Sports

House C’ ttee On Sports Vow To Engage Stakeholders To advance the cause of sports Sector

Published

8 months ago

October 11, 2024

..Frowns at the Sorry state of sporting facilities

Joel Ajayi

In a move to reposition the sorry state of the sports sector in the country, the House Committee on Sports is set to engage all stakeholders to advance the cause of sports to an enviable Pedestal

While speaking at the inaugural meeting of the newly constituted committee the chairman of the committee Kabiru Amadu revealed that the committee understands nothing to write about of Nigeria sports, thereby vowing to turn the hand of the clock for good for the sports sector.

According to him, there is no doubt that we have an onerous task ahead of us. Repositioning this Committee for optimum performance is a feat we must accomplish.

“It is apposite to note that, Sports is a veritable instrument of reducing crime and unemployment if optimally pursued. It generates big foreign exchange for Countries all over the World.

“It is on record that, out of the over Forty [40] federations in Nigeria, only less than twenty [20] are functioning and out of the twenty [20], only about five [5] are funded.

“The Committee would engage the appropriate authorities and will thoroughly and painstakingly look into all the challenges contending with all the sports federations with a view of overcoming them, for the betterment of our vibrant and articulated youth and Nigerians at large.

“It is on record that during the Paris 2024 Olympics, Nigeria couldn’t win a single medal and this sparked wide-spread displeasure from well-meaning citizens. This and many other embedded issues surrounding and affecting sports in Nigeria will be addressed passionately and will all sincerity of purpose.”

Speaking on the sorry state of the sports facilities in the country, Chairman Amadu expressed: “The issue of decaying Sporting infrastructure across the country, especially the National Stadia should be urgently looked into and addressed through adequate budgetary allocation.

“The Committee envisages a sustainable development plan, detailing grassroots programs, training facilities, a comprehensive medical support system, and strategic players’ rotation, designed to promote Football Development and other sporting activities across the Nation, through the federal Ministry of Sports Development.

“The Committee is not only poised to ensure positive improvement in the sports sector timely but also put in place mechanisms to realize our goals.”

He thanked the speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Tajudeen Abass and the entire leadership of the House count him worthy to be appointed as the Chairman of the great Committee.

However, the chairman used the occasion to commend the tenacity, zeal, and dedication of the late Chairman, Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams, and my able deputy, Honorable Jajere Buba Mohammed for piloting the Committee successfully.

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Sports

Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju Emerges NAWIS Representative on AFN Board

Published

1 hour ago

June 9, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Renowned former Nigerian sprinter Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju has been elected as the Nigeria Association for Women in Sports (NAWIS) representative on the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Her emergence followed a transparent electoral process conducted by NAWIS on Monday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Olukoju secured 30 votes out of 45, defeating her sole opponent, Dr. Nneka Anibeze, who polled 15 votes.

The election aligns with the revised AFN constitution, which reserves a dedicated seat on the board for a women-in-sports representative.

A trailblazer in Nigerian athletics, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju brings a wealth of experience to her new role. A former Olympian and African champion, she is best remembered for her record-breaking performances in the 400 metres and her pivotal role in Nigeria’s relay teams during the 1990s.

Her appointment is expected to bolster advocacy for gender inclusion, athlete welfare, and grassroots development within the federation.

In her acceptance speech, Olukoju expressed heartfelt gratitude for the trust placed in her by NAWIS members, pledging to work tirelessly to promote the interests of women in sports.

“Once again, I want to thank our founder and the NAWIS EXCO leadership. Leadership isn’t about how far you advance yourself—it’s about how far you can advance others,” she said.“If you’re not passing on what you’ve learned and experienced to those you lead, you’re not setting yourself up for lasting success. Leaders are meant to serve others.”

She also emphasized her readiness to take on the responsibility, regardless of her location.

“Thank God I have good health and stamina. I’m ready to contribute positively to the growth of sports in Nigeria, especially women in sports.

“Let me remind you that I have always answered the call to serve Nigeria, no matter where I lived at the time.

“I am ready to serve again in this new capacity, and distance will never stand in the way. I will always be physically present to carry out this great responsibility whenever necessary.”

With her appointment, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju is set to be a powerful voice on the AFN board—representing women, championing development, and shaping a stronger future for Nigerian athletics.

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