Sports

Sports Minister Holds Meeting with Spanish Regional Sports Secretary to Forge Collaborative Relationship

Published

2 years ago

September 23, 2023

The Honorable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh held a fruitful meeting with the General Secretary for Sports, Spanish Andalusian region, José Maria Arrabal Sedano, on the sidelines of the World Football Summit in Seville.

The central component of the deliberations on Thursday, were hinged on how to build a collaborative relationship that will emphasize resource and knowledge sharing to advance sports development for national interests.

Senator Enoh said that Nigeria has lessons to learn from the region that has been instrumental in the success of seven-time champions of Europe, Sevilla Football Club.

The Minister stated that Sevilla FC reflects the results that can be achieved from high-level organization in an ecosystem where sports operates at a professional level. He added that Nigerian sports will hope to borrow a leaf from their successful model, as his administration strives towards making sports a major driver of national development.

On the flip side, José Maria spoke extensively on the impactful role sports plays in the economy of Spain. As at 2023, 56% of the Spanish population engaged in one sport or another at least three times a week, which has led to the country saving 6.5 Billion Euros in healthcare expenditure.

Furthermore, he noted that the Government uses sports as a strategic tool to unify cultures, build patriotic values, and life skills.

Both parties expressed optimism about forging a collaborative and mutually beneficial partnership, that will enhance sports on national levels.

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

12 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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