The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has appointed Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, as the Chairman of the Osun State Sports Trust Fund.

The initiative, according to the state government, is designed to raise sustainable funding for the development and transformation of sports in the state.

Announcing the appointment in Osogbo, the state’s Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Sports, Kola Adewusi, said the move aligns with Governor Adeleke’s commitment to reposition the sports sector and complete the ongoing renovation of the Osogbo Township Stadium to meet Olympic standards.

“Ongoing renovation and rehabilitation of the Osogbo Township Stadium will be completed in the shortest possible time,” Adewusi said.
“Plans are also in advanced stages for the establishment of the Osun State Sports Commission, which will serve as the central body for sports administration, development, and policy implementation.”

He explained that the new Sports Trust Fund, to be chaired by Davido, would attract support from philanthropists and private investors both within and outside the state.

“Davido has been appointed to chair the Sports Trust Fund, and he did not hesitate to accept. His intervention will attract funds that will impact Osun sports positively,” Adewusi added.

The Osun State Government assured that the revamped stadium would not only host national events but also attract international tournaments, boosting sports tourism and youth engagement across the state.

United States Vice President JD Vance has reiterated Washington’s commitment to disarming Hamas and rebuilding Gaza, describing the process as a tough but crucial task in achieving lasting peace in the region.

Vance, who met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday during his visit to Israel, said the United States remains focused on ensuring Hamas no longer poses a threat to Israel while improving living conditions for Palestinians.

“We have a very, very tough task ahead of us, which is to disarm Hamas but rebuild Gaza, to make life better for the people of Gaza, but also to ensure that Hamas is no longer a threat to our friends in Israel,” Vance said.

The visit is part of a diplomatic mission aimed at consolidating support for the US-brokered ceasefire plan that seeks to end hostilities, recover hostages, and begin reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

On Tuesday, Vance inaugurated the Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) in southwest Israel, where US and allied forces will work with Israeli counterparts to monitor the truce and coordinate humanitarian aid.

Speaking after his meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem, the US Vice President confirmed that both Israeli and American officials are “working together to mediate this entire ceasefire process and get some of the critical infrastructure off the ground.”

He explained that the plan includes setting up an international security force to maintain peace in Gaza as Israel begins its withdrawal, in line with US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan. The United States, however, will not deploy troops inside Gaza, but will instead coordinate operations from the CMCC in Kiryat Gat, Israel.

Reports suggesting that Turkey could contribute troops to the mission have stirred debate within Israel. Responding to questions about Ankara’s possible involvement, Netanyahu remarked, “I have very strong opinions about that. You want to guess what they are?”

Despite recent violence in which two Israeli soldiers were killed and airstrikes left several Palestinians dead, Vance expressed “great optimism” that the ceasefire would hold.

Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, hosted Vance and the US Second Lady, Usha Vance, for breakfast before a bilateral meeting and joint press conference.

The Israeli Prime Minister, who has faced criticism for accepting the ceasefire before Hamas was completely dismantled and all hostages recovered, defended his decision.

“We’ve been able to do two things. Put the knife up to Hamas’s throat — that was the military effort guided by Israel,” he said, praising President Trump for his diplomatic role in strengthening ties between Israel and its Arab neighbours.

Vance also noted that the Gaza ceasefire plan could serve as a “critical piece in unlocking the Abraham Accords”, further deepening relations between Israel and Arab nations.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military confirmed that the remains of two more hostages — Aryeh Zalmanovich, 85, and Master Sergeant Tamir Adar, 38 — had been identified after being returned earlier this week. Both men were taken during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 68,000 people have died in Gaza since the war began, while Israel’s losses from the initial Hamas assault stood at 1,221, mostly civilians.

Despite ongoing challenges, Vance maintained that the ceasefire agreement represents a turning point toward stability and rebuilding in Gaza.

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has been nominated for the 2025 CAF Men’s African Player of the Year award.

The Nigerian forward is among ten top footballers shortlisted for the prestigious honour in a list released by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Wednesday.

Other nominees include Mohamed Salah of Egypt, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Oussama Lamlioui, as well as Seyrou Guirassy of Guinea. Also on the list are Fiston Mayele of Congo, Frank Anguissa of Cameroon, Denis Bouanga of Gabon, and the Senegalese duo Illmane Ndiaye and Pape Sarr.

Osimhen, who clinched the award in 2023, was instrumental in Galatasaray’s league triumph last season, scoring 26 goals to help the club secure the title. His outstanding form prompted Galatasaray to sign him permanently from Napoli in a record €75 million deal, the most expensive in Turkish football history.

The striker also played a vital role in Nigeria’s qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup playoffs, netting six goals in as many matches for the Super Eagles.

In other categories, Stanley Nwabali was nominated for the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year, competing against Yassine Bounou, Ronwen Williams, and Andre Onana.

Similarly, Daniel Bameyi, captain of the Flying Eagles, made the shortlist for the Men’s Young Player of the Year award.

Last week, Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo of the Super Falcons were also announced among the contenders for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year honour.