Sports

Sports Minister Arrives Asaba, Joins Gov Okowa To Receive Torch of Unity

Published

3 years ago

November 29, 2022

The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare has today, Tuesday, November 29, 2022 arrived Asaba the Delta State Capital, venue of the 21st edition of the National Sports Festival.

On his arrival, the Minister and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, joined the Executive Governor of Delta State Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa to receive the Torch of Unity after touring the 36 States of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The event signifies the commencement of the festival with its arrival in Asaba the host State.

The 21st National Sports Festival Torch of Unity commenced its movement after it was flagged off by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

The President who was represented at the occasion by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, stated that the Sports Festival was the engine room that has produced great Nigerian Sporting Champions who have written the name of the country in gold.

With the opening ceremony scheduled to hold at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba tomorrow, the country is set to witness the emergence of more budding talents who will fly the nation’s flag higher at the global level.

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

13 hours ago

June 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.

With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.

Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.

The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.

In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.

While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.

Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.

This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.

Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?

Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.

She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.

Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.

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