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Nigeria Flags Off Participation in Maiden African School Games in Algeria, Backs Youth and Olympic Dreams As the curtain rises on the Maiden African School Games in Algeria, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to youth development, national pride, and the Olympic dream by facilitating the country’s participation in this historic continental event. Scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 5, 2025, across various Algerian cities, the African School Games is a first-of-its-kind initiative organized by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) in collaboration with the International School Sport Federation (ISF) and supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Nigeria will be represented by a robust delegation comprising 60 student-athletes, who will compete in 10 sporting disciplines, alongside officials, coaches, and medical personnel. These young athletes are expected to proudly hoist the national flag while showcasing the depth of Nigeria’s sporting talent and potential on a global grooming platform. “This isn’t just about winning medals; it’s about shaping futures, building unity across the continent, and instilling values that last a lifetime,” said Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission. “Nigeria’s participation is a strategic investment in our youth—who represent the foundation of our nation’s greatness in sport and beyond.” The Games emphasize the core Olympic values of friendship, solidarity, and fair play. With 25 sports disciplines on the schedule, the event provides a unique opportunity to identify, nurture, and develop emerging athletic talent across Africa. It also aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to deepen its sports talent pool in preparation for future global events such as the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. “We are not just participating—we are preparing,” Olopade added. “This experience will provide our athletes with the exposure, resilience, and international perspective necessary to succeed on the world stage.” Beyond athletic competition, the African School Games aim to promote pan-African unity and leverage sport as a catalyst for social development. Nigerian athletes will compete alongside their peers from across the continent, fostering mutual respect, cultural exchange, and long-lasting friendships. To further inspire the young participants, Olympic legends Noureddine Morceli and Hassiba Boulmerka have been appointed as ambassadors for the Games. Their mentorship is expected to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Africa’s next generation of champions. ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf emphasized the importance of the event, stating: > “We are witnessing an exceptional moment. ANOCA is living one of its most cherished dreams—offering African youths a platform for development through sport, in the spirit of Olympism.” The National Sports Commission remains unwavering in its vision of using sport as a vehicle for nation-building and youth empowerment. Nigeria’s participation in the African School Games is a testament to that commitment and marks the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s sporting history. SIGNED: Kola Daniel Special Assistant, Media Office of the Director General National Sports Commission (NSC) Date: July 25, 2025 4 days ago
Current Events and News

Senate Gives NNPCL 21-Day Ultimatum Over ₦210 Trillion Financial Discrepancy


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By Our Correspondent

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has been issued a 21-day ultimatum by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts to explain financial discrepancies amounting to ₦210 trillion in its audited financial statements from 2017 to 2023.

This development came during a session on Tuesday, where the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, appeared before the committee. He appealed for more time to address the flagged issues comprehensively.

“I have been in office for barely 100 days and need more time to fully grasp the matters at hand. Given the explanations I’ve heard today, my perspective has changed,” Ojulari told the committee.

He added, “I need to carry out further internal review and reconciliation to provide accurate responses. I will assemble a competent team to respond comprehensively.”

The Senate Committee had raised concerns over ₦103 trillion in liabilities and ₦107 trillion in assets recorded in the NNPCL’s audited accounts, questioning the credibility of the figures.

Describing the discrepancies as “mind-boggling,” the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Aliyu Wadada, stated that both the liability and asset components lacked proper substantiation.

“The liability figure cannot be verified and is therefore not acceptable to this committee. Even the receivables listed under assets cannot be validated,” Senator Wadada noted.

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He clarified that the figures were directly extracted from NNPCL’s own audited financial reports and stressed the urgent need for clarity and accountability.

Several senators expressed frustration at NNPCL’s handling of the committee’s queries, pointing out that despite repeated invitations, the company had failed to provide satisfactory responses. They criticized the leadership’s lack of preparedness, citing poor internal communication and negligence.

While dissatisfied with the current state of the company’s submissions, the committee agreed to grant a 21-day extension for NNPCL to return with reconciled and verifiable financial statements.

Meanwhile, a civil society group, Vanguard for Probity and Accountability, has also raised alarm over the reported financial discrepancies. In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the group’s National Coordinator, Dr. Joel Abba, described the revelations as deeply troubling.

“The recent disclosure by the Senate, showing financial discrepancies totalling over ₦210 trillion in NNPCL’s audited accounts, is alarming. The company must come clean and clarify its financial records,” Dr. Abba stated.

The Senate committee has reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in public finance, vowing to scrutinize every detail presented by NNPCL in its subsequent appearance.


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