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

NSC Hails Nigerian Badminton Team as Eniola Bolaji Strikes Gold, Men’s Doubles Team Secures Bronze in Spanish International Tourney

Published

42 mins ago

March 17, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has applauded the Nigerian contingent at the 2025 Spanish Parabadminton International, after another impressive outing that saw the team secure a gold and a bronze medal in Toledo, Spain, on Sunday.

Paralympic medallist Eniola Bolaji continued her dominance, winning her second gold medal in two weeks with a commanding 2-0 (21-7, 21-10) victory over Turkey’s Halime Yildiz in the women’s SL3 final. Bolaji had won gold a week earlier at the Spanish International in Victoria, Spain.

In the men’s SL4 doubles event, Nnana Jeremiah and Eze Chukwuebuka delivered a strong performance, battling their way to a well-deserved bronze medal.

NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the athletes for making Nigeria proud and praised the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, led by Francis Orbih, for ensuring the team’s optimal performance on the international stage.

“These athletes have once again showcased the resilience and talent that define Nigerian sports. Their success is a lucid indication of their hard work and the strategic leadership we demand from the Badminton Federation and other sports federations. We are proud of them and remain committed to supporting their journey to greater heights,” Dikko said.

Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized that the achievements align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of strengthening grassroots sports while ensuring Nigeria competes favorably on the global stage.

“As part of our mandate under President Tinubu’s administration, we are committed to developing talent from the grassroots and supporting our elite athletes to bring home international laurels. The NSC will continue to back the strategic vision of sports federations as we work towards building a strong and sustainable sports ecosystem,” Olopade stated.

Since the National Sports Commission leadership took office, Nigerian contingents have continued to impress internationally including international successes in cricket and basketball recorded thus far. The NSC leadership stated that no stone will be left unturned until Nigerian sports reaches its full potentials.

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