When people ask me why I still believe in sports as a pathway for youth development, stories like this are part of my answer.
Somebody sent me the Zadok Yohanna story this morning and honestly, I had to read it twice.
Born in Bauchi. Moved to Kaduna on his own as a young boy to chase a football dream. Flew to Sweden less than a year ago. And today, at just 18 years old, Brighton have reportedly signed him for £21.5 million, beating some of the biggest clubs in world football to secure his signature.
Think about that for a moment.
A teenager from northern Nigeria, armed with little more than talent, discipline and determination, has forced his way into one of the most competitive talent markets on earth.
This is why I will always believe in investing in young people. Not because every child will become a professional footballer, but because talent exists everywhere in this country. What is often missing is opportunity, structure, support and belief.
My vision in establishing the Kwara Football Academy and @ABSIlorinFC was rooted in this same belief, and it has given opportunities to players like Dennis Emmanuel Bonaventure, Olusegun Oakunle, Benjamin Frederick, Mubarak Gata, David Okoromi and a host of others now plying their trade in both local and international clubs.
Nigerians are an extraordinarily talented people. That has never been in question. What stories like Zadok’s remind us is what can happen when talent meets opportunity.
I encourage the Nigeria Football Federation @thenff, the National Sports Commission @NatSportsComm, and the National Institute for Sports, to look into creating the enabling environment for more football academies aimed at discovering more talents like Zadok Yohanna, as the global searchlight beams on Nigeria as the football destination for Africa.
To every young person chasing a dream that seems impossible today: keep going. Your current circumstances do not have to define your future.
And to Zadok: Congratulations! The whole world can now see your talent, but this is only the beginning. Keep working, stay grounded, and never forget the journey that brought you here. As you said yourself, “I know where I came from.” Hold on to that mindset.
🇳🇬🪖🫡NASFS: FAITH ON THE FRONT LINE. PRAYERS FOR THE FATHERLAND. 🕌🇳🇬
While the rest of the nation celebrates Eid in the comfort of their homes with family and feasts, our gallant troops stand firm in their duty, proving that devotion to God and country never stops.
This moving footage captures Nigerian soldiers observed in Eid prayers right on the front lines. In a powerful display of unity, rows of disciplined servicemen stand side-by-side, chanting the Takbeerat ("Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar...") under the open sky.
What makes this unforgettable:
♦️UNWAVERING DEVOTION: Even in combat gear, their commitment to faith remains completely unshakable.
♦️THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE: They miss their families and the holiday festivities so that millions of Nigerians can celebrate in total peace.
BROTHERHOOD IN ARMS: A beautiful reminder that the frontline is bound by faith, duty, and mutual respect.
May their prayers for peace, safety, and victory across Nigeria be answered. We owe our freedom to their relentless sacrifice. 🛡️✨
Let's send them our blessings and support! Drop a SALUTE to our brave protectors in the comments!
Again, I extend my heartfelt sympathy to families of the 39 students and 7 teachers kidnapped from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
This is a throwback video of when President Obasanjo ordered a shoot at sight on OPC members.
Fulani terrorists have done enough damage across Nigeria in the last 10 years. They have killed thousands of innocent people across Benue, Plateau, Kaduna and other states. This is a fact.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) should order a shoot at sight order against these terrorists who have been going from state to state causing havoc.
South West leaders, wake up. Do something drastic to push back against these evil terrorists! Do something!
Come and visit London’s Home of Trophies. 🏆
Book your Stadium Tour at Stamford Bridge now. ⭐️⭐Come and visit London’s Home of Trophies. 🏆
Book your Stadium Tour at Stamford Bridge now. ⭐️⭐Come and visit London’s Home of Trophies. 🏆
Book your Stadium Tour at Stamford Bridge now. ⭐️⭐Come and visit London’s Home of Trophies. 🏆
Book your Stadium Tour at Stamford Bridge now. ⭐️⭐Come and visit London’s Home of Trophies. 🏆
Book your Stadium Tour at Stamford Bridge now. ⭐️⭐Come and visit London’s Home of Trophies. 🏆
Book your Stadium Tour at Stamford Bridge now. ⭐️⭐️
With Mayor Dele Oshinowo, leadership has never been about empty promises or political grammar. It has always been about visible impact, real work and a connection with the people.
For eight years, the people of Agboyi-Ketu experienced a government that worked tirelessly, delivered consistently and transformed communities in ways everyone could see, feel and testify to. The records are everywhere: in the roads, the housing projects, the empowerment programmes, the schools, the ICT revolution, the healthcare interventions and the opportunities created for thousands of residents.
What makes this journey different is simple: the people already know what Mayor Dele Oshinowo is capable of. They have seen a leader who understands the grassroots, listens to the people and delivers with results that speak louder than campaign promises.
Now, Kosofe Federal Constituency has the opportunity to take that same proven leadership, experience and people-first governance to a bigger stage.
This is not a gamble. This is not trial and error. This is a continuation of tested leadership and visible performance.
We urge the good people of Kosofe to look at the records, look at the impact, listen to the voices of the people and support Mayor Dele Oshinowo for the House of Representatives.
Because when leadership truly works, the people always win.
Support proven capacity. Support visible impact. Support stronger representation for Kosofe.
Support Mayor Dele Oshinowo for House of Representatives, Kosofe Federal Constituency.
Stronger Representation; Stronger Kosofe.
I, Dr Samuel Mawuyon Ajose (SMA Gold), warmly congratulate our leader and President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on his emergence as the Presidential Candidate of our great party, the APC, and His Excellency, Dr Obafemi Kadri Hamzat, on his emergence as the APC Governorship Candidate for Lagos State.
I believe your victories reflect the trust and confidence the party continues to place in your leadership, experience, and commitment to progress.
I remain fully committed to the unity, growth, and success of our great party. I will continue to mobilise, stand together with fellow progressives, and work towards victory at all levels.
I believe this is a time for all progressives to remain united and focused on the bigger goal of advancing Lagos State and Nigeria.
May Almighty God continue to grant you wisdom and strength for the task ahead.
Congratulations once again.
Signed,
Dr Samuel Mawuyon Ajose (SMA Gold)