Sports
Budapest 2023: Sports Minister Resumes Office, Charges Team Nigeria On Podium Finishes
Joel Ajayi
The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has felicitated with the Nigerian athletes to the World Athletics Championship holding in Budapest, Hungary, on their qualification to participate in the Game.
In his goodwill message to the athletes today which he personally signed, the Minister stated that their participation at the event not only represents their personal accomplishments but also exemplifies the unity of the nation.
He described Nigerian athletes as an embodiment of the nation’s diversity, strength and determination.
“Your participation in the World Athletics Championship not only represents personal accomplishments but also exemplifies the unity of our nation. You are the embodiment of our diversity, strength, and determination. As you stand side by side with athletes from around the world, remember that you carry the hopes and dreams of millions of Nigerians who believe in you and cheer for your success*, he said.
The Minister, therefore, urged them to compete with all their heart, push their limits and leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of excellence, noting that their success will not only add to Nigeria’s sporting legacy but also inspire generations to come.
While commending the Coaches, support staff, and other technical officials for tirelessly preparing the athletes for the competition, he stated further that their dedication and expertise played an integral role in nurturing the athletes’ talents as well as shapen them into world-class contenders.
Senator Enoh who wished the athletes a successful and unforgettable outing, assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his entire cabinet and Nigerians in general are standing behind them.
*Let me assure you that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is standing behind you with the entire nation, united in our support and admiration. May your performances shine as bright as the Nigerian sun on your return, we will celebrate your accomplishments and welcome you back to a heroic reception*
Sports
NLO’s Shola Ogunowo Earns Praise for Driving Grassroots Football and Exemplifying Integrity
Joel Ajayi
The Nigerian football community has lauded Mr. Shola Ogunowo, Chief Operating Officer of the Nationwide League One (NLO), for his unwavering commitment to integrity and the development of grassroots football, earning him widespread respect and admiration across the sporting landscape.
In a statement released in Abuja and signed by Okechukwu Okebugwu, Mr. Ogunowo was praised as a transformative leader who has redefined the ethics and standards of football administration at the grassroots level. According to the release, Ogunowo has emerged as a “leading figure in the fight against match-fixing, bribery, and all forms of corruption” that have plagued the lower tiers of Nigerian football for decades.
Through consistent enforcement of transparency, fairness, and accountability, Mr. Ogunowo is steering the NLO toward becoming a credible platform where talent can be discovered and nurtured based on merit, rather than manipulation or favoritism.
“In an environment where shortcuts and compromises are all too common, Shola Ogunowo has remained a pillar of integrity,” Okebugwu stated. “He is restoring credibility to grassroots football by ensuring that fair play, discipline, and professionalism are non-negotiable.”
Since taking over as COO, Ogunowo has spearheaded a number of structural reforms aimed at instilling discipline and operational excellence among participating clubs. These include stricter licensing requirements, performance audits, and compliance monitoring to ensure clubs uphold the league’s code of conduct. His administration has also emphasized youth development, with a renewed focus on coaching education and player welfare.
The result is a reinvigorated Nationwide League One that is beginning to attract renewed attention from fans, corporate sponsors, and local communities. Observers say Ogunowo’s leadership is helping reshape perceptions of grassroots football—not just as a stepping stone to the elite leagues, but as a vital foundation for the future of Nigerian football.
“His leadership is not only impacting the pitch—it’s rebuilding trust, creating real value, and setting a good standard for sports administration in Nigeria,” Okebugwu concluded.
As the NLO season progresses, many stakeholders believe that with figures like Shola Ogunowo at the helm, the future of grassroots football in Nigeria is not only secure, but promising.
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