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Brig Gen Fada Resumes As 19th NYSC DG, Pledges To Sustain Maj Gen. Ibrahim’s Achievement

Published

4 years ago

May 18, 2022

By Joel Ajayi

The newly appointed Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Mohammed Fada, Wednesday, who took over as the 19th DG of the scheme, sought the support of all stakeholders which would enable him to build on the numerous achievements of his predecessor, Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim, whose footprint and success in the scheme would be very difficult to erase.

It will be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), on Tuesday, approved the appointment of Brigadier General Mohammed Fada as the new Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps.

Fada, who is from Yobe State, took over from the outgoing DG, Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim.

Brig. Gen. Fada, while speaking at the handing over ceremony in Abuja, acknowledged that the tasks ahead are huge, but with the support of the staff, they would overcome.

According to him, I know my predecessor created a big shoe that is be big for me, but by the grace of God and with the support of everyone, we shall succeed.

“Please let’s work as one family, the support you gave to my predecessor, I need more of that support, I need your corporation, that is the only tool that can help us in sustaining the achievement of Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim.

“I know that the tasks ahead are enormous and the road is rough, but with unity of purpose we will make progress.”

On his own, the outgoing Director-General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Major General Ibrahim has called on the 19th Director-General of the Scheme, Brigadier General Mohammed Fada, to pay rapt attention to the security and welfare of the corps members, staff in the country.

While giving the charge on Wednesday, in Abuja, during his farewell parade, he appreciated the support of individuals for a successful tenure as the 18th Chief Executive of the National Youth Service Corps.

Major General Ibrahim was adjudged the best DG ever in the history of the Scheme, as his NYSC’s administration anchored many programs that have benefited the scheme, corps members, and Nigeria at large.

The programs include sustained effective utilization of the potentials of Corps members for optimal benefits;

reinvigorate the NYSC Ventures and Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme (SAED) in line with the NYSC Act for greater impact.

Others are, aggressive revenue generation drive through the NYSC Ventures; Establishment of the NYSC Printing Press in Kaduna, Kaduna State, successful commencement of the enrolment of Corps members for the National Health Insurance Scheme in line with Presidential directive, amongst others.

According to him, I want to enjoin the in-coming Director-General, while offering my best wishes to you as you set out, to discharge this important national assignment.

“I am confident that you will give your best in the service of our great nation and, in particular, for the achievement of the mandate of NYSC.

“I would advise that you pay particular attention to the security and general welfare of Corps members and Staff as well as make sustained advocacy for stakeholders’ support as part of your approaches to the administration of the Scheme. I pray that the Almighty guides you.

He expressed that the task of the day-to-day running of NYSC has been one of the most challenging, yet most rewarding experiences of his life.

“It was indeed, an opportunity to make an impact, not only on the graduate youths entrusted to us for mentorship but also on the socio-economic development of our dear country.”

He, therefore, appealed to various stakeholders to demonstrate support for the proposed NYSC Trust Fund that is seeking National Assembly approval, saying that if it sees the light of the day, it will create more jobs for millions of Nigerians.

In her votes of thanks, the Director Of ICT, Christy Ubah assured maximum support for the incoming DG saying, the staff will not relent in their effort to bring more desirable change to the Scheme.

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Eight Athletes, 11 Medals: Applauding Asagba’s Sports Leadership At DELSU

Published

2 weeks ago

October 14, 2026

The Gleamer

By Godspower Odedede

Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, has recorded an impressive outing at the 15th West Africa University Games (WAUG) 2026, winning 11 medals with just eight athletes who represented the university in only three sporting events.

The university won seven gold, two silver and two bronze medals to occupy seventh position on the medal table, an achievement that underscores the potential of its athletes and the importance of purposeful investment in university sports.

DELSU participated in the men’s 100-metre sprint with two athletes, women’s judo with two athletes, and swimming with four male athletes. Despite the limited number of athletes and sporting events, the university’s medal haul was a commendable performance and a source of pride for the institution.

The achievement deserves particular recognition given the restricted scope of DELSU’s participation. With representation in only three sports, the university demonstrated that focused preparation, adequate support and the effective deployment of available talent can produce encouraging results at major university competitions.

A major highlight of DELSU’s preparation for WAUG 2026 was the approval by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, for a quality two-week training programme for the university’s athletes in Asaba.

The camp provided the athletes with an opportunity to prepare using the excellent and up-to-date training facilities available in the state capital.

The initiative is particularly noteworthy as it represents a significant commitment to structured preparation for university sports. Rather than relying solely on athletes’ natural abilities, the training programme recognised the importance of preparation, access to appropriate facilities and institutional investment in performance.

Professor Asagba deserves commendation for this intervention and for demonstrating a willingness to provide practical support for sports development at DELSU. The university’s WAUG performance offers an encouraging indication of what can be achieved when athletes receive purposeful preparation and administrative backing.

The Vice-Chancellor’s broader vision for sports infrastructure is also encouraging. Plans are understood to be underway for the construction of an ultra-modern sports complex for the university in the near future. If delivered as anticipated, the facility could significantly strengthen DELSU’s capacity for athlete development, training, competitions and sports science activities.

Such infrastructure would also support the university’s ambitions to improve its performance at national and international university games. A modern sports complex could provide a foundation for more systematic talent identification, performance monitoring, coaching development and the preparation of athletes across a wider range of sporting events.

Special recognition must also go to Mrs Epebi-Ebi Noah, the swimming coach, who was physically present at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, with the DELSU swimming team during the competition. Her presence and involvement underline the importance of coaching support, technical guidance and close supervision of athletes during major sporting events.

The performance also calls for commendation of the Chairman of the University Sports Committee, Professor Ochuko Nabofa, whose leadership has brought renewed attention and energy to sports development at DELSU. His role in supporting the university’s sports administration and helping to strengthen the sporting environment deserves recognition.

Similarly, the Acting Director of Sports, Peter Omojuwa, deserves commendation for his administrative responsibilities and contribution to the university’s sporting programme. The Chief Coach, Lucky Ajaino, should also be recognised for his role in the technical preparation and development of DELSU athletes.

The combined efforts of the university management, sports committee, sports administrators and coaches are essential to sustaining progress. While medals provide a visible measure of success, the systems established to prepare athletes and support their development are equally important to the long-term growth of university sports.

DELSU’s WAUG achievement follows another notable outing at the last Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) Games, where the university finished fourth. That result was regarded as one of the finest performances in the institution’s sporting history and strengthened expectations that DELSU could become an even more formidable force in university sports.

The latest WAUG performance provides another reason for optimism. However, the university’s participation in only three events also reveals an opportunity for further growth. Expanding participation across more sports, identifying talented students and improving access to specialised training could help DELSU compete for a higher position on future medal tables.

The proposed sports complex, if realised, could play a central role in this expansion. It should ideally be supported by sustained funding, modern equipment, qualified coaches, athlete welfare programmes and collaboration with relevant sports science professionals. These measures would help ensure that infrastructure investment translates into measurable improvements in performance.

The university could also consider strengthening performance analysis, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, talent identification and systematic monitoring of athletes’ progress. Such an approach would help transform individual successes into a sustainable university-wide sports development programme.

DELSU’s performance at WAUG 2026 is worthy of celebration. Eight athletes competed in just three sporting events and returned with 11 medals, including seven gold. The result reflects the potential within the university and provides a strong basis for building a more ambitious sports programme.

Professor Asagba’s approval of the two-week training camp and the prospect of an ultra-modern sports complex offer reasons to look forward to the next phase of DELSU sports development. The challenge now is to sustain the momentum, broaden participation and ensure that the university’s sporting ambitions are matched by consistent investment and effective implementation.

With continued support from the Vice-Chancellor, the University Sports Committee, the Directorate of Sports, coaches and other stakeholders, DELSU can build on its recent achievements and strengthen its position among Nigeria’s leading sporting universities.

The message from WAUG 2026 is clear: DELSU has demonstrated what a small but well-supported contingent can achieve. With broader participation, sustained preparation and modern sporting infrastructure, the university has the potential to accomplish even greater things.

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