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Lagos signs MoU with France for development of e-sports in Nigeria

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The Lagos State Government alongside the French Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) enabling professional e-sports players in Lagos to go on real-time online community and compete with players around the world in the $1 billion E-sports industry.

The MoU was signed between Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the French ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs. Emmanuelle Blatmann on Friday.

The agreement noted that the French partners would deliver high-grade online video gaming infrastructure that would afford players in Lagos to switch from being casual participants to competitive players in their games of choice across online leagues.

The Lagos State Government said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would help professional e-sports players in Lagos to go on real-time online community and compete with players around the world to earn fortunes from the multi-billion dollar industry.

In the bilateral agreement, the French partners would be delivering a high-grade online video gaming infrastructure that would afford players in Lagos to switch from being casual participants to competitive players in their games of choice across online leagues.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos would be unlocking opportunities for the youth, who are the main players, to make legitimate earnings from online gaming, while creating new ways of youth engagement.

“We are delighted to be laying the foundation for the development of this industry and becoming the first city in this part of Africa to do it. We are building something new, fresh and organic which will grow and uplift our youths in the IT world. This is the essence of this collaboration and the time is right to give our young people a new lease of life in the e-sports industry.

“Our enthusiasm is raised because, aside from the money to be earned from the industry, there would be skills and knowledge to be shared and transferred among our citizens taking part in the online sports. Technology, innovation and creativity are part of things we are committing great investment into in order to improve youth engagement. It is our belief that all the players will get to see the benefit of having this partnership between the two governments,” Samwo-Olu said.

To effectively explore and leverage the opportunities in the industry, Sanwo-Olu said the State Government, through Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), had established the Lagos State E-sports Association, and embarked on consensus-building among all the e-sports stakeholders to forge a common front in building vibrant and sustainable ecosystem.

The development was met with excitement from the local association of e-sports players, which described the partnership as long overdue.

They revealed that Nigeria has an estimated 42 million e-sports players in Nigeria, with Lagos boasting of a growing population of casual and competitive video game players, who invest resources to participate in online competition.

E-sports are organised competitive video games played in real-time and watched by millions of participants across the world.

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Lionel Messi reveals when he will retire from football

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Lionel Messi has opened up on when he plans to retire from football as he navigates the twilight of his iconic career.

Since his arrival at Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, Messi has showcased his prowess by scoring 16 goals and providing seven assists in 19 appearances across various competitions.

Nevertheless, at 36 years old, Messi has had to contend with injury setbacks, sparking concerns about his durability in the sport.

Considering his retirement intentions while on the Big Time podcast, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner emphasized his self-awareness, acknowledging his tendency to critically evaluate his performances.

Messi conveyed his preparedness to exit the game when he senses he can no longer deliver his peak performance or derive joy from playing, regardless of his age.

“I am very self critical of myself, I know when I’m good, when I’m bad, when I play well and when I play badly. When I feel it’s time to take that step, I will take it without thinking about age,” Messi said.

“I know that moment I feel I am no longer ready to perform, that I am no longer enjoying myself or helping my teammates.

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African Games: Nigeria wins 8 gold medals in boxing — in one day

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Team Nigeria has added another eight gold medals in boxing to its tally at the 13th African Games in Ghana.

The Nigerian contingent was ruthless in the ring at the Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra, on Friday.

Joy Ojo won Nigeria’s first boxing gold of the day without strapping her gloves and boots.

She claimed victory in the women’s 57kg category following a walkover over her Selmouni Chahira, Algerian opponent.

Dolapo Omole added to Nigeria’s gold medal tally after the referee was forced to stop the contest between him and Sigauque Amando of Mozambique in the men’s 57kg category.

The referee ruled that the Mozambican could not continue the fight, and Omole took the glory.

Patricia Mbata then secured a 4-0 victory over Marbrouk Molka of Tunisia in the final of the women’s 75kg category to clinch Nigeria’s third boxing gold at the Games.

Adam Olaore knocked out Kuadjovi Kevin Prodence LK of Togo in the first round of the final of the men’s 92kg category.

Cynthia Ogunsemilore defeated Rahma Mohamed of Egypt 5-0 in the final of the women’s 60kg category.

Afterwards, Blessing Oraekwe, Jacinta Umunnakwe and Ifeanyi Onyekwere pummeled their opponents to take Nigeria’s gold tally in the ring to eight.

In athletics, Nigeria won the women’s 4×400 meters relay, clocking 3:27.29 to finish ahead of Zambia and Botswana.

The quartet of Esther Elo Joseph, Patience Okon-George, Brittany Ogunmokun and Omolara Ogunmakinju ensured Nigeria’s dominance over the lap race on the continent.

In the men’s Javelin throw, Chinecherem Nnamdi won gold with an attempt of 82.80 meters, a new national record.

Nigeria sits second on the medals table, with 121 medals behind Egypt.

Team Nigeria won 47 gold, 33 silver and 41 bronze medals in Ghana.

The Games are billed to wrap up on Saturday with a colourful closing ceremony.

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African Games: Ese Brume wins gold as Nigeria bags 97th medal

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Ese Brume has won the gold medal in the women’s long jump at the 13th African Games in Ghana.

The 28-year-old leapt 6.92 meters in her first attempt at the University of Ghana, Accra, on Thursday, and it was enough to secure her second consecutive African Games title.

She also won the event at the last edition held in Rabat, Morocco, in 2019.

Prestina Ochonogor claimed bronze with a jump of 6.62 meters in her international debut, while Koala Jasmine of Burkina Faso won the silver medal.

In the women’s discus throw, Amaechi Obiageri upset compatriot Onyekwere Chioma to win the gold medal with an attempt of 58.93 meters.

Onyekwere was the defending champion and the African record holder, but she settled for second place with a throw of 58.03 meters, while Nora Monie of Cameroon took the bronze.

Also, Francis-Peterson Kemi won the silver medal in the women’s heptathlon after gathering 5268 points across the seven events. She finished behind Ahouanwanou Odile of the Benin Republic.

Team Nigeria remains second on the medals table with 97 laurels at the ongoing African Games.

Nigeria’s contingent has won 37 gold, 25 silver and 35 bronze medals in Ghana.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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