Sports

National Assembly Pledges Full Support For NUGA, University Sports Development

Published

1 month ago

November 13, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has assured the Nigeria Universities Games Association (NUGA) of the National Assembly’s full support in completing sports infrastructure across universities, particularly at the University of Jos, host of the 2025 NUGA Games.

The Speaker made the commitment through the Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu, alongside the Committee’s Deputy Chairman, Hon. Mohammed Jajere, received the NUGA delegation on Thursday in Abuja.

Hon. Amadu, speaking on behalf of the Speaker, pledged legislative backing and collaboration with relevant government agencies to ensure university sports facilities meet international standards.

“I can assure you that the National Assembly will support your projects. All you need to do is make the formal request, and I will personally follow up,” he stated. “It is part of our Committee’s plan to ensure that by 2026, every Nigerian university has a functional sports complex or mini-stadium capable of hosting international competitions.”

He added that developing such facilities would not only enhance the university environment but also create opportunities for young athletes to build careers in sports.

NUGA Seeks Legislative Partnership
Leader of the NUGA delegation, Mr. Gushen Obey, expressed appreciation for the warm reception by the Speaker and members of the Sports Committee. He explained that the visit aimed to strengthen ties between the association and the legislature ahead of the 27th edition of the NUGA Games, scheduled to be held at the University of Jos from November 6 to 16, 2025.

According to him, this year’s Games will feature a record 91 participating universities and a combination of sporting and cultural events.
“We invited the National Assembly to be part of the closing ceremony to help promote unity and change the narrative about Jos as a city of peace,” he said.

Obey noted that several sports facilities at the University of Jos such as hockey, cricket, and indoor sports halls have been newly completed, while others remain under construction.

“Our goal is to keep students engaged through sports because sports unify everyone in Nigeria,” he added. “We are seeking the National Assembly’s assistance in completing ongoing projects estimated at ₦13 billion to ensure the university can host international competitions. We also want to start exporting Nigerian sports talent to the world and raise the hopes of our youth.”

Share on Facebook

Sports

Niger Delta Games Organisers Mourn Senator Ewhrudjakpo, Condole Bayelsa Govt

Published

10 hours ago

December 18, 2025

The Gleamer

Organisers of the Niger Delta Games, Dunamis-Icon, have commiserated with the government and people of Bayelsa State on the demise of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

In a condolence message signed by the Managing Consultant, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo KSM, and physically delivered by its Project Director, Mr Fred Edoreh, through the State Commissioner for Sports, Hon Daniel Igali, at the Yenogoa Sports complex on Wednesday, December 17, Ikpokpo stated that the demise of the Deputy Governor is not only a loss to his immediate family and the government of Bayelsa State, but to the Niger Delta and nationwide sports.

“We are well aware of his contributions to nation building, not only as a former Senator and Deputy Governor, but also as a notable figure in the development and promotion of sports in the Niger Delta region and at the national level,” Ikpokpo stated.

“His passage is therefore a huge loss, not only to the government and people of Bayelsa State, but also to the sports family, nationwide.

“As Project Consultants of the Niger Delta Games, the management and staff of Dunamis-Icon Limited share in your grief and wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to you and all Bayelsans.

“We pray that God grant you the fortitude to bear this great loss.”

Share on Facebook