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MTN Foundation, Youth Ministry Collaborate on Youth Development

Published

5 years ago

January 24, 2020

MTN Foundation, Youth Ministry Collaborate on Youth Development

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has scored another partner for his DEEL initiative as the MTN Foundation has indicated an interest in supporting the ministry’s effort to increase investment in the Nigerian youth.

At a meeting with the foundation’s management on Thursday in Abuja, the Minister explained that focus has moved from empowerment programmes to actual investment in the youth for which several partners have signed up to support the ministry in achieving the goals of the DEEL Initiative.

The Minister emphasized the importance of Public-Private Partnerships and sought the collaboration of the foundation in actualizing the mandate of the Ministry.

While urging the representatives to take a tour around the stadium he said, he asked the foundation to prevail on its business arm to tap into the Adoption Campaign.

He said, “I urge this team to spare 15 minutes and take a walk around and see that the nation has a gem in the Moshood Abiola Stadium. It can be compared to any in the world.”

The Minister also explained how the sport is now being treated as a business while expressing the administration’s commitment to evolving a sustainable business model.

“We are about trying to create a sustainable model that can transform sports into a business. Our sports right now is just recreation, elsewhere sports is business. Other countries that do not have as up to our population have turned sports into a business”.

He also harped on the need to prepare the youth for leadership today to equip them for tomorrow.

He called on the foundation to join other organizations that are already working with the Ministry as strategic implementation partners to deliver her mandate.

The DEEL initiative of the Ministry is aimed at Youth Development which represents; D – Digital Skills Acquisition, E- Entrepreneurship, E- Employability, L- Leadership.

While Speaking, the MTN Director of Communication, Tobe Okigbo, said MTN foundation will work with the ministry of youth and Sports.

“We have been supporting others sector, education, scholarship amongst others and since you emerge as Minister the whole Nigeria know your passion and effort toward the development of Sports.

“The visit was to work out a mutual partnership that would be of benefit to all youths in the country I am made to boldly say Nigerian youth are lucky to have you as a minister.”

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NSF: Oparaoji, Ekpeyong, Quadri Gear Up for Tough Quarterfinal Clashes in Abeokuta

Published

2 weeks ago

May 23, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The tennis courts at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Abeokuta are buzzing with intensity as the competition hits the quarterfinal stage in both the men’s and women’s singles events, following a gripping round of 16.

Men’s Singles Quarterfinals:

Abubakar Yusuf of FCT will square off against Rivers State’s Abua Canice. Yusuf booked his spot with a 4-0, 4-2 win over Ehigiamusoe Endurance of Edo, while Canice cruised past Azi David 4-1, 4-0.

Bayelsa’s Uche Oparaoji faces Adeleye Daniel of Ekiti in a clash of skill and strategy. Oparaoji outclassed Urenyang Nuhu of Taraba 4-1, 4-2, just as Adeleye powered past Kaduna’s Ibrahim Sulaiman with the same scoreline.

In one of the most anticipated ties, Danjuma Lucky (FCT) will lock horns with Bayelsa’s top seed David Ekpeyong. Danjuma came through a thrilling contest against Ekiti’s Abamu Matthew, rallying to win 1-4, 4-2, 10-5, while Ekpeyong dominated Taraba’s Rubi Toba 4-0, 4-2.

Home favourite Christopher Bulus of Ogun will battle Edo’s Michael Chima for a semifinal ticket. Bulus swept past Rivers’ Timibra Godsgift 4-1, 4-0, while Chima triumphed over Delta’s Iloputa Ikechukwu in a straight-set win.

Women’s Singles Quarterfinals:

Delta’s Barakat Quadri, fresh off a 4-1, 4-0 win over Rebecca Ekpeyong of Bayelsa, will face rising star Emmanuel Bright of the IJA (Invited Junior Athletes), who overcame Rivers’ Maxwell Timipre 4-2, 5-3.

Edo’s Omotayo Blessing will battle Akwa Ibom’s Udoffa Mary in what promises to be a fiery encounter. Omotayo brushed aside Ekiti’s Adeusi Jesutoyosi 4-0, 4-1, while Udoffa outplayed Moses Favour of Kaduna 5-3, 4-0.

Elsewhere, Ogunjobi Success of Ekiti will test her mettle against Aina Goodnews of IJA, and Akwa Ibom’s Etoro Bassey faces Ogun’s Yakubu Ohunene in a South-South vs South-West showdown.

With the quarterfinals locked in, tennis fans are in for a thrilling ride as the battle for medals intensifies under the Abeokuta sun.

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