Nigeria News (Standard)
OPM Founder Chibuzor Chinyere Provides Shelter and Support for South Africa Returnees in Rivers
Omega Power Ministries offers accommodation and schooling to 15 Nigerians displaced by xenophobic violence abroad
Omega Power Ministries offers accommodation and schooling to 15 Nigerians displaced by xenophobic violence abroad
At least 15 Nigerians who recently returned from South Africa after losing their businesses and homes to xenophobic attacks have received accommodation, feeding, and welfare support from the Omega Power Ministries (OPM) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The relief efforts were announced on Saturday by OPM founder and cleric, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, following reports of trauma and hardship faced by returnees.
According to Chinyere, many of the affected individuals spent between 15 and 30 years living in South Africa before being forced back home due to violence that destroyed their livelihoods. Upon their return, they found themselves without shelter or means of survival. Moved by their predicament—brought to his attention through a member of OPM’s South African branch—Chinyere decided to intervene by offering free housing in one of the church’s estates as well as enrolling the children of returnees in local schools.
“These people invested everything they had over decades in South Africa. When I heard their stories and realised they came back with nothing, it was clear that leaving them stranded could worsen their trauma or even threaten their lives,” Chinyere stated. He explained that the ministry’s response included not only free accommodation but also regular meals and educational support for children now resident at the OPM estate.
The ongoing crisis has highlighted the challenges many Nigerians face abroad, particularly amid rising cases of xenophobic violence in Southern Africa. For the affected families now resettling in Rivers State, community support is proving vital for recovery. While government has previously coordinated evacuations during periods of unrest overseas, religious organisations like OPM are increasingly stepping up to address reintegration needs at home.
With more Nigerians expected to return from troubled regions abroad, humanitarian groups have called for expanded government intervention to ensure returnees are not left destitute. Stakeholders emphasise that reintegration programmes must address both immediate needs—such as shelter and food—and long-term issues like employment and education.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/south-africa-returnees-get-succour-from-opm/
Nigeria News (Standard)
U.S.-Based Athletes Arrive Lagos for Commonwealth Games Trials at YABATECH
AFN postpones 100m final as thunderstorms delay flights, over 10 foreign stars now present in Lagos
AFN postpones 100m final as thunderstorms delay flights, over 10 foreign stars now present in Lagos
Over 10 United States-based athletes arrived in Lagos on Friday for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) National Trials ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, following flight delays caused by a thunderstorm. The event, initially scheduled to begin on Saturday at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), was shifted by one day to accommodate the late arrivals.
The athletes began arriving at YABATECH yesterday afternoon, with more expected as at press time. The delay in their arrival prompted organisers to postpone the highly anticipated men’s 100 metres final, which will now hold today instead of the original schedule. Among the foreign-based stars already present are Favour Ashe, Nyenuchi Okemgbo (400m hurdles), Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (shot put), Oyesade Olatoye (hammer throw and shot put), Dolapo Divine Oladipo (shot put and discus), and Obiageri Amaechi (discus).
The AFN National Trials serve as the major selection event for Nigerian athletes hoping to represent the country at the Commonwealth Games later this year. The influx of U.S.-based competitors is seen as a boost to Nigeria’s medal prospects, with many of these athletes having recorded impressive performances in recent international competitions.
An official from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria confirmed that the schedule was adjusted to ensure fair competition among all participants. “We had to move some events forward so that all qualified athletes can take part,” the official said. No official reaction has been received yet from local-based athletes or their coaches regarding the schedule change.
With more foreign-based competitors expected to arrive before the end of trials, stakeholders believe that this year’s selection process will be highly competitive. The final list of Team Nigeria representatives for the Commonwealth Games is expected to be released after completion of all events at YABATECH.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/u-s-based-athletes-flood-yabatech-for-commonwealth-games-national-trials/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abua, Bassey Clinch CBN Senior Tennis Titles at Abuja’s MKO Abiola Stadium
Both players secure their first senior singles crowns as CBN marks 47th championship edition in the FCT
Both players secure their first senior singles crowns as CBN marks 47th championship edition in the FCT
Canice Abua and Etoro Bassey emerged as champions in the men’s and women’s singles categories respectively at the 47th Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Senior Tennis Championship, which concluded at the Package B of MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Saturday. The tournament saw top local tennis talents battle for national honours over several days in the Federal Capital Territory.
Abua, who entered as the men’s top seed, delivered a commanding performance against defending champion and third seed Michael Akpan Emmanuel. The final ended in straight sets with Abua winning 6-1, 6-2, marking his first-ever triumph at this prestigious event after several previous attempts. In the women’s final, 18-year-old Etoro Bassey overcame a shaky start to defeat Ogunjobi Success 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 and lift her maiden senior singles trophy.
The CBN Senior Tennis Championship remains a crucial fixture on Nigeria’s sports calendar, offering homegrown athletes a platform to showcase their skills and advance their careers. Abua’s victory is seen as a breakthrough for the experienced player who is currently part of Nigeria’s Davis Cup squad for 2026. For Bassey, her win signals the rise of new talent in women’s tennis as she steps up from junior ranks to senior competition.
Speaking after his victory, Abua dedicated his title to God. “I thank God for His mercy and making me proud to be who I am,” he said at the post-match presentation. Bassey also expressed gratitude for her support team and looked forward to more opportunities at the senior level.
With this year’s edition concluded, organisers and tennis stakeholders have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting young talents and sustaining the annual championship. Attention will now shift to preparations for Nigeria’s Davis Cup campaign and other national competitions where both champions are expected to feature.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/abua-etoro-crowned-cbn-senior-tennis-champions/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ochei Flags Off Devnotch National Tennis Championship in Abuja, Promises Enhanced Prize Money
Sixth edition of weeklong tournament opens at MKO Abiola Stadium; Nigeria Tennis Federation president assures improved welfare for players and officials
Sixth edition of weeklong tournament opens at MKO Abiola Stadium; Nigeria Tennis Federation president assures improved welfare for players and officials
The Devnotch National Tennis Championship commenced at the Tennis Arena, Package B of MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Friday, marking the start of the sixth edition of the annual event. The weeklong tournament, which began on June 21 and runs till June 27, 2026, is expected to feature top tennis talents from across Nigeria competing for honours.
Victor Ochei, who doubles as Chairman of Devnotch Nigeria Ltd and President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), flagged off the championship. Ochei, who recently led Nigeria to qualify for the second round of the Davis Cup for the first time since 1989, assured participants and fans that this year’s edition will introduce new features including higher prize money and improved welfare packages.
The Devnotch National Tennis Championship has become a recognised breeding ground for emerging champions in Nigerian tennis. Organisers say it offers an important platform for young talents to showcase their skills and gain national recognition. The ongoing edition is expected to attract significant attention within the tennis community as well as among sports enthusiasts nationwide.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ochei highlighted his commitment to advancing tennis in Nigeria both through corporate sponsorship and his role at the NTF. He stated that enhanced incentives this year are aimed at motivating players, officials and even spectators, thereby raising the standard of competition and overall experience.
The championship will conclude with a finals event on June 27. Stakeholders believe that sustained investments like those from Devnotch Nigeria Ltd are crucial for developing grassroots sports in Nigeria. Expectations are high that this year’s championship will set new standards and inspire further growth in Nigerian tennis.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/devnotch-national-tennis-championship-serves-off-in-abuja/
U.S.-Based Athletes Arrive Lagos for Commonwealth Games Trials at YABATECH
Abua, Bassey Clinch CBN Senior Tennis Titles at Abuja’s MKO Abiola Stadium
Ochei Flags Off Devnotch National Tennis Championship in Abuja, Promises Enhanced Prize Money
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