As Nigerians from across the United States gathered in Manhattan to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence Day in grand style, Hon. Amb. Jim Okolo used the occasion to share an inspiring message about Nigeria’s immense possibilities, rich cultural heritage, and promising future.
Speaking with members of the media during the colourful celebration, Hon. Amb. Okolo described Nigeria as one of the most blessed nations in the world, endowed with abundant natural resources, a dynamic population, and a cultural heritage that continues to earn global recognition.
According to him, Nigeria possesses enormous deposits of valuable minerals and other natural resources that, if fully harnessed, can accelerate economic growth and create prosperity for millions of citizens. He noted that the country is strategically positioned to become a leading destination for investment in mining, agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.
Beyond its natural wealth, Hon. Amb. Okolo emphasized that Nigeria’s greatest strength remains its people. He praised the creativity, resilience, intelligence, and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians, pointing out that Nigerian professionals, innovators, academics, and business leaders continue to excel in various sectors across the world.
The respected diplomat also spoke passionately about Nigeria’s unique cultural identity. From the colourful festivals of its diverse ethnic groups to its globally celebrated music, fashion, literature, cuisine, and film industry, he described Nigeria as a nation whose cultural influence extends far beyond its borders.
He noted that Nigeria’s diversity is one of its greatest treasures, bringing together hundreds of ethnic nationalities with distinct traditions and languages that collectively form a vibrant and unified national identity.
While addressing questions on security, Hon. Amb. Okolo maintained that although Nigeria faces certain security challenges, the situation is not always as severe as often portrayed by social media discussions and sections of the international media. He stressed that millions of Nigerians continue to live, work, study, invest, and contribute meaningfully to society every day.
He called on the international community, investors, and members of the diaspora to focus on Nigeria’s strengths, opportunities, and achievements rather than allowing negative narratives to define the country’s image.
“Nigeria remains a land of opportunity, innovation, and hope. It is a nation blessed with extraordinary human capital, abundant resources, a rich cultural heritage, and a people whose determination and resilience continue to inspire the world,” he said.
The celebration was attended by several distinguished personalities, including the United Nations Secretary-General, Hajia Amina Mohammed, the Nigerian Ambassador to the United Nations, diplomats, business leaders, community stakeholders, and prominent members of the Nigerian diaspora.
The event transformed parts of Manhattan into a vibrant showcase of Nigerian pride, featuring cultural exhibitions, traditional performances, business networking sessions, authentic Nigerian cuisine, and displays highlighting the country’s achievements and diversity.
Adding excitement to the festivities were thrilling performances by internationally acclaimed Nigerian music stars Patoranking, Runtown, and BNXN (formerly known as Buju), who entertained thousands of attendees and demonstrated the growing global appeal of Nigerian music.
As the celebration came to a close, the message from Hon. Amb. Jim Okolo resonated strongly among participants: that Nigeria is far more than the challenges often highlighted in headlines. It is a nation blessed with extraordinary talent, vast opportunities, cultural richness, and the potential to achieve even greater success on the global stage.

…as Mailafia 10th Edition Peace Cup set to kick off 10th October

Amb. Dr. Yakubu Agabi Mailafia, organiser of the Mailafia Peace and Unity Football Competition, has said he will not be deterred by criticisms over the resources he commits to the annual grassroots football tournament, insisting that his focus remains on creating opportunities for young talents.

Mailafia stated this on Saturday during the draws for the 10th edition of the competition, where he said he derives peace and fulfilment from organising the tournament because of its contribution to youth development, talent discovery and peaceful coexistence.

He said despite comments by some people that he was wasting his resources on the competition, he remained committed to the initiative because of the opportunities it provides for young footballers.

“People have said that I am wasting my resources in organising the competition, but I am not perturbed by what they are saying,” Mailafia said.

According to him, his major concern is to ensure that young and talented players are given the opportunity to showcase their abilities and pursue football careers, not only in Nigeria but also abroad.

Mailafia said the competition had continued to enjoy grassroots support, describing it as a platform that has attracted attention beyond Nasarawa State and Nigeria.

“I find peace organising this competition,” he said, adding that it was “the only competition that carries grassroots support, not just in Nigeria but in Africa.”

He said the tournament was more than a football competition, stressing that it was intended to provide young people with a platform through which their talents could be identified, developed and exposed to opportunities.

Mailafia therefore charged the organisers of the 10th edition to remain committed and focused, urging them to take ownership of the competition and ensure that it was conducted according to acceptable best practices.

“I want the organisers to be committed and focused and see the competition as their own, to take over ownership of the competition and ensure that it is done with the best practice needed,” he said.

The 10th edition of the Mailafia Peace and Unity Football Competition is scheduled to commence on October 10, 2026, with 32 teams drawn from across Nasarawa State expected to participate in the tournament.

Speaking during the draws, President of the Dedere Progressive Mandate Youth, Comrade Aminu Musa Rilwanu, said the exercise was organised to prepare the teams and officials for the commencement of the competition.

Rilwanu said the competition, hosted annually by Mailafia, Majinkiran Daddere, had contributed to the discovery and development of football talents at the grassroots.

He said thousands of youths had benefited from the competition at the state, national and international levels, citing Anas, a former Nasarawa United player, as one of the players discovered through the tournament.

According to him, Anas was spotted through the competition and has since progressed in his football career abroad.

Rilwanu said the tournament had therefore continued to serve as a platform for young footballers to demonstrate their abilities and pursue opportunities beyond their communities.
“The draws are to prepare the players and organise for the competition proper,” he said.

He urged all the 32 participating teams to approach the tournament with the spirit of peace and unity, stressing that their participation should contribute to peaceful coexistence among youths across Nasarawa State.

“We urge all the 32 teams from across Nasarawa State to ensure that their participation will bring about unity and peace in the state,” Rilwanu said.

He also called on officials involved in the competition to demonstrate commitment and maintain effective communication throughout the tournament.

Rilwanu said dignitaries from within and outside the state were expected to grace the opening ceremony on October 10, as activities begin for the 10th edition of the competition.

According to verifiable reported, the annual tournament has over the years provided a grassroots platform for young footballers to compete, develop their skills and seek opportunities for progression within and outside Nigeria.

By James Ian

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate for Benue State, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, on Thursday, October 2, 2026, received a warm reception from the Benue community in Lagos for a series of events organized in his honour by a group of distinguished Benue professionals and stakeholders under the auspices of the Lagos Support Network for MKA.

The gathering provided a unique opportunity for Benue indigenes resident in Lagos to engage directly with the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice on his vision for the future of Benue State and his plans for addressing the challenges confronting the state.

Welcoming Chief Aondoakaa, the Convener of the Lagos Support Network for MKA, Hon. Paul Ahom Akinde, said members of the Benue community in Lagos were inspired by the PDP candidate’s wealth of experience, proven leadership credentials and commitment to public service. He expressed confidence in Aondoakaa’s capacity to provide purposeful leadership and drive the development of Benue State.

In his response, Chief Aondoakaa thanked the organizers and participants for the honour accorded him and for their huge support. He assured the gathering that he remained committed to the aspirations of the Benue people and would not disappoint them if entrusted with the mandate to serve as governor.

The PDP candidate highlighted key pillars of his development agenda, including the restoration of security, revitalization of agriculture, expansion of rural infrastructure, youth empowerment and economic growth. He also called on Benue indigenes in the diaspora to partner with him in the bid to ascend the leadership of the state, rebuild and reposition it for sustainable progress.

The interactive session witnessed robust contributions from prominent members of the Benue community in Lagos, including the President-General of Mzough U Tiv, Lagos Chapter, Engr. Theophilus Ukaa, PhD; Barr. Audu, SAN; President of Tiv Youths in Lagos, Hon. Joseph Nande; representative of the Idoma community, Barr. Paul Okwori; representative of the Igede community, Mr. Ogbodo J.; and Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Taver Ikuan.

The speakers commended Chief Aondoakaa’s distinguished record of public service and leadership while seeking further insights into his preparedness to address the security, economic and developmental challenges facing Benue State.

Several participants recalled his interventions and support for the advancement of numerous Tiv professionals, including senior customs officers and legal practitioners, during his tenure as Attorney General of the Federation. They expressed confidence that his vast experience, national exposure and network would be invaluable assets in the governance and development of Benue State.

Following the dinner, Chief Aondoakaa paid a courtesy visit to the Grand Patron of Mzough U Tiv, Lagos State Chapter, Chief Engr. Sylvanus Gasarah, at his residence in Ikeja.

The PDP governorship candidate is expected to continue his engagements in Lagos with meetings involving members of the wider Tiv, Idoma and Igede communities, as well as other stakeholders from Benue State resident in the commercial capital.

Chief Aondoakaa is accompanied on the trip by his wife, Mrs. Patience Aondoakaa; Hon. Christopher Afaor; Dr. Terver Akase; Barr. Terna Yaji; Dr. Toryila Akor; and Mr. Ngusha Aondoakaa.