Sports
Nigeria’s Progress in Karate is Commendable-Hon. Silas Agara
…As 2025 African Karate Championship ends in Abuja
President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria, Silas Agara, has commended the progress made so far by Nigerian athletes in the sport, especially with the success of the just concluded African Karate Championship in Abuja, where over 30 countries, 1000 Athletes participated.
Agara while speaking at the closing ceremony of the event inside Velodrome of Moshood Abiola National Stadium acknowledged Federal Government, sports Commission support that contributed significantly to the successful hosting of the tournament.
“We are proud of what we’ve achieved so far. Hosting this championship successfully is a big win for us.
“With the level of participation and competition witnessed here, we are encouraged to keep pushing our athletes,” Agara stated.
He pointed out that countries like Egypt arrived with 10 world-class athletes, yet Nigerian athletes were able to compete strongly with them in the finals.
“Our athletes are now performing at a level where they can share the podium with the best. Morocco, too, came with five world-ranked athletes. For a long time, North African nations have dominated the sport, but Nigeria is now making its mark,” he added.
Agara also noted the presence of other countries such as Senegal and Burkina Faso, which have invested heavily in Karate. “Compared to them, we are newcomers, but with what we’ve achieved—winning medals across various categories—there is every reason to be proud. It shows our athletes are on the right path.”
He concluded by expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future in Karate, stating that with continued investment and development, the country will soon become a force to reckon with in the sport across Africa and beyond.
Sports
Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo Honored with SWAN Diamond Jubilee Award for Outstanding Contributions to Sports
Cyril Ogar
Benue-born sports administrator and philanthropist, Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for recognizing his contribution to sports development in Benue State and Nigeria at large.
Dr. Atoo, who serves as President of Flight Sports Nigeria Limited and Founder of Flight Football Club, Gboko, received the honour during the association’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Abuja.
Speaking after receiving the prestigious award, Dr. Atoo described the recognition as a “special motivation and encouragement” to continue contributing to sports growth across the country.
“I’m very happy and honoured. This award means a lot to me because it serves as motivation and encouragement. It’s something very special and not something I take lightly,” he said.
A respected sports administrator, CEO, and humanitarian, Dr. Atoo has built a sterling reputation for his commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting grassroots sports in Benue State.
Through Flight Sports Nigeria Limited, which oversees a range of sporting disciplines including football, volleyball, basketball, lawn tennis, and para sports, he has created opportunities for young athletes to develop their potential and pursue professional careers.
Under his leadership, Flight Football Club Gboko has become a platform for discovering and grooming promising footballers who have gone on to make their mark both locally and internationally. Beyond football, his investment in volleyball, lawn tennis, para sports, and basketball has revitalized interest and participation in these disciplines within Benue and beyond.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Atoo noted that his involvement in sports began purely out of passion but has now grown into a lifelong mission.
“It all started as a passion, but over time, it has become part of me — a culture,” he stated. “This recognition only drives me to do more for the progress of our youth and the development of sports in Benue State and Nigeria.”
He also extended his appreciation to sports journalists in the state and across Nigeria for their continuous support and constructive criticism, noting that their work plays a vital role in shaping sports administration and inspiring excellence.
Looking ahead, Dr. Atoo reaffirmed his dedication to empowering young athletes and improving sports structures in the region.
> “Going forward, we’re going to achieve great things in Benue. My message to sports lovers, administrators, and players is simple — stay dedicated, keep believing, and together we can make sports a major unifying force in our state and beyond,” he concluded.
The recognition by SWAN adds to Dr. Atoo’s growing list of honours as a sports leader, CEO, and philanthropist whose initiatives continue to drive youth empowerment and sports development across multiple disciplines in Benue State and Nigeria.
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