Sports

Afrikings Homes Adopt Moshood Abiola Training pitch, Abuja

Published

2 years ago

March 23, 2023

….To be ready in six to eight weeks

Joel Ajayi
A private company known as Afrikings Homes Limited on Thursday has adopted the training pitch 1 of Moshood Abiola Stadium.

The adoption follows the success story recorded by the Adoption of Moshood Abiola Stadium Mainbowl pitch by Aliko Dangote.

Afrikings Homes adoption involves re-grassing of the pitch by planting nursery seeds and maintenance of the pitch for two years.

Speaking at the official hand over of the Practicing Pitch, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare recounted the gain of initiative “adopt an athlete and pitches” that is working very well for growth and Development of sports in Nigeria.

Minister heaped huge praises on the CEO of Afrikings Home limited Mr Kingsley Awodi urging other Nigerians to join federal government to maintain all the stadium in the country.

According to him, the young man has taken a bold step and deserved to be praised. This, when done will be part of the achievements that we have delivered.

“When about three years ago we started the Adopt-A-Pitch-Initiative, it was with the intention of rescuing our sporting infrastructure and also to improve the welfare of our athletes.

“Actually the first component which we worked on has to do with Adopt-An-Athlete-Initiative by creating a funding pathway for our athletes to prepare for the Olympics and the Commonwealth. We have seen the successes of that initiatives, we have seen the impact of it. And that is why beginning from next month, we will start that same process towards France 2024.

Speaking on the 2024 Olympic, the Minister expressed that: “The Adopt-An-Athletes process will start. We will put forward our athletes that will go both the home based and the foreign based, then we’ll see what we can do for them.

“Also, we kickstarted the Adopt-A-Pitch-Initiative which we have seen delivered the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, where we have seen more than 14 international matches played there already. We have seen Surulere coming up. And for Surulere we just have to be patient to get it right because 19 years abandoned things have rusted, things were stolen, to get it right. We have seen Daura Stadium being done.

“To have someone to adopt a pitch here is welcomed and a thing of joy because I know this would be seen by others and serve as an attraction to others to come. We have several football pitches here and our budget is limited.

“We have started implementing the sports as a business policy which means we must leverage on private sector participation.

“The National Development Plan 2021-2025 is based on 70 percent private sector funding and 30 percent Federal Government funding. That is the future of development. We must partner with individuals and corporations and I think the sports sector has keyed into it. We will look forward to what can be done in six to eight weeks and that will be really exciting. When it’s done and ready, we are going to bring two teams to come and play here so that we can get the feel of it and others can see and do likewise.”

In his early remark, the CEO and Chairman of Afrikings Homes, Ltd, Kingsley Awodi, said that he want to be part of the success stories recorded by the minister on achievements and the passion he has for football was the reasons he decided to take charge of refurbishing and maintenance of the training pitch for the two years.

However, the full re-grassing will take 6 to 8 weeks before it would be handed over to the ministry after which the company will be responsible for its maintenance for two years.

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Sports

Korean Ambasador Thumbs NTF, Pledges More Support

Published

13 hours ago

October 21, 2024

The Gleamer

..As Africa Teakwondo Union upgrade Korean Ambassador’s tourney to G1 ranking tournament
Joel Ajayi

The Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency KIM Pankyu, has thumbed the level of growth and development in the game of teakwoodo across Nigeria as he pledged more supports to the federation to enable more growth.

He gave this assurance weekend in Abuja at the just concluded 12th edition of Korean Ambassador’s Cup Teakwondo Tournament where over 200 teakwondo player competed for honour.

According to him, as you know, Taekwondo is a traditional Korean martial art loved by many people around the world. Not only does Taekwondo enhance your physical strength, it also disciplines your mind and soul.

“Taekwondo encourages competition, but at the same time teaches us fairness and respect. These aspects helped Taekwondo become a global sport. And now, thanks to people, I am proud to see the popularity of Taekwondo grow in Nigeria.

“The Ambassador’s Championship is part of our efforts to promote Taekwondo in Nigeria. It also aims to help Nigerian athletes to improve their skills so that they can compete on the global stage.”

And we will continuing supporting Nigeria to a stage where Nigeria will win gold medal in the game at Olympic or any world stage.

In his address, the President of NTF said that, the tournament creating a platform fforall our athletes to showcase their skills and passion for this beautiful martial art.

“I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the coaches and officials who have devoted their time and expertise to support our athletes. Your hard work behind the scenes has been instrumental in making this championship a resounding success. It is your commitment that nurtures the talent of our athletes, shaping them into the champions of tomorrow.

“I am filled with optimism about the future of Taekwondo in Nigeria. Together, we will continue to work diligently to improve our training programs, expand our reach, and develop more young athletes. I envision a Nigeria where Taekwondo thrives at all levels, from grassroots programs to international competitions.”

He thanked all sponsors and partners whose generous contributions have contributed to the success of 12th Korean Ambassador Cup.In his remarked, the President Africa Teakwondo Union, Mr Ide Issaka, who was happy with level of progress in Nigeria announced that African union has decided to upgrade Korean Ambassador Taekwondo Cup Championship that has been existing in the last twelve years to the G1 ranking tournament in Africa where other Africa country will participating.

President who was represented by his vice president; chief Jonathan Nnaji the Africa Union is happy about the progress of the Taekwondo in the country expressed that, Taekwondo union, Africa Taekwondo union will continue to support the Taekwondo federation.

“It’s worthy of note that the Korean Ambassador has been sustaining the sponsorship for all these years. This to a very high essence, which has helped in no small measure in making Nigeria and Africa great. Also, the world at large.”

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