Sports

Sports Minister Senator Enoh Woos Tony Elumelu, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Others on Need to Invest in Local Clubs

Published

2 years ago

April 22, 2024

Joel Ajayi

Reaffirms Government’s commitment to revitalizing local league under Renewed Hope Mandate

The conversation to bolster football in Nigeria has gained significant momentum, with the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh spearheading efforts to revolutionize the country’s football landscape.

Senator Enoh met with prominent business leader and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, with founder and chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu also joining virtually.

Senator Enoh reiterated the importance of instilling confidence in Nigeria’s prime sport, football, through strategic investments in the local league. “We must put a home-based structure in place that reflects the charismatic, energetic, and die-hard Nigerian spirit,” he emphasized. He called upon the private sector to seize the vast opportunities in sports development, emphasizing its potential to drive economic growth, revenue generation, job creation, and national unity.

Reflecting on his vision for sports development in Nigeria, Senator Enoh emphasized the need for a systemic structure that addresses the underlying challenges within the football ecosystem. “As a sports ministry, we do not aim for superficial solutions. Our vision is to build a robust framework that tackles issues from the grassroots level up,” he asserted.

Senator Enoh stated, “Let me express my gratitude to my brother and friend Tony Elumelu, who has shown great passion and commitment in this direction.” He further elaborated on the positive outcomes of their recent meeting, where discussions centered on the acquisition of local league clubs. Senator Enoh commended Mr. Elumelu for his proactive approach, highlighting his efforts in reaching out to potential buyers and extending conversations to further the cause of Nigerian football.

Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Senator Enoh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s local league and restoring its former glory. “Let us rise to the occasion and bring back glory to our nation’s local league,” he urged.

The collaborative efforts of government and the private sector signals a renewed commitment to transforming Nigerian football and unlocking its full potential on the global stage.

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Sports

29 Days To AACT 2026: IBB Club Renewal Heralds Nigeria’s African Golf Showcase

Published

9 hours ago

October 4, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With 29 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Nigeria is stepping up preparations to host the continental women’s team golf championship, with the extensive rehabilitation of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja providing a major boost to the country’s readiness.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja Director of Communication AACT 2026, Kayode Adeniyi said the Club’s Board of Trustees has assured that the facility will be fully prepared to welcome golfers, officials and delegates from across Africa when the championship tees off on November 2.

Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, gave the assurance after inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works at the Club, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.

The IBB International Golf and Country Club has undergone extensive rehabilitation following its closure to regular golfing activities for more than a year. The intervention has focused on the golf course, selected holes, the clubhouse and other key facilities required to provide a befitting venue for the continental championship.

Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed confidence that the rehabilitation programme would be completed in time for the AACT, further reassuring stakeholders that the Club would be ready to host Africa’s leading female golfers.

Chairman of the Club’s Interim Management Committee, Peter Deshi, also expressed optimism over the progress of work, with regular golfing activities expected to resume ahead of the championship.

For the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the readiness of the host venue remains a critical component of the country’s preparations.

President of the Association, Dr. Lami Ahmed, has similarly expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations to stage a successful championship.

The 2026 AACT is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

With the countdown now entering its final month, the rehabilitation of the Club is sending a strong message about Nigeria’s determination to deliver a successful championship and provide a worthy stage for Africa’s finest female golfers.

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