Sports
FG Inaugurates Inter-Ministerial Committee for 2025 Youth Entrepreneurial, Innovation Alliance Boot Camp
Joel Ajayi
part of efforts to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and bilateral cooperation under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Planning Committee for the 2025 Youth Entrepreneurial and Innovation Alliance (YEIA) Boot Camp.
The initiative is being organized in partnership with the Bangladesh Business and Technology Forum.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the Boot Camp will serve as a dynamic platform to nurture creativity, build entrepreneurial capacity, and foster collaboration among young innovators from Nigeria and Bangladesh.
Comrade Olawande emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting bilateral ties, attracting investments in technology and emerging innovations, and enhancing youth capacity through targeted training, industrial exposure, and cultural exchange programs.
“The primary goals of the Boot Camp are to facilitate high-level engagements between public and private sector stakeholders, mobilize investment, and equip our youth with relevant skills and global exposure,” the Minister stated.
He charged members of the committee drawn from various ministries and strategic sectors to ensure Nigeria’s participation is impactful and nationally representative. He further urged them to carry out their responsibilities with diligence, creativity, and collaboration in line with the Terms of Reference.
In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya represented by the Acting Director of Enterprise Development and Promotion, Mr. Mike Ugwuogu noted that the Boot Camp will bring together young innovators, startup founders, and changemakers from across the globe.
He highlighted the significance of the 2025 edition, to be hosted in Bangladesh, as a unique opportunity for Nigerian youth to showcase their talents, engage with global counterparts, and tap into networks that support innovation-led development.
Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria-Bangladesh Business and Technology Forum, Mr. Bob Achanya, described the initiative as a strategic platform to connect youth, policymakers, and the private sector.
He reiterated the vision to empower over 10 million young people through access to mentorship, training, and entrepreneurial opportunities that drive sustainable economic growth.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to creating enabling environments for youth development and positioning Nigerian youth as global leaders in innovation and enterprise.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News9 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
