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Africa Cup : Cycling Federation Splash 42,000 Euros (N17 million ) On Track Bikes

Published

5 years ago

July 14, 2019

The Gleamer

Africa Cup : Cycling Federation Splash 42,000 Euros (N17 million ) On Track Bikes

…As 10 countries indicates interest for the tourney in Abuja

Joel Ajayi

Ahead of the Africa Track Cycling Championship aka Africa Cup slated for Velodrome complex of the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja ,the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) has taken delivery of 40 track Cycles acquired at the cost of Euros 42,000 (17.1 million).

The amount we gathered include unit cost of the bikes brought differently in three batches of 10 or 11 bikes from Spain, Italy, Bulgaria and elsewhere , as well as cost for freighting and clearing at the port.

A highly placed source at the federation disclosed that the federation had to bend backwards to acquire the first class track equipment when it become obvious that the World Cycling body, the International Cycling Union, UCI was not forthcoming with their earlier promise to support the championship with track bikes.

And with little or financial support also coming from government, President of the federation Engr. Giadomenico Massari said the CFN is working with the stadium management to upgrade and maintain a large section of the Velodrome that has not been put to use since its construction about 16 years.

“As part of the preparation we are working with the stadium management to update some of the facilities at the Velodrome. Most of the offices and conference rooms had not been in use since the facility was constructed in 2003. We need to wash the tracks, cut grass that has taken over part of facility and maintain the lighting equipment. Lights have been fairly stable for sometime now but we cannot be sure, so were working with the stadium management on the possible use of the standby generators during the competition” States Engr. Massari.

Meanwhile, 10 countries have indicated interest to participate in the 2019 Africa Track Cup slated to hold at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

The event which would be hosted by the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) will take place from July 26 to July 28, 2019 and will feature over 100 participants in 18 events in the junior and elite categories.

President of CFN, Giandomenico Massari, said the event would feature young fashion designers that would make presentation on the sports and fashion.

According to him, we are expecting 18 countries to participate but so far only ten countries have indicated interest.

Also to grace the 2019 Africa Cup are former Italian cycling professionals like Mrs. Giorgia Bronzini, three times Untied Cycling International (UCI) World champion, Roberto Chiappa, two times UCI World champion and Andrea Tonti, former Italy National team member and other lieutenants of several UCI world champions.

The leadership of the Confederation of Africa Cycling (CAC), led by its president, Mohamed Azzam, would also be in Abuja, Nigeria for the cup.
The ten countries are: Guinea Conakry, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Burundi, Egypt and Morocco

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FG to Harness the Digital Economy to Empower Youth

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande has disclosed that the Federal Government is making efforts to harness the potentials of the digital economy in empowering the youth and creating sustainable jobs.

He made this disclosure in Abuja when he received the participants of the Senior Executive Course 46, 2024 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State who were on study tour to the Ministry.

Mr Olawande said over 50% of the population below the age of 30 have a significant demographic advantage in the digital age.

“Our youths are tech-savvy, innovative and eager to contribute to the country’s economic growth. However, they face numerous challenges including limited access to quality education, skills training and job opportunities.

The digital economy offers a unique opportunity for Nigeria to leapfrog traditional development challenges. With the rise of e-commerce, digital payments and remote work”. “Our youths can assess global markets, skills training and job opportunities like never before,” he added.

According to the Minister, challenges hindering the growth of the digital economy in Nigeria must be addressed.
He explained that to overcome the challenges, the Ministry has implemented initiatives such as digital skills training programs for youths, focusing on areas like software development, data analytics and digital marketing especially in the NYSC.

This, he disclosed is alongside partnering with Galaxy Back Bone to improve infrastructure, Internet connectivity and alternative electricity supply as well as funding opportunities such as grants, loans and venture capital for startups of small businesses with launching of the National Youth Investment Fund.

The Honourable Minister who hinted that the Ministry’ s goal is to create an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for youth stated: ” We recognise that sustainable job creation is critical to Nigeria ‘s economic growth and stability”

”I urge you all to join us in this journey to harness the potential of the digital economy for youth empowerment and sustainable job creation in Nigeria.”, he added.

Mr Olawande further said that the opportunities and challenges underscore the need for a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to harness the potential of the digital economy for sustainable development.

The Minister who observed that there is a gap between the Government and the young people expressed his heartfelt desire for the Youths of the nation to feel the Government. He opined that the country has the most intelligent youths in the world.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation from NIPSS, Barrister Nima Salman Mann, mni said they are in the Ministry to research, proffer solutions, recommendations and strategies to help Government chart its course for the the year, with the theme : ‘Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities’.

.She also added that Ministry of Youth Development is very germane to this year’s theme .” We are with the Ministry of Youth to listen to what you are doing to help the youth, how you are doing it, strategic plans and way forward as well as how we can use the digital economy to chart the goal for sustainable job creation,” she concluded.

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