Sports

Hon. Omidiran Champions Staff Wellness as FCC Sports Club Decorates Her Patron

Published

7 months ago

March 9, 2026

Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairperson of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called for periodic exercise and a stronger culture of sporting activities among staff as a pathway to promoting healthy living and teamwork within the Commission.

Honorable Omidiran made the call when members of the FCC Sports Club paid her a courtesy visit at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, where she was also formally decorated as the Patron of the FCC Sports Club.

Welcoming the delegation, the FCC Chairperson commended the club for promoting sports among staff and emphasized the role of sporting activities in building discipline, unity and teamwork within institutions.

“Sports teach discipline, unity and selflessness. When you play as a team, you learn to think beyond yourself and work for the success of others. These are values we also need in our daily work and in the way we serve the nation,” she said.

She stressed the importance of integrating periodic exercise into staff routines, noting that a healthy workforce is critical to productivity and effective service delivery.

“We must encourage periodic exercise among staff. It is important for our health and overall wellbeing. A healthy workforce is more productive, focused and better positioned to deliver on the Commission’s mandate,” Omidiran stated.

The Executive Chairperson also highlighted the need for inclusive sporting activities that can accommodate staff across different age groups.

“Sports is not only for the young. As we grow older, we can move from one activity to another—walking, golf or other games that keep us active. What matters is that we remain engaged, healthy and connected,” she added.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Sports Manager of the FCC Sports Club, Jamilu Musa Abdullahi, thanked the Executive Chairperson for receiving the team and accepting to serve as the club’s Patron.

“We believe sports can bring staff together, strengthen teamwork and promote a healthy lifestyle within the Commission. Our goal is to create opportunities for staff to connect beyond the office while building unity through sports,” he said.

Other members of the FCC Sports Club delegation included Jummai Nankat (Assistant Sports Manager), Obi Chukwutem (Secretary General), Linda Samuel (Assistant Secretary), Yahaya Adamu Ano (Treasurer), John Akerejola (Accountant), Maxwell Ibe (Welfare Officer) and Ubong Okon (Assistant Welfare Officer).

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Sports

NSC DG, Olopade Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Assures of More Progressive Sports Development Under President Tinubu

Published

9 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience, unity and remarkable capacity to excel on the global stage, particularly through sports.

Hon. Olopade said Nigeria at 66 is an occasion every Nigerian should be proud of, noting that despite the challenges encountered over the years, the country has continued to make significant progress and produce achievements capable of inspiring generations.

The DG said the sports sector has particular reasons to celebrate, pointing to a series of performances and milestones by Nigerian athletes and teams across the global sporting landscape.

“Today, we celebrate the resilience of our people, the strength of our unity and our belief in the promise of our great country, especially through sports.

“As we raise our flag with pride, may we remain committed to building a nation where every Nigerian has the opportunity to dream, thrive and succeed.”

Hon. Olopade said the progress being witnessed in Nigerian sports aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Development (RHINSE), which he said is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for athletes, while positioning sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment and global recognition.

He pointed to Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of the latest examples of the country’s sporting potential. Team Nigeria returned from Glasgow with 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, finishing seventh overall and as the highest-ranked African nation at the Games. The campaign also produced three world records and a number of historic milestones across para powerlifting, athletics, weightlifting, para athletics and judo.

Among the standout performances was that of Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who won gold in para powerlifting and twice broke the world record during the competition, ultimately lifting 175kg. Goodness Nwachukwu also successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women’s para discus and set a new world record, while Nigeria recorded historic Commonwealth gold medals through Samuel Ogazi in the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men’s 400m hurdles and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men’s shot put.

“Today, Nigeria is a global force in para-sports, and athletes such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Goodness Nwachukwu continue to demonstrate the extraordinary talent and determination that exist within our country,” Hon. Olopade said.

He also celebrated the continued dominance of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, which in 2025 became the first nation to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final in Abidjan in the last edition. The achievement extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games and secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pathway.

On the global athletics scene, Hon. Olopade highlighted the continued excellence of Tobi Amusan and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian sprinters. Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September 2026, clocking 12.34 seconds in the final, while Kayinsola Ajayi added another significant milestone by winning Commonwealth bronze in the men’s 100m and helping Nigeria to bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay in Glasgow.

Nigeria’s football heritage, Hon. Olopade noted, remains another major source of national pride. The country holds the record for the most FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, with five championships won by the Golden Eaglets in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.

He also pointed to the country’s growing influence in emerging sports, including flag football. Nigeria made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Championship in Cairo in 2025, earning qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.

“These achievements across athletics, para-sports, basketball, football, weightlifting, flag football and other sports remind us that Nigeria possesses immense sporting talent,” the DG said.

“From our champions who continue to break world records to our young athletes who are announcing themselves on the international stage, the Nigerian flag continues to fly with pride around the world. This is why the development of sports must remain a national priority. Our responsibility is not only to celebrate champions after they emerge, but to build the systems, facilities, competitions and opportunities that allow more young Nigerians to become champions.”

“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we celebrate Nigeria’s past, but we must also look confidently toward the future. Our athletes have shown us what is possible when talent meets opportunity, preparation and support. The task before us is to ensure that more Nigerians have that opportunity,” the DG added.

“On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I wish all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary. May our great nation continue to grow in strength, unity, prosperity and sporting excellence,” Hon. Olopade concluded.

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