In a decisive move to restore the glory of state-owned football teams, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has announced the formation of a new Management Committee for the Ondo State Football Agency.

The committee, which reports directly to the Governor’s office, is composed of professionals drawn from diverse fields of football governance, marketing, and sports administration. Their primary mandate is to oversee and transform the fortunes of Sunshine Stars Football Club, Sunshine Queens Football Club, and the Sunshine Stars Under-19 team.

The newly appointed members of the committee are:

1. Divine Ogbonnaya – General Manager

2. Segun Joseph

3. Awosakin Iluyomade – Representative of the Ondo State Football Association

4. Iyabo Ajanaku

5. Dapo Ajibade – Marketing Consultant

According to a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Thursday, August 8, 2025, the formation of the committee aligns with Governor Aiyedatiwa’s earlier pledge to reposition football in the state.

The Governor charged the committee to immediately conduct a comprehensive review of the operational, managerial, and performance-related issues bedeviling the clubs. He emphasized the need for strategic reforms to halt the decline in performance and restore the teams to their rightful place in Nigeria’s top football leagues.

“This management committee has been carefully selected to bring expertise, professionalism, and passion to our football administration. Their task is to carry out a comprehensive review and turn things around for Sunshine Stars, Sunshine Queens, and our under-19 team,” Governor Aiyedatiwa declared.

“We are committed to ensuring that our football teams regain their positions in the premier leagues and restore the pride of Ondo State in the national and international sports scene,” he added.

This development comes after recent struggles faced by both Sunshine Stars and Sunshine Queens, which have seen them drop out of the country’s top-tier leagues, much to the dismay of fans and stakeholders.

Reactions and Stakeholder Expectations

The announcement has sparked optimism among football enthusiasts across the state. Many hope that with seasoned professionals on board, the Ondo State Football Agency will adopt a modern and business-oriented approach to club management, talent development, and fan engagement.

While stakeholders await detailed plans from the committee, sports analysts have highlighted the urgent need for investments in grassroots scouting, coaching staff restructuring, and marketing to attract sponsorships.

Looking Ahead

The new committee is expected to begin work immediately and provide periodic updates to the Governor’s office. Their performance over the coming months will likely determine the pace at which Sunshine Stars and Sunshine Queens can return to elite football status.

Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has commended the nation’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for their stunning fifth consecutive victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

D’Tigress defeated Mali with a commanding 78–64 scoreline in the final match, extending their unbeaten run in the tournament to 29 games since 2015, and further cementing their status as Africa’s most dominant basketball team.

Minister Musawa, who witnessed the final game in person alongside Minister of Women Affairs Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim and Minister of State for Finance Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, described the win as “a profound moment of national pride and a defining symbol of excellence in Nigerian sports.”

“This is far more than a basketball win. It is a celebration of Nigerian womanhood, of resilience, and of the limitless potential that thrives when passion meets purpose,”  Hannatu Musa Musawa, Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy

“They Have Lifted the Spirit of a Nation”

Upon the team’s return to Nigeria, Minister Musawa joined other dignitaries to welcome D’Tigress with warm embraces and heartfelt commendations. Among the emotional reunions was that of veteran player Sarah Ogoke, who was seen holding her child—a powerful image of personal sacrifice and national representation.

“These incredible women have written themselves into history. They have lifted not only a trophy but the spirit of a nation,” Musawa said.

“Their determination, grace, and strength on and off the court remind us of what we are capable of when we come together.”

The Honourable Minister highlighted that the players’ efforts transcend sports, offering inspiration to young girls and a message of possibility to all Nigerians.

“This victory is a spark for a new generation of athletes and creatives. It proves that Nigeria is not just participating on the world stage—we are leading.”

A Symbol of Renewed Hope

Musawa also emphasized that D’Tigress’ success aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places a spotlight on youth empowerment, national unity, and cultural excellence.

By clinching their fifth AfroBasket championship, the team has not only made history but also contributed to the global narrative of Nigerian excellence across various sectors.

“Their victory is a celebration of our culture, our resilience, and our unity. These women are true ambassadors of Nigeria’s strength and global identity.”

A Legacy Beyond the Court

With this achievement, D’Tigress have once again shattered stereotypes and elevated Nigeria’s sporting image globally. Their story continues to inspire both sports enthusiasts and emerging creatives, solidifying their legacy as icons of strength, unity, and national glory.

Seventeen-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu, a student of Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC) in Yobe State, has emerged as the world’s best in English Language proficiency at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals, held in London, United Kingdom.

Aminu’s victory stands as a remarkable academic feat for both Yobe State and Nigeria at large. She outperformed over 20,000 students from 69 countries, including those from native English-speaking nations such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia.

The competition tested students’ skills in English language proficiency, critical thinking, public speaking, reading comprehension, and communication – qualities in which Nafisa excelled.

“This win is a testament not just to my hard work, but to the quality of education I’ve received and the support from my school and state,” said Nafisa during a brief interview after the award ceremony.

Family Credits Victory to State Support and Discipline

In a statement made available to Peoples Daily, Hassan Salifu, head of the Aminu family, attributed Nafisa’s success to a combination of hard work, discipline, and an encouraging educational environment supported by the state government.

“Our daughter’s global success would not have been possible without the visionary support for education by His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, whose efforts have brought international honour to our state and nation,” Salifu said.

“Her win has brought immense pride to her family, her school, her state, and the nation at large.”

The Aminu family extended heartfelt gratitude to the staff and management of Nigerian Tulip International College, commending their high academic standards and commitment to nurturing excellence among Nigerian students.

Call for National Recognition

In the wake of this global recognition, the Aminu family has urged both state and federal governments to formally honour Nafisa’s achievement. They believe such recognition could inspire more students across Nigeria to strive for academic excellence, especially in international competitions.

“Her victory demonstrates that Nigerian students can compete and excel globally when given the right learning environment and support,” the family noted.

A Symbol of Hope for Northern Nigeria

Nafisa’s success story is being hailed not just as a personal victory, but as a symbol of educational potential in Northern Nigeria, a region often in the news for its challenges around insecurity and access to education. Her accomplishment has the potential to reshape narratives, encouraging stakeholders to further invest in education, particularly for girls.

School Reacts: “She’s Always Been a Star”

Staff members at Nigerian Tulip International College in Yobe described Nafisa as a “brilliant and focused student” who consistently topped her class.

“She’s always been a star, and we are thrilled but not surprised by her success,” said one of her English teachers who asked to remain anonymous. “We hope her story inspires other students to aim high.”

What is the TeenEagle Global Finals?

The TeenEagle Global Finals is an annual international competition designed to test the English language proficiency of teenagers around the world. With rigorous evaluations in grammar, comprehension, speech delivery, and global awareness, the event is widely regarded as one of the most competitive platforms for young English learners worldwide.

Looking Ahead

As congratulatory messages continue to pour in for Nafisa from across Nigeria and the diaspora, education stakeholders are being urged to provide her with further opportunities to develop her talents. Many are calling for scholarships, mentorship, and international exposure for the teenager who just proved that Nigeria can shine on the global stage.