Sports

Dare Receives Best Performing Minister Award

Published

3 years ago

May 4, 2023

The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare has been awarded the Best Performing Minister Award.

The Minister, Sunday Dare, received the award at the Nigeria Sports Governor Merit Award and Nigeria Philanthropist Merit Award held at the Shehu Yar’ Adua Centre, Abuja on Wednesday.

Represented at the event, by his Special Assistant on Policy, Mr. Bamiduro Olumide, the Minister thanked the organisers of the Awards for the recognition given him.

According to him, “this award and the other awards I have received are some of the evidences of the commitment of the Buhari administration to the growth of the Youth and Sports sector.

“I am grateful for the opportunity given me to serve and make impact in the lives of our youth.”

Since his assumption of office in August 2019, Dare has introduced numerous programmes, initiatives and policies that have positively impacted the youth and sports sector in the country and led to successes in international competitions.

Other recipients of awards at the event include the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki and his wife, Betsy Obaseki, the Deputy Governor of Edo State Philip Shuaibu, the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee(NOC), Engineer Habu Gumel, the Director General of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), General Buba Marwa(retd), former Director General of the Nigeria Television Authority(NTA), Alhaji Yakubu Ibn Mohammed, President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod, Sports philanthropist, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali among others.

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Sports

Lagos State Sports Commission, Abbey Rangers FC Seal Groundbreaking Partnership for Grassroots Football Development

Published

13 mins ago

November 5, 2025

The Gleamer

The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Abbey Rangers Football Club, a renowned community football institution in the United Kingdom, marking a new era in grassroots football development in Nigeria.

Under this strategic alliance, Abbey Rangers FC will collaborate with the Lagos State Sports Commission to implement a robust seven-pillar framework focused on:
talent development, coaching enhancement, sports science, community engagement, policy support, resource mobilization, and infrastructure growth.

The partnership is a first of its kind between Nigeria and a UK-based community football club and aims to create a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive football ecosystem in Lagos State. It promises to unlock new international opportunities for young athletes and coaches, offering pathways for advanced training, mentorship, and global exposure.

Speaking at the official unveiling, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, described the partnership as “a landmark step in Lagos’ mission to build a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem.”

“This collaboration represents a deliberate effort to connect Lagos with global best practices in grassroots football development,” Fatodu stated.

“Abbey Rangers brings proven expertise and community-driven values that align with our vision to nurture world-class talent and position Lagos as a continental hub for youth sports excellence.”

In his remarks, Abbey Rangers Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nick Riley, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that it reflects the club’s long-standing commitment to community-driven sports development.

“We are proud to partner with Lagos State on this visionary initiative,” Riley said.

“Abbey Rangers has always believed that community football is a powerful tool for development, inclusion, and opportunity. This collaboration allows us to share our grassroots model and experience with one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.”

The LSSC–Abbey Rangers partnership is a reflection of Lagos State’s strategic commitment to developing the next generation of football talent through international collaboration, innovation, and community-based sports programs. It also reaffirms the Commission’s leadership in driving sports diplomacy and youth empowerment across Africa.

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