Sports

Sunday Dare Named Blueprint Awards Sports Icon of the Year

Published

3 years ago

August 15, 2022

Nigeria’s Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has been named Blueprint Awards Sports Icon of the Year, following numerous exploits recorded as the Minister of Youth and Sports Development.

Sunday Dare’s administration has been synonymous with innovative leadership. These leadership excellence has led to the birthing of programmes such as, Adopt an Athlete Initiative, Adopt a Facility Initiative, Athletes Welfare Fund (AWF) as well as the Talent Hunt Program (THP). These different programs have helped athletes get training grants, the Adopt -a-Facility has rejuvenated the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Daura Township Stadium. Work has been on-going at the National Stadium, Surulere, as well as many other grounds.

Sunday Dare has led from the fore in transforming sports in the country, from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

His result-oriented leadership has brought tangible success to Nigeria. A beneficiary of the Adopt-an-Athlete initiative, Oluwatobiloba Amusan emerged as Nigeria’s first ever world champion in athletics. Nigeria also went on to post its best-ever performance at the Commonwealth Games in 72 years.

It leaves zero doubts, as to the conferment of the Icon of Sports Award on Hon. Sunday Dare. The achievements have been laudable and one can only trust the process, as sports continues to enjoy more successes under a proactive leadership.

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Sports

“Aderonke Atoyebi Wins Big in Denmark, Inspires Global Recognition for Nigerian Women in Sports

Published

7 hours ago

November 3, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria’s own Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi has brought immense pride to the nation after being named the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA) Role Model of the Year at a ceremony held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The biennial ISCA Awards honour individuals and organizations that use sports and physical activity as tools for social change, inclusion, and empowerment across the globe. This year’s edition drew nominations from several countries, spotlighting outstanding figures who have transformed their communities through the power of sports.
Atoyebi’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment has made her a prominent voice in the sports-for-development space. Through her advocacy and leadership, she continues to demonstrate how sports can serve as a bridge for education, unity, and hope—especially among young women in Nigeria and beyond.
As part of the recognition, Atoyebi received a €3,000 cash prize along with the global visibility that accompanies the prestigious ISCA honour.
Speaking shortly after receiving the award, she expressed deep gratitude and excitement, dedicating the recognition to her team and everyone who has supported her journey.
> “This award means a lot to me. It’s a testament to the hard work my team and I have put in over the years,” Atoyebi said. “Being recognised on such an international stage proves that no effort toward positive change ever goes unnoticed. It motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and reaching more girls who need hope and opportunity.”

Atoyebi’s global recognition further strengthens Nigeria’s growing influence in the global dialogue around sports, development, and women’s empowerment. Her story continues to inspire a new generation of African women to believe that with passion, dedication, and purpose, they too can create lasting change.

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