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President Buhari Declares 2023 Commonwealth Youth Students Summit Open

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President Muhammadu Buhari has declared the 2023 Commonwealth Youth and Students Summit (CYSS), African Region open with a charge to the youth to hone their leadership skills and make relevant contributions to the decision-making process, especially on issues that bother on their development and welfare.


The President who gave the charge today in Abuja stated that the youth all over the world have proven time without number that if given the opportunity and support to showcase their talents and energy, they are capable of becoming change catalysts.


Represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, President Muhammadu Buhari stated that government is conscious of the fact that a positive force for societal development reside in the young people and thus called on the comity of the Commonwealth Nations to give them the opportunity and support to enable them exhibit their talent and energy in line with the noble ideas which the Commonwealth represents.


According to him, “Nigeria, as a firm believer in the capabilities of young people is hosting the Summit to create a platform for the youth to network, collaborate and foster sustainable learning environment as well as promote youth development in institutions within the Commonwealth”. 


He assured that Nigerian Government as a member of the Commonwealth will continuously create an enabling environment for the youth to blossom and reach their potentials. 


The President expressed optimism that with the breed of young people gathered here and the theme chosen for the Summit, *”Co-creating our Common Future Leadership in the Digital Age in Africa”*, actionable policy-decisions that will further enhance development and productivity of the youth will not only be reached but will also  address the world of challenges and opportunities open to the Commonwealth Youth, especially those in Africa which is technologically driven”


President Buhari therefore called on the youth who are the leaders of the Digital Revolution to align their knowledge of Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and the likes, with investment in ideas, skills and enterprise so as to ensure the socio-economic development of the Region.
Also speaking, the President Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated that the future, development and growth of the Continent is a task the youth must take upon themselves.


Represented by the National Youth Leader, Mr. Dayo Isreal, the President Elect called on the youth to join hands with their various governents in creating a safe and secure environment for all as there can be no growth or development without security and peace.   


Asiwaju Bola Tinubu further urged the youth to seize the opportunity provided by the Summit to build lasting and productive connections, learn from one another and also unite in the war against underdevelopment.


In his Opening Remarks, the Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare stated that the declaration of the Year 2023 as the year of the Youth as pronounced in Kigali is both timely and instructive.


He explained that the African youth have come of age and cannot be ignored, noting that this can be validated with the exploits of the African Youth in various spheres of endeavour.


Dare who commended President Muhammadu Buhari for hosting the Summit urged the youth to look beyond political leadership to being in the forefront of creativity, science and technology, arts, sports and the whole gamut of human endeavour with a view to giving the African its pride of place in the Comity of Nations.

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Speaker House Reps, Abbas, Others Thumbs NFF President Over NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and New Training Pitches

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…Says It Will Boost Nigeria’s Economy


By Joel Ajayi


The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, for initiating the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches, describing it as a transformational project that will boost Nigeria’s economy.


Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Speaker Abbas praised the initiative and pledged the National Assembly’s full support.


 “This is a noble project, and the National Assembly will give it full support. I congratulate the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, and I thank FIFA for agreeing to fund this project,” he stated while cutting the ceremonial tape.


He also assured the House of Representatives’ support for the visionary leadership of Engineer Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the NFF in other key areas where assistance is required.

Leading the FIFA delegation, Gelson Fernandes (Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer/Regional Director, Africa) reiterated FIFA’s commitment to funding the project, emphasizing that infrastructure development has been a priority since the tenure of President Gianni Infantino began.

Expressing his excitement, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau stated that the hostel and training pitches will serve all Nigerian national teams, leagues, and academies.


“Indeed, my joy knows no bounds. From the day my Executive Committee and I were sworn into office in Benin City on Friday, 30th September 2022, I was determined to push this project forward as a legacy for Nigerian football.
“For sustained success, we must provide a conducive environment, infrastructure, equipment, and support systems that enable players and officials to perform at their best.

“Building a players’ hostel and having new training pitches will not only enhance team management but also reduce costs, allowing us to invest more in grassroots development programs.”
Several dignitaries present at the event applauded Gusau’s leadership, determination, and commitment to football development in Nigeria.


The event was well attended by local and international stakeholders, including sports enthusiasts, who witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and Training Pitches.

In addition to the hostel, the project includes:Two new training pitches (one synthetic and one natural grass). Reconstruction of the existing synthetic pitch.


Also, Spectators’ sitting terraces with 1,838 seats.Two dressing rooms for players, each accommodating 27 players.Two dressing rooms for officials.

The construction is expected to last 24 months and is fully funded by FIFA under its FIFA Forward 3.0 programme.

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