The Ideal News

By Idris Alooma  A retired Chief Confidential Secretary of the University of Ilorin , Pa Joseph Folorunso Olafare has expressed his gratitude to the institution and Almighty God for guiding him on how to live a fulfilling life after retirement. Marking his 70th birthday, Pa Olafare praised the University of Ilorin for equipping him with the skills and knowledge to navigate his post-work life. In a heartfelt message, Pa Olafare attributed his success to God's blessings, good health, and a supportive family. He advised those still in service to plan their retirement at least ten years in advance, emphasizing the importance of preparation for a smooth transition. Pa Olafare's retirement has been filled with purpose, as he engages in farming, animal husbandry, and maintains an active lifestyle. As a retired referee, he prioritizes exercise and healthy eating, ensuring he remains fit and energetic. The celebrant's 70th birthday anniversary was marked with a Thanksgiving service...

  By Idris Alooma  A distinguished Peace Scholar and Gender & Law expert, Ruth Abiola Adimula , Associate Professor at the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies , University of Ilorin, Nigeria, has led a groundbreaking study examining the impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in West Africa. The research, titled “ Impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement on Women Cross-Border Traders in West Africa ,” was conducted in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team: Prof. Adebusuyi Adeniran (Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Obafemi Awolowo University , Ile-Ife), Dr. Catherine Atinuke Adegoke (Management Consultant, Ilorin), and Ayodeji Adeyemo (Canada-based Business Lawyer). The study has been published in a Q1-ranked international journal, African Renaissance Studies , by Taylor & Francis Online—underscoring its global relevance and scholarly impactful act. Beyond assessing awareness levels of AfCFTA and documenting the...

  The Edo State Football Association has announced a significant boost to the development of women’s football in the state, following a strategic partnership agreement with renowned sports personality, Mrs. Aisha Falode . The landmark declaration was made by Ms. Falode during a high-level engagement with the Chairman of the Edo State Football Association, Fred Newton Erhunwunse , at the 2026 Extraordinary General Assembly meeting of the Nigerian Football Federation held in Yenagoa . In her commitment to the growth of the women’s game, Mrs. Falode has pledged to partner with the Edo FA by providing match balls for the forthcoming Edo State Federation Cup (Women), a gesture widely seen as both timely and impactful. Her support is expected to enhance the quality of competition while reinforcing the FA’s ongoing efforts to create a more structured and professional environment for female footballers across the state. Mrs. Aisha Falode is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influe...

  Oluchi tobex tobe-Chukwu The National Sports Commission (NSC), headed by Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade as the Director General, is changing the dynamics in managing sporting talents in Nigeria. NSC took a pragmatic step in capturing students' athletes who have been outstanding in sports for Nigeria by acknowledging , supporting, and rewarding them with cash rewards.  In the past, absolute attention has always been centred on national athletes and especially elite athletes who had participated in international tournaments and won medals for the country. Young athletes at the grassroots level have had to fall back on personal, school, and parental support to survive in sports until a breakthrough occurs if the passion still burns.  This ugly trend in the grassroots level has been dramatically changed as the leadership of the NSC is all about innovation, pushing boundaries, achieving greatness, and inspiring future generations.  This trailblazing ini...

  In the emerging generation of global women’s football talents, Chiamaka Omeze stands out as a dynamic forward whose journey bridges two nations, two cultures, and two ambitious dreams. Born and raised in Ontario, Canada to Nigerian parents, the 18-year-old striker is steadily building a reputation as a powerful attacking presence with remarkable discipline on and off the pitch. With a playing style she likens to the explosive finishing of Erling Haaland and the relentless attacking mentality of Nigerian icon Asisat Oshoala , Omeze represents the next generation of dual-national athletes who are redefining the pathway to elite women’s football.   Player Profile Full Name: Chiamaka Omeze Age: 18 Nationality: Canadian / Nigerian Position: Forward / Striker Preferred Foot: Right Current Club: Scrossopi FC ( League1 Ontario Women’s Division ) Previous Clubs: Brampton SC, Burlington SC, Hamilton United SC Known for her physical strength, hold-up play, and clinical finishing, Om...

  By Oluchi tobex tobe-Chukwu Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Olopade , the managing director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited has successfully carved a niche for herself within a short time of taking over the leadership of Nilayo Sports Management Limited from her husband, Hon Bukola Olopade , who is currently the Director General of the National Sports Commission.  Under her dynamic leadership, she has organised globally acclaimed events like the Premium Trust Bank Abuja City half marathon, Nilayo flagship marathon- Access Bank Lagos City Marathon , and the Yenagoa City International 10km race. As a mark of honour, Mrs Olopade was named among Africa' 50 most influential women in sports for 2025 , making a big statement and solidifying Nilayo' position as Nigeria' leading sports management and marketing firm. These giant strides have shown Yetunde Olopade as an astute and visionary leader in management and sports. Only recently the amazon with a midas touch received the presti...

  By Idris Alooma It's no more news that the University of Ilorin celebrated its golden jubilee last year in November, but what's remarkable is that the institution has positioned itself as a centenary global ruler, solidifying its position as a premier university in Nigeria and beyond. With a vision to be "an international centre of excellence in learning, research, probity, and service to humanity," Unilorin has consistently demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and community service. Unilorin's consistent maintenance of academic excellence has earned it the status of a most sought-after university. The institution's relentless pursuit of excellence has been driven by its visionary leadership, under the guidance of Vice Chancellor Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN . The university's globalization and internationalization efforts, driven by the Centre for International Education (CIE), have yielded significant results...