Sports

NUGA 2022: Vice President Osinbajo Receives Torch of Unity

Published

3 years ago

February 11, 2022

… Sports Minister reiterates Government ‘s Commitment to Varsity Games

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe and some members of the Organizing Committee of the Unilag 2022 NUGA games have presented the event’s Torch of Unity to the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

At an elaborate ceremony held at the Vice President’s Conference Room at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday, Professor Osinbajo and the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare commended the University of Lagos for reviving the games and creating some excitement around it.

The Vice President, an alumnus and former lecturer at the University, expressed his delight at the preparations made for the NUGA games, hoping that it surpasses the organization put in place when it last hosted in 1998.

“I am delighted to be receiving this Torch of Unity. I thank the hardworking Vice-Chancellor of Unilag, Professor Ogundipe.

“I remember the last time Unilag hosted the games, that was 24 years ago, in 1998. It was very colourful and very well organised. I believe a top quality games will be delivered yet again.”

Reeling out names of notable student athletes like Olusoji Fasuba, Bisi Afolabi, Vincent Enyeama, Chika Chukwumerije, Precious Dede, Nkiru Okosieme, Adeolu Adekola, Mutiu Adepoju, Seyi Olofinjana, Edema Fuludu, Edith Agoye and Olumide Oyedeji discovered during the NUGA Games, who later become world class sports men and women, the Vice President described NUGA as an important platform for talent discovery.

He also urged the athletes to exhibit the spirit of true sportmanship.

In his own remarks, the Sports Minister Sunday Dare charged the Organizing Committee to put together a competition that every stakeholder would be proud of.

Dare also pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to grassroots sports development, believing that young talents would be unearthed at the competition.

The Vice-Chancellor Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe promised that the Unilag 2022 NUGA games will be used to project the culture of excellence and hospitality of Lagos State and Nigeria.

The games are scheduled to hold between March 16-26, 2022.

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Sports

Air Warriors Grieve Kano Basketball Secretary, Athletes Lost in Fatal Accident

Published

4 hours ago

June 2, 2025

The Gleamer

The management of Air Warriors Basketball Club has extended its heartfelt condolences to the Kano State Sports Commission following the tragic death of Bashir Yargaya, the State’s Basketball Secretary, who lost his life alongside 21 others in a devastating road accident. The incident occurred as the team was returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of the club, Abdulmajid Solademi, the club expressed deep sorrow over the heartbreaking loss. He conveyed sincere sympathy to the family of the late Bashir Yargaya, as well as to the families of other athletes and officials who perished in the accident.

“This is a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian basketball community and the entire sports fraternity,” Solademi said. “Bashir Yargaya was a passionate and dedicated servant of the game who worked tirelessly to develop basketball in Kano State and beyond. His sudden passing, along with that of other athletes and officials, is a tremendous loss not only to their loved ones but also to the entire nation.”

The club chairman also prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for strength and comfort for their families and the entire Kano State sports community in this period of mourning.

Air Warriors Basketball Club joins the rest of the Nigerian sports community in honoring the memories of those who tragically lost their lives in service to sport and the nation.

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