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Sports Minister Breaks 10 Year Jinx As ANOCA Secretariat Is Commissioned

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…IOC Name Nigeria Olympic Capital of  City Africa

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare broke a ten-year jinx as he led an international delegation with the President of the International Olympics Committee (IOC), Dr. Thomas Bach to commission the  Secretariat of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa ( ANOCA).

This even as President, International Olympic Committee, Mr Thomas Bach officially named Nigeria as the Olympics headquarters of Africa.

Speaking at the Commissioning of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) with building on Thursday in Abuj Abuja Minister described the event as  “a landmark in the development of sports on the continent of Africa.

According to him,  It is a day that the entire black race should be proud of.

“And as Nigerians, we are proud to be a major contributor to the actualization of this day.

“Aside the obvious fact of the Commissioning of the Building that would from today be the administrative and technical hub of sports administration on the continent, we also have in our midst, the leaders of the world governing body for sports, ably led by the President of the International Olympic Committee, Dr. Thomas Bach.

“The journey to this day started some 13 years ago when Nigeria alongside 6 other African countries bided to host the Headquarters of ANOCA and become the Olympic capital of Africa. After a rigorous selection process, Nigeria was eventually selected as the Host Country for the umbrella body of the Olympic movement in Africa at the General Assembly, which took place in Kenya in June, 2006.

“With the selection and signing of the Headquarters Cooperation Agreement on February 21, 2007, the ANOCA Secretariat, hitherto in Yaoundé, Cameroon was moved to Abuja, Nigeria.

“While biding as a Host Country, the Federal Republic Nigeria had promised to build a benefiting Headquarters for the continental body. On the road to fulfilling that promise, the foundation laying ceremony for the building was performed on July 6, 2009, by Dr. Jacques Rogge, the immediate past President of the International Olympic Committee.

“I must say we are indeed lucky to also have present here today to commission the building, the current President of the IOC, Dr. Thomas Bach.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the commitment of Nigeria to the completion of this edifice has been unwavering. It is for this reason that the Federal Government ensured the continued funding of the project from inception to completion.

“It is my sincere hope that the vision for which the project was executed would be achieved for the benefit of all Stakeholders,” he said.

The Minister, who earlier conducted the IOC delegation around the MKO Abiola Stadium, revealed that “After 10 years of trying to get approval for the domestication of the anti-doping bill,  yesterday the Federal Executive Council approved the domestication of that convention, that is historic.”

While Speaking IOC Scribe Back commended Nigeria Government for their efforts in promoting sports in the Continent.

“Today, we are writing a sport history with the inauguration of the magnificent headquarters. You are establishing Abuja the capital of sports in Africa. With the inauguration, you are setting a new milestone of development of sports.

“You all know how close Africa is to Olympic movement. I am honored to share this historic moment with the entire Africa. This building is motivation, inspiration for the unity of sports in Africa,” he said.

He further expressed his belief in the Nigerian sports c community who according to him have kept the Olympic spirit alive.

“What impressed me most is seeing how much the Olympic spirit is alive here in Nigeria. I had meetings with the schools, athletes, government officials and I saw everyone living with the spirit. The athletes I spoke to have the attributes of true champions.

“The Vice President, Sports minister and every other government officials recognize the contributions of sports to a better society and a better future for the youths in the country,” he stated

Meanwhile, about 54 Africa Olympics President and many well meanings Nigerian graced the historic occasion.

 

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Enthusiasts Praise Ghana’s Meteoric Progress at African Games, Sport Minister Applauded for Visionary Leadership

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Ghana’s remarkable ascent in the African Games has sparked widespread acclaim from sports enthusiasts and stakeholders alike. The nation’s stunning leap from 15th place in the previous edition to an impressive 6th place in 2024 has captured the attention of the sports community, highlighting Ghana’s burgeoning potential and the transformative leadership of its Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mustapha Ussif.

Under Minister Ussif’s visionary leadership, Ghana’s sports industry has undergone a profound renaissance, marked by unprecedented achievements in grassroots development and infrastructure growth. The Minister’s strategic initiatives have not only revitalized the sporting landscape but have also positioned Ghana as a beacon of excellence on the African continent.

The recent success at the African Games is a testament to Ghana’s commitment to fostering talent at all levels. Through innovative programs and investments in youth development, Minister Ussif has cultivated a fertile environment for nurturing emerging athletes, paving the way for their seamless transition into senior sports teams.

Furthermore, Ghana’s hosting of the African Games in 2023 underscores the nation’s dedication to expanding its infrastructure base and solidifying its status as a regional sports hub. The prospect of hosting this prestigious event not only promises to elevate Ghana’s profile on the international stage but also presents unparalleled opportunities for economic growth and societal advancement.

Speaking on Ghana’s remarkable achievement, Minister Mustapha Ussif expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders and affirmed his commitment to further advancing the nation’s sports agenda.

He stated, “The remarkable progress we have witnessed at the African Games is a testament to the collective efforts of our athletes, coaches, administrators, and supporters. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that Ghana’s journey to sporting excellence has only just begun.”

On the eve of the closing ceremony alone, Ghana clinched eight gold medals, winning the ultimate prize in women’s hockey, 200m men’s athletics event, high jump, men’s football event, and four boxing gold medals in boxing. All in one night.

Ghana also made history by becoming the first country to win god in both men’s and women’s football events at the Games.

The closing ceremony of the Games saw star performances from star acts such as Stonebwoy, Stanley Enow, Wiyaala, Innoss’B, amongst others.

As Ghana continues its upward trajectory in the realm of sports, the nation stands poised to achieve even greater milestones under the visionary leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo and Sports minister, Mustapha Ussif.

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