Sports

Rugby Rejoins the Line-up for the 2024 National Sports Festival Tagged “Gateway Games”

Published

2 months ago

April 15, 2025

Joel Ajayi
In a significant development for the sporting community in Nigeria, rugby has officially been readmitted into the 2024 National Sports Festival, themed “Gateway Games”, scheduled to take place in Ogun State from May 16th to 30th, 2025.

This decision comes following the approval of the Joint Technical Committee for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, who unanimously agreed on the inclusion of rugby after thorough evaluation.

The committee cited the game’s rising popularity, increased grassroots participation, and growing national followership as key factors behind this reinstatement.

Speaking on this exciting milestone, the President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Dr. Ademola Are, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Director General of the National Sports Commission and Chairman of the Main

Organising Committee, Chief Bukola Olopade, as well as the Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development in Ogun State, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, and the entire Joint Technical Committee. He commended their vision, commitment, and readiness to support the evolution and diversification of sports in Nigeria.

According to Dr. Are, the return of rugby to the festival is not just a win for the sport, but a golden opportunity for talent discovery and national team development. “With this development, Nigerians can once again experience the thrill of top-level rugby at the festival.

More importantly, national team selectors will be present at the games to scout for promising talents as we prepare for the prestigious Africa Cup Sevens, scheduled to hold in Mauritius from June 18th to 23rd, 2025,” he stated.

The readmittance of rugby into the festival’s roster is expected to bring renewed excitement to rugby fans and stakeholders across the country. It marks a promising step forward in the sport’s growth trajectory and underscores the National Sports Festival’s role as a catalyst for talent discovery and sports development in Nigeria.

With Ogun State set to host the festival, all eyes are now on the Gateway State as preparations intensify for what promises to be a thrilling, inclusive, and talent-packed edition of Nigeria’s foremost multi-sport event.

Share on Facebook

Sports

FCT FA Chairman Mouktar Congratulates Muslims on Eid-ul-Adha Celebration

Published

11 hours ago

June 6, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi
The Chairman, Federal Capital Territory Football Association, (FCT FA), Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed, the Abegyi Bwaya of Bwari Chiefdom is felicitating with Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on this year’s celebrations of Eid-ul-Adha.
He congratulates brothers and sisters in Islam on the occasion, describing it as a time to reflect on the goodness of Almighty Allah.
“I want to congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters on this beautiful celebration.”
“We should once again be reminded that, the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha is to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah SWT and his readiness to sacrifice his son, Ismail. At the very point of sacrifice, Allah SWT replaced Ismail with a ram, which was to be slaughtered in place of his son. This command from Allah SWT was a test of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness and commitment to obey his Lord’s command, without question. Therefore, Eid-ul-Adha means the festival of sacrifice.”
“This period and beyond we should be filled with acts of worship and good deeds. It is a time for gratitude to Almighty Allah for His countless mercies upon us as individuals and a nation.”
Mouktar is further charging Muslims and non-muslims to always pray and work towards the growth and development of Nigeria as we navigate the challenging time.

Share on Facebook