Sports

Stakeholders commend Sunday Dare’s initiatives in Sports Sector

Published

3 years 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

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Sports

AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja

Published

8 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.

Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.

The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.

As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.

The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.

The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.

With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.

Africa is coming to Abuja.

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