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Okigwe Group Honours Ezeji With Merit Award for Community Service
A foremost socio-political organisation in Imo State, Okigwe Zurumee, has honoured Chief Joachim Ezeji, KSM, with a merit award in recognition of his contributions to community development and the growth of the Okigwe zone.
The award was presented on Thursday during an event held in Owerri, the Imo State capital, where the group celebrated individuals considered to have made meaningful impacts in their communities and the society at large.
According to the organisers, Ezeji was recognised for his commitment to the development of his community and his contributions toward the socio-economic advancement of the Okigwe zone.
Chief Ezeji, who was unavoidably absent at the ceremony, was represented by Engr. Chukwudi Adiruo of the Imo State Water Corporation, Owerri, who received the award on his behalf.
Speaking at the event, members of the group described the award recipient as a distinguished son of the zone whose dedication to service and community growth continues to inspire others.
The honour, they noted, reflects the group’s commitment to celebrating excellence, leadership and selfless contributions to society.
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Prince Adeyemi: Ogbomoso elders disown culprit in fake agency scandal
*say he has a track record of fraud
Prominent elders and leaders from Ogbomoso have strongly distanced themselves from Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, the man at the center of the ongoing fake presidential agency scandal rocking the nation.
In a statement issued after an emergency meeting and co-signed by Chief Alao Adelabu Adeyinka and Prince Olatubosun Adeniyi, the community representatives described Adeyemi as a serial impostor with a long history of fraudulent activities, emphasizing that he holds no recognized royal title in the ancient town.
The elders, under the aegis of the Ogbomoso Integrity Forum, condemned his actions as a disgrace to the hardworking people of Ogbomoso and called on authorities to prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law.
This development comes amid growing national outrage over allegations that Adeyemi forged documents to pose as Director-General of the non-existent Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and Presidential Economic Advisory Council.
According to police reports and a statement from the Presidency, Adeyemi allegedly operated from an office in Abuja’s Federal Secretariat for over a year, hosted diplomats, secured budget allocations worth billions of naira, and maintained dozens of fraudulent bank accounts.
He was arrested in October 2025 and faces multiple charges including forgery, impersonation, and conspiracy.
The Ogbomoso Integrity Forum denied viral reports linking Adeyemi to Ogbomoso and claims that he had previously interacted with local monarchs.
The statement said: “We, the elders and custodians of Ogbomoso’s rich cultural heritage, unequivocally disown Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew in this shameful fake agency scandal that has brought unnecessary scrutiny to our peaceful community.
“For far too long, individuals like him have hidden behind unverified titles to perpetrate deceit, but we stand firm today to declare that he is not and has never been a recognized prince in any of the ruling houses of Ogbomoso.
“Our royal traditions are sacred and not for impostors to exploit for personal gain. His track record of fraud stretches back years, including previous scams involving fake international youth organizations where he duped unsuspecting Nigerians with promises of summits and appointments.
“We urge the federal authorities to thoroughly investigate all his past dealings and ensure justice is served without fear or favor. Ogbomoso remains a land of honest, God-fearing people committed to national development, and we will not allow one bad apple to tarnish our collective image.”
The Forum highlighted Adeyemi’s history of controversy. “This latest scandal is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern,” added the statement.
“The people of Ogbomoso are known for integrity, industry, and respect for constituted authority, values that Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew has repeatedly undermined through his actions.
“We reject any association with him and his so-called princely status, which has no basis in our traditional chieftaincy system or royal lineages. Such false claims only serve to mock the genuine efforts of our kings and chiefs in promoting peace and progress.
“It is disheartening that someone from our soil would go to such lengths to deceive high government officials, diplomats, and even secure space in the Federal Secretariat with forged letters.
“We call on all indigenes at home and abroad to remain vigilant against fraudsters who drag our name through the mud.
“The current Soun of Ogbomoso and other traditional rulers have always emphasized ethical leadership, and we align fully with efforts to cleanse our community of such elements.”
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World Cup 2026: Brazil Bow To Norway’s Pressure, Lose 2-1
Brazil’s hopes of a smooth start at the 2026 FIFA World Cup were dashed on Sunday night as Norway stunned the five-time champions with a 2-1 victory. The match, played at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, showcased Norway’s tactical discipline and relentless pressing, which unsettled Brazil’s rhythm throughout the encounter.
Norway opened the scoring in the 18th minute through striker Erling Haaland, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot home past Alisson Becker. The goal set the tone for a contest where Norway refused to be intimidated by Brazil’s pedigree.
The Scandinavian side pressed high, forcing Brazil into hurried passes and disrupting their usual flair. Their compact midfield ensured that Brazil’s creative outlets struggled to find space.
Brazil equalised in the 39th minute when Vinícius Júnior combined with Rodrygo to break through Norway’s defence. Vinícius finished calmly, giving the South Americans a lifeline before halftime.
Despite the equaliser, Brazil looked unsettled. Their midfield failed to dominate possession, and Norway’s physical approach kept them on the back foot.
The turning point came in the 72nd minute when Martin Ødegaard delivered a precise free-kick that found Haaland, who headed in his second goal of the night. The strike sealed Norway’s victory and left Brazil chasing shadows in the final stages.
Brazil pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but Norway’s defence held firm. Goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland produced crucial saves, denying Neymar and Vinícius in the closing minutes.
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Post-match reports confirmed Norway’s strategy was built on pressing and quick transitions. Ødegaard’s leadership in midfield and Haaland’s clinical finishing proved decisive.
Brazil, meanwhile, struggled to adapt. Their reliance on individual brilliance was not enough against Norway’s collective organisation.
FIFA’s verified match report highlighted Norway’s efficiency, noting that they converted two of their three shots on target. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), monitoring the tournament closely, praised Norway’s tactical execution as a lesson in discipline for African teams.
Brazil’s coach, Dorival Júnior, admitted in his post-match press conference that his side failed to cope with Norway’s intensity. He promised adjustments ahead of their next group game.
Fans across social media expressed shock at the result, with many calling it one of the early upsets of the tournament. Analysts pointed out that Brazil’s defensive lapses and lack of midfield control were glaring weaknesses.
Norway’s victory has now placed them in a strong position in Group C, while Brazil must regroup quickly to avoid further setbacks.
Brazil will face Mexico in their next fixture, a match that now carries added pressure. Norway, buoyed by their historic win, will look to build momentum against South Korea.
The result underscores the unpredictability of the World Cup, where tactical discipline and determination can overturn reputations.
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Brothers Drive D’Tigers’ Force in FIBA World Cup Qualifiers
Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, has found renewed energy in the ongoing FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, thanks to the impressive performances of the Iroegbu brothers, Ikenna and Uche.
The duo has become central to Nigeria’s winning streak, combining skill, speed, and tactical awareness to lift the team’s chances of securing a place in the global tournament.
Ikenna Iroegbu, the more experienced of the two, has consistently dictated play from the backcourt, providing leadership and scoring when needed. His younger brother, Uche, has complemented him with sharp shooting and defensive resilience. Together, they have given D’Tigers a balanced attack that opponents have struggled to contain.
Observers note that their chemistry on the court reflects years of shared training and understanding, making them one of the most effective sibling pairings in Nigerian basketball history.
D’Tigers’ recent victories in the qualifiers have reignited hope among fans who feared the team’s chances after earlier setbacks. The Iroegbu brothers’ contributions have been decisive, with clutch plays in tight moments ensuring Nigeria stays competitive against strong African rivals.
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Their performances have also inspired younger players in the squad, creating a culture of confidence and determination.
Beyond the statistics, the brothers represent resilience in Nigerian basketball. Despite challenges facing the sport, including funding and administrative disputes, their commitment has kept the team focused on the bigger goal — qualifying for the World Cup.
Analysts argue that their impact goes beyond the qualifiers, as they embody the potential of Nigerian talent when properly harnessed.
Supporters have praised the brothers for their consistency and passion. Social media platforms have been flooded with highlights of their plays, with many fans calling them the “heartbeat of D’Tigers.”
The excitement has also revived interest in domestic basketball, with calls for greater investment in grassroots development to produce more talents like the Iroegbus.
Nigeria’s path to the FIBA World Cup remains challenging, but the Iroegbu brothers’ form has given the team a fighting chance. Coaches believe that if the duo maintains their current level, D’Tigers can secure qualification and make a strong impression on the global stage.
The qualifiers continue, and all eyes remain on the brothers whose synergy has become Nigeria’s biggest asset in the campaign.
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