Sports
FG Recieves Young Gymnasts, Lauds them for Podium Performances at World Event
Joel Ajayi
The Federal Government has commended the junior Gymnasts for their excellent performances that led to the harvest of medals for the country at the just concluded World Gymnastics Championship held in the Republic of Malta.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar who gave the commendation today in his office when he received the young gymnasts who came to present the medals won at the Tournament to him, applauded them for achieving podium performances, clinching 23 medals (8 gold, 8 silver, and 7 bronze) in different categories of the game.
He commended the Ministry’s officials, Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria as well as the technical crew for their commitment to ensuring the successes recorded at the event.
The Permanent Secretary assured that the Ministry will put all necessary administrative machinery on ground in order to provide the nation’s athletes with the opportunity to showcase their sporting talents with a view to enabling them compete favourably with their counterparts globally.
Alhaji Ismaila further advised parents of the young gymnasts to ensure that their kids remain focused especially in their educational career so as to provide them with a brighter opportunity even as they continue to excel in the field of sports.
Earlier in his remark, the Head Coach of the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria and leader of the team, Anthony Asuquo disclosed that seven Junior Gymnasts represented the country among other 15 countries at the Malta Championship
He informed that of the seven, Chiwendu Okpanku was rated as the 3rd best in the world and 1st in the Vault.
Mr. Asuquo commended the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, Top Management Staff of the Ministry and the present Administration in particular, for their commitment to the development of sports in the country, pledging that the Federation will remain committed to ensuring that the country records more podium appearances at future competitions.
Sports
No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday
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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