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
29 Days To AACT 2026: IBB Club Renewal Heralds Nigeria’s African Golf Showcase
Joel Ajayi
With 29 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Nigeria is stepping up preparations to host the continental women’s team golf championship, with the extensive rehabilitation of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja providing a major boost to the country’s readiness.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja Director of Communication AACT 2026, Kayode Adeniyi said the Club’s Board of Trustees has assured that the facility will be fully prepared to welcome golfers, officials and delegates from across Africa when the championship tees off on November 2.
Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, gave the assurance after inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works at the Club, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.
The IBB International Golf and Country Club has undergone extensive rehabilitation following its closure to regular golfing activities for more than a year. The intervention has focused on the golf course, selected holes, the clubhouse and other key facilities required to provide a befitting venue for the continental championship.
Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed confidence that the rehabilitation programme would be completed in time for the AACT, further reassuring stakeholders that the Club would be ready to host Africa’s leading female golfers.
Chairman of the Club’s Interim Management Committee, Peter Deshi, also expressed optimism over the progress of work, with regular golfing activities expected to resume ahead of the championship.
For the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the readiness of the host venue remains a critical component of the country’s preparations.
President of the Association, Dr. Lami Ahmed, has similarly expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations to stage a successful championship.
The 2026 AACT is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
With the countdown now entering its final month, the rehabilitation of the Club is sending a strong message about Nigeria’s determination to deliver a successful championship and provide a worthy stage for Africa’s finest female golfers.
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