Sports

Sports Minister Extols President Buhari, Adopt Initiatives Investors

Published

3 years ago

September 16, 2022

The Sports Minister Sunday Dare has extolled President Muhammadu Buhari as well as those who have keyed into his Ministry’s Adopt Initiatives.

Four State Governors, a Deputy Governor, some philanthropists and corporate bodies have supported these programmes since inception.

Speaking at Thursday’s Presidential Reception for the Team Nigeria contingents to the 2022 World Athletics Championships and Commonwealth Games, the Minister said the recent successes recorded by Nigerian athletes would not have happened without their support.

His words: “Through the ‘Adopt Initiatives’ being implemented by my Ministry and the support of Mr President, we are witnessing a new trajectory in Nigerian sports and athletes’ performance. Equally significant is the support we have received through approved Presidential Intervention funds for sports even at short notice.

“In like manner, some well meaning Nigerians and philanthropists keyed into our Adopt Initiatives( Adopt an Athlete, Adopt a Pitch and Adopt a Sports Centre). This development provided the fulcrum for the motivation of our elite athletes and the rapid transformation of our sports facilities.”

The Dangote industries Group rehabilitated the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja while Sir Adebutu Kesington is rehabilitating the football pitch and athletics track of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Dare revealed that forty four(44) athletes have received financial support since the Adopt an Athlete initiative came on board.

He gave the names of those who have given support and played prominent roles in the recent successes recorded as; Governors Ifeanyi Okowa(Delta), Godwin Obaseki(Edo) and Dapo Abiodun(Ogun). Others are Deputy Governor(Edo) Philip Shuaibu, Engineer Noah Dallaji of African Children Talent Discovery Foundation, Tunde Folawiyo, Halogen Group, Emmanuel Akpakwu(Dakinda), Nigeria Tulip International School, Sifax Group, Premium Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, Fidelity Bank and Access Bank.

At Thursday’s event, the Federal Government announced a cash reward of N200m to Team Nigeria and national honours for thirteen of the athletes.

A detailed breakdown of the cash reward shows that gold medalists got N4.5m each, silver medalists N2.5m and bronze medal winners N1.5m each.

Coaches of medal winning athletes got N1.5m each. Non medal winning athletes and coaches got N600,000 while accredited team officials got N400,000 each.

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Basketball

16 Teams, Academies Set for Action as CDS Democracy Day Basketball Tournament Tips Off Saturday

Published

7 hours ago

June 11, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

No fewer than 16 teams and basketball academies are set to feature in the second edition of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Democracy Day Under-18 Basketball Championship for boys and girls, scheduled to begin this Saturday, June 13th, 2025, in Abuja.

The championship, tagged the Under-18 Championship, is designed as a platform to inspire, empower, and nurture young basketball talents across Nigeria, while promoting unity and peaceful coexistence.

The week-long tournament will run from June 13 to 18, 2025, at Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The participating teams—10 male and 6 female—are drawn from across the North Central zone, including state teams from Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Basketball academies and club teams such as Apo Settlers, Gilali, Suba, TNT, M2, and N-Youth will also be competing.

At a press briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday the Chairman of the Organising Committee, retired Brigadier-General Aliyu Abdullahi, noted that the championship is expected to have a positive and lasting impact on Nigerian youth.

He said the tournament—themed “Encouraging Grassroots Basketball Talents”—aims to discover, develop, and showcase young players for potential opportunities at national and international levels.

General Abdullahi highlighted that the initiative, championed by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, forms part of his non-kinetic strategy to enhance national security and civil-military relations by engaging youth in meaningful, community-building activities.

“The CDS understands the critical role of Nigeria’s young, vibrant population in national development,” he said. “This tournament is not only about basketball; it’s about promoting peace, inclusion, discipline, and unity through sport.”

Unlike the maiden edition, this year’s championship will feature both male and female teams, reflecting the CDS’s commitment to gender inclusion and equality in youth development programs.

“This event promises top-tier basketball action, fun-filled activities, and the chance for young players to win medals, trophies, and other prizes,” Brig.-Gen. Abdullahi added.

“Beyond competition, the championship offers a unique platform for cultural exchange, friendship, and national bonding among young athletes.”

To ensure transparency and credibility, the National Identification Number (NIN) will be used to verify player eligibility and eliminate age fraud. All games will be officiated in accordance with FIBA rules, ensuring professionalism and fairness throughout the tournament.

In addition to the games, the organizers revealed that the event will feature various side attractions, creating a festive and engaging atmosphere for athletes, officials, and spectators alike.

The CDS Democracy Day Under-18 Basketball Championship continues to serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for Nigeria’s youth, using sports as a powerful tool for national growth and cohesion.

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