Sports

We Will Reward More Hard Work, Wike Tells FCT Athletes

Published

2 months ago

January 16, 2025

… Rewards athletes from 2022/23 sports festival and youth games with cash prizes

Joel Ajayi

Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has revealed that FCT under his watch will not toil with labour and sweat of athletes, saying, that there will be more reward for any athletes who put FCT on the part of success.

He gave this assurance yesterday in Abuja during 13th Edition of FCT Sports Award Night for FCT Athletes and officials to the Delta 2022 National Sports Festival, NSF, and 6th and 7the editions of National youth games in Delta State 2022 and 2023 respectively.

“Award ceremony victorious athletes in the capital city have “Sports For All” as a theme.

For over two years, athletes who represented the FCT at the 2022 National Sports Festival and the 2023 and 2024 National Youth Games went unrecognized by the previous administration.
However, upon assuming office, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike took a decisive step to ensuring the athletes received the acknowledgment due to them.

Minister, who was represented by the FCT Mandate Secretary, Social Development, Hon Ibrahim Aminu reaffirmed his commitment to advancing sports development in the FCT and pledged to create an enabling environment for youths to excel.

In her welcome address, the Secretary of Social Development Secretariat, Olubunmi Olowookere commended Wike for his magnanimity in rewarding our young athletes.
She, however, charged the athletes to continue striving towards the greater height of FCT as well as Nigeria at large adding that FCT will not allow their sweat go in vain.
Other stakeholders present applauded the FCT administration for recognizing the athletes with the awards, stating that the gesture would serve as a strong motivation for them ahead of the next festival.

Some of the athletes shared their thoughts on the award, highlighting its significance and the positive impact it would have on their careers.

Gold medalists from the Delta 2022 Sports Festival received ₦600,000, silver medalists ₦400,000, and bronze medalists ₦250,000. For the Youth Games, gold medalists were rewarded with ₦400,000, silver medalists ₦300,000, and bronze medalists ₦200,000.

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Sports

Cricket: Nigeria To Host ICC U19 Men’s World Cup Qualifier

Published

20 hours ago

March 17, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria Cricket Federation , NCF, says it is ready to host five other nations for the International Cricket Council ,ICC, Under 19 Men’s World Cup African Qualifier.

The tournament is billed for Lagos, with the matches to be held at the cricket ovals in Tafawa Balewa Square ,TBS, and the University of Lagos ,UniLag, from March 26 to April 6.

Uyi Akpata, President of the Federation, said in a statement on Sunday, that the tournament is about celebrating the growth of the game on the continent.

“Nigeria is thrilled to welcome these talented young cricketers and their supporters to Lagos.
“Our nation is known for its warm hospitality and fascinating cricketing potential, and we are committed to making this qualifier a memorable experience for all.

“This tournament is not just about competition; it’s about celebrating the growth of cricket in Africa and inspiring the next generation of players”, Akpata noted.

However, Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Tanzania and Sierra Leone will join Nigeria to jostle for the continent’s sole ticket to the 2026 ICC Under 19 Men’s World Cup.

Meanwhile, Nigeria will be hoping to secure the ticket, having achieved same feat in 2019 and competing at the World Cup in South Africa 2020

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