News
Sanwo-Olu Mini Stadium launched in Lagos with TECNO support
Sanwo-Olu Mini Stadium opens in Lagos with TECNO support, offering modern eight-a-side astroturf to develop youth talent and community sports
The Lagos State Government, in partnership with technology firm TECNO, has unveiled the Sanwo-Olu Mini Stadium, an eight-a-side astroturf football pitch at Sura under bridge, Lagos Island, as part of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s drive to promote youth engagement and sports development.
Also read: Celebrating Progress: Akindele’s First 100 Days Applauded by Sanwo-Olu, Obasa, Ojelabi, Bisi Yusuff
The project is part of an ongoing effort to transform underutilised urban spaces into modern training and recreational centres for talent discovery, fostering national and international opportunities for young athletes.
At the unveiling, Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, commended TECNO for its corporate social responsibility initiative, describing the facility as a “significant boost to youth empowerment and community development.”
“The facilities aim to nurture talent for national and international opportunities, and infrastructure plays a significant role in achieving this,” Fatodu said.
“We appreciate TECNO’s efforts in putting this together and commit to maintaining the facilities alongside the community.”
Fatodu also revealed that the state government is constructing eight mini stadia across Lagos State to make sporting facilities more accessible to local communities.
He encouraged corporate organisations to invest in multi-sport infrastructure, noting that Lagos has diverse sporting interests beyond football.
Speaking at the event, Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, hailed the initiative as a practical avenue to engage youths in productive activities.
“We want to take our youth off the street. This is another way we are demonstrating this under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, giving our youths an opportunity to compete on a global scale,” Ogunlende said.
Olumide Yomi-Omolayo, TECNO’s Marketing Manager, said the company’s involvement reflects a long-term vision for African football development.
“We are not only supporting present African footballers; we are supporting the future of African football. That is why we are creating facilities like this on the Island,” he said.
Also read: Lagos State Assembly Confirms Receipt of 2026 Budget Proposal from Governor Sanwo-Olu
The initiative represents a growing public-private partnership model in Lagos State, aimed at empowering young people, promoting sports, and fostering community engagement through accessible modern infrastructure.
News
Panic-stricken Enugu APC begins flag-off of already flagged of roads in Nsukka after PDP’s Chijioke Ugwu’s homecoming
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the NAF 931 aircraft crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support as they come to terms with the loss.
The Air Force said no survivors had been found and released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers on board the aircraft.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer A. Abubakar, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal H.C. Uguru, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer F. Onwuka; Master Warrant Officer B.A. Matini; Warrant Officer F.S. Nuhu; Flight Sergeant R.B. James; Flight Sergeant A.I. Mohammed; Sergeant A.E. Ani; Sergeant S.I. Izibenikien; Sergeant C. Alafuka; Sergeant A.N. Mbadugha; Lance Corporal F.C. Ugwuba; Lance Corporal G.E. Eledan; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The latest figure released by the Air Force differs from the initial information provided after the crash. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had initially said 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, were aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently clarified that the manifest contained 25 people, made up of five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda, close to a naval base, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was later located and rescue teams were deployed to the area.
The cause of the crash has not been established. The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died. He ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the victims.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
-
Politics3 years ago
13 Ondo Assembly Members Disown Endorsement of Aiyedatiwa
-
Politics3 years ago
APC Group, Ondo Govt, Quarrel Over Money for Endorsement
-
Trending News5 years agoStop unsavoury, inciting statements – DSS warns
-
Others5 years agoAdron Homes Celebrates 10 Years Of Housing Excellence
-
Humanity5 years agoPresident Buhari Commiserates With Ambassador Maureen Tamuno Over The Loss Of Her Father
-
Others7 years agoEX- CUSTOMS BOSS, IBRAHIM MERA’S DWINDLING FAME
-
Business2 years agoBigi Carbonated Soft Drinks Treats 40 Consumers to an Epic Easter Movie Hangout
-
Business2 years agoWema Bank Shines at Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards 2024 …Awarded: • SME Financier of the Year (Africa) • Platinum Award for Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs (Africa)