Sports
President Tinubu’s Commitment to Sports Development Delivering Results at the Grassroots Level — NSC Chief Olopade

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for transformative grassroots sports development is already yielding tangible results, citing the introduction of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) at the National Sports Festival as a prime example.
Hon. Olopade stated that grassroots sports development is a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), with the President giving full backing to the Commission’s efforts.
“We understand that the foundation of our sports renaissance is an intentional priority to the grassroots cadre of our sports pyramid, and this is why the IJA project is very dear to the Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and myself,” he said.
He noted that the inclusion of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) as the “38th state” at the National Sports Festival in Ogun State is set to be a game changer, aimed at building a steady pipeline of top talent for major international competitions.
“The Commission has also been able to send about 19 different national teams out for various international competitions thanks to the kind of financial backing and support we are getting from Mr President,” he added.
“Fortunately, many of these teams have returned to the country excelling—boosting the image and bragging rights of our country on the international stage.”
The Director General highlighted impressive breakthroughs in sports where Nigeria previously had little visibility.
“We are now also beginning to excel in sports that Nigeria was never known for before, like the performance of the Nigeria U19 Cricket team at the World Cup in Malaysia where Nigeria finished 5th in the world.”
“And just recently, Nigeria’s young swimmer Abdul Tabur Adama shone at the Africa Junior Swimming Championships in Egypt where he won gold and set two new records in the 50 meters. We also had successes in sports like badminton with Eniola Bolaji at the World Para-Tournament in Spain, wrestling in Morocco, weightlifting in Mauritius, just to mention but a few.”
The two time Ogun State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development concluded by reaffirming that these achievements are only possible due to the humongous support from His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who remains deliberate about the vital role sports plays in delivering the broader Renewed Hope Mandate for the country.
Sports
Air Warriors Grieve Kano Basketball Secretary, Athletes Lost in Fatal Accident

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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