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Osun State Governor confident Osogbo Stadium remodelling will meet FIFA standards
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has expressed confidence that the ongoing remodelling of Osogbo Stadium will meet international standards, including FIFA requirements, upon completion. According to a post by Adeleke's Spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor made these remarks after a project review session. The stadium's seating capacity is projected to increase from 4,000 to 15,000. Governor Adeleke stated that the project aims to modernize the stadium and position Osun State as a hub for major sporting events, enabling it to host local and international competitions and provide a platform for youth talent development. He emphasized the importance of involving both local and international technical experts to ensure the project adheres to global benchmarks. The state government is also working to activate key sports development structures, such as the Osun State Sports Trust Fund and the Osun State Sports Commission, to enhance funding, governance, and long-term planning for the sports sector. Governor Adeleke outlined his vision for a modernized sports system in Osun, featuring improved facilities, better workforce structures, and increased opportunities for athletes. He commended the contractors for their progress and the Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, who also serves as Commissioner for Sports, for his role in the initiative.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
NerdzFactory Company and Research Links, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and Digital Opportunity Trust, completed the MasterCrafters Assessment and Training Programme in April 2026. The program certified 201 skilled tradespeople across ten trades in Lagos, Nigeria, as structured mentors prepared to train new apprentices. This initiative falls under the Indigenous Apprenticeship to Work Programme, part of the Employee Innovation Fund, which aims to drive sustainable change in Nigeria’s informal skills economy. The program addressed the lack of structure and formal certification pathways in Nigeria's informal apprenticeship system. It mobilized experienced craftspeople from Lagos communities, assessing their technical competence and mentorship readiness, and providing them with teaching frameworks. The assessment phase, conducted from April 16-18, 2026, covered ten trades: fashion designing and tailoring, auto mechanics, carpentry and furniture making, catering, hair making, photography, cosmetology, art and craft, nail technology, and shoe making. Of the 201 certified MasterCrafters, 186 are women and 15 are men, reflecting a focus on inclusion. Four certified MasterCrafters are persons with disabilities. Training at the end of April included safeguarding, ethical apprenticeship practices, mentorship, communication, financial literacy, inclusion, and conflict resolution. All 201 MasterCrafters received formal certification through Nigeria’s Recognition of Prior L
The National Association of Nigerian Students NANS has reaffirmed its commitment to the rescue of abducted students and teachers across Nigeria, declaring support for advocacy efforts by the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC and the Nigeria Union of Teachers NUT. NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, stated on Thursday in Abuja that the student body remains focused on ensuring the freedom of all abducted individuals and will continue to engage relevant authorities and mobilize support for their rescue. Akinteye emphasized that the safety of students and teachers must be a national priority, warning that insecurity could undermine access to education if not addressed urgently. He added that NANS will work with labor unions, parents, community leaders, and security agencies to pressure the government until the abductees are rescued. While commending the NLC and NUT for their advocacy, Akinteye stressed that NANS's primary concern is the welfare of the victims, not political considerations. He distanced the association from politically affiliated groups, insisting that the campaign for rescue should not be used for partisan interests. Akinteye also dismissed reports questioning his studentship status, reiterating that he is a bona fide student of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology. He urged media organizations to verify information to avoid distracting from the urgent task of addressing insecurity in schools. The statement follows heightened concerns over school securit
Napoli, the Italian Serie A runners-up, announced on Thursday the departure of coach Antonio Conte and his staff after two years, with an agreement reached to part ways before their contracts expired. The club expressed gratitude for their work and wished them well for future endeavors. Conte, 56, who led Napoli to the Serie A title in the 2024/25 season, is reportedly a leading candidate to become the next Italy coach, a role he previously held from 2014 to 2016. Napoli is said to be in advanced discussions with Massimiliano Allegri, 58, who was recently dismissed from AC Milan.
The Anambra State government has pledged to ensure justice for a 16-year-old girl who was gang-raped by eight men, including her guardian, in Nawfia community. The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Esther Onyekesi, expressed outrage and vowed to bring all perpetrators to justice. A medical report confirmed the teenager is two months pregnant due to the repeated sexual assaults. The case was reported by a Catholic priest. The victim recounted that her guardian had been forcing himself on her nightly, followed by other men. A "Good Samaritan" facilitated her rescue, leading to some arrests. The victim also stated that her guardian's wife, a stroke patient, was unable to intervene. Police at the Nawfia Division have arrested two of the eight suspects, with six remaining at large. The case is currently being handled at the Nawfia Police station.