By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Director of Sports, Alhaji Baba Sheshi Katcha, has observed that the ongoing inter-local government badminton championship organised by the state badminton association in honour of the state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, was a step in the right direction.
The director made this observation while speaking to sports journalists at the Minna Sports Club complex yesterday, saying the championship was a welcome development.
He added that the championship was the first of its kind in the history of badminton associations in the state, saying that even though badminton is played across the state, this was the first time players of badminton were gathered from various local governments of the state to compete amongst themselves in one centre.
He said from the games he had watched so far, the championship was living up to expectations, saying the turnout was impressive and the competitive spirit exhibited by the players was encouraging.
The state director of sports also expressed optimism that a lot of discoveries would be made during the championship and believed that the state badminton technical crew led by Coach Ismaila would be able to pencil down some players that would be nurtured to feature for the state in national competitions.
While appreciating and commending the association under the leadership of Hon. Mohammed Nma Kolo for organising the championship, the state director of sports assured the association that the ministry was proud of the milestone achievement by the association and would always support them where necessary.
Meanwhile, the championship had so far gotten to a climax as some local governments had reached the medal stage.  

By Suleiman Yakubu

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has expressed shock over the death of Prof. Nuhu Aliyu Ango, the Director, Institute of Continuing Education and Learning (ICEeL) of the state-owned Ibrahim Badamasi University Lapai (IBBUL).
In a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor described the death of Prof. Aliyu Ango as a great loss to the state and the nation owing to the immeasurable and invaluable contributions of the deceased, especially in academia.
He noted that Prof. Aliyu Ango has been an asset to the IBB University Lapai, which later earned him the position of Director of the ICEeL.
Bago also recounted how compassionate and generous the deceased have been, providing humanitarian support and empowerment to the less privileged through his Ango Foundation.
He said that the esteemed academician who dedicated his life to lecturing and empowering women has left a lasting impact on many lives.
"The demise of Prof. Aliyu Ango, a proud son of Minna Emirate, has no doubt created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill," the statement reads.
The governor also extended his condolences to the management of the IBBUL, the Emir of Minna, and the people of the Emirate over the loss.
He prayed to Allah to forgive the deceased and make Aljanna Firdausi his final abode.
The farmer governor also prayed for Allah's comfort for his wife, Hajiya Asabe Garba, who is the zonal coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Information Resource Centre Minna, family members, academia, and the people of Minna Emirate.