Sports

Tinubu Hails Sports Minister, Sunday Dare on Daura’s chieftaincy title

Published

2 years ago

December 21, 2022

All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised his former aide and current Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Chief Sunday Dare for bagging a chieftaincy title in Daura, Kastina State.

Emir of Daura, hometown of President Muhammadu Buhari, His Highness, Dr. Umar Farouk Umar will confer the prestigious title of Sarkin Wasanni on the Minister on Thursday, December 22, 2022 in his Palace.

While praising Chief Dare for his years of association with him, the APC Presidential candidate described the Minister as his ‘political son, ally and partner on the progressive front.”

Asiwaju Tinubu said: “special congratulations to my political son, ally and partner on the progressive front, Hon. Minister of Youth & Sports Development, Chief Sunday Akinlabi Dare, as he is being conferred with the prestigious title of Sarkin Wasanni of Daura on Thursday.

“I commend His Royal Highness, Emir of Daura, Alhaji (Dr) Umar Farouk Umar, CON for choosing an excellent man for this important title.

“I have always known that Sunday is headed for the very top. When he worked with me as my Special Adviser/Chief of Staff, he shone brilliantly. He distinguished himself in character, leadership skills and organizational abilities.

“I have no doubt in my mind that he would be a worthy ambassador for Daura Emirate, just as he is to his Ogbomoso-hometown where he holds the chieftaincy title of Agbaakin, to the Yoruba race and indeed to our progressive family.”

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

4 hours ago

June 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.

With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.

Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.

The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.

In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.

While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.

Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.

This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.

Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?

Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.

She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.

Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.

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