News
Group Backs Tinubu on Sports Funding, Tells Atiku to Leave Politics to the Ballot
Cyril Ogar
The Arewa Youth Sports Forum has faulted Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, over his call for a probe into the N6.44bn budget provision for World Cup qualification, saying the demand is based on “misinformation.”
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday and signed by its Coordinator, Yohanna Pam, the group said a proper check of budget records would show that the PFIPC subhead has been in existence since the 2025 appropriation to support Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers.
“A simple check would see that this subhead has been in the budget since the 2025 budget to support the qualifiers, but was not released despite the qualifiers being executed, including even playing in the play-offs, and expenditures made by the National Sports Commission, NSC,” Pam stated.
He explained that the Federal Government rolled over all unfunded 2025 budget provisions into the 2026 budget to enable settlement of expenses already incurred and to fund ongoing projects.
“Also, the Federal Government of Nigeria decided to roll over all 2025 budget provisions that have not been funded into the 2026 budget so they can be funded — especially to defray the expenses already expended in 2026 and/or execute the projects in 2026,” the statement added.
The group commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for what it described as “renewed commitment” to sports development.
“Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, sports funding has seen renewed commitment. From timely support for athletes, improved welfare, early preparation camps, to backing for NSC’s push to surpass our best Commonwealth Games performance, this government has prioritized sports development more than lip service,” Pam said.
He urged Atiku to channel his energy toward the 2027 general election rather than politicizing budgetary matters.
“Instead of politicizing budget processes he clearly does not understand, we advise Alhaji Atiku to focus on the task ahead of the presidential election. This is especially important now given his legal status as a presidential candidate following the latest Court of Appeal ruling. Nigerians deserve issue-based campaigns, not distractions and sensational claims,” the statement concluded.
Atiku had earlier called for a probe into the N6.44bn allocation, alleging mismanagement of funds meant for the Super Eagles’ failed World Cup qualification campaign.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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