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FG Commends Visionary Efforts of Duke Edinburgh’s International Award

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Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government has commended the visionary efforts and noble objectives of The  Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award ( ‘the award’)    to equip and impact the youths with the spirit of excellence and confidence that would enhance their capacity for creativity, leadership, skills acquisition thereby improving  their employability and sustainable livelihoods. These core values are the pivotal  pillars that formed the  policies and initiatives  recently launched by  the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to promote and build  the capacity of Nigerian Youths for self-reliance, skills acquisition and internships in corporate organizations.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare stated this during the Gold Award Presentation Ceremony  that was  graced by  HRH  Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex KG GCVO, today at the MKO National Stadium office  of the Minister.

While assuring that the Gold Award presentation Ceremony celebrates the Nigerian youths that is resilient and focused, the Minister stated that indeed the 14 Nigerian  Gold recipients ( male and female)  under the auspices of  its Nigerian chapter – The International Award for Young People Nigeria (IAYPN) with their testimonies have truly imbibed excellence and confidence in all their assigned tasks: saying  ” positive qualities of Nigerian youths being further amplified by this award.

Mr Dare seized the opportunity of the occasion to explain  that the noble goals and objective of the International Award strikes similar chords in the priority plan and deliberate aspirations  of the  Nigerian Government  through the Ministry to equip and train our youths in digital skills acquisition through its Digital Education Entrepreneurship and Leadership mentoring programme called D.E.E.L. ; and its Work Experience Programme – W.E.P- that is meant to improve the employability of the youths via a 3 months internship in corporate organizations. To this end, the Minister commended ‘the award’ – which birthed its Nigerian Chapter for its vision of equipping  young people aged between 14 to 24 for life with priceless values, that would benefit the society and for which the Federal Ministry of Youth &  Sports Development cherished as well as it implements its programmes for the youth.

On this note, the Minister stated that the Ministry aspires to partner with ‘the award’ to involve more Corpers: he said ‘ the Ministry will, going forward partner the award organizers to involve more Corpers in Nigeria, a good target for this programme; our youths need opportunities to build confidence, set goals and targets  for themselves.

Speaking extempore, HRH  Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, who is the chairman, Board of Trustees of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, commended the awardees, charging them to be proud of what they have  achieved. He noted that these enviable youths are the pioneers of the award in Nigeria, stressing, the  award operates in over 130 countries and territories , and it goes by different names. He commended the Nigerian Government and the Ministry for their support to ‘ the award’.

The Chairman of the International Award for Young People In Nigeria ( IAYPN), Mr Olawale Edun, congratulated the awardees for their achievements; and admonished the 14 awardees to be steadfast and maintain the noble ideals of the training they have acquired over time at different levels of Bronze, Silver and Gold covering diverse activities .

Aside the testimonies of some of the awardees which is the high point of the ceremony, eminent personalities that graced the occasion included the British High Commissioner to Nigeria,  Mrs.  Katrina Laing; Director- General, National Youth Service Corps, Brig.General Shaibu Ibrahim, Directors of the Ministry and guardians of the Gold recipients.

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Enthusiasts Praise Ghana’s Meteoric Progress at African Games, Sport Minister Applauded for Visionary Leadership

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Ghana’s remarkable ascent in the African Games has sparked widespread acclaim from sports enthusiasts and stakeholders alike. The nation’s stunning leap from 15th place in the previous edition to an impressive 6th place in 2024 has captured the attention of the sports community, highlighting Ghana’s burgeoning potential and the transformative leadership of its Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mustapha Ussif.

Under Minister Ussif’s visionary leadership, Ghana’s sports industry has undergone a profound renaissance, marked by unprecedented achievements in grassroots development and infrastructure growth. The Minister’s strategic initiatives have not only revitalized the sporting landscape but have also positioned Ghana as a beacon of excellence on the African continent.

The recent success at the African Games is a testament to Ghana’s commitment to fostering talent at all levels. Through innovative programs and investments in youth development, Minister Ussif has cultivated a fertile environment for nurturing emerging athletes, paving the way for their seamless transition into senior sports teams.

Furthermore, Ghana’s hosting of the African Games in 2023 underscores the nation’s dedication to expanding its infrastructure base and solidifying its status as a regional sports hub. The prospect of hosting this prestigious event not only promises to elevate Ghana’s profile on the international stage but also presents unparalleled opportunities for economic growth and societal advancement.

Speaking on Ghana’s remarkable achievement, Minister Mustapha Ussif expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders and affirmed his commitment to further advancing the nation’s sports agenda.

He stated, “The remarkable progress we have witnessed at the African Games is a testament to the collective efforts of our athletes, coaches, administrators, and supporters. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that Ghana’s journey to sporting excellence has only just begun.”

On the eve of the closing ceremony alone, Ghana clinched eight gold medals, winning the ultimate prize in women’s hockey, 200m men’s athletics event, high jump, men’s football event, and four boxing gold medals in boxing. All in one night.

Ghana also made history by becoming the first country to win god in both men’s and women’s football events at the Games.

The closing ceremony of the Games saw star performances from star acts such as Stonebwoy, Stanley Enow, Wiyaala, Innoss’B, amongst others.

As Ghana continues its upward trajectory in the realm of sports, the nation stands poised to achieve even greater milestones under the visionary leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo and Sports minister, Mustapha Ussif.

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