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TURN LAGOS PURPLE: Sports Commission Launches Campaign Against Domestic and Sexual Violence

The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) under the leadership of Executive Chairman Sola Aiyepeku and Director General Oluwatoyin Gafaar has joined other Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the campaign against Domestic and Sexual Violence in the state.

The Awareness Day tagged “TURN LAGOS PURPLE” was designed to eradicate the evil and menace of Domestic And Sexual Violence in society.

Members of staff were seen carrying placards with an inscriptions such as “Say no to rape culture, Real men don’t abuse, No more rape, No to sexual violence, Violence with opposite sex is not good” amongst others.

Championing the campaign at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Sola Aiyepeku said the management and Staff say no to domestic and sexual violence.

“It violates the basic human rights and most importantly denigrate human being. We believe every human being has rights, voice, and that voice should not be suppressed.”

In order to mitigate the level of the violence among the people irrespective of where they live, Aiyepeku further said voice should not be suppressed, revealing that Sports Commission will not stand for any act that denigrate human being inform of physical or oral.

Also speaking the Director, Sports Development, Nunayon Travih,posited that people need to be advise to tolerate one another and the best way to go is to increase the level of advocacy and education on the significance of purple day.

“We are using the basic element tools of sports to encourage and campaign among our youth so that they can have a change mindsets either in marriage or in a relationship. “Sports generally has a major role in promoting a sane society as it teaches discipline, tolerance and hard work, amongst others”

Director, Procurement, LSSC, Ogundele Oluwatoyin, said there is a need to keep a sane society by saying no and rejection to rape irrespective of the age.

“My advice to families and organization is to spread the gospel of ‘No to Rape’.

The Director, Public Affairs, LSSC, Oshodi-Eko Titilayo, said continuous advocacy and sensitization would go a long way in stemming the tide of gender abuse and domestic violence.

“We do not want a rape culture in the State. Real men don’t abuse women, and we are promoting a culture where rape and other abuses on humans will be jettisoned amongst the people “.

News

AFCON 2025: Yobo to serve as draw assistant

Former Super Eagles defender Joseph Yobo has been selected as one of the draw assistants for the final draw of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The draw ceremony is set to take place today at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, where the 24 qualified teams will discover their paths to the trophy.

Yobo will be joined by other African football icons, including Mustapha Hadji, Serge Aurier, and Aliou Cisse.

The quartet will not only oversee the draw by selecting balls from the pots but will also share their insights on the tournament groups.

The 2025 AFCON finals will be hosted in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

News

Super Eagles will succeed under Eric Chelle – Sadiq Umar

Super Eagles forward Umar Sadiq has expressed his support for the team’s new head coach, Eric Chelle, and is optimistic about his success in the role.

Chelle was appointed as the Super Eagles’ head coach earlier this month, a decision that has sparked criticism directed at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Despite the backlash, Sadiq is confident in the 47-year-old’s ability to lead the team effectively.

“You can see what he did in the last AFCON. Everyone thought Mali was one of the favorites,” Sadiq told Sporty TV.

“You can see how they played. They were so good, but they got knocked out in the quarterfinals because, sometimes, it’s not the best team that wins.

“But I can tell you, I watched a lot of Mali’s games because I have a teammate there. You can see how they play, and it’s clear the coach (Chelle) has a lot of great ideas.”

Chelle’s impressive work with Mali during the previous AFCON has given Sadiq confidence that the coach can bring similar success to the Super Eagles.

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‘I’m happy to be out there’ — Dessers opens up on Rangers exit

Cyriel Dessers has expressed his intention to remain at Rangers beyond the winter transfer window despite speculation about his future.

The Nigerian international began the season as Rangers’ first-choice striker but has since lost his spot to Hamza Igamane.

Dessers has been linked with a return to Italy, with reports suggesting interest from Cagliari and Empoli. Spanish club Leganes is also reportedly keen on signing the former Feyenoord forward.

In a recent interview, Dessers acknowledged plans to discuss his status at the club with senior officials. However, the 30-year-old revealed that no such talks have taken place yet.

“No talks at all. I don’t mind that. I try to focus on the football and the things that are happening on the pitch,” Dessers told the Daily Record.

“Those are the things that I can control. And like Sunday at Tannadice, I’m just happy to be out there with the guys, fighting for the points and being important.

“That’s what I want. There’s a lot of unfinished business at Rangers for me. That’s why I kept pushing in the last weeks—in the gym, in training, and in the minutes that you get.”

Despite his recent challenges, Dessers has had an impressive season, scoring 18 goals across all competitions under manager Philippe Clement.