Sports

“We Want To Create Viable Career Pathways For Young Nigerian Talents” – Sports Minister Says

Published

2 years ago

September 24, 2023

…Calls for allied action in the fight against age-cheating and doping violation

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has stated that beyond laurels and glory at competitions, his administration is focused on ensuring teeming youths with talents in the country forge viable career pathways as athletes.

The Minister made the statement during a briefing in Asaba, as he reiterated the unwavering commitment of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to continually pay utmost attention to every facet of sports development in the country.

“I can assure you that the present leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, shall pay undivided attention to the development of the abundant talents we have all around the nation,” John Enoh said. “We do this not just with an eye on podium performances, but to also create career pathways for our youth and millions of job opportunities in the sports value chain,” he added.

Senator Enoh also stated that the ministry will collaborate with industry stakeholders to strengthen the fight against age cheating in sports, as well as forestall the violation of doping rules, especially amongst young athletes.

“The issue of age cheating in sports is an area in which the Ministry requires the support and collaboration of all stakeholders. On our part, one of the innovations at this year’s edition of the Games is the introduction of the National Identity Number (NIN) as part of the verification process for athletes. Working with other stakeholders, we shall keep improving the process as we move along until we reduce this menace to the barest minimum. We have to get this right as a nation if we hope to achieve sports excellence,” Senator Enoh said.

“Do your best in your respective sports disciplines and compete cleanly without the use of performance-enhancing substances that will eventually ruin your career in sports. I also encourage you to utilize the opportunities provided by the Games to develop enduring friendships and career paths for yourself,” he advised.

Medals have started rolling in for states, with Delta, Lagos, Cross River, Abia, Rivers, and Bayelsa States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory winning laurels in different categories of weightlifting events.

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

12 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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