Sports

Our priority is to rebuild a new generation of Athletes-Minister

Published

4 years ago

August 25, 2021

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare has assured that the Ministry is rebuilding a new generation of athletes who will soon rule the world of athletics.

Speaking at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport, Abuja where he received the victorious team from the just concluded U-20 world Athletics Championship in Nairobi, Kenya, he asserted ‘These young athletes have done the country proud, they have not only made a statement of intent to rule the world, but have made it emphatically clear that.

we are rebuilding a new generation of athletes. These young ones are brilliant stars and the country will embrace them, support and nurture them and unleash them on the world at Paris 2024 Olympics and several other up- coming championships.

Yesterday, Mr President congratulated them heartily for the feat they achieved as the third best team at the championship amongst 116 countries. When you look at the history of this championship in the last 13 years, this the first time we have attained this feat.’

He further stated “The Usain Bolts of this world emerged from this championship. So we are going to keep these young ones together. We see a better future, a new trajectory for athletics in our country. We will nurture them and the future is bright for athletics in our country’ he concluded.

A reception was organised for the athletes attended by the Minister of Women Affairs Dame Pauline Tallen, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Hajia Sadiya Umar – Farouk, Minister of State for Education Chief Emeka Nwajiuba, S A to the President on Sports Daniel Amokachi.

Speaking at the event, Hajia Farouk said the athletes had made Nigeria proud, promising to key them into the programmes of her Ministry

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Sports

“Aderonke Atoyebi Wins Big in Denmark, Inspires Global Recognition for Nigerian Women in Sports

Published

2 hours ago

November 3, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria’s own Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi has brought immense pride to the nation after being named the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA) Role Model of the Year at a ceremony held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The biennial ISCA Awards honour individuals and organizations that use sports and physical activity as tools for social change, inclusion, and empowerment across the globe. This year’s edition drew nominations from several countries, spotlighting outstanding figures who have transformed their communities through the power of sports.
Atoyebi’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment has made her a prominent voice in the sports-for-development space. Through her advocacy and leadership, she continues to demonstrate how sports can serve as a bridge for education, unity, and hope—especially among young women in Nigeria and beyond.
As part of the recognition, Atoyebi received a €3,000 cash prize along with the global visibility that accompanies the prestigious ISCA honour.
Speaking shortly after receiving the award, she expressed deep gratitude and excitement, dedicating the recognition to her team and everyone who has supported her journey.
> “This award means a lot to me. It’s a testament to the hard work my team and I have put in over the years,” Atoyebi said. “Being recognised on such an international stage proves that no effort toward positive change ever goes unnoticed. It motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and reaching more girls who need hope and opportunity.”

Atoyebi’s global recognition further strengthens Nigeria’s growing influence in the global dialogue around sports, development, and women’s empowerment. Her story continues to inspire a new generation of African women to believe that with passion, dedication, and purpose, they too can create lasting change.

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