Sports

Sports: Governor Okowa Showers Encomiums on Sunday Dare

Published

4 years ago

July 7, 2022

…Says Sports Minister has Brought High Level Commitment to Sports Development in Nigeria

The Governor of Delta State and chief host of the 21st National Sports Festival, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has showered encomiums on the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare for his commitment to sports development in Nigeria.

Speaking in Asaba, Delta State at the unveil ceremony of the mascot and logo of the National Sports Festival(Delta 2022) on Wednesday, Governor Okowa also congratulated him for the giant strides made for the country.

His words: “I must truly thank the Honourable Minister for the way he is taking sports development in this nation. He has brought a high level of commitment to sports development in Nigeria yet he remains so humble in his approach.

“I believe that is the reason why some of us are very much encouraged to work with him to see what best can be done for Nigeria. We notice the work he is doing and are proud of him in this respect.”

Governor Okowa also revealed that the Sports Minister is one of the major reasons Delta State never hesitates to support Nigerian athletes and sports generally anytime the Ministry comes calling.

In his address much earlier, the Sports Minister Sunday Dare thanked Governor Okowa for always being there for Nigerian sportsmen and women, praising him for his commitment to sports development in an era where most of his colleagues still regard sports as mere recreation or ‘play, play’.

“You stand head and shoulders high among your peers when it comes to your courage and commitment in this area. And we know for sure that you will bring all these to bear in the execution of the 21st National Sports Festival in November 2022,” Dare said.

Over Sixteen thousand(16,000) athletes from across the country will converge on Delta State to compete for medals in forty(40) sports from November 2 – 15, 2022.

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Sports

NSC DG, Hon. Bukola Olopade Wins Sports Administrator of the Year at New Telegraph Awards

Published

6 hours ago

February 13, 2026

The Gleamer

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has been honoured with the prestigious Sports Administrator of the Year award at the New Telegraph Awards, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to sports development in Nigeria.

The award, which took place on Friday, celebrated Olopade’s transformative leadership, administrative excellence and longstanding commitment to building sustainable sports structures across the country.

A seasoned sports administrator, Olopade has served twice as Commissioner for Sports in Ogun State, where he spearheaded progressive reforms and talent development initiatives. His leadership footprint also spans multiple strategic roles within Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.

He is a former President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, where he championed inclusivity and the advancement of para-sports.

He also served as Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria National League (NNL), strengthening operational efficiency and league management structures.

In the private sector, Hon. Olopade was Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, playing a key role in delivering internationally recognised sporting events and elevating Nigeria’s profile in global road racing.

Under his current role at the National Sports Commission, in conjunction with the chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Nigerian sports has witnessed renewed hope, improved coordination and enhanced stakeholder confidence.

The New Telegraph Award further affirms his impact-driven leadership and dedication to repositioning Nigerian sports on both continental and global stages.

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