Sports

Sports Minister Hails Handover of National Stadium Pitch and Scoreboards

Published

1 year ago

December 19, 2023

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has expressed his delight with the completion of work and handing over of the rehabilitated pitch and scoreboards at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, by Dangote Group and Aron Nigeria Ltd on Tuesday.

The Minister commended the companies over the successful completion of the projects and called for increased collaboration between the government and the private sector to further advance sports development in Nigeria.

The rehabilitation of the National Stadium facilities by Dangote Group and Aron Nigeria Ltd represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance sports infrastructure in the country. Senator Enoh applauded the commitment and resources invested by the Dangote Group, describing their involvement as a shining example of the positive outcomes achievable through collaborative efforts between the government and the private sector.

“As a country, we are indebted to Dangote Group for the huge resources it committed to the rehabilitation of the National Stadium. I look forward to more collaborative efforts between the government and the private sector to develop sports in our country,” stated Senator Enoh.

The Minister urged the private sector to display greater interest and commitment to investing in sports, emphasizing the pivotal role sports play in shaping the destinies of millions of Nigerian youths. He noted that sports, beyond its recreational value, has become a significant business, and the Ministry of Sports Development is ready to engage in fruitful partnerships with the private sector to harness this potential.

Despite the significance of the handover, Senator Enoh highlighted a critical issue—the non-certification of the pitch at the National Stadium by CAF and FIFA, preventing Grade A matches from being played. He stated his determination to reverse this tide, emphasizing that the Ministry under his leadership would work diligently to ensure the pitch meets international standards. He stressed the importance of the national stadium in hosting Grade A matches, especially for the various National Teams of Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, lauded the partnership between the government and the private sector that led to the successful handover. He commended Dangote Group for its substantial rehabilitation efforts as part of its corporate social responsibility and called on other stakeholders to invest significantly in sports development.

Representatives of contractors, Aron Nigeria Ltd, Soji Adeniyi expressed satisfaction with the successful execution of the project. He commended Dangote Group for its sponsorship and timely payments, acknowledging the cooperation of the Ministry’s facility managers in completing the project.

Senator John Owan Enoh laid down a marker for the continued maintenance of the National Stadium beyond the handover, pledging that the Ministry of Sports Development would ensure the facilities remain in perfect condition.

In conclusion, the Minister of Sports Development reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to fostering a robust partnership between the government and the private sector, ensuring the continued growth and success of sports development in Nigeria.

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Sports

Customs Names First Lady Remi Tinubu As ‘Grand Patron’ For 2025 African Volleyball Championship

Published

10 mins ago

March 17, 2025

The Gleamer

…As CGC Adeniyi champions gender inclusion in Nigeria Customs Service

Joel Ajayi

Following the preparation to commence the long-awaited African Volleyball Tournament in April 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service has named the First Lady and wife of the President of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as the Grand Patron of the upcoming female volleyball tournament.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this announcement on Friday, when he officially visited the First Lady at her office in Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.During the engagement, CGC Adeniyi lauded the First Lady’s unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment, citing her Renewed Hope Initiative, which has positively impacted education, healthcare, and economic empowerment for women, youth, and vulnerable groups. He noted that her leadership has inspired institutional reforms across various sectors, including the Nigeria Customs Service.

The CGC highlighted the Service’s investment in women’s sports, noting that its volleyball team has won the Volleyball Premier League in 2018, 2022, and 2024, as well as the Confederation of Africa Zone 3 Volleyball Championship in 2018 and 2019. He expressed confidence that the First Lady’s presence at the championship would boost athletes’ morale.

“Your Excellency, in recognition of your exemplary leadership and advocacy for women’s advancement, we humbly request that you honour us by serving as the Grand Patron of this momentous event.

Your presence at the official opening ceremony would immeasurably elevate the significance of this championship and inspire our athletes to even greater heights”, CGC Adeniyi said.

Beyond sports, the CGC emphasised the Service’s commitment to gender balance, highlighting the appointment of women to strategic leadership positions, including Excise and Free Trade Zones, Tariff and Trade, and ICT/Modernization Departments.

He further acknowledged the contributions of female officers leading critical initiatives such as the Corporate Social Responsibility ,CSR, Programme, Single Window project, and Authorised Economic Operator Programme, which have significantly modernised Customs operations.

“Following Your Excellency’s inspiring example, we are actively implementing policies that provide equal opportunities for women to express themselves and excel in our Service. Today, women hold critical leadership positions and drive key modernisation efforts”, CGC Adeniyi added.

However, he reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in leadership and sports, pledging continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the First Lady’s vision for gender inclusion in national development.

Responding, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu accepted the offer, emphasising that women must continue to take up spaces in all spheres of life.

“I accepted this offer and I keep telling women, there’s always a space for you. There’s a space for you. Nobody’s asking you not to amount to anything. You just have to work more”, the First Lady said.

She further called on Nigerian female star athletes who have made names abroad to return home and inspire the next generation, urging figures like Tobi Amusan and others to actively mentor young girls in sports.

“These are role models for our girls, but don’t go out and just be popular there. They should come and encourage other girls. I want them to do that because it matters a lot. When God gives you a platform, you are not just standing for yourself, you are standing for millions of other women”, Senator Oluremi added.

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