Sports
NIS DG Wins Peace, Transparency Award
Joel Ajayi
In recognition of his sterling leadership qualities which he has brought to bear on the National Institute for Sports within just eight months in the saddle, Professor Olawale Moronkola has been awarded with the Transparency and Accountability Award by a nonpartisan group .
In the letter of award dated 13th April 2022 and signed by Comrade Ogheneyero Patrick of the Centre For Peace, Transparency and Accountability, Abuja he said the NIS DG was recognized for the firm, fair, transparent and credible way he has administered the Institute since he was appointed last year by President Muhammadu Buhari on the recommendation of the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare.
According to the letter, “We are a non-partisan, nonprofit and non-governmental organization with a focus on national development in an atmosphere of unity and consensus among all stakeholders. We recognize Nigerians who are working assiduously and patriotically to strengthen institutions to deliver public goods and services to the citizenry.”
He further said “The aim is to build a repository of role models and competent hands that can serve in higher offices, and to whom the younger generations can look up to in their career growth. Having diligently reviewed your career trajectory, we hereby wish to notify you of our unanimous resolution to capture your profile in our repository, while also presenting to you a totem of recognition”.
“In the capacity of a model public servant, your profile will be featured in our annual report and Hall of Fame.” Prof. Olawale Moronkola was given a certificate of award in DG’s office in NIS, Lagos.
In his response, Professor Olawale Moronkola said he was humbled by the recognition, which will spur him to do more in the service of the nation. He thanked the organization immensely for the honour.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
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