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Barr. Dalung, Architect Behind Democratization Of Sports Federations

Published

6 years ago

April 19, 2019

Barr. Dalung, Architect Behind Democratization Of Sports Federations

Joel Ajayi

Though many sports stakeholders may not like him, and his style of operation of the game of sports in the country but his fight to liberate the functionless federations when assumed office more than three years ago which led to the vibrancy of many sports federation, today remain extraordinary in the history of sports in the country.

Without any apology to anybody, many federations remained dormant before his coming, they are like toothless bulldog that can only bark but cannot bite.

Dalung who since his assumption into the office of the sports, Minister had catch the niche for himself across the world courtesy of his firmness and dodgedness toward the sports.

Know him for his distinguised dressed Khaki and Beret. When asked why he chooses the berets and Khaki he replied “The ‘Red Beret’ is my signature for a struggle of the common people. The ‘Khaki’ is just nothing but a very modest way of appreciating the magnitude of problems the ‘common people’ face in this country.

The Plateau-born, Dalung because of his hard work and passion has become the first ever longest serving minister of sports as no minister spent three and a half years in office as minister of sports.

Before the dawn of the present administration, the ex-minister was empowered to appoint members of the federations, which were regarded as political appointments.

Of a truth, the nomination of government officials into previous federations contributed to them being populated by “incompetent people.”

As part of the reforms, starting from the 2017 elections, Dalung said there will no longer be any government nominee on any federations board and he stood by his word.

“I believe the absence of government, nominees will help guard against incompetent people populating the boards.

“In the past, National Sports Federation Elections had been mired in controversies; with various accusations of manipulation and connivance by the then National Sports Commission. We have had cases of imposition of candidates and exclusion of the real stakeholders, thus calling into question the credibility of the entire process.

“This has resulted in many boards having the majority of their members with either little or no knowledge of the sport, or even any passion for it. In some cases, federations had been run as personal estates, with impunity and sometimes outright disregard for the Ministry,”

Indeed, the days of handpicking candidates or running a federation like an emperor are gone and the result is enormous.

Today, his struggle toward the democratization process of sports federations had improved performances in sports and as given confidence to the athletes as sports federations were liberated and now functioning effectively and efficiently.

Indeed, the measurement of any leader is the legitimacy and if Barr Solomon Dalung will be remembered for something in the ministry, his stewardship of democratization of sports, federation should be number one the numerous achievements.

Speaking in Abuja with Sports Online Publisher Association of Nigeria on Thursday evening Dalung narrated how he wish to be a minister for one day because of the democratization process than to be a minister for years without any changes.

Dalung expressed that the vibrancy of the Sports federations can’t be over emphasized.

According to him, in 2015 for the first time, the black African country which in Nigeria own Scrabble championship and we retained in 2017 and this year we are ready for the competition.

“I will not forget too soon the young Nigerians in Cannoing and Rowing who qualified for Olympics and even be the first African to be in semi final.

One of the achievement is the Female Hockey team they won Bronze for Nigeria after 14 years.

“Despite the crisis that beclouds the federation in the past two years. The success and achievements of the NBBF under this Board testifies to this fact. Apart from the upward movement in the ranking of our national teams – the D’Tigers becoming No 1 in Africa and 32 in the World Ranking and the Women’s Team, D’Tigress being No 2 in Africa and 19 in the World Ranking – the overall success of both teams have improved Nigeria’s image in the world and earned as much respect within the global Basketball family.

“Nigeria’s super falcon’s have done this country very great having extend and maintained their dominance in Africa’s Womenf football for a very long time.

“I will not forget the contribution of our female Wrestlers of course the wrestling federation is growing every fast.

“The parasports are amazing Nigerians, they are champions any time any day.

“The interesting on is the Cricket Federation, Nigeria is not a cricket playing nation, it’s not the game that is common in Nigeria but we put it non the world map we went to Nambia defeated the giant countries and qualified for world event for the first time.

“This kind of achievements with so many others will continue to remain fresh in my memory and make me happy as a minister of Youths and Sports.” He revealed.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

5 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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