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Prof. Uduma Challenges Cartesian Model of Knowledge at NOUN Philosophy Lecture

Prof. Uduma Challenges Cartesian Model of Knowledge at NOUN Philosophy Lecture

The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, has said relational epistemologies represent one of the most profound philosophical conversations of our time, and that African philosophy has long embraced relational thinking.

Prof. Uduma spoke on Thursday, July 9, 2026, during the Department of Philosophy’s 3rd Lecture Series in Abuja. The lecture was themed: “Relational Thinking: On the Challenges of Relational Epistemologies.”

He delivered his remarks via Zoom, noting that his submission carried the weight of both a philosopher and the VC of an institution charged with the creation, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge.

“What does it mean to know? Who is the knower? Under what conditions is knowledge possible? What is the relationship between the individual, the community, and truth?” he queried.

The VC argued that much of modern epistemology, since René Descartes, has been dominated by the idea of an autonomous, rational subject.

“Whether through rationalism or empiricism, knowledge was often conceived as the achievement of an individual consciousness seeking certainty through detached reflection or sensory experience,” he said.

According to him, in that model the knowing subject was abstracted from history, culture, language, and community.

Prof. Uduma, a Professor of Logic and Barrister of the Law, however contended that relationality is neither unfamiliar nor novel in African philosophy.

“Across the continent, relationality has long constituted a foundational principle of metaphysics, ethics, politics, and epistemology,” he said.
“African philosophy does not approach relational thinking as a newly discovered intellectual fashion. It approaches it as one of its enduring philosophical inheritances.”

Earlier, Ag. Head of Department, Dr. Helen T. Olujede, gave the citation of the guest lecturer, Prof. Anke Graness of the University of Hildesheim, Germany.
Graness’s research interests include the history of philosophy, philosophy in Africa, intellectual history, global justice, and feminist theory.

The two-hour virtual lecture featured Questions and Answers session moderated by Dr. Uduagwu and Dr. Afoka, with Dr. Umar Bala giving the recapitulation of the main arguments.

Kaduna Courts Receive Criminal Complaints Against Islamic Cleric, Dr. Ahmad Gumi, Family Members and Associates

Kaduna Courts Receive Criminal Complaints Against Islamic Cleric, Dr. Ahmad Gumi, Family Members and Associates

Kaduna, Nigeria – A Kaduna-based businessman, Nasir Musa Idris (Albani Agege) has filed a series of criminal complaints before courts in Kaduna State against Islamic cleric Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, members of his family, and two associates, alleging offences arising from a prolonged matrimonial dispute involving his Moroccan wife, Khadijah Diab.

According to the court documents, the complaints have been lodged before the Sharia Court, Malali, the Chief Magistrate Court, Kabala Doki, and the Chief Magistrate Court, Barnawa, each alleging different criminal offences under the applicable Kaduna State laws.

The complainant alleges that he lawfully married Moroccan national Khadijah Diab in October 2024 and that they lived together peacefully until September 2025, when events leading to the dispute allegedly began. According to the filings, he claims he was contacted and requested to bring his wife to Dr. Gumi’s residence for counselling after allegations that she had raised complaints against him.

The court filings further allege that after taking his wife to the residence for counselling, she was prevented from returning to her matrimonial home and that repeated efforts to reunite with her were unsuccessful. The complaints also allege interference with the marital relationship, unlawful restraint, and continued harbouring of the complainant’s wife without his consent. These are allegations made by the complainant and remain matters for judicial determination.

In the complaint before the Chief Magistrate Court at Kabala Doki, the complainant also alleges that false information was supplied during earlier court proceedings, leading to the issuance of a marriage-related document which he subsequently challenged. According to the filing, he contends that the document was later set aside by the Sharia Court, although he alleges it continued to be relied upon in subsequent proceedings.

A separate complaint filed before the Chief Magistrate Court, Barnawa, includes additional allegations of criminal trespass, theft of cash and valuables from the complainant’s residence, defamation, injurious falsehood, and other offences under the Kaduna State Penal Code. The document states that these allegations are connected to the same matrimonial dispute.

The defendants named across the various complaints include Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, Amal Ahmad Gumi, Mahmud Ahmad Gumi, Mubarak Ahmad Gumi, Umar Shahada (Sambo), and Abubakar Abdullahi Goron Namaye.

The complaints request the courts to issue criminal summonses, and in one filing, the complainant also asks that a warrant of arrest be considered on the grounds that service of summons might be impracticable.

As of the documents provided, the matters are before the courts. The allegations contained in the complaints have not been determined by the courts, and the defendants are entitled to respond to the claims and are presumed innocent unless and until a court rules otherwise.

Kaduna Residents Accuse Pompo of Defamation, Political Incitement

Kaduna Residents Accuse Pompo of Defamation, Political Incitement

A group of residents in Kaduna State has accused an individual identified as Jonah Bonet, popularly called ‘Pompo’ of engaging in what it described as politically motivated defamation and incitement aimed at discrediting political opponents.

Speaking during a media briefing in Kaduna, the residents under aegis of Kaduna Peace and Development Forum,alleged that Pompo had become a “political mercenary” whose activities were allegedly sponsored to spread falsehoods, provoke tension and tarnish the reputations of prominent personalities in the state.

According to the group, such actions undermine democratic values and threaten peaceful political engagement, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum.

The spokesperson for the residents, Mr Philemon Musa called on politicians and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns rather than personal attacks, warning that inflammatory statements could heighten political tension and erode public confidence in the democratic process.

The group also appealed to security agencies and relevant regulatory authorities to monitor activities capable of inciting violence or disrupting public peace, while urging political actors to conduct themselves responsibly.

They further called on members of the public to verify information before sharing it on social media, stressing that misinformation and unsubstantiated allegations could have serious consequences for public order.

As of the time of filing this report, Pompo had not publicly responded to the allegations. Efforts to obtain his reaction were unsuccessful.

The development comes amid increasing calls by civil society organisations and political stakeholders for peaceful, issue-driven campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kada Queens Defeat Plateau 2-0 to Retain National Hockey Championship Title

Kada Queens Defeat Plateau 2-0 to Retain National Hockey Championship Title

Defending champions, Kada Queens of Kaduna State, on Saturday successfully retained their women’s title at the 2026 National Hockey Championship after defeating Plateau State 2-0 in the final played at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The victory reaffirmed Kaduna State’s dominance in Nigerian women’s hockey, as the Kada Queens produced a disciplined and commanding performance to overcome a determined Plateau side and lift the championship trophy for another year.

The Kaduna team controlled the pace of the match with impressive tactical organisation, converting two scoring opportunities while keeping their opponents at bay to seal a deserved victory before an enthusiastic crowd of hockey enthusiasts and officials.

Former Senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani as the Guest of Honour, attended the final and congratulated both teams for their outstanding display of sportsmanship and competitiveness.

He commended the Kaduna State Government for its sustained commitment to sports development, describing the team’s success as a reflection of deliberate investment in youth and athletic excellence.

The triumph further strengthens Kaduna State’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading hockey centres. Prior to the championship, officials of the Kada Queens had expressed confidence in the team’s readiness to defend its title, citing months of intensive preparations, quality coaching and participation in international competitions.

Team officials also attributed the successful title defence to the support of Governor Uba Sani’s administration, noting that increased funding for sports, improved welfare for athletes and continuous investment in hockey development have played a significant role in the team’s consistent achievements at national competitions.

With the latest triumph, Kada Queens have added another remarkable chapter to their illustrious history, further cementing their status as one of Nigeria’s most successful and formidable women’s hockey teams while setting the benchmark for excellence in the sport.

Northern Group Backs Gbajabiamila, Rejects Calls for Suspension

Northern Group Backs Gbajabiamila, Rejects Calls for Suspension

A northern socio-political organisation, the Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement for Peace, Unity, Empowerment and Development Initiative (NSNCM), has declared its support for the Chief of Staff to the President, , rejecting calls for his suspension over allegations of bribery as politically motivated and unsupported by evidence.

The group’s position was contained in a statement signed by its National President, Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, Sarkin Yakin Kanya Babba, in response to recent demands by opposition figures for the suspension of the presidential aide pending investigations into the allegations.

According to the statement, NSNCM described Gbajabiamila as a public servant with a long record of legislative and public service, insisting that he should not be subjected to punitive measures on the basis of allegations that have yet to be established through due process.

The organisation maintained that democratic institutions should be allowed to investigate any claims objectively, warning against what it described as attempts to politicise unproven allegations.

“We reaffirm our unwavering support for the Chief of Staff. We believe that every public official is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. Calls for suspension without conclusive evidence undermine the principles of fairness and justice,” the statement read.

The group further urged political leaders and stakeholders to refrain from actions or statements capable of deepening political divisions or distracting the administration from governance.

It also appealed to Nigerians to remain peaceful and allow relevant anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities where necessary.

The intervention comes amid ongoing political debate over allegations involving the office of the Chief of Staff, with some opposition figures demanding greater accountability while supporters argue that any action should be guided by credible evidence and the rule of law.

Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the , has reportedly called for Gbajabiamila’s suspension pending investigations into the allegations.

However, as of the time of filing this report, no court of competent jurisdiction or publicly available findings by any relevant investigative agency have established wrongdoing against the Chief of Staff.

NSNCM concluded by urging Nigerians to uphold national unity, peace and respect for the rule of law, stressing that matters involving public accountability should be handled in accordance with constitutional procedures rather than public speculation.

50 Years of Healing Humanity: Celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Dr. Makanjuola Akindele Owolabi

50 Years of Healing Humanity: Celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Dr. Makanjuola Akindele Owolabi

By Emmanuel Oyoyo Onotevure

“The greatest lesson from fifty years in medicine is that genuine success is measured not by titles or awards, but by faithful service to humanity.” — Dr. Makanjuola Akindele Owolabi

“Every professional journey includes sacrifices, disappointments, and difficult decisions.”

For five decades, Dr. Makanjuola Akindele Owolabi has devoted his life to healing humanity, pioneering Aerospace Medicine in Nigeria and West Africa, mentoring generations of physicians, and serving his nation with distinction. On June 28, 2026, that extraordinary journey reached a historic milestone as he celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his graduation as a medical doctor from the University of Ibadan.

To Dr. Makanjuola Akindele Owolabi, one of Nigeria’s most distinguished physician-scholars—indeed, one of Africa’s finest minds in the field of Aerospace Medicine and an aviator of great repute—June 28, 2026, marks a defining milestone in his life as he celebrates 50 years since graduating with the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the University of Ibadan on June 28, 1976.

The Golden Jubilee is not merely a celebration of professional longevity, but a reflection on five decades of dedicated service to medicine, aviation, aerospace medicine, and humanity.

To commemorate the anniversary, Dr. Owolabi held a Special Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, June 28, 2026, followed by a free feeding programme for children in his neighbourhood, expressing gratitude to God for a life devoted to healing and service.

In a heartfelt reflection titled “A Golden Jubilee in Medicine, Aviation & Aerospace – Fifty Years of Service, Purpose and Grace (28 June 1976 – 28 June 2026),” the veteran physician, philanthropist, and servant of God looked back on an extraordinary career that has spanned clinical medicine, military service, aviation medicine, teaching, research, and healthcare leadership.

Reflecting on his graduation from the University of Ibadan exactly five decades ago, Dr. Owolabi recalled walking across the graduation stage alongside members of the Alexander Brown Hall Class of 1976, armed with knowledge and youthful determination to serve humanity.

He expressed profound gratitude to God, his parents, mentors, and classmates, while paying tribute to the enduring legacy of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s premier university, for shaping generations of medical professionals.

Before graduating, Dr. Owolabi had already distinguished himself as President of the University of Ibadan Medical Students’ Association during the 1974/1975 academic session. He also served as Editor-in-Chief of Vox Medici, the medical students’ magazine.

Following graduation, he proceeded to the United Kingdom for postgraduate medical training before returning to Nigeria, where he embarked on what would become one of the country’s most remarkable careers in Internal Medicine and Aviation Medicine.

Among his numerous pioneering achievements was undergoing specialised training at the Royal Air Force Institute of Aviation Medicine, Farnborough, England, after which he became one of the leading figures in establishing Aviation and Aerospace Medicine in West Africa.

In 1980, he received the first registrable Diploma in Aviation Medicine awarded to a Nigerian, jointly conferred by the Royal College of Physicians of London and the Royal College of Surgeons of England—a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s medical history.

He later became a Foundation Fellow of the West African College of Physicians (Faculty of Internal Medicine) in Aviation Medicine, earned Nigeria’s first full Fellowship in Aerospace Medicine, and received Life Membership of the global Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA).

His career also included distinguished service in the Nigerian Air Force, where one of his most significant professional decisions came in 1981.

At a time when medical opinion generally restricted individuals with the AS blood genotype (sickle cell trait) from flying high-performance military aircraft, Dr. Owolabi took what he described as a scientifically informed, yet controversial, decision to certify affected Nigerian Air Force officers as medically fit to fly.

The decision, he noted, recognised the reality that between 25 and 30 per cent of Nigerians carry the AS genotype.

Although the decision was strongly opposed at the time and ultimately contributed to his voluntary premature retirement from the Nigerian Air Force in 1993, Dr. Owolabi maintains that history has vindicated his position.

According to him, the United States Armed Forces adopted a similar position in 1982 following a Supreme Court ruling, while the Nigerian Air Force eventually embraced the same scientific position several decades later.

He believes his role in advancing that policy—which enabled many military pilots to pursue successful flying careers, including some who eventually rose to become Chief of the Air Staff—deserves official acknowledgement.

Even after leaving military service, Dr. Owolabi continued contributing to national development.

Between 1990 and 2000, he served as the Pioneer Consultant and Chief Authorised Medical Assessor to the defunct Federal Civil Aviation Authority (FCAA) and subsequently to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Remarkably, he disclosed that he rendered this national service without official remuneration beyond his military salary or pension, underscoring what he described as a commitment to national service above personal gain.

Throughout his five-decade career, Dr. Owolabi has cared for patients from every segment of society, including children, ordinary families, Presidents, Governors, Senators, diplomats, traditional rulers, military officers, religious leaders, aviators, business executives, and numerous public servants.

He says these encounters reinforced his conviction that medicine knows no social status and that every patient deserves equal compassion, dignity, and excellence.

Beyond clinical practice, he has mentored generations of younger doctors, taught extensively, authored professional works, and contributed significantly to building healthcare institutions committed to international standards of patient care.

Despite numerous honours and international recognitions, Dr. Owolabi insists that the greatest lesson from fifty years in medicine is that genuine success is measured not by titles or awards, but by faithful service to humanity.

He acknowledged that every professional journey includes sacrifices, disappointments, and difficult decisions, but expressed gratitude that divine grace sustained him through both triumphs and setbacks.

He reserved special appreciation for his wife, Edna Owolabi, describing her as his greatest companion, strongest supporter, and wisest counsellor throughout their shared journey.

He also thanked his children, grandchildren, teachers, mentors, colleagues, and students, whose encouragement and contributions enriched his life’s work.

Looking ahead, Dr. Owolabi said he anticipates joining colleagues later this year for the Golden Jubilee Anniversary Celebration and Annual General Scientific Meeting of the West African College of Physicians (WACP), scheduled to hold at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, from October 26 to 28, 2026, under the theme: “WACP at 50: Celebrating a Legacy, Envisioning the Future.”

As he celebrates fifty years since receiving his medical degree on June 28, 1976, Dr. Makanjuola Akindele Owolabi says medicine has given him much more than a profession.

“It has given me a life of purpose,” he reflected, adding that every achievement, every challenge, and every opportunity has been possible only through the grace of Almighty God.

For the veteran physician, educator, and pioneer in Aviation and Aerospace Medicine, the Golden Jubilee is not simply a celebration of the past, but an affirmation that a lifetime devoted to service remains one of life’s greatest privileges.

124 Applicants Set For APC Screening In DAM Foundation Energy Leadership Fellowship

124 Applicants Set For APC Screening In DAM Foundation Energy Leadership Fellowship

Aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, while creating a lasting pipeline of young professionals equipped to lead the nation’s energy future. the Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha (DAM Foundation), in collaboration with the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Wing, is set to screen 124 outstanding applicants for the inaugural Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship (MAELF),

This is a flagship initiative aimed at grooming Nigeria’s next generation of energy leaders and innovators.

The prestigious seven-day residential fellowship attracted 1,212 applications from young Nigerians and Africans seeking to contribute to the transformation of the energy sector.

The programme is designed to equip participants with cutting-edge knowledge in renewable energy, energy transition policy, climate action, leadership, and governance.

Speaking on the fellowship, APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, described MAELF as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.

According to him. “The future of Nigeria’s economic growth and industrial development depends largely on the quality of leadership within the energy sector.

“Through MAELF, we are building a new generation of energy experts, policy innovators, entrepreneurs, and executives who will drive Nigeria’s energy transition and position Africa as a global force in sustainable energy development,” He said.

Outstanding fellows will benefit from internship placements, mentorship opportunities, policy engagement platforms, field visits, and access to grants of up to ₦20 million to support innovative clean energy solutions.

The Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha (DAM Foundation) and the APC National Youth Wing said the fellowship aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, while creating a lasting pipeline of young professionals equipped to lead the nation’s energy future.

Dr Hong: Ex- foreign affairs Minister of Foreign Calls for stiffer measures on S’African business interest in Nigeria.

Dr Hong: Ex- foreign affairs Minister of Foreign Calls for stiffer measures on S’African business interest in Nigeria.

By Tom Garba

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Idi Hong, has called on the Federal Government to abandon what he described as its longstanding policy of diplomatic restraint and adopt reciprocal measures against South Africa over the recurring xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians.

Hong made the call during an appearance on the Nigerian Television Authority’s (NTA) Insight programme while discussing whether Nigeria should continue to uphold conventional diplomatic restraint or respond more firmly to the persistent attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.

He expressed concern over what he described as South Africa’s failure to adequately protect law-abiding foreign residents, particularly Nigerians, despite repeated incidents of violence, looting and destruction of businesses belonging to African migrants.

The former minister also faulted the South African government’s handling of the attacks, saying there had been little effort to compensate victims or hold perpetrators accountable.

According to him, diplomacy is about deploying a country’s available strengths to achieve its national interests, stressing that reciprocity remains a universally recognised principle in international relations.

He argued that South Africa had failed to uphold international diplomatic protocols and had not demonstrated fairness in its treatment of Nigerians.

“It is high time Nigeria stopped the big brother diplomacy that it is known for and dealt with South Africa appropriately,” Hong said.

He maintained that reciprocal action, often described as “tit for tat” or “an eye for an eye,” was justified where one country repeatedly failed to respect diplomatic norms or protect the rights of another country’s citizens.

Hong further stated that no diplomatic option should be ruled out, insisting that countries have a responsibility to protect their citizens using every legitimate diplomatic and economic instrument available to them.

Drawing attention to the economic relationship between both countries, he argued that South Africa had considerably more commercial interests in Nigeria than Nigerians had in South Africa.

According to him, while an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 Nigerians residing in South Africa are largely engaged in small-scale businesses and petty trading, most of their investments are relatively modest and generally worth less than one million dollars.

In contrast, he said more than 120 South African-owned companies operate in Nigeria, including telecommunications, financial and broadcasting firms such as MTN, MultiChoice and Stanbic, which reportedly repatriate billions of dollars annually from the Nigerian economy.

He argued that Nigeria should leverage its strategic economic importance in the same way countries use trade, energy or other national assets to influence international relations.

“You use what you have to get what you need,” he said, adding that diplomacy should serve a country’s national interest rather than sentiment.

Hong also criticised what he described as the silence of South African government officials and prominent national figures over the recurring attacks, saying their failure to take a strong public position had emboldened perpetrators.

He lamented that many Nigerians who had lived in South Africa for decades, contributed to its economy, paid taxes and created employment had become victims of violence and were being forced to abandon businesses and investments built over many years.

The former minister maintained that Nigeria should reassess its diplomatic approach towards South Africa and consider stronger reciprocal measures until adequate protection is guaranteed for Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in the country.

Adamawa Emirate Council Dismisses Petition Against Wali Adamawa, Labels Allegations Malicious

Adamawa Emirate Council Dismisses Petition Against Wali Adamawa, Labels Allegations Malicious

The Adamawa Emirate Council has dismissed a petition allegedly filed against the Wali Adamawa, describing the claims as unfounded, malicious and misleading.

In a press release issued from the Lamido’s Palace in Yola and dated June 27, 2026, the council said its attention had been drawn to what it termed a “frivolous petition” written by one Abdulrahman against the senior council member, Wali Adamawa.

The council categorically rejected the allegations contained in the petition, maintaining that they lacked merit and were intended to tarnish the reputation of the traditional title holder.

According to the statement, matters relating to land allocation within the Adamawa Emirate fall exclusively under the authority of the Lamido Adamawa and not the Wali Adamawa.

The council stressed that the Wali Adamawa has never been involved in land allocation processes within the emirate, contrary to claims allegedly made in the petition.

“Land issues are the sole prerogative of His Royal Highness Lamido Adamawa,” the statement read, adding that the Wali Adamawa has “never been part of land allocation in Adamawa Emirate Council.”

The emirate council therefore urged members of the public to disregard what it described as false publications and allegations aimed at creating confusion.

The statement was signed by Alhaji Mustapha Aminu, Galadima Adamawa, on behalf of His Royal Highness, the Lamido of Adamawa.

The development comes amid growing public interest in land administration matters within the emirate, with the council insisting that due processes remain firmly under the authority of the traditional institution’s leadership.

The Adamawa Emirate Council reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of its traditional structures and called on the public to verify information through official channels before drawing conclusions on issues affecting the emirate.

Kaduna Hockey Teams Target Successful Title Defence at National Championship in Abuja

Kaduna Hockey Teams Target Successful Title Defence at National Championship in Abuja

…Commend Uba Sani for Support, Adequate Funding

Defending champions Kaduna State hockey teams, Kada Stars and Kada Queens, have expressed confidence ahead of the 2026 National Hockey Championship, vowing to retain their titles when the competition begins in Abuja on Friday.

The championship, scheduled to run from June 26 to July 4, is expected to attract some of Nigeria’s finest hockey talents, with 12 teams competing in the men’s category and eight teams battling for honours in the women’s event.

Kada Stars and Kada Queens head into the tournament as reigning national champions and among the favourites to emerge victorious once again, having established themselves as dominant forces in Nigerian hockey over the years.

Team officials and players said preparations for the championship had been completed, adding that both teams were determined to defend the titles they won at the previous edition of the competition.

Several players who spoke ahead of the tournament commended Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for his administration’s support for sports development, particularly hockey, noting that increased funding and encouragement from the government had contributed significantly to their achievements on the national stage.

According to the players, the Kaduna State Government was recently honoured with the title of Grand Patron in recognition of its commitment to the growth and development of hockey as well as its consistent support for the state’s teams.

Sports stakeholders said Governor Sani’s administration has prioritised sports development as part of its broader youth empowerment agenda, with investments in sporting infrastructure, talent development, grassroots sports programmes and athlete welfare.

The players also acknowledged the contributions of Kaduna State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Sadiq Mamman Lagos, describing him as a committed supporter whose interventions and encouragement have helped sustain the teams’ championship-winning culture.

“The teams are highly motivated and in excellent condition. We have prepared very well, and the support from the state government has boosted our morale. We are optimistic about retaining our titles,” one of the players said.

During a visit to the teams’ training camp, former federal lawmaker and social commentator, Shehu Sani, urged the players to bring home more trophies and assured them that outstanding performances would attract recognition and rewards from the state government.

He charged the athletes to remain disciplined, focused and determined throughout the competition, describing them as worthy ambassadors of Kaduna State.

Sports analysts have consistently ranked Kaduna among Nigeria’s leading hockey centres, citing its long history of producing talented players and maintaining a strong presence in national competitions.

With expectations high among supporters and sports enthusiasts, Kada Stars and Kada Queens will be aiming to reinforce Kaduna State’s reputation as a powerhouse of Nigerian hockey when hostilities commence in Abuja this week.

The championship is expected to provide a platform for emerging talents to showcase their abilities while further strengthening the development of hockey across the country.