Sports

FG Charges NOC To Upscale Preparation Ahead Of 2024 Olympic Games

Published

2 years ago

October 24, 2023

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government has called on the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) to upscale its preparations ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games scheduled to take place in Paris, France

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh gave the charge on Tuesday in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja when the Executive Members of the Nigeria Olympic Committee led by its President Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel visited him.

Senator Owan Enoh stated that early preparations for the Games will not only provide the athletes ample opportunities in their various sporting fields but will also enable the country to record podium finishes at the international competitions

The Minister stated further that the desire of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration is to ensure the development of sports not only as a mere recreation but as a business with a view to providing job opportunities for our teeming youth, alleviating poverty in the society as well as to enhance peace and unity in the country.

This, he added, was demonstrated through the creation of a Ministry of Sports Development and in his appointment as the Minister to drive this important policy thrust of government.

He explained that sports remained the most unifying factor in Nigeria and that the government was determined to develop the sector so as to strengthen the unity of this country for the betterment of all.

Senator Owan Enoh assured that under his watch, the Ministry of Sports Development will not only recognize key stakeholders in the industry but be ready to partner and collaborate with them for the development of the industry.

He informed that the renewed Hope Agenda of the Government also provides an opportunity for inclusiveness in sports by both males and females as well as for private sector participation. That was why he added that the National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) approved by the immediate past administration was recently endorsed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration in its renewed Hope Agenda

He advised the executive members of NOC to look into the document to see the areas that it can explore towards attracting private sector partnerships to help in the development of athletes so as to prepare them to compete favorably with their counterparts globally.

He said that the time has now come for all stakeholders in the industry to join hands with the Federal Government to ensure the development of sports in the country, especially in the area of infrastructure upgrades, Grassroots Sports Development, training of our athletes, Scholarships as well as in the area of capacity building of the officials as government cannot do it alone.

In addition, the Minister reminded the Committee to ensure clean participation of the nation’s athletes during the competition, stating that the government will not condense any cases of doping during the competitions.

Speaking earlier, the President of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Engr Habu Ahmed Gumel said that their visit was to congratulate the Honourable Minister on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and subsequent confirmation as the Captain of Nigerian Sports as well as to brief him on the activities of the Committee.

Engr Gumel who commended the Honourable Minister on the proactive and progressive steps he had taken within the first month in office, which he said, are clear pointers that his tenure is poised to chart a new course for Nigerian Sports assured that the Nigeria Olympic Committee, as co-partner with the Ministry of Sports Development is committed to the delivery of values to the stakeholders, especially in the area of capacity building to support National Federation Administrative and Technical Structures with a view to ensuring that the country joins the Committee of Sporting Nations.

He stated that the committee’s core objective is providing international and local training scholarships for Nigerian elite and upcoming athletes as well as support grants to team sports. This we do in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA and the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), so as to assist our athletes in preparation for qualification tournaments and participation in the Olympic Games, Commonwealth and African Games. By so doing, the NOC is able to augment what the Government is doing to prepare our athletes for these Games’ he said.

The NOC President who enumerated other areas of the body’s contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh that the Committee will not only do everything humanly possible to ensure that the country qualify for participation clean in the forthcoming Olympic Games but also will bring in their wealth of experience to bear in ensuring that Nigeria records podium finishes at the international competitions.

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Basketball

Over ₦5 Million Up for Grabs as 2025 Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Skills Challenge Kicks Off November 14

Published

7 mins ago

November 7, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Over the years, the Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Basketball Tournament has become a major grassroots platform impacting the lives of young Nigerians. Many talented youths have realized their dreams through this initiative, which continues to inspire and empower communities across the country.

Building on these successes, this year’s edition slated for 14^th to 15^th of November in Abuja promises to be even bigger, featuring over 5,000 young participants who will compete in various exciting categories.

The event will feature over 5,000 national dancers across the country; 24 Young basketballers will be selected to play an important all-star Game and other impactful event.

The MO Basketball Arena in Zone 5 part of FCT is expected to come alive with creativity, energy, and skill when the 2025 edition, tagged Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Basketball Skills Challenge, tips off. Winners across different categories will share a total prize of over ₦5 million, making it one of the most anticipated sporting and entertainment events of the year.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the convener, Samuel Oguche, expressed his appreciation to the media and partners for their continued support.

“First of all, we just want to appreciate everyone for being here with us today and for giving us this opportunity once again. This isn’t our first time partnering with you, and as always, Bullet Energy Drink has continued to stand firmly behind basketball Nigeria’s second most popular sport. For the past 10 years, Bullet has consistently supported the growth and promotion of the game,” Oguche said.

He added that the 2025 edition will bring a new level of excitement, combining sports and entertainment in a way never seen before.

“For the first time ever in Abuja, we’re hosting a National Dance Battle something truly unique and unprecedented.

“Dancers from across the country will converge in the city to compete for supremacy and a grand prize of ₦5 million. Alongside that, we’ll host an All-Star Basketball Game, featuring the best 24 players from Abuja and its environs on Saturday, November 15th.

“We’re also introducing something completely new to Nigeria a Basketball Skills Challenge, inspired by the NBA and global sports traditions. We’re proud to be the first brand to bring this kind of experience to Nigerian basketball. This event is all about innovation, excitement, and celebrating talent,” he said.

In his remarks, the representative of Bullet Energy Drink, Mr. Benedict Okoye, reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to supporting the development of sports and entertainment in Nigeria.

“We are truly delighted to be part of this initiative once again. Bullet has proudly supported basketball for the past 10 years, and it’s been an incredible journey watching the sport grow rapidly across the country,” Okoye said.

He noted that adding dance to the event was a strategic move to expand the impact of the brand’s engagement with youth and creativity.

“Dance is a universal language that everyone enjoys and connects with. We want to explore new horizons and creatively blend the beverage industry with dance and sports, not just in Nigeria but as a model that can inspire similar collaborations globally.

“Moving forward, we’re confident that this initiative will be a success and when it does, we’ll do even more. Our goal is to continue supporting Nigeria’s entertainment and creative community — whether through sports, dance, music, or other cultural expressions.

“We’re proud to play our part in creating opportunities and providing platforms that keep entertainment alive and thriving in Nigeria,” he added.

This year’s edition promises to be a celebration of talent, creativity, and youthful energy, reaffirming Bullet Energy Drink’s place as a leading supporter of grassroots sports and entertainment development in Nigeria.

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