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Bravo! Celebrating Our Own KOLA DANIEL @41

Published

5 years ago

September 4, 2020

Joel Ajayi

The book James 1:17 says “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Birthdays are not only a time to celebrate, but also a day to reflect on the events of the past year, and look forward to memory-building in the year ahead.

Every 5th of September marks another momentous in the life our own KOLA DANIEL a Multimedia Journalist, A Journalist per-excellent, the current Media Assistant to the performing Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare.

Of a true, KOLA DANIEL may not have a billion but in his own little way has impacted so many lives his reportage, mentoring amongst others.

In fact, no one in the sports cycle will say he/she doesn’t know KOLA DANIEL that has over the year registered his name in the minds of sports enthusiasts in the country and beyond courtesy of his eloquent, captivating broadcast voice when reporting sports.

Kola reportage indeed, cut across, Radio, Television, and Print because of his versatility in reporting sports especially football be it at national regional, and international.

The Ogbomosho-born Journalist began his career in 2004 and he has worked for various media houses including Independent Television (ITV), Channels, AIT as well as HOT FM Abuja, SCORENigeria Online News.

(A child of grace) as he likes to call himself Kola Daniel works from dusk to dawn, breaking stories where people don’t care to look, traveling far and wide and wide of Nigeria and even outside the country in search of the news.

He has countless motivation for digging out exclusives and enjoys a wide range of contacts at home and abroad.

Fondly called “Eyes on the leagues” got his fame from reporting Nigerian leagues, without mincing the words, KOLA DANIEL with his Eye closed can conveniently mention the names of every player in the 20 NPFL clubs with missing it, while absence at any National teams’ camp be it local and international will be easily known because of his usefulness.

His impact in reporting football has won him many awards, in 2016 he won the prestigious Sports Journalist of the Year award in the television category in Lagos, he also won the FCT SWAN award in Radio Category in Abuja.

In 2019, the reward of hard work knocked on the door, as the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare named Mr. Kola Adeyanju as his Media Assistant (MA).

His relationship with colleagues is second to none, Sunday Dare’s media aide, Kola Daniel a benevolent and generous Journalist in his own little way cushioned the effect of coronavirus on the men of the pen profession by donating cash and hand sanitizers to journalists in Abuja.

Not too many Journalists have the ability to relentlessly uphold the canons of sports reportage in the course of performing their duties as you do. You are truly a remarkable Journalist, Keep the fire burning.

As he becomes a year older today, KOLA DANIEL, I Pray that God is with you, prosper your way more.

Do have a sumptuous birthday celebration Happy birthday

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Featured

Kudos to Nigeria’s First Lady, Customs, Others – CAVB Officials

Published

2 days ago

April 16, 2025

The Gleamer

…Says Nigeria is safe for international tournaments

By Joel Ajayi
In defiance of longstanding international perceptions suggesting Nigeria is unsafe, the recently concluded African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Abuja has rewritten the narrative. Officials from across the continent have hailed Nigeria as one of the safest places to host international tournaments.

The curtain has officially fallen on the competition, and once again, Egyptian giants Zamalek SC have made history—clinching their third consecutive title with a thrilling 3-1 victory over fierce rivals Al-Ahly. The final, held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium’s Indoor Arena on Sunday, April 13, 2025, was an electrifying encounter with set scores of 29-27, 22-25, 25-20, and 25-22.

In interviews conducted in Abuja, officials from the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) expressed immense satisfaction with the event and extended heartfelt appreciation to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; the Nigeria Customs Service; the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF); and all Nigerians whose efforts ensured the success of the tournament.

They praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu for championing women’s causes and for her role as the grand patron of the competition. Commendation also went to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and NVBF President, Musa Nimrod, for organizing what was widely described as a world-class event.

CAVB President, Bouchra Hajij, who also serves as the first Vice President of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), was full of praise for the hosts. She lauded the organization and the facilities provided, particularly by the Nigeria Customs Service, noting that Nigeria—and Africa at large—is more than capable of hosting high-level international competitions.

“We had hundreds of countries from all continents following this event online. Nigeria has proven itself as a safe country, equipped with top-class infrastructure and facilities,” Hajij stated. “With 16 teams from across Africa, everything went smoothly. I hope in the coming years, Nigeria will host more African championships—whether indoor or beach volleyball.”

She also extended gratitude to the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the media for their vital roles in the success of the championship, emphasizing the importance of media coverage in growing the sport.

Bai Dodou Jallow, President of the Gambia Volleyball Federation and Deputy President of the Kenya Volleyball Federation, also lauded the organizers. “With what we’ve seen from the NVBF and the Customs, this competition was held at the highest standard for women’s volleyball in Africa. The environment and organization were excellent,” he said. “Africa, especially black African countries, can now confidently compete at the global level.”

He called on the private sector to support volleyball in Nigeria and across Africa to ensure continued progress.

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Volleyball Club Technical Director, Paul Bitok, revealed his club plans to host the competition in 2026 after drawing inspiration from Nigeria’s hosting. “This is the best tournament I’ve witnessed in over 20 years of attending. Customs have proven they can host major competitions beyond Africa,” Bitok said.

Medical delegate from Benin Republic, Boni Nadege, described the tournament as “a celebration of women,” thanking the First Lady and Nigeria Customs for a well-organized event. “This proves that black African countries can also host major competitions to promote volleyball. We may not have reached the finals, but we’ve learned a lot.”

A delegate from Malawi, Japier Mhango, expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian government and its people. “Our stay has been exceptional. We’ve been well taken care of, and this has been a well-organized tournament. The level of competition was impressive.”

As the final whistle sounded, Nigeria didn’t just host a volleyball championship—it hosted the continent, redefined perceptions, and reminded the world of its capability and hospitality.

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