Sports

Tokyo 2020; Cut The Minister Some Slack, Igali Blast Distractors.

Published

5 years ago

July 30, 2021

By Akin Bolarinwa.

Former honourable member of the Bayelsa state House of Assembly and Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Bayelsa state, Daniel Igali has told naysayers to stop distracting the Honourable Minister of Sports, Chief Sunday Dare.

The ex Olympic gold medallist, Igali said, it is annoying seeing some naysayers calling for the sack or resignation of the honourable Minister.

“I personally believe he has tried, I have engaged him on a number of issues and he really does have good intentions.”

Igali said Dare under 2 years has done remarkably well to reduce the bureaucratic nature associated with the job.

“The bureaucracy you see is like a cult. They will frustrate you and quite civil service rules in a minuted file.”

He believes that if Mr. Dare does not get too consumed by politics, he will get quite a bit done by elevating our sports before the end of the year.

“I completely agree that things could have been done differently but he is Minister now and needs our support. If sports fails, Dare is a soldier, he does not fail, we the barrack fails.”

According to Igali, the interest of every sports stakeholders is to ensure sports thrive, instead of creating divisions that may further impede in the progress of our games.

“I have tried working with every minister that comes along, many are threatened and will try to distance people like us. But my interest is in ensuring that sports wins at the end of the day.” Igali stated.

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Sports

First Lady Tinubu Tees Off AACT 2026, Calls for African Women’s Unity

Published

1 hour ago

November 4, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged participating African Ladies golfers to uphold sportsmanship, integrity, and African unity.

She spoke at the ceremonial tee-off of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

Tinubu noted that the championship’s theme, “Uniting Africa Through the Greens”, reflected golf’s ability to transcend national and cultural boundaries while promoting friendship, sisterhood and a shared African identity.

She urged the participating golfers to compete with passion and integrity, adding: “To our remarkable female golfers, you are an inspiration to women everywhere. Play with passion, compete with integrity and let sportsmanship guide every stroke.”

The First Lady welcomed foreign delegates and participants, encouraging them to explore Nigeria’s landmarks, culture and hospitality during their stay.

Senator Tinubu commended LGAN President and Chairperson, Local Organising Committee, 2026 AACT, Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed, the Association’s executive council, and local Organising Committee for their efforts in bringing the continental championship to Nigeria.

She also commended the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) for its initiative to introduce 300 girls to golf as part of AACT programmes.

Tinubu said the Girls in Golf initiative Legacy Project would create opportunities for young girls to participate in the sport and develop the next generation of female golfers.

“As a mother and advocate for women and girls, I commend the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria for the Girls in Golf Legacy Project, which will introduce 300 young girls to golf across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria and open new opportunities for the next generation,” she said.

She subsequently declared the championship open and performed the ceremonial tee-off.
Earlier, Lami Ahmed said hosting the championship for the third time was both an honour and a responsibility for Nigeria.

She said the tournament provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships among African countries through golf, despite differences in nationalities, languages and cultures.

“Though we compete under different flags, we remain united as one African family,” she said.
Ahmed described the Girls in Golf initiative Legacy Project as a major part of the association’s long-term commitment to growing the sport, saying it would expose 300 girls across the six geopolitical zones to the opportunities and values of golf.

She added that while the championship would produce winners, its lasting significance would lie in the friendships established, unity strengthened, and young girls inspired.

“As we begin this historic championship, let us remember the trophies will find their winners, but the friendships we build, the unity we strengthen and the young girls we inspire will remain our greatest victory,” she said.

Nigeria is hosting the continental women’s golf championship for the third time, bringing together female golfers from across 20 African countries to compete and promote the development of the sport.

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