Sports

The seed to grow sports has been sown- Sunday Dare

Published

1 year ago

May 25, 2023

Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Youth and Sports’ Development has revealed that the seed to grow and develop sports in the Country has been sown.

Sunday Dare stated this, on Wednesday, in Abuja at the valeditory event organized by Nigeria Olympic Committee, where he attributed the success recorded in his term as a result of hard work from Sports Federation’s Presidents.

According to him, I am very delighted to be here, the successes we record in sports, there is no doubt, credit goes to sports Federations, without the Federations, there would be no athletes that will make Nigeria proud.

“We toiled and labored to ensure the growth of sports and with sustainable model put in place during this period, there is no doubt, will surely help any incoming sports Minister.

“When I came on board, I promised not be a Minister for football alone and today there is no federation that did not benefit, we all saw great exploit in Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Wrestling, Boxing, Athletics, Curling, to mention but few.”

Speaking on the funding, he said that fund is the life wire of the Federations, though he lamented that funding sports federations always get from the Federal Government is insufficient despite that, some federation went ahead to do their programs, that means the federations must be given kudos.

He, however, assured that the every arrangement and needed polices have been put in place to ensure sports Federations have enough funds that will further prosper Nigeria’s Sports sector.

The outgoing Minister also called on Sports Federations to Invest and pay rapt attention to the training of Coaches that we have, conduct refreshers course saying, most of the international courses attended so far, it was discovered that Nigeria coaches lack some technical know-how.

Dare then heaped praises on the Federations who contributed to the successes made, while charging them not to relent in their efforts to take Nigeria’s Sports to greater heights.

Among the initiatives put in place that is currently bringing results are, “Adopt an Athlete” initiative, development of infrastructure, Athletes independent funds, amongst others.

In his Remarks, the President of NOC, Engr Habu Gumel said the Minister is leaving very important legacy.

According to him, his term witnessed the numerous and outstanding achievements.
He, therefore, wished the outgoing Minister well as he bowed out as the most active Youth and Sports Minister.

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Sports

Gusau Praises President Tinubu, ValueJet crew for diligence and endurance

Published

3 days ago

October 15, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Tuesday expressed the deep appreciation of the NFF and the Nigeria Football family for the warm words of encouragement from the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR following the Super Eagles’ return from a better-forgotten Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match adventure in Libya.

On Monday, Mr. President put out a statement warmly welcoming the team back to home, and asking for prompt justice from the Confederation of African Football following the inhumane treatment of the Nigerian contingent. Mr. President also commended the proactive coordination between the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development in addressing the unfortunate episode and ensuring the safe return of the players.

“We hereby express our deep and sincerest appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his warm and kind words of encouragement. These words have gone a long way to reassure the players of the firm support of the Government and people of Nigeria for what they do and the efforts and sacrifice they make in representing this great country.

“The commitment and love for the team by the Government and the entire nation was aptly demonstrated by the physical presence of the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh at the airport to welcome the team back to Nigeria.

“Mr. President as the father of the nation, has once again demonstrated his concern and keen interest in the beautiful game of football that unites our peoples from all walks of life and across all known mental, physical, spiritual, political and economic boundaries, and which fosters national unity and friendship among peoples and nations of the universe.”

Gusau, who led the delegation to Libya, also commended the captain and crew of the ValueJet aircraft that flew the delegation to and from that country, saying that their patience, diligence, good manners, warmth and endurance made the trip less arduous for the contingent.

“The captain (Mr. Abdul-Latif) and crew were awesome. I must commend, in particular, the captain. He did his job professionally and with a touch of excellence, and even intervened at a point to talk to the airport operatives to allow the NFF leadership to go outside the airport to find a way to hire vehicles for the team. As a fellow North African (Tunisian) who had worked in Libya previously, they were ready to offer him hotel accommodation but not any other member of the crew or any Nigerian, as all the hotels in the city disclosed that they had strict orders not to welcome any Nigerian nationality. He refused their offer and rather opted to sleep in the aircraft with the rest of the crew.

“The captain and crew showed great maturity and kindness. We will never forget them.”

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