Sports

Sports Ministry Debunks Report Alleged N21bn Request for Stadium Rehabilitation

Published

2 years ago

April 12, 2023

The Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, on Wednesday said that the Ministry did not request for N12 billion for the rehabilitation of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

Debunking the misleading report in some section of the media, Dare, said: “The attention of the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development has been drawn to a report in some section of the media that it requested for the sum of N21 billion to rehabilitate the said stadium.

“Contrary to this report, it has become important to state clearly that the Ministry has not requested or received any such amount from government or individual.

The Director, Press and Public Relations, Mr. Mohammed Manga, in a statement made available to the media on Wednesday, said the Minister, in an interactive session with newsmen in Lagos last week only mentioned the figure as one of the estimated amounts from the proposals received which indicates that about that sum would be needed for the complete rehabilitation and upgrade of the national edifice based on submissions made by different companies and contractors.

“The Ministry therefore wishes to unequivocally make this clarification for the benefit of those who may not be conversant with the due processes involved in the execution of projects by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of Government, thus; that no such request nor approvals have been made as it is all still at the process of review of proposals.” The statement added.

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Sports

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

Published

16 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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