Sports

FG Reiterates Commitment To Actualizing Commonwealth Core Values

Published

2 years ago

May 10, 2023

Joel Ajayi

President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the actualization of the core values of the Commonwealth, and also expressed his firm belief in the power of the youth as the driving force, in making a difference in the socio-economic development of their societies.

The President gave the assurance today in Abuja when he declared open the 2023 Commonwealth Youth and Students Summit, African Region.

He noted that youth is a transition phase, though always confronted by different realities, opportunities and challenges that define their resilience and potentials.
President Muhammadu Buhari explained that the Commonwealth as it is known today has come a long way from being just a handful of Committee of Nations representing former British Colonies to a global force on matters of universal peace, democracy, human rights, economic and social development as well as youth and sports development.

He informed that the future of the youth can only be built through collaboration, communication, compromise and wisdom of those who have earned experience overtime and thus called on the youth to avoid confrontation and conflict as these are likely to mar their full potentials.
“The actualization of these potentials means solutions for all of us; youth and adults alike because many of the challenges that face us are cross demographic”, the President said.

Speaking earlier, the Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, said that the conversations at the ongoing Summit will centre around the role of technology in deciding the future of African youth leadership in various sectors.
Dare noted that governments have great roles to play by investing in the youth.

“Investment in our youth must take centre stage in the priority order of our countries, that is why the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration embarked on establishing a youth investment fund of N75b over three years to provide youth with collateral free loans on preferential terms to catalyze their ideas”.

Earlier in his Opening Remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar assured that the Ministry will continue to create an enabling environment for the implementation of the policies, programmes and projects of Government that have direct impact on the youth.

The Summit with the theme, *”Co-creating our common future leadership in the Digital age in Africa,” is to witness an assemblage of 11 Ministers and 5000 youth from 21 African countries.

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Sports

Speaker House Reps, Abbas, Others Thumbs NFF President Over NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and New Training Pitches

Published

7 hours ago

March 19, 2025

The Gleamer

…Says It Will Boost Nigeria’s Economy

By Joel Ajayi

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, for initiating the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches, describing it as a transformational project that will boost Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Speaker Abbas praised the initiative and pledged the National Assembly’s full support.

“This is a noble project, and the National Assembly will give it full support. I congratulate the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, and I thank FIFA for agreeing to fund this project,” he stated while cutting the ceremonial tape.

He also assured the House of Representatives’ support for the visionary leadership of Engineer Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the NFF in other key areas where assistance is required.

Leading the FIFA delegation, Gelson Fernandes (Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer/Regional Director, Africa) reiterated FIFA’s commitment to funding the project, emphasizing that infrastructure development has been a priority since the tenure of President Gianni Infantino began.

Expressing his excitement, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau stated that the hostel and training pitches will serve all Nigerian national teams, leagues, and academies.

“Indeed, my joy knows no bounds. From the day my Executive Committee and I were sworn into office in Benin City on Friday, 30th September 2022, I was determined to push this project forward as a legacy for Nigerian football.
“For sustained success, we must provide a conducive environment, infrastructure, equipment, and support systems that enable players and officials to perform at their best.

“Building a players’ hostel and having new training pitches will not only enhance team management but also reduce costs, allowing us to invest more in grassroots development programs.”
Several dignitaries present at the event applauded Gusau’s leadership, determination, and commitment to football development in Nigeria.

The event was well attended by local and international stakeholders, including sports enthusiasts, who witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and Training Pitches.

In addition to the hostel, the project includes:Two new training pitches (one synthetic and one natural grass). Reconstruction of the existing synthetic pitch.

Also, Spectators’ sitting terraces with 1,838 seats.Two dressing rooms for players, each accommodating 27 players.Two dressing rooms for officials.

The construction is expected to last 24 months and is fully funded by FIFA under its FIFA Forward 3.0 programme.

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