Sports

NSC DG Hon. Olopade Lauds FIRS under Zacch Adedeji, Advocates Stronger Partnership Between Taxation and Sports Development

Published

5 months ago

June 27, 2025

Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has praised the leadership of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) under Dr. Zacch Adedeji, PhD, describing him as a visionary public servant and committed supporter of sports development in Nigeria.

Hon. Olopade made this known during a visit to the FIRS Headquarters on Thursday, commending the FIRS’ involvement as one of the key partners of the upcoming CAA U18/U20 African Athletics Championships scheduled to hold in Abeokuta, Ogun State between July 16-20.

The Championship is a continental gathering of rising athletic stars and is powered by public-private partnerships championed under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Dr. Zacch Adedeji is not just a reformist in the tax administration space, but also a passionate lover of sports,” said Hon. Olopade. “The FIRS’ support for this championship is a clear signal that sports and taxation can work hand-in-hand to build a stronger, healthier, and more united Nigeria, as we work to stimulate Nigeria’s sports economy.”

Hon. Olopade emphasized the growing intersection between taxation and national development, stressing that sports, when properly funded and strategically positioned, can generate jobs, contribute to the nation’s economy, and promote unity.

“There is a natural synergy between taxation and sports,” Hon. Olopade noted. “Taxes fund infrastructure, education, and now—more importantly grassroots and elite sports development. This partnership with FIRS demonstrates how a forward-thinking tax institution can catalyze social impact beyond revenue generation.”

He called for a more formalized and enduring working relationship between the NSC and FIRS to support long-term sports development strategies, athlete welfare, and infrastructure investment.

“Sports development is no longer just a recreational agenda—it is an economic, health, and diplomatic tool. And institutions like the FIRS have a critical role to play in this vision,” Olopade added.

The CAA U18/U20 Championships will host athletes from about 50 African nations and is expected to be a defining moment in Nigeria’s athletics history, particularly as the Championship aligns with the Federal Government’s push to make Nigeria a sports hub in Africa.

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Sports

Tangerine APT Pension Crowned New Kings of PFA Games 2025

Published

4 hours ago

November 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi
Joel Ajayi Tangerine APT Pension stormed the 2025 Pension Fund Administrators Games and snatched the crown with a commanding 66 points—ending FCMB’s reign and announcing themselves as the new champions of corporate sporting excellence.

From the first whistle to the final scoreboard, Tangerine APT played like an organisation possessed. They dominated volleyball and snooker, showcased brilliant tactical depth to finish second in chess behind Norrenberger, secured second place in team bonding behind Premium Pension, and held their own across the board—fourth in football, sixth in table tennis, fifth in scrabble, and eighth in e-sports, press conference, discipline and grooming. Every point mattered, and Tangerine APT grabbed them with fire.

Defending champions FCMB, despite flashes of brilliance, simply could not summon last year’s magic.

They finished second overall with 63 points—just three points behind the new champions. FCMB were first in scrabble, second in football, third in table tennis and e-sports, fourth in snooker and team bonding, and fifth in volleyball, chess, and press conference/discipline/grooming. A brave defence, but not enough to stop the Tangerine wave.

Rounding off the podium is NPF Pension, finishing third with 57 points after a spirited campaign. They claimed gold in football, second in table tennis and e-sports, third in volleyball, fourth in scrabble, sixth in press conference/discipline/fanfare/most coordinated, seventh in chess, and eighth in snooker and team bonding.

The rest of the table saw fierce competition:4th – Norrenberger Pension: 52 points, 5th – Premium Pension: 47 points, 6th – NNPC Pension: 45 points, 7th – Access Arm: 41 points
In Others position 8th – Trustfund Pension: 29 points 9th – PENCOM: 28 points and 10th – NUPEMCO: 25 points.

With the dust settled and the cheers still echoing, one truth stands tall:Tangerine APT Pension has ushered in a new era—bold, dominant, and unforgettable.

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