Sports
FG Tasks Olympic Federations On Tokyo Games
The Federal Government has called on the Chairmen, Caretaker Committees of the Olympic Federations to ensure they record more victories for the Country during the Tokyo Olympic Games.
The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare made the call today in his office in Abuja when he received in audience the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Francis Orbih.
Mr. Dare said that Nigeria stands the chance of winning more medals at the Tokyo Games, particularly with the recent development when a 15 year old Bolaji Eniola became the first Nigerian and African winner of gold medal during the Spanish Para-Badminton games which ended on Sunday.
“Eniola’s feat is a morale booster for the youths which validates that Badminton has come to stay as a game, and a gleam of hope that Nigeria will surely record more medals during the upcoming games” he said.
The Minister therefore called on the Chairmen, Caretaker Committees of Federations to be more patriotic in nurturing and training players as well as athletes, so that Nigeria can record more successes during the games.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Francis Orbih said that his visit was to present Bolaji Eniola, the first Nigerian and African winner of gold medal during the Spanish Para-Badminton games to the Federal government, and to appreciate the Ministry for coming out in full to sponsor Para-Badminton games for the first time.
He assured further that the Caretaker Committees would continue to work assiduously in partnership with the Ministry with the view to ensuring that Nigeria records more medals during the Olympic Games.
The Permanent Secretary, Engr. Nebeolisa Anako, in his remarks assured that the ministry will continue to support the Federations through the implementation of Government policies and programmes which aim at enhancing youth and sports development.
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
