Sports
President Buhari Flags off Torch of Unity For Delta 2022 Sports Festival
President Muhammadu Buhari has flagged off the Torch of Unity movement signifying the commencement of the 21st National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged “Delta 2022”.
At the ceremony which took place today at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President expressed his delight over the forthcoming Festival which he described as the engine room for producing great champions that will represent the country at International Competitions.
He stated that, all outstanding stars that have written the name of the country in gold were born out of the National Sports Festival which clearly shows that the resources government is investing in sporting activities is not a waste.
Represented by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the President commended the Main Organising Committee (MON) as well as the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for their commitment and doggedness towards ensuring the successful hosting of the games.
While reiterating his administration’s commitment to the development of sports in the country, he explained that sports has remained a unifying platform for Nigerians and as such, government will continue to invest in it.
President Buhari commended the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, the Nigerian Olympic Committee, led by Engr. Habu Gumel and the athletes for the outstanding performance at the Games.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare described the Sports Festival as Nigerian Olympics where the best and brightest athletes are selected to represent the country at International çompetitions.
He stated further that the Touch of Unity Movement being flagged off today by Mr President will travel round the 36 States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory and will finally arrive at Delta which is the host State of the Festival.
Dare commended the Executive Governor and the good people of Delta State for their resilence in sports and commitment to hosting a successful festival.
He called on corporate organisations and sports loving Nigerians to join hands with government in order to develop sports for the benefit of our youth.
Also speaking, the Executive Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa assured of the States’ readiness to deliver the best Festival that will culminate into an outstanding 2024 Olympic outing.
According to him, sports represent peace and unity in the country and as such the State will leave no stone unturned in ensuring a peaceful, unique and formidable sports festival in the history of Nigeria.
He challenged the participating States to come and compete with Delta State, being the leading sporting State in the Competitions.
In her good will message at the event, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, commended Nigerian female athletes for making the country proud at the just concluded Commonwealth Games.
She called on them to ensure that they maintain the lead during the forthcoming festival.
Basketball
CDS Highlights Youth Benefits of U-18 Democracy Day Basketball Championship
By Joel Ajayi
The second edition of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Democracy Day Basketball Championship officially tipped off at the Indoor Sports Hall, Package B, of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, with a vibrant and colourful opening ceremony.
The event brought together all 16 participating teams in a lively parade before the organisers, marking the commencement of the annual youth basketball tournament.
In his opening remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (OFR), emphasized that the primary objective of the championship is to strengthen civil-military relations and foster national unity.
He noted that the tournament, themed “Encouraging Grassroots Basketball Talents”, reflects the Armed Forces’ commitment to discovering and nurturing young talents across the country.
“This championship is aimed at building the capacity of our youths to contribute meaningfully to national development,” General Musa stated. “Our goal is to strengthen civil-military cooperation by positively engaging young people through healthy competition, while promoting mutual respect and understanding.”
The CDS added that beyond talent discovery, the championship is designed to promote national cohesion and unity through sports.
“This initiative serves as a platform to strengthen the bonds between the military and civilians. It also provides a non-kinetic approach to addressing future security challenges through the cooperation of good and patriotic citizens,” he explained.
General Musa further highlighted that the tournament fosters togetherness in the spirit of sportsmanship and offers the youths a legitimate means of livelihood.
“In preparation for this event, we have assembled an impressive lineup of talented players, coaches, and officials. The championship features 16 well-selected male and female teams from the North West geopolitical zone and the Federal Capital Territory,” he added.
The 2025 Democracy Day Basketball Championship commenced on Saturday, June 14, and is scheduled to run through Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News6 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
