Sports

Sports Ministry Pledges regular maintenance of Stadia

Published

4 years ago

December 3, 2021

…As Dangote Group hands over Renovated MKO Abiola

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government has pledged to ensure regular maintenance of stadia across the country in line with international best practice.

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare made the pledge on Friday in Abuja at the formal hand over of the renovated main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium from the Contractors to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

The Dangote Industries Group had in Aug. 2020 engaged Aron Nig Ltd for the renovation of the pitch under the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development “Adopt a Pitch” initiative.

Dare said the completion of the re-grassing of the pitch and installation of digital score-boards after some initial hiccups will indeed signal the return of international matches to the stadium.

He said as part of efforts to ensure adequate maintenance, Dangote Group has committed to the maintenance of the pitch for the next two years.

“By the words of the experts here and those that have toured the facility, we have the latest grass here – Paspalum grass, one of the best, when we talk about football pitches across the World.

“Something exactly similar to what we have in Qatar, that will be used for the World Cup next year.

“We thank Alhaji Aliko Dangote for opening his doors to us, and accepting to adopt the Moshood Abiola Stadium when we came up with our ‘Adopt-a-Pitch’ proposal.

We salute his commitment that culminated in the completion of the project today, inclusive of maintenance for at least two years,” Dare said.

The minister said work is also going round the clock to also ensure the timely completion of the National Stadium, Surulere Lagos.

He assured that the Federal Government will continue to work with the private sector to build and maintenance sporting facilities in the country.

Earlier, Mansur Ahmed, Executive Director, Stakeholder Management and Corporate Communications, Dangote Industries Group said the project was part of it’s corporate social responsibility.

He said the vision of Alhaji Aliko Dangote remains partnering with government to upgrade sporting facilities to international standard in a bid to engage and arrest youth restiveness in the country.

“As we all know, Nigerian players are international but until now, we don’t have an international standard facility and our commitment is to work with the Ministry to make sure that this particular facility remains of international standard,” Ahmed said.

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Basketball

Over ₦5 Million Up for Grabs as 2025 Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Skills Challenge Kicks Off November 14

Published

4 mins ago

November 7, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Over the years, the Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Basketball Tournament has become a major grassroots platform impacting the lives of young Nigerians. Many talented youths have realized their dreams through this initiative, which continues to inspire and empower communities across the country.

Building on these successes, this year’s edition slated for 14^th to 15^th of November in Abuja promises to be even bigger, featuring over 5,000 young participants who will compete in various exciting categories.

The event will feature over 5,000 national dancers across the country; 24 Young basketballers will be selected to play an important all-star Game and other impactful event.

The MO Basketball Arena in Zone 5 part of FCT is expected to come alive with creativity, energy, and skill when the 2025 edition, tagged Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Basketball Skills Challenge, tips off. Winners across different categories will share a total prize of over ₦5 million, making it one of the most anticipated sporting and entertainment events of the year.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the convener, Samuel Oguche, expressed his appreciation to the media and partners for their continued support.

“First of all, we just want to appreciate everyone for being here with us today and for giving us this opportunity once again. This isn’t our first time partnering with you, and as always, Bullet Energy Drink has continued to stand firmly behind basketball Nigeria’s second most popular sport. For the past 10 years, Bullet has consistently supported the growth and promotion of the game,” Oguche said.

He added that the 2025 edition will bring a new level of excitement, combining sports and entertainment in a way never seen before.

“For the first time ever in Abuja, we’re hosting a National Dance Battle something truly unique and unprecedented.

“Dancers from across the country will converge in the city to compete for supremacy and a grand prize of ₦5 million. Alongside that, we’ll host an All-Star Basketball Game, featuring the best 24 players from Abuja and its environs on Saturday, November 15th.

“We’re also introducing something completely new to Nigeria a Basketball Skills Challenge, inspired by the NBA and global sports traditions. We’re proud to be the first brand to bring this kind of experience to Nigerian basketball. This event is all about innovation, excitement, and celebrating talent,” he said.

In his remarks, the representative of Bullet Energy Drink, Mr. Benedict Okoye, reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to supporting the development of sports and entertainment in Nigeria.

“We are truly delighted to be part of this initiative once again. Bullet has proudly supported basketball for the past 10 years, and it’s been an incredible journey watching the sport grow rapidly across the country,” Okoye said.

He noted that adding dance to the event was a strategic move to expand the impact of the brand’s engagement with youth and creativity.

“Dance is a universal language that everyone enjoys and connects with. We want to explore new horizons and creatively blend the beverage industry with dance and sports, not just in Nigeria but as a model that can inspire similar collaborations globally.

“Moving forward, we’re confident that this initiative will be a success and when it does, we’ll do even more. Our goal is to continue supporting Nigeria’s entertainment and creative community — whether through sports, dance, music, or other cultural expressions.

“We’re proud to play our part in creating opportunities and providing platforms that keep entertainment alive and thriving in Nigeria,” he added.

This year’s edition promises to be a celebration of talent, creativity, and youthful energy, reaffirming Bullet Energy Drink’s place as a leading supporter of grassroots sports and entertainment development in Nigeria.

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