Uncategorized
Mark ‘D’ Basketball Tournament Will Be Back Soon-Mark
Joel Ajayi
The initiator and founder of Mark ‘D’ Basketball Championship, Igoche Mark, has assured that the much-anticipated tournament is set to return in Abuja soon with a bang.
Mark said this during the 2023 Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Invitational tournament’s final at the Mo Arena in Abuja on Friday said that the championship Mark ‘D’ Ball Basketball Championship, which had helped to resurrect the moribund domestic basketball in the country, took a short break due to some circumstances beyond the control of the organizers.
He promised that the next edition of the basketball tournament would be the best ever, adding that plans were ongoing to ensure that it surpassed the previous tournaments.
The plans, he said, included improving the quality of the tournament, the venue, and welfare of players, coaches, and officials, the number of participating teams as well and the competition’s prize money.
“Let me use this medium to inform all stakeholders that the next edition of the Mark ‘D’ Ball Basketball Championship will become a reference point in Africa.
“We are currently working on using a new basketball arena for the championship, which was one of the reasons for the break.
“But by the grace of God, we are excited that we have one now as the Mo Arena just opened.
“So, we are in discussion with the owner as we intend to use this magnificent facility for our next tournament,” he said.
He restated his commitment towards the growth and development of grassroots basketball in the country.
He stressed that his love for the game was undying, adding that he would continue to support the discovery and development of young talents across the country.
“The Mark ‘D’ Ball brand and its affiliations have contributed so much to the game of basketball in the country and will continue to contribute to the sustainable development of basketball at the grassroots.
“Our little impact in the game of basketball last year was as a result of a partnership with stakeholders; players, coaches among others, and we will continue to contribute our own little quota,” he said.
Mark also commended Oguche for his consistent contribution towards the development of basketball at the grassroots.
He said the zest and commitment that the former Nigeria basketball international has shown towards giving back through basketball was a virtue others must emulate.
“This is very impressive. I think this is about his second or third tournament this year and they have been improving each time.
“I am also excited about the discovery and development of the young talents in the competition over the years.
“We need more of such tournaments right now so that the players can come out and showcase their talents and that will also help them improve their game.”
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FG Approves Professionalisation of Youth Work
Joel Ajayi
As part of the efforts being made to create a pathway to success for all Nigerian youth, the Federal Government has granted approval for the full Professionalisation of Youth work in Nigeria.
The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande made this known while addressing the congregation of the Youth workers during the 2024 National Youth work conference which coincides with Youth workers capacity building and membership induction. The conference which has the theme: “A right to youth work and a positive future for all young people, celebrating diverse expressions of youth work across the globe” took place at Afolabi hall within the Ministry in Abuja.
According to the Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry , Mr Olubunmi Olusanya: “I am happy to announce that approval for the full Professionalisation of Youth work in Nigeria has been granted by the Hon. Minister. The Ministry is ready to drive this important process, recognizing the urgent need for established codes of ethics and standards of practice.
This has become necessary because of the proliferation of practice whose activities have had adverse effects on the quality of services by young people. I therefore enjoin this noble body of professionals to join forces with the Ministry in its effort towards establishing distinct career paths for youth development work”.
“The Ministry is critically looking at innovative partnership with the private sector, access to financing for young people’s ideals, and the integration of digital skills training. We are of the strong belief that entrepreneurship should be fostered from a young age, which means that all relevant stakeholders must partner in building a generation of young Nigerians who are skilled and prepared to lead”.
“Today we are not only to discuss how we can build the capacity of the youth to contribute to the socio-economic development of Nigeria, but to plan the specific ways we can build a future that is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable for every young Nigerian, especially in the face of rapid global change and challenges that are complex and interconnected, ranging from climate challenges, technical advancement, economic shift, unemployment, mental health issues, inequality, lack of access to quality education and so on”, the Minister added.
He emphasized that: “In these challenges, there are also immense opportunities for growth and transformation. It is worthy to state that our young people must be prepared not only to lead but be frontline agents in unlocking these opportunities.”
He further explained that being a transformative catalysts, youth workers have the responsibility to provide the right platforms, resources, mentorship, and encouragement by bridging the gaps between young people and their potentials, while empowering them with mentorship, advocacy and essential skills to overcome obstacles and thrive as responsible citizens.
He disclosed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development is committed to equipping youth who made up 60 percent of the population with the skills, knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit needed to thrive in today’s competitive world as well as creating an environment where they can innovate, take risks and contribute meaningfully to our economy.
“We are dedicated to empowering young Nigerians through various initiatives focused on skills development, empowerment and engagement by providing them with the tools they need to succeed and thrive. This is why we are strongly propagating our vision of one youth, two skills”, the Minister concluded.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Youth Workers Association (NYWA), Mr Ben Duntoye stressed that many of the Youths are passionate about youth work but there is the need to step up to professionalism.
According to him : “We want to see youth work bigger, we want to see youth work grow in their various work places. Youth work must flourish in Nigeria as it is in the advanced countries of the world”
“That is why we are partnering with the developed countries of the world to assist us with the initiatives put in by them in developing theirs both financially and in kind”, Duntoye added.
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