Sports

First of its kind’ — Dare hails FCT SWAN for Easter, Sallah gifts

Published

3 years ago

May 23, 2022

Despite coming under attack in recent weeks, over Nigeria’s withdrawal from participating in international basketball, the minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare has described the industry as one big family.

The minister was on Monday presented bags of rice by the Sports Writer Association of Nigeria (SWAN) FCT chapter, as part of their Easter and Eid-El-Fitr gifts which were also extended to members.

FCT SWAN Chairman, Bunmi Haruna, who was in the company of some members said they see the minister as part of the SWAN family and will continue to support him to succeed in office.

“We don’t have much, but from the little we have as an association, we have come to share with you.

“We know you don’t lack such things, but we see you as part of us and whatever we have we share,” Haruna said.

“We appreciate your huge strides in the sports industry in the last three years and want to let you know we will continue to support you to achieve even more.”

The minister, while responding, described the gesture as the first of its kind.

“This has never happened before and I’m going to tell my wife when I get home.

“This shows we are one big family, I thank SWAN for this gesture.”

The minister also spoke on the withdrawal of Nigerian teams from participating in international basketball for two years.

“The true basketball stakeholders know that the ministry is not the problem, they know where the problem Is,” Dare said.

The SWAN, FCT chapter had last month shared close to 100 bags of rice to members as Easter and Sallah packages.

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Sports

Weightlifting Federation President, Dr Ibrahim Abdul Applauds NSC’s Leadership in Championing Sports Development in Nigeria

Published

13 hours ago

April 25, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Bisi

President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, has credited Nigeria’s triumphs so far at the African Senior Weightlifting Championship to the deliberate and strategic approach of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in revitalizing the nation’s sports sector by appointing technocrats to head the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Dr. Abdul made this statement on Thursday morning, in an interview in Moka, Mauritius, where Nigeria is currently competing in the African Senior Weightlifting Championship. As of Thursday evening, Nigeria sits on top of the medal standings with 10 Gold, 4 silver and one bronze.

Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele’s impressive showing on Thursday evening helped to increase Nigeria’s medal haul after winning three Gold medals to underline her dominance in her weight category.

“President Tinubu knew exactly what he wanted and was intentional in his selection of leaders for the National Sports Commission,” Dr. Abdul said. “By appointing proven technocrats like Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, he laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity for Nigerian sports.”

Mallam Shehu Dikko, a former Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), first appointed on December 26, 2014a, has also served in various capacities at FIFA and CAF. He has been at the forefront of key reforms within African and global sports governance, bringing his wealth of experience to the Commission.

Dr. Abdul also highlighted the immense impact of the NSC’s Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade—a two-time Commissioner for Sports in Ogun State—who has overseen numerous thriving sports projects across the country and internationally.

Speaking on Team Nigeria’s success so far in Mauritius, he said “this is no coincidence. The NSC gave us all the support we needed to succeed,” Abdul emphasized.

“When the DG announced thousands of dollars in financial incentives, sat with the athletes, shared meals, and took pictures with them—it wasn’t just symbolic. It was a powerful morale boost for all of them.”

According to him, “Our athletes felt truly seen, valued, and supported. Today, they competed like warriors—ready to give their all for the nation. That is the spirit this administration has ignited in Nigerian sports.”

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