Sports
Minister tips female Handball Team for continental glory
The Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare paid an unscheduled visit to the camp of the female National Handball team at the Aguyi Ironsi Military Cantonment, Abuja where he charged them to make Nigeria proud at the competition.
According to the Minister “I’m glad to be here this evening to watch you prepare through your camping for the Africa Handball Cup of Nations taking place in Cameroon. I want to encourage you to see it as an honor to represent Nigeria. I’ve watched some of you play in our league and seen alot of talents in you, Periodically during your camping, I’ll come around to see you as well as send you off when you are ready to leave for Cameroon.”
The Minister commended the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the Nigerian Handball Federation Samuel Ocheho, “Your President ,now Chairman has done excellently well, as he is a model President in our Federations whom others should take a cue from.”
Ocheho expressed appreciation to the Minister for always supportiing Handball and sports generally “it is always a pleasure to see that you come through for Handball and sports generally in the country, we do not take it for granted. We Appreciate your support and look forward to making the country proud in Cameroon”
Captain of the team Dorathy Nyugh said “it is a great joy and honour to have you here Honourable Minister, it’s been 20 years since the Female Handball team last featured in the Nations Cup. Even after our arrival to camp, people still had doubts but your presence here today has given us more assurance . We are energised by your encouragement which would gear us to victory. Our Morale is high now, and we will give all necessary cooperation to our coaches and management to ensure victory”.
The team will be camped for one month at the Aguyi Ironsi Cantonment and are scheduled to leave for Cameroon on June 5th for the competition scheduled for 6th- 18th in Yaounde.
Sports
Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo Honored with SWAN Diamond Jubilee Award for Outstanding Contributions to Sports
Cyril Ogar
Benue-born sports administrator and philanthropist, Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for recognizing his contribution to sports development in Benue State and Nigeria at large.
Dr. Atoo, who serves as President of Flight Sports Nigeria Limited and Founder of Flight Football Club, Gboko, received the honour during the association’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Abuja.
Speaking after receiving the prestigious award, Dr. Atoo described the recognition as a “special motivation and encouragement” to continue contributing to sports growth across the country.
“I’m very happy and honoured. This award means a lot to me because it serves as motivation and encouragement. It’s something very special and not something I take lightly,” he said.
A respected sports administrator, CEO, and humanitarian, Dr. Atoo has built a sterling reputation for his commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting grassroots sports in Benue State.
Through Flight Sports Nigeria Limited, which oversees a range of sporting disciplines including football, volleyball, basketball, lawn tennis, and para sports, he has created opportunities for young athletes to develop their potential and pursue professional careers.
Under his leadership, Flight Football Club Gboko has become a platform for discovering and grooming promising footballers who have gone on to make their mark both locally and internationally. Beyond football, his investment in volleyball, lawn tennis, para sports, and basketball has revitalized interest and participation in these disciplines within Benue and beyond.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Atoo noted that his involvement in sports began purely out of passion but has now grown into a lifelong mission.
“It all started as a passion, but over time, it has become part of me — a culture,” he stated. “This recognition only drives me to do more for the progress of our youth and the development of sports in Benue State and Nigeria.”
He also extended his appreciation to sports journalists in the state and across Nigeria for their continuous support and constructive criticism, noting that their work plays a vital role in shaping sports administration and inspiring excellence.
Looking ahead, Dr. Atoo reaffirmed his dedication to empowering young athletes and improving sports structures in the region.
> “Going forward, we’re going to achieve great things in Benue. My message to sports lovers, administrators, and players is simple — stay dedicated, keep believing, and together we can make sports a major unifying force in our state and beyond,” he concluded.
The recognition by SWAN adds to Dr. Atoo’s growing list of honours as a sports leader, CEO, and philanthropist whose initiatives continue to drive youth empowerment and sports development across multiple disciplines in Benue State and Nigeria.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News10 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
