Sports

More Applause for Dare, Who’s Rated One of the Most Outstanding Ministers of Buhari Era by Onigbinde, SAN

Published

2 years ago

June 23, 2023

…Say his Portfolio was Relied on by the Administration, for Credibility and Proof of Performance

Like the old saying goes, ‘a golden fish has no hiding place’, this assertion is aptly so, for the immediate past minister of Sports and Youth Development in Nigeria, Chief Sunday Akin Dare.

This verdict was passed by an Ibadan-based legal luminary, Dr. Akin Onigbinde (SAN), has described Chief Dare as “one of the most outstanding Ministers of the President Muhammadu Buhari era”.

The Principal Partner at Dr. Akin Onigbinde & Co. heaped this tons of praises on Chief Dare, while laying emphasis on the imperative need for communities to treasure and promote their champions and achievers.

Dr. Onigbinde while observing that, Ogbomoso have always had a fair share of talents and outstanding performers in every sphere of human endeavours, who have demonstrated verifiable commitment to the peace, progress and development of their homeland and its people, by following their careers with character, reputation and integrity, said Chief Dare has done exceedingly well, and deserves a place of honour in the sands of time.

Dr. Onigbinde who holds the title, Bamoofin of Ogbomosoland posited, “in our recent experiences, we have had sons and daughters from Ogbomosoland that have excelled and done us proud by the outstanding performances they have put up in public life and assignments, Sunday Dare just rotated out of the Federal Executive Council, as one of the most outstanding Ministers of the era, whose Portfolio is one of the very few that the administration relied on, for credibility and proof of performance…”

Chief Sunday Dare bowed out of office on May 29, 2023 as a minister. His giant strides and legacies left behind as Minister of Sports and Youth Development; and his outstanding recorded of achievements, sterling performance, and unprecedented policies, initiatives and reforms have been described by many as huge and compelling.

Dr. Onigbinde listed the 75 Billion Naira Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF); Digital, Trainings on Digital, Agroprecessing, renewable energy, Green Stimulus, Technical, Mobile Device, E-commerce and Cyber security skills for Nigerian youths; DEEL, National Youth Conference, Commonwealth Youth Summit African Region, NYSC allowance increased from 19,000 to 33, 000; Federal Employment opportunities, Commonwealth Youth Council Headquarters; Work Experience Programme; App Challenge, Skill Database Bilateral Agreements with seven countries on youth development; National Sports Policy, Sports as Business; relief for the past heroes of Nigerian Sports; Adopt-an-Athlete, Adopt-a-Pitch, winning highest number of medals at the CWGs, among other initiatives”.

MThese monumental feat as a minister, Dr. Onigbinde added have surely earned Chief Dare, who holds the title, ‘Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland’ accolades from key stakeholders and nay sayers who doubted him at first, awards and recognitions both in Nigeria and the diaspora, and he is still being celebrated by families, friends, and associates, even till date.

At present, Chief Dare is in Bengaluru on the invitation of the Indian government, where as an advocate of youths empowerment, he will be participating in a Youth-20 consultative forum.

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Sports

August 22 Set as Kick-Off Date for 2025/26 NPFL Season

Published

1 day ago

June 13, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Following what many have described as one of the most successful football seasons in recent years, the Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, has announced that the 2025/26 season will commence on August 22 and run through May.

Elegbeleye made this known on Friday during a press briefing held to review the just-concluded season and unveil plans for the upcoming campaign.

According to him, the decision to announce the kickoff date early is to ensure that the NPFL aligns with the international football calendar.

“We called this briefing to review the achievements of the past season and to inform Nigerians about the date for the new season, in line with global football standards,” he stated.

“This is perhaps the first time in nearly 20 years since the start of the modern NPFL era in 2005 — that both kickoff and closing dates have been strictly adhered to. It’s a promise we made and a promise we’ve delivered,” Elegbeleye stated.
He added that the new season will begin on August 22, 2025, and conclude in May 2026, maintaining the calendar structure established in the previous season.

Reviewing the recently concluded 2024/25 season, which ran from August 31, 2024, to May 25, 2025, Elegbeleye highlighted several milestones and statistical achievements.

He noted that Remo Stars made history by clinching the league title with three matches to spare after defeating Niger Tornadoes on Matchday 35, April 27. Remo Stars finished at the top of the table, followed by Rivers United and Abia Warriors.

In total,380 matches were played across the season. Each of the 20 clubs played 19 home and 19 away games, 286 matches were won, while 94 ended in draws.

A total of 784 goals were scored, comprising 552 at home and 232 away goals.60 goals came from the penalty spot, with 16 penalties missed. 13 own goals were recorded, and there were four hat-tricks.

On discipline: 1,380 yellow cards and 56 red cards were issued.

As Yusuf Anas of Nasarawa United topped the list with 18 goals, including two hat-tricks.
He was followed by veteran Rabiu Ali with 13 goals, and Anthony Ijoma of Abia Warriors with 12 goals.

Isaac Saviour (Rangers) and Amadu Liman also recorded a hat-trick each.

He added that: “Out of the 380 matches played:188 were broadcast live by StarTimes, while Propel streamed over 200 matches online.

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