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2019/2020 Niger State Gov. Cup:Suleja FC crowns Champion, Kontagora FC Settles for Bronze medal

Published

5 years ago

February 25, 2020

Suleja local government have emerged champions of 2019/ 2020 Niger state governors’ cup, after edging Chanchaga local government 5-3 on penalty shoots out, as normal duration ended 0-0 at Sani Bello football complex- Kontagora Niger state.

The 39 edition of power state annual competition was historic in nature, as the finalists displayed good football artistry which rivets the attention of over 5,000 bystanders and other top dignitaries who thronged Sani Bello football field in their large numbers; Suleja FC and Chanchaga FC had to stretch out themselves to penalties after normal duration ended nil-all draw.

The highlights of this year’s final were centered around reigning champ (Suleja local government), as they continued to show brilliance in all their displays on that day. Although, the neatness of Sani Bello football complex, was advantageous to Chanchaga FC football fans seeing them everywhere at the stadium – cheering their team passionately the eventual winners were not technically and tactically pressured by the fans’ antics throughout the encounter.

Based on facts, match odds did not really favor Suleja as bookmakers and punters believed Chanchaga FC would coast home to victory hinging it on the motivation by its local government chairman who had promised to compensate them handsomely if they win this year’s Niger state governors cup final.

Meanwhile, the host city, Kontagora walked over Katcha local government in the third-place match -prior to the finals. The third-place match was scheduled for 8 am, however, Katcha FC came about 9 am, after giving grace of 20 minutes by the local organizing committee. The organizers felt Katcha were nonchalant to the rules of football thus, they activated the section of football statutes which frowns at such a scenario in a football competition.

En route the final match, Chanchaga local government and Kontagora played 3-2 on penalties whilst Suleja FC defeated Katcha local government 4-3 on penalties.

Historically, Suleja local government has now hoisted Niger state governors cup 11 times, trailing this year’s runners up -Chanchaga local government, who has won lifted the diadem 13 good times since the inception of the tournament in 1980.

This year’s outstanding performers :

Highest goals scorer; Emmanuel John, from Kontagora FC – cliched the golden ball award with 7 goals.

Most valuable player; Chanchaga FC midfielder -Mohammed Ajayi was adjudged as MVP.

Best goalkeeper;

Suleja FC’s Junior Kolo went home with the golden gloves.

Moreover, the 2019/2020 Niger state governors cup was kneeling contested between 24 teams from 25 local governments in the state, which obviously is one the memorable takeaways from this year’s 2 weeks marathon of – epic football showpiece in Niger state.

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Olawande’s 21st Century Skills initiative, A Move Towards Re-fertilization Of Nigerian Youths

Published

4 days ago

November 6, 2024

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Transforming the Nigeria youths to equip the current and future generations with 21st century skills is important. The Africa and National Youth Day 2024 is therefore a historic moment to put a need 21st century skills at the forefront toward the the growth and development of all.

Nigeria as a nation has made meaningful progress in education over the past 60 years, with more girls in school and more students in Higher education system than ever before.

Reports showed that School completion rates have increased from 2000 to 2022 at all levels.

Still, these gains are insufficient to prepare Nigerians youth for the 21st century and its fast-changing professional landscape. By 2030, roughly 60 million jobs iin Nigeria and 230 million in Africa will demand digital skills. Classroom practices must shift to meet these future employability needs and nurture creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving.

Nigeria recorded the largest population of young people in the continent of Africa that means a 21st century skills is critical to to equip the current and future generations.

Based on this, Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande who has been promoter and advocate of digital skiill even before he became Minister has once again initiate digital literacy programmes, technical skills empowerment and leadership insight and urged young people to actively develop and adopt crucial 21st-century skills to effectively combat the rising issue of unemployment.

When he was Minister Youth for State, he introducing the Youth Development Fund to support young entrepreneurs, implementing the Youth Empowerment Program, training over 10,000 young people in vocational skills, establishing the Youth Mentorship Initiative, pairing young people with experienced professionals, and developing the National Youth Policy, providing a framework for youth development.

He also initiated the “One Youth One Ward” initiative to tackle drug abuse, established the Youth Innovation Hub, hosted the National Youth Conference, rolled out the Youth Volunteer Program, fostered partnerships with private sector organizations amongst others.

He has implement innovative programs, foster strategic partnerships, and demonstrated unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities.

Now Minister of Youth without doubt has been at the forefront of this journey, demonstrating unwavering dedication to empowering Nigerians youth even from his school days.

Comrade Ayodele Olawande made this appeal today in Abuja during the Africa and National Youth Day Celebration with the theme : ‘ Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century’ and sub-theme: ‘Building a Resilient Education System: A New Hope for Nigerian Youth’,

He said such skills like critical thinking, digital literacy, and effective communications are essential tools for navigating the increasingly competitive job markets.

Olawande strongly advocated for the youth of Nigeria to prioritize the investment of their time and put efforts in developing a diverse range of essential skills and competencies by actively engaging in the pursuit that can significantly enhance their employability that will make them attractive candidates before their potential employers.

According to the Minister, “acquiring these skills will equip youth to confidently navigate the complexities and demands of an increasingly competitive job market, where adaptability and innovation are crucial. This proactive approach plays a vital role in addressing the rising unemployment crisis that has been affecting many young Nigerians today.”

“Through dedicated skill development, they can not only improve their job prospects but also lay the groundwork for sustainable career growth and success in the long run. In this rapidly evolving economic landscape, embracing continuous learning and professional development is not just beneficial; it is essential for achieving one’s career aspirations,” he explained.

The Minister further explained that the theme, “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century,” serves as a powerful endorsement of the One Youth Two Skills initiative, adding that it will foster practical skills alongside formal education.

Olawande stated : “This initiative aims to empower youth and create sustainable employment opportunities. Ultimately, the initiative is a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to eliminate unemployment and promote economic growth across the continent”.

In his paper presentation, Professor Ahmed Adamu, a lecturer at Nile University, Abuja, stated that by next year, 85 million jobs will be lost due to technological advancements, while 97 million new jobs are expected to be created.

Professor Adamu stressed that the future job market will heavily favour those individuals who proactively seek to acquire new skills and adapt to the evolving technological landscape.

Adamu said that for one to go far in whatever they are doing, they must be self-disciplined, duly intelligent and have the consistency in learning.

However, the minister of Youth led the teaming youths on a road walk from the Ministry to BMO Event Centre to Celebrate Africa and National Youth Day.

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