulled one back for Nigeria shortly after coming on, giving the Flamingos hope of salvaging a result.

 

Nigeria appealed for a penalty in the 86th minute following an incident involving Kemi Adegbuyi, but the referee upheld her original decision after another review.

 

The Flamingos pushed for an equaliser but Poland held on to claim all three points.

 

Nigeria will look to bounce back when they face Puerto Rico in their next Group B fixture on Tuesday, 20 October, before taking on Korea DPR on Friday, 23 October.

Customs Intercepts ₦511.4 Million Worth of Pharmaceuticals, Illicit Drugs

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Drugs seized by Customs

By Akinwale Kasali

 

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, has handed over seized Pharmaceutical Products and illicit drugs with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦511,400,000 to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and appropriate legal action.

 

The handover took place at the Unit’s headquarters on Friday 16th October, 2026, on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos, in line with the respective statutory mandates of the receiving agencies.

 

In a statement by Hussaini Abdullahi, Chief Superintendent of Customs Public Relations Officer, Federal Operations Unit Zone A Ikeja-Lagos, the seized items comprised 121 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 65.9kg; 100g of crystal methamphetamine; 400g of cocaine; 900g of ground synthetic cannabis; 4.3kg of hybrid cannabis; 86 packs of polythene bags used to conceal the illicit drugs; and 57 cartons of codeine syrup.

 

Two vehicles—a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna—and two male suspects, one in connection with each interception, were also handed over.

 

Speaking during the exercise, Deputy Comptroller of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Oluwaseun Oguntuase, who represented the Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, said the seizures resulted from sustained intelligence-driven operations along border corridors, highways and other strategic locations within the Unit’s area of responsibility.

 

He explained that at approximately 1300hrs on Saturday, 10 October 2026, a patrol team acting on intelligence intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus conveying suspected illicit drugs concealed in polythene bags along the Lagos–Benin Expressway, around Ore in Ondo State.

 

Subsequent examination and analysis by NDLEA officials confirmed the substances.

 

In a separate operation, Officers intercepted another vehicle along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Examination of the vehicle revealed 57 cartons of assorted brands of codeine syrup.

 

Oguntuase stated that the handover underscored the Service’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration in combating drug trafficking, the smuggling of controlled substances and the circulation of unwholesome pharmaceutical products.

 

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its mandate to protect the nation’s borders, safeguard public health and support national security. These seizures and the subsequent handover demonstrate the importance of cooperation among security and regulatory agencies in denying criminal elements the space to operate,” he said.

 

Receiving the illicit drug exhibits, a suspect and a vehicle on behalf of the Commander, NDLEA Lagos State Strategic Command, Deputy Commander of Narcotics Ganiyu Bolaji commended the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly FOU Zone ‘A’, for its commitment to inter-agency cooperation. He assured that the agency would handle the transferred exhibits and suspect in accordance with the law, while sustaining efforts to rid society of illicit drugs.

 

Similarly, Chioma Edith, Deputy Director in charge of Pharmaceuticals, who received the seized codeine syrup on behalf of NAFDAC’s Director of Enforcement, applauded the Unit for the interception and assured it of sustained collaboration in combating illicit and substandard pharmaceutical products.

 

The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to fight against economic saboteurs, including illicit drugs trafficking and controlled pharmaceuticals while facilitating legitimate businesses.

Oba Of Benin Adopts Eight Years Old Chess Player, To Enjoy Royal Treatment

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Oba of Benin with 8 Year Old Chess Player

 

By Ayodele Oni

 

An eight-year old chess player in Edo state will henceforth enjoy royal care, courtesy of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, for her proficiency in the game.

 

Emmanuela Iyobosa Omoragbon, one of the participants in a chess tournament, was declared a child of the Palace after playing the ceremonial first move with her to open the Royal Rapid Chess Classic 2026.

 

The tournament is part of activities marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the monarch. The opening took place at the palace in Benin City.

 

Declaring the girl a child of the palace, the Oba directed palace chiefs in the administrative arm to obtain her details from her mother, Mrs Doris Omoragbon, a national chess champion and senior player with the Edo State Sports Commission.

 

“This child is now a child of the Palace. From now on, I want the Palace to monitor the progress of the little girl: how she is doing with chess, her education and her welfare.

 

“Even the food she eats, we want to know. The Palace will now take care of her needs,” the monarch said.

 

“If there are any challenges concerning her, the parents must bring them to my notice. For a child of eight to be playing chess at this level is wonderful.”

 

Describing chess as a strategic game for the intelligentsia, the Oba pointed out that many people wrongly equate it with draughts played in beer parlours.

 

“Many people do not know the advantages of chess. They think it is the same as the game of draughts people play at beer parlours, but it is not. It is a game that makes you rack your brain. It prepares one to be proactive. It helps in decision-making and good planning.”

 

He added that the game is meant for military hierarchy, policy makers and administrators, and that it “sharpens your focus and high sense of anticipation.”

 

The Monarch promised to add Royal prizes to the winners of the competition who will be receiving a royal souvenir (bronze cash) during the grand finale on November 21.

 

He further revealed that little girl he adopted will also receive a royal gift. The Chess players and students of Edo college that visited the palace received a royal gift of N2M, while N250,000 royal gift was given to the mother of the adopted child Mrs Omoragbon.

 

Mrs Omoragbon said she was overwhelmed by the gesture and would carry the news to her husband and the rest of the family, saying they would remain grateful to the monarch.

 

Emmanuela, a chess player with the Edo State Sports Commission, is a Primary 2 pupil of Oman Christian Academy, Benin City.

 

The competition continued at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub on Airport Road, Benin City, with 126 of the 130 registered players in attendance. They were drawn from 10 states, including Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun and host state Edo.

 

The chess game coordinator, Augustine Apemiye, thanked the Oba for including chess in the anniversary programme.

 

He said the approval of the monarch was being sought for the establishment of the Oba Ewuare II Chess Club, which would give children in the palace the opportunity to learn the game. He volunteered to bring in chess champions to train them.

 

In the open category, the winner takes home the star prize of N350,000, followed by N250,000 for second place and N150,000 for third. Players placed fourth to tenth receive N50,000 each. The best Edo indigene and best veteran player will also receive N50,000 each.

 

In the under-20 category, for both men and women, first place wins N100,000, second N80,000 and third N50,000. The under-14 winners receive N30,000, N20,000 and N10,000 for first to third places, while the under-10 prizes are N25,000, N15,000 and N10,000.

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