Sports
Basketball legend, others Join forces with FCT Sports council to grow sports
….kick start Sports, Vocational Training Initiative
Joel Ajayi
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has thrown its weight behind the basketball legend and International Sports Consultant Dozie Mbonu-back sports and vocational training for the youth in Nigeria.
The FCTA director of sports development, Mr Istifanus Lukas, gave the endorsement when the convener of the sports and vocational training, Chief Eze Sir Ifeanyi Eke, led Mr Mbonu and some USA-based basketball experts and advisors on a courtesy visit to his office on Monday in Abuja.
He described the training initiative as a very good development that will help to unearth budding talents in FCT and beyond.
He welcomed the initiative and called on the group for support in the area of training kits and equipment, saying the government alone cannot develop sports.
“I have always said that the government alone cannot develop sports, it’s just not possible. We’re open to strategic partnerships with local and international stakeholders that are important for the development of sports. We will ensure that whatever is discussed here will be implemented and put into fruition,” Lukas assured.
Earlier, the former NBA star Dozie Mbonu said the sports skill and vocational programme which will kick start on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 in Abuja, is targeted at nurturing leadership skills, igniting entrepreneurial spirits and developing technical expertise in areas of technology, and innovation.
“Our aim is to empower young individuals to identify their passions and turn them into viable career paths, creating a ripple effect of positive impact on their communities and Nigeria at large.
We are reminded of the immense potential that lies within young people, our program is poised to unlock the potential, fostering a generation of leaders, innovators and change-makers. We recognize the future belongs to the youth, equipping them with life skills, mentorship and knowledge necessary to excel is our focus,” Mbonu said.
The convener and chairman of the FCT Gymnastics Association, Chief Eze Sir Ifeanyi Eke, said the training is for all sports and not just basketball.
He said the short term plan of the programme is to adopt two schools in Abuja where they will conduct the training and scout out talents that will be awarded scholarships to foreign schools to combine their education and sports career. While the long term plan we see them build and have the kids in the academy here in Abuja for proper training and mentoring.
Sports
VIP Spikers unveil Veronica Gyamfi following successful surgery after career-threatening injury
VIP Spikers have unveiled Veronica Gyamfi as their player, pledging to support her welfare and recovery after an injury sustained during last season’s CGC Volleyball Premier League.
The unveiling took place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, with Samuel Onikeku, Head of Sports, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), performing the ceremony.
Gyamfi sustained the injury while representing Wikki during last season’s CGC Volleyball Premier League.
In a swift response, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), and the President of Vipers sponsored her surgery at Dala Orthopedic Hospital in Kano, where she spent two weeks receiving medical attention.
Her signing by Vipers and Partners VC, popularly known as VIP Spikers, is expected to provide her with continued care and support as she progresses through recovery and works towards returning to competitive volleyball.
Meanwhile, Gyamfi was presented a brand new ASICS canvas and a branded jersey of VIP Spikers as it is believed she would return to play after completing her rehabilitation.
The intervention reflects the importance of athlete welfare in Nigerian sports, particularly the need to ensure that players who sustain injuries while representing their teams receive appropriate medical attention and rehabilitation support.
The sponsorship of Gyamfi’s surgery by the Comptroller-General, followed by her signing by VIP Spikers, highlights the potential impact of collaboration between sports authorities, competition sponsors and clubs in safeguarding athletes’ careers.
After the surgery Gyamfi has been undergoing physiotherapy sessions at the 44 Military Reference hospital in Kaduna as the Sporting Club is supporting her education at Kaduna State Polytechnic.
Gyamfi’s story offers an encouraging example of support for an athlete facing a difficult period in her career.
Her unveiling reinforces the message that volleyball development goes beyond competitions and trophies to include protecting players’ welfare and helping them return to the sport they love.
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