Sports

Handball Development: FCT Handball Association Creates Area Council Leadership

Published

5 years ago

April 5, 2022

It is concerted efforts to upscale the development of handball at every nook and cranny in the nation’s capital, the FCT Handball Association has created Area Council Board to oversee the development of the sport at the grassroots.

The Chairman of the FCT Handball Association, Ambassador Edward Olutoke who announced the creation of the Area Council Handball boards in a parley with the six Area councils Sports officers on Tuesday in Abuja, said it is in line with the association’s resolve to take the development of handball in the FCT from the hinterland.

While addressing the sports officers on the importance of the creation of the boards, Ambassador Olutoke said the essence was to create a synergy between the State Board and Area Council to work in consonance in the development of handball in the federal capital territory.
He noted that left alone, the FCT Handball Association cannot effectively carry out the job of discovering and nurturing hidden talents in the local areas and charged the Sports Officers to key into the vision of the board in making handball the number one sport in the FCT.

“The system that brought us to where we are was as a bad one and we need to change it. We are all here in our various positions in handball by God’s calling. I am a radical person, I don’t like to follow protocols.

“Now, I want to do something new. I am giving all of you a new role to be the champions of handball in your areas. We are establishing Area Council Handball Associations. I don’t know what the name is, but that is not important. The important thing is that we are creating a board at your area councils and as the Sports Officers, this responsibility is on your desk.

“At the state level, it will be difficult for us to operate optimally without an established synergy with the area councils. That is why the board is imperative. When we establish the association at the Area Council, it will bring our plans and policies closer to the people.

“Discovering, nurturing, and developing talented handballers will be a lot easier. You are the light, and no darkness should stop you. God has put you in this position, form your team.

Create activities. We will work with you to develop, promote and take handball to greater heights. We need to make it very solid, you are the one that will be driving the association and working hand in hand, we will do exploits in FCT handball,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of other officers, Bwari Area Council Sports Officer, Egbunu Jacob thanked the FCT Handball Association Board for the parley and described the interaction as a worthwhile venture.

He lauded the Chairman and his board for their pragmatic agenda in repositioning handball in the FCT.

“I want to, on behalf of my other officers, thank the FCT Handball Association for this great gesture. This is the first time we are meeting you as the FCT Handball Association Board and you have left us with an indelible impression that your coming in to head the FCT Handball is divine.

“We thank you for this opportunity and the platform you have created. The new Area Council Handball boards will be created as you directed and we are looking forward to making handball the number one sport in FCT,” he said.

Area Council Sports officers in attendance at the parley include Egbunu Jacob (Bwari. Area Council), Nuhu Pada (Gwagwalada Area Council), and Muhammed Jibrin Sabo (Kuje Area Council), Habakuku John (Kwali Area Council) and Peter Samson (AMAC).

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Sports

29 Days To AACT 2026: IBB Club Renewal Heralds Nigeria’s African Golf Showcase

Published

7 hours ago

October 4, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With 29 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Nigeria is stepping up preparations to host the continental women’s team golf championship, with the extensive rehabilitation of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja providing a major boost to the country’s readiness.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja Director of Communication AACT 2026, Kayode Adeniyi said the Club’s Board of Trustees has assured that the facility will be fully prepared to welcome golfers, officials and delegates from across Africa when the championship tees off on November 2.

Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, gave the assurance after inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works at the Club, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.

The IBB International Golf and Country Club has undergone extensive rehabilitation following its closure to regular golfing activities for more than a year. The intervention has focused on the golf course, selected holes, the clubhouse and other key facilities required to provide a befitting venue for the continental championship.

Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed confidence that the rehabilitation programme would be completed in time for the AACT, further reassuring stakeholders that the Club would be ready to host Africa’s leading female golfers.

Chairman of the Club’s Interim Management Committee, Peter Deshi, also expressed optimism over the progress of work, with regular golfing activities expected to resume ahead of the championship.

For the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the readiness of the host venue remains a critical component of the country’s preparations.

President of the Association, Dr. Lami Ahmed, has similarly expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations to stage a successful championship.

The 2026 AACT is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

With the countdown now entering its final month, the rehabilitation of the Club is sending a strong message about Nigeria’s determination to deliver a successful championship and provide a worthy stage for Africa’s finest female golfers.

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