Sports

Stakeholders commend Sunday Dare’s initiatives in Sports Sector

Published

1 year ago

June 7, 2023

Joel Ajayi
Stakeholders in the sports industry have hosted the immediate past Sports and Youth Minister, Mr Sunday Dare in a reception in recognition of his successful stewardship as the Minister of Sports and Youth Development during the previous administration.

Speaking at the occasion held in Abuja yesterday, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar stated that the reception was privately put together by stakeholders in the sports industry to appreciate Mr Dare for all the innovations he initiated that led to the transformation of the sports sector within the four years he spent in the Ministry.

He added that the reception was tagged “Celebration of Excellence” and is “the latest on the list of worthy recognitions Dare has enjoyed following what many have unarguably described as a successful and accomplished tenure as Sports and Youth Minister.”

The Permanent Secretary noted that within the period he served as Minister, the country was able to record about 254 Medals in addition to the various policy initiatives put in place to further drive the sector in line with global best practices. Alhaji Ismaila reiterated the need for stakeholders in the industry to come out enmass and support the various policy initiatives of the Federal Government, not only for the betterment of our teeming youth but also for the socio-economic development of the country.

He assured that the Ministry will continue to create an enabling environment for the successful implementation of the policies, programmes and projects of the Federal Government in line with the Policy thrust of the President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.

Also speaking,former Nigerian International Footballer, Chief Segun Odegbami, described Dare as a National Asset that deserves all the accolades he is getting, adding that this is the first time in all his years in the Sports arena that a Minister who left office is still being celebrated.

“By virtue of my position, I have worked closely with many past Sports Ministers so I know how difficult it is to survive as a Sports Minister in Nigeria but Dare proved everyone wrong with his style of leadership that resulted into many achievements”, he said .

Odegbami further stated, “I am particularly looking forward to the next assignment Dare will undertake because his wealth of experience and quality will be very valuable to the present government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”.

Earlier in his presentation at the event, a stakeholder in the Netball Industry, Dr Henry Nzekwu stated that the former Minister confronted the age-long challenges in the sector by taking bold steps and with the support of the former administration recorded unequalled podium performances in the country through its athletes in global sports in recent times.

While describing Dare as the most decorated Minister of Sports and Youth Development, he added that Nigeria is appreciative of his giant strides in sports , which has always been a very challenging sector.

Responding, the former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr Sunday Dare thanked all the stakeholders in the sports industry for their support and understanding and President Muhammadu Buhari in particular for the opportunity to serve in that capacity.

“We would not have achieved what we did without the support of the majority of the stakeholders, from the office of Mr President, the National Assembly, the Nigeria Olympic Committee ( NOC), the Sports Ministry itself and the various Sporting Federations”, he said.

Dignitaries at the ceremony include the President, Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel, Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports Senator Obinna Ogba, General Secretary, Nigeria Football Federation Dr Muhammad Sanusi, Chairman, Interim Management Committee, Nigeria Premier League, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Special Assistant to Former President Muhammadu Buhari on Sports, Daniel Amokachi, Chief of Staff to the former Minister, Alhaji Abba Yola as well as a cross section of the media, among others

Share on Facebook

Sports

Rising Stars Football League Shares Free Fuel To Commercial Motorcycle Riders In FCT

Published

2 days ago

November 10, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

In continuation of its gesture to the need across the all sectors, Rising Stars Football League ,RSFL, has once again shared free fuel to over 100 commercial motorcyclists popularly known as “Okada rider” in the Bwari Local Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory as response to the prevalent economic hardship in the country, represents a remarkable display of kindness and generosity on the part of the football league.

The free fuel distribution attracted hundreds of motorbike riders who were delighted to receive the unexpected gift.

The fuel donation, which took many by surprise, took place at NIPPCO Filling station in Bwari Local Government of Abuja.

Just on Wednesday, RSFL, brought smiles to the faces of over 100 pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as sick patients, at the Primary Health Care Center in Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

While speaking shortly after the gesture, the RSFL General Manager, Bobby Isiekwena expressed that, the compassionate gesture aligns with RSFL’s ongoing mission not only to promote youth talent in sports but also to give back to society.

RSFL’s outreach efforts beyond football: “We’re reaching out to people in hospitals, schools, and markets, even assisting associations like Okada riders and security outfits. Seeing the joy on people’s faces is a privilege. I feel a sense of joy,.

“I am thrilled to see the smiles on the faces of these hardworking bike riders.
Our organization is not just about football, it’s all about grassroots and community development as you can see the excitement, joy on the faces of beneficiaries this is what we need in our society i almost shielding tears.”

Bwari as a community has been so supportive with our league, they always come out enmass both in away and home games, they are amazing.

He noted that the RSFL plans to extend its outreach to other regions, including an upcoming visit to Lagos.

An elated Chairman of the Okada rider Association in Bwari Gimba shaidalilauded the RSFL’s act of kindness offered prayers and express gratitude for the generosity to the mankind.
According to him, we thank God on behalf of this organization, we thank them for free fuel, free reflecting jacket.

“As you can see, they are happy, they will use the fuel to make money and their family will benefit from it. We are praying for this organization for more success in your endeavour, Muslim and Christian Okada people will be praying for your success with this gesture”.

He, however, vowed to always mobilize Okada riders to support any program or project that the organization is doing.

One of the beneficiaries, Ibrahim Yusuf, thanked the RSFL for the gesture, saying the gift will go a long way in helping many families sustain themselves.

Share on Facebook