Sports
NSC Inaugurates Sub-Committees for 22nd National Sports Festival
Joel Ajayi
As the date for the kick-off of the 22nd National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games Ogun 2025 draws near, the National Sports Commission (NSC) inaugurated 19 sub-committees to ensure the successful hosting of the event scheduled to hold from May 16 to 30, 2025.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held today at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, the Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, described the National Sports Festival as Nigeria’s version of the Olympics and a platform through which the nation identifies, nurtures, and develops its best athletes to represent the country at international competitions.
He recalled that the Main Organising Committee, inaugurated by the former Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, was tasked with ensuring a hitch-free and successful festival. Olopade added that, given the caliber of individuals appointed to the sub-committees, he is confident that the mandate of the games will be achieved.
“I am satisfied with the caliber of people that make up the sub-committees and have no doubt that the games will meet the expectations of Nigerians,” he stated.
He emphasized that the ultimate goal is to host a festival that will be appreciated both nationally and internationally, stressing that anything short of excellence would not be acceptable.
He therefore charged the committee members to be proactive and committed to delivering a seamless event, declaring that “failure is not an option.”
Earlier in her remarks, the Director of the National Sports Festival and Para-sports Department, Mrs. Thecla Opara, expressed confidence in the ability of the sub-committee members to deliver on their responsibilities.
She noted that the sub-committees serve as the foot soldiers of the Main Organising Committee, tasked with executing all necessary activities to ensure a smooth and successful festival.
Also speaking, Deputy Director Patrick Abobi, on behalf of the sub-committees, thanked the Commission for the opportunity to serve. He acknowledged the high expectations placed on them and affirmed that achieving the festival’s mandate is a task that must be accomplished.
Sports
Lagos State Sports Commission, Abbey Rangers FC Seal Groundbreaking Partnership for Grassroots Football Development
The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Abbey Rangers Football Club, a renowned community football institution in the United Kingdom, marking a new era in grassroots football development in Nigeria.
Under this strategic alliance, Abbey Rangers FC will collaborate with the Lagos State Sports Commission to implement a robust seven-pillar framework focused on:
talent development, coaching enhancement, sports science, community engagement, policy support, resource mobilization, and infrastructure growth.
The partnership is a first of its kind between Nigeria and a UK-based community football club and aims to create a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive football ecosystem in Lagos State. It promises to unlock new international opportunities for young athletes and coaches, offering pathways for advanced training, mentorship, and global exposure.
Speaking at the official unveiling, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, described the partnership as “a landmark step in Lagos’ mission to build a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem.”
“This collaboration represents a deliberate effort to connect Lagos with global best practices in grassroots football development,” Fatodu stated.
“Abbey Rangers brings proven expertise and community-driven values that align with our vision to nurture world-class talent and position Lagos as a continental hub for youth sports excellence.”
In his remarks, Abbey Rangers Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nick Riley, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that it reflects the club’s long-standing commitment to community-driven sports development.
“We are proud to partner with Lagos State on this visionary initiative,” Riley said.
“Abbey Rangers has always believed that community football is a powerful tool for development, inclusion, and opportunity. This collaboration allows us to share our grassroots model and experience with one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.”
The LSSC–Abbey Rangers partnership is a reflection of Lagos State’s strategic commitment to developing the next generation of football talent through international collaboration, innovation, and community-based sports programs. It also reaffirms the Commission’s leadership in driving sports diplomacy and youth empowerment across Africa.
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