By Suleiman Yakubu

Not fewer than 20 eminent Nigerians and members of the Assemblies of God Nigeria (AGN) were honored with various awards by the Niger Central District of the Church over the weekend. This recognition was for their immense contributions towards the growth and development of the Church.
Five of the awardees received the prestigious King David Award for Leadership Excellence.
In his address during the Church service, which marked the end of a three-day revival and award presentation, Rev. Igiri Joseph, the host minister and District Superintendent of Niger Central, highlighted the selfless contributions of the awardees towards the Church’s development.
Rev. Joseph congratulated the recipients and noted that the recently created Niger Central District, comprising 22 churches, is committed to building a united body to serve God and humanity. He mentioned that the district has assisted some of its churches with over ₦500,000 within its short lifespan.
He also called on well-to-do members to support the Church in addressing challenges such as acquiring land for the district church building and office accommodation.
Hon. David Ogewu, representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency of Benue State in the House of Representatives, expressed gratitude for the recognition after receiving the King David Award for Leadership Excellence. He urged Church members to embrace generosity and called on the Church leadership to implement empowerment programs for members to enhance self-reliance and steadfast service to God.
During the event, Hon. Ogewu donated ₦500,000 to the organizers and additional funds to various Church groups.
The three-day revival service, themed “Return of the Glory,” featured soul-lifting messages, praise and worship, and lectures delivered by spiritual leaders.

By Suleiman Yakubu

The Council Chairman of Lavun Local Government Area in Niger State, Hon. Mohammed Isah Kutigi, has lauded the outstanding performance of the local government’s football team in this year’s Governor’s Cup, currently taking place in Lapai.
Speaking to sports journalists after his team’s 3-1 victory over Kontagora Local Government on Wednesday morning, Hon. Kutigi expressed his immense satisfaction with the team’s achievements so far.
“I am highly impressed and overwhelmed by the way my boys played today. They drew their first match with Katcha, won 3-0 against Edati in the second match, and today, they triumphed 3-1. I am very happy,” he said.
As the team advances to the round of 16, the council chairman pledged continued moral and financial support. He also extended his gratitude to the state Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, for approving the tournament, and to the Chairman of the Niger State Football Association, Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, for his grassroots football development efforts.
Hon. Kutigi recalled his previous sponsorship of an inter-ward football championship for the 12 wards of Lavun Local Government during his tenure as a state assembly member. He promised to replicate this initiative as council chairman.
Highlighting the importance of facilities in sports development, he announced plans to upgrade the Kutigi Township Stadium, which has been included in the council’s 2025 budget. He also mentioned that the Chairman’s Cup for the local government would be held soon.
Danladi Abdulkadir, the local football council chairman of Lavun, praised Hon. Kutigi’s unwavering support since the tournament began. He noted that Hon. Kutigi was the first among the 25 council chairmen to pay for the team’s feeding upfront and had already approved additional cash support for the next three days.
The chairman has provided a new set of jerseys, each emblazoned with the players’ names, for the upcoming matches and awarded a ₦100,000 bonus for their excellent performance. In a gesture of goodwill, he also motivated the Edati LG team with ₦30,000 despite their exit from the tournament.