Sports

Unilorin in Swing Mood for National Youth Games

Published

4 years ago

October 6, 2021

The University of Ilorin, venue of the sixth National Youth Games is already in competition mood as the commencement date for the games approaches.

The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has also put finishing touches to all the arrangements for the successful hosting of the competition which holds from October 10th – 19th, 2021.

Dr Bode Durotoye, the Director of Grassroots sports development says all hands are on deck to putting together a grassroots competition that all will be proud of.

According to him, “we have put all things in place and are looking forward to a competition we will all be proud of. A lot of planning has gone into this and we will be seeing the best of grassroots sports in ilorin next week.”

The much awaited National Youth Games finally has come to reality as youth across the Nation will assemble in Ilorin for National Youth Games.

Thirty seven sports which include athletics, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, handball, weightlifting, swimming and wrestling will be competed for.

The National Youth Games will be declared opened by the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ismaila Abubakar.

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

7 hours ago

June 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.

With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.

Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.

The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.

In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.

While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.

Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.

This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.

Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?

Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.

She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.

Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.

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