Sports
5 Days to Go: Dare, Gumel, Ogba, Other Top Dignitaries to Storm Abeokuta for Athletics Championships
With just five days to go, the stage is set and the excitement is palpable as Abeokuta prepares to welcome Africa’s future athletics stars for the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championship.
The prestigious continental competition, which will be hosted at the iconic MKO Abiola Stadium, is drawing in a lineup of eminent dignitaries and leaders from across Nigeria.
Leading the high-profile delegation to Abeokuta are former Minister of Sports, and Special Adviser to the President, Media & Public Communication, Hon. Sunday Dare, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel, 2nd Vice President of the NOC, Chief Solomon Ogba, as well as representatives from Nigeria’s top security agencies.
The list includes the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. Also expected is the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, underscoring the event’s national importance.
The championship is made possible through the strong backing of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and its key partners. Organizations such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Bank of Industry (BOI), LEDCO Limited, and MTN Nigeria have all played instrumental roles in making the championship a reality, demonstrating deep commitment to the growth of sports in Nigeria and across Africa.
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized the importance of the event, saying:
“This championship is not just about medals; it’s about rewriting our story in African athletics. With the calibre of young talents coming in, the next Mary Onyali, Deji Aliu, Falilat Ogunkoya, or Olusoji Fasuba may just be stepping onto the track in Abeokuta. The coast is clear—Nigeria is ready.”
Over the decades, Nigerian athletics legends like Mary Onyali, Deji Aliu, Yusuf Alli, Olusoji Fasuba, Falilat Ogunkoya, and Gabriel Okon have left their mark on the global stage.
The 2025 African U18/U20 Championship represents a new era that promises to unearth the next generation of stars destined to follow in their footsteps.
More than 40 countries will be represented, with hundreds of athletes and officials converging in Nigeria for a week of competition, camaraderie, and cultural exchange.
Sports
Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.
NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.
Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.
In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.
Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.
He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.
Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.
The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.
He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.
Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.
He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.
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