Sports
Minister of Youth Development Receives 2026 National Youth Security Emblem from Nigeria Youth Organisation
Joel Ajayi
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering young people as critical stakeholders in promoting peace and security across Nigeria.
He made this known while receiving the 2026 National Youth Security Emblem presented by the Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO) during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
Speaking during the presentation, Comrade Olawande emphasized the importance of actively engaging young people in community-based peacebuilding initiatives, noting that youth participation remains central to achieving sustainable security and national development.
He observed that many young people migrate from rural communities to major cities such as Abuja in search of better opportunities. However, the absence of productive engagement often exposes them to negative influences, which can contribute to insecurity when such individuals return to their communities.
The Minister therefore stressed the need for increased awareness campaigns to help young people identify and harness opportunities available within their local communities.
According to him, communities possess numerous untapped resources capable of creating wealth and fostering economic independence for young people if properly utilized.
Comrade Olawande also highlighted the importance of collaboration between youth organizations, government institutions, and international development partners in advancing the youth, peace, and security agenda.
He noted that the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, with the support of partners such as the European Union (EU), continues to promote initiatives that empower young people to serve as ambassadors of peace and stability within their communities.
The Minister further encouraged youth groups to align their activities with the Ministry’s strategic framework, particularly through the Department of Networks and Social Mobilization (NSM), which serves as a key platform for youth mobilization and engagement nationwide.
Speaking on the broader national security framework, the Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening community-based security systems, including the promotion of community and state policing. He emphasized that security structures are most effective when personnel are familiar with and connected to the communities they serve.
Comrade Olawande also called for the practical implementation of the National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security, stressing that meaningful results can only be achieved through deliberate action rather than prolonged discussions.
Earlier, the National Executive President of NYO, Comrade Okorie C. Okorie, explained that the initiative is designed to mobilise Nigerian youths across the country to take collective responsibility for community security and national stability.
According to him, the emblem carries key inscriptions including “Community Security: A Collective Responsibility of All Nigerian Youths” and “Nigerian Youths, Operation Defend Your Community.” He added that the campaign is aimed at encouraging young people to actively support efforts to combat insecurity and safeguard their communities.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr (Mrs) Maryam Keshinro, noted that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the strength of the nation today. She emphasized the need for collective efforts to engage and mobilize youths in the fight against insecurity across the country.
Sports
NSC DG, Olopade Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Assures of More Progressive Sports Development Under President Tinubu
Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience, unity and remarkable capacity to excel on the global stage, particularly through sports.
Hon. Olopade said Nigeria at 66 is an occasion every Nigerian should be proud of, noting that despite the challenges encountered over the years, the country has continued to make significant progress and produce achievements capable of inspiring generations.
The DG said the sports sector has particular reasons to celebrate, pointing to a series of performances and milestones by Nigerian athletes and teams across the global sporting landscape.
“Today, we celebrate the resilience of our people, the strength of our unity and our belief in the promise of our great country, especially through sports.
“As we raise our flag with pride, may we remain committed to building a nation where every Nigerian has the opportunity to dream, thrive and succeed.”
Hon. Olopade said the progress being witnessed in Nigerian sports aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Development (RHINSE), which he said is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for athletes, while positioning sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment and global recognition.
He pointed to Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of the latest examples of the country’s sporting potential. Team Nigeria returned from Glasgow with 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, finishing seventh overall and as the highest-ranked African nation at the Games. The campaign also produced three world records and a number of historic milestones across para powerlifting, athletics, weightlifting, para athletics and judo.
Among the standout performances was that of Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who won gold in para powerlifting and twice broke the world record during the competition, ultimately lifting 175kg. Goodness Nwachukwu also successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women’s para discus and set a new world record, while Nigeria recorded historic Commonwealth gold medals through Samuel Ogazi in the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men’s 400m hurdles and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men’s shot put.
“Today, Nigeria is a global force in para-sports, and athletes such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Goodness Nwachukwu continue to demonstrate the extraordinary talent and determination that exist within our country,” Hon. Olopade said.
He also celebrated the continued dominance of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, which in 2025 became the first nation to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final in Abidjan in the last edition. The achievement extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games and secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pathway.
On the global athletics scene, Hon. Olopade highlighted the continued excellence of Tobi Amusan and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian sprinters. Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September 2026, clocking 12.34 seconds in the final, while Kayinsola Ajayi added another significant milestone by winning Commonwealth bronze in the men’s 100m and helping Nigeria to bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay in Glasgow.
Nigeria’s football heritage, Hon. Olopade noted, remains another major source of national pride. The country holds the record for the most FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, with five championships won by the Golden Eaglets in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.
He also pointed to the country’s growing influence in emerging sports, including flag football. Nigeria made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Championship in Cairo in 2025, earning qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.
“These achievements across athletics, para-sports, basketball, football, weightlifting, flag football and other sports remind us that Nigeria possesses immense sporting talent,” the DG said.
“From our champions who continue to break world records to our young athletes who are announcing themselves on the international stage, the Nigerian flag continues to fly with pride around the world. This is why the development of sports must remain a national priority. Our responsibility is not only to celebrate champions after they emerge, but to build the systems, facilities, competitions and opportunities that allow more young Nigerians to become champions.”
“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we celebrate Nigeria’s past, but we must also look confidently toward the future. Our athletes have shown us what is possible when talent meets opportunity, preparation and support. The task before us is to ensure that more Nigerians have that opportunity,” the DG added.
“On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I wish all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary. May our great nation continue to grow in strength, unity, prosperity and sporting excellence,” Hon. Olopade concluded.
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