By Victor Okoye

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) Sports Carnival will help promote nationhood and social cohesion in the country.

Musa said this during the teeing-off of the USOSA golf tournament at IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja on Saturday.

He said he was happy to be a product of Unity School, adding that it shaped him into the man he is today.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 42 Unity Colleges from across the country slugged it out for honours in 14 sports at this year’s carnival.

He said it was exciting to see the calibre of people at the sports carnival, adding that every local government, tribe and religion from across the country was represented, which depicts unity in diversity and promotes social cohesion.

“It is a pleasure and a great privilege to be here.

“Federal Government College, Sokoto, gave us platform and the foundation that we are standing on and together I can see the difference we are making all over the country and the world.

“I remain forever grateful for attending a Federal Government College. The schools are the pride of the nation, although we need to ask if the standards are still being maintained these days.

“If not, what are we doing about it because we benefitted from the system and it will sad for us not to do anything when we are in the position to make a change.

“So, I think it’s good that we do something for the unity schools so that we can bring them back to standard in sports, education and everything the institution represents,” he said.

Michael Magaji, the President General of USOSA, told NAN that the golf tournament was integrated into the competition to help strengthen the aging participants.

He noted that the theme of this year’s carnival was, “Regniting Unity in Diversity,” adding that the carnival brought together no fewer than 3,000 USOSANS and 2,000 non-USOSANS.

“We are using sports as a tool to showcase unity, nationhood and social cohesion amongst USOSANS and non-USOSANS alike.

“The carnival is part of our ‘project unite’ which covers the health, wellness, careers and different components of living.

“The idea is to situate Nigeria and position sports as a tool to help unite the country,” he said.

Ahmad Hussaini, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, said USOSA was borne out of a need to save the Unity Schools from being sold by the federal government.

He recalled the during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government there were plans by the then Minister for Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, to sell the unity schools under the government’s privatisation drive at the time.

“So, some of us formed a pressure group and resisted the attempt by the government to sell our unity schools; and the pressure group was what metamorphosed into USOSA.

“We went the extra mile to save our federal government colleges from being sold because we were products of these schools and knew what we benefited from them.

“We have members from all over Nigeria. A good number of them are golfers. Sports is also a tool for unification. Sports is a tool for team building. It’s a tool for national building and promoting excellence,” he said.

NAN reports that the Sports Carnival which began on Monday ended on Saturday. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, on Saturday in Abuja called on Nigerians, irrespective of tribe or religion to unite and fight Nigeria’s common enemies.

Speaking at the second edition of Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) sports carnival, Musa listed the common enemies as terrorism, banditry and other social vices.

“Nigeria is challenged; so we need a united Nigeria to confront all the challenges we are facing.

“Nigerians must unite and confront the evil that is coming against us. So many people do not like the blessings we are having as a country.

“We must shame them by working together as a team and together we will continue to move forward,’’ he said.

Musa, an old student of Federal Government College, Sokoto, noted that sports is a unifying factor that unite people and stressed the need for Nigerians to foster peace and promote national unity.

“At this sports carnival today, we are all one; we all love Nigeria. Nigeria gave us so much while in unity schools and that is what we are trying to bring out.

“This is a good opportunity and we all know how sports unite us and teach discipline to understand oneself and to make sacrifices to know that there will be failures in life.

“What does one do when he or she fails? He or she rises and move forward and that is what we are trying to preach,’’ he said.

Musa also called on Nigerians to continue to promote Nigeria’s diversity for national development.

In his remarks, President-General of USOSA, Mr Michael Magaji called on Nigerians to continue to promote teamwork and excellence within Nigeria’s diversity as a way of adding value to national common heritage.

Magaji noted that the vision of the founding fathers of unity schools many decades back had led to the promotion of Nigeria’s values and the educational system.

“We see Nigerians in unity from all parts of the country coming here and using sports to promote teamwork and excellence which help to manage and understand the country’s diversity.

“Unity schools were set up more than 50 years ago primarily to promote quality education, but more importantly to promote nation building.

“We must continue to work together to integrate the ideals of this project for our common goal,’’ Magaji stressed.

The military government of retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon set up 12 additional Unity Schools in 1973.

This was after he visited one of the first three Federal Government Colleges in Sokoto in 1970, soon after the end of Nigeria’s civil war.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that more than 3,000 old students of more than 55 unity colleges scattered around the country today were in attendance at the sports carnival.

The sports carnival has “Reigniting Unity in Diversity’’ as its theme. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Alli Hakeem

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Sen. John Owan Enoh, Minister of Sports Development and Paul Edeh, Chairman, Benue State Football Association (BSFA) have called for investment in sports tourism to fast track the socio-economic development of Africa.

The sports administrators joined other stakeholders in canvassing this stand at the 2024 inaugural Africa Sports and Tourism Awards (ASTA) in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ASTA with the theme “Sports as a Catalyst for Accelerated Tourism Development in Africa,” honoured 16 recipients who have contributed immensely to sports and tourism development in Nigeria and across Africa.

Enoh, one of the recipients, in his remarks underscored the need to focus on the development of the sports and tourism sectors to drive Africa’s economic development.

“This event highlights the immense potentials that sports tourism holds for Africa’s development.

” Sports and tourism are two dynamic industries that can serve as a powerful catalyst for the economic development of Africa.

“They posses the tactical ability to bridge cultures, foster economic growth and ignite challenge,” he said.

The minister stressed the need to view sports as big business and invest more in sports infrastructure/events to drive the narrative.

Earlier, Paul Edeh, BSFA Chairman, Benue State Football Association (BSFA), ASTA recipient said the award will further spur him to the development of sports in Nigeria.

“For me it’s a rare privilege to experience this kind of award.

“I will continue to see how I can promote sports, particularly the game of football in all spheres.

” Of course as the chairman of BSFA, the award will spur me to continue to grow the game at the grassroots and support women in sports,” he said.

Edeh said plans have been concluded for the maiden BSFA Sports Awards slated for June, while also focusing on grassroots football tournaments across the state.

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By By Georgina Adegbie/Victor Okoye

The Electoral Committee of the 2024 FCT SWAN elections (SWANECO) has fixed May 10 for the concluding part of the elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that winners could not emerge in the positions of the Chairman and the Treasurer after the elections held on Friday in Abuja.

In the Chairmanship position where Folusho Oyekan, Tolulope Oguntimehin, and Kelechi Onwudiwe contested, both Oguntimehin and Onwudiwe polled 64 votes each, while Oyekan scored 8 votes.

However, Victor Okoye of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) emerged unopposed as Vice Chairman of the association.

He received a voice affirmation following a “Yes or Nay” session conducted by Patrick Ngwaogu, the Chairman of the SWAN Electoral Committee (SWANECO).

An elated Okoye told NAN that the people had spoken, adding that he was pleased and humbled by the massive support and affirmation by members of the association.

“As the saying goes, `the voice of the people is the voice of God` and so I humbly accept the mandate to serve and deploy all resources at my disposal to the service of this great association.

“I come as a breath of fresh air with a blend of youthful and positive energy. I am people-oriented and justice and equity are my watchwords“, he said.

He said he would work closely and assiduously with the incoming chairman of the association to uphold its constitution.

“We will ensure that our great association takes its rightful place in the comity of professional bodies in FCT.

“My intention is to hit the ground running from day one with a chairman who has a vision for our noble profession and one who is void of any form of prejudice, bias, sentiments or divisive tendencies.

“We will close ranks and mend fences with all stakeholders and to work towards achieving our set goals and achieve the SWAN of our dreams,” he said.

Other contestants who emerged unopposed also on Friday were; Sam Ahmadu (secretary) and Niyi Busari (financial secretary)

.Friday Joshua emerged as the newly elected Assistant Secretary as he polled 104 votes to defeat Nonso Arinzechukwu, who got 32 votes.

Joan Iwuchukwu was elected as a welfare officer after she polled 88 votes to beat Busayo Olowookere, who garnered 48 votes. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Victor Okoye

Musa Kida, the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), has appealed to the federal government to release funds early to enable D’Tigress prepare adequately for the Paris Olympics.

Kida made the appeal at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, qualified for the basketball event of the 2024 Olympics in Paris in February.

This is the third time D’Tigress will qualify for the Olympic Games, having also competed at the Athens 2004 and Tokyo 2020 editions of the tournament.

Kids said the federation had made plans to ensure that the team had adequate preparation ahead of the summer Olympic games in Paris.

He lamented that paucity of funds had hindered it from carrying out its activities seamlessly.

He said years of internal wrangling had cost the NBBF much in terms of sponsorship and funding, calling on the federal government to release funds early for the participation of the women’s team in Paris.

He said there were plans for three phases of camping for the Nigerian girls.

“There would be reparation camping in Nigeria and Ghana with the pool that we have within the country.

“The second camp will be in the U.S. for the people who are playing in the U.S. and the environments there and then the last part of the camp which would be for the selected team basically.

“So, we have three phases that we are looking at and I think with that kind of preparation, we do hope that our performance will be more outstanding than the last time we went to the Olympics,” he said.

D’Tigress have won the last four editions of FIBA Women’s AfroBasket championships, showing their dominance on the African continent.

He said there were also plans to bring in more players to make the team stronger ahead of the Games.

However, the NBBF boss hinted that there would be no massive overhauling of the technical crew of the team apart from a few technical assistants requested by the team’s coach, Rena Wakama.

NAN reports that the 2024 Olympics is billed for July 26 to Aug.11 in Paris. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Okon Okon, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Nigerian youths gaming addiction, especially football betting, has become source of worrisome to many parents, community leaders and others charged with the responsibility of grooming the young people into adulthood.

Nowadays, young Nigerians, on a daily basis, are seen at betting centres placing all kinds of bet on various football matches, sports personalities and sporting activities.

While many do it as a form of fun, others see it as means of putting food on their table.

However, whatever is the reason behind it, many observers say youth addiction to betting should be a source of concern to the society. Among adults, the challenge is betting addiction.

Approximately 66 per cent of Nigerians, according to data, have placed bets on a sporting event at least once in their lives. Online gaming is extremely popular and expanding quickly’’, says Betblog.

“Revenue in (Nigeria’s) Online Sports Betting market is projected to reach US$294.20m in 2024. Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate of 6.45%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$402.20m by 2029’’, according to Statista

Mr Magnus Ekechukwu, Deputy Director Public Affairs National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) says the commission is against underage participation in any lottery gaming.

Ekechukwu explained that the commission’s rules and law only permits people from 18 years and above to indulge in gaming, adding that the commission is also frowned at gaming addiction among even adults.

“Our law does not encourage underage game, gaming starts from age 18.

“The national lottery Act frowns at underage gaming, it’s in our law and the regulations of 2017 as amended and it has always been part of the guidelines given to the operators“, he said.

He said the commission, as part of measures to discourage betting addition and juvenile betting periodically undertakes campaigns in the media to educate the public on betting rules and regulation.

“The commission conducts checks on betting centres and, the guidelines the operators have directs them to only attend to people who are 18 years and above in any form of lottery and gaming.

“Also, the commission has been engaging in media campaigns through jingles against this underage gaming “, he said.

On addiction among adults, he said the commission had instructed the operators under what he called ‘Responsible Gaming’, to advise their clients or shut addicts out of their platforms.

“Addiction comes under what we call ‘Responsible Gaming’, so what we try to do is to direct our operators to also advise their players.

“If somebody is trying to put a certain amount and have the particular pattern of taking huge money into games very frequently, operators have the responsibility to probably shut the person off the platform.

“It should also investigate why such people are trying to spend so much on gaming or lottery or betting.

“So that way, they help to check people who are excessively indulging in betting, so that’s one of the ways to check responsible gaming,” Ekechukwu said.

According to him, there are sanctions by the commission on violators of rules among lottery operators.

“There are sanctions from the commission against the operators who violate the rules on underage gaming; it is something that the commission takes very seriously.”

Mr Layi Onafowokan, Managing Director, National Lottery Nigeria, said several factors such as economic hardship, unemployment, social pressures and peer influence, emotional escapism, and lack of awareness could push Nigerians to the act.

On measures to curtail this, Onafowokan said, was dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders, media, regulators, and the public could create a safer and more responsible gaming environment for everyone,

“It is important to acknowledge that while some Nigerian youths are drawn to betting, not all are addicted to it.

“As Managing Director of National Lottery Nigeria, I understand the concerns surrounding betting addiction and its potential effects on our younger generation.

“While National Lottery Nigeria operates ethically and responsibly within the legal framework, I believe tackling this challenge requires a collective effort”, he said.

Similarly, Mr Kenneth Pius, Manager BET9ja, said his betting firm was very strict in its operations as it would not in any way, allow persons less than 18 years into the betting premises.

Pius said that allowing young people below 18 years to participate in gaming is against the NLRC’s guiding rules.

“Based on the order from lottery commission, we don’t allow any child who is not up to 18 into this premises, let alone participating in betting games.”

According to him, the commission officials and even policemen visit their centres periodically to check their activities and ensure compliance to the laws guiding the gaming sector.

On addiction by adults, Kenneth said betting is a choice, adding that it was gamers, adults in particular, should control their appetite towards it.

Mrs Comfort Amah, a parent, explained that it was lack of jobs that pushed most Nigerians into gambling with the hope of making quick money.

Amah, nevertheless, advised youths to focus on their education, adding that they have more chances to make money in future after their education.

“It is a painful thing to me whenever I see these little ones who are supposed to be in school to study and even those who claim they are students hanging around betting premises.

“They are too young to be desperate for quick money’’, she said.

Mr Samuel Ndubisi, another parent, said Nigerians take to gambling due to lack of reasonable things to do or to invest to make money for a living.

“The main reason is because there’s no job in Nigeria. When there’s no job obviously youths will go into betting because it is like a game where they hope to get money from there.

“It is a way of living for many youths. When you invest small money like N50 for example and win up to N20, 000, you will be motivated to invest more in it.

“That`s one of the major reasons they are addicted to it, ” she said.

Ndubisi urged the government to intervene by providing better job opportunities and more skills acquisition centres for youths, adding that strict regulation of the industry would minimise addiction among adults. (NANFeatures)

**If used please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

By Aderonke Ojediran

The Federation (FA) Cup, a Nigerian domestic football tournament, with teams drawn from the 36 states and the FCT, has been renamed “The President Federation Cup”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the renaming ceremony, attended by the organisers and stakeholders, took place on Friday at the Westhood Hotel Ikoyi, Lagos State.

The tournament which began in 1945 as Challenge Cup and later renamed the Federation Cup will henceforth be known as `The President Federation Cup’.

The GTI Asset Management, strategic partners to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in partnership with the Ministry of Sports Development, jointly renamed the Federation Cup.

Sen. John Owan-Enoh, the Minister of Sports Development who applauded GTI Asset Management for taking on the responsibility of the cup, also urged stakeholders to focus on restoring the glory of the tournament.

He said: “Nigeria have a rich football history, optimised by prestigious competition like the Challenge Cup, which has captivated the nation since 1945 and renamed over the years.

“Today, we gather to relaunch it as The President Federation Cup. We didn’t call it Bola Ahmed Tinubu Cup, but we want this name to be timeless by using the highest office in the land.

“I am pleased with GTI Asset Management; by signing the agreement with GTI, we aim to re-establish the benefits of this partnership, developing the grassroots, creating employment for approximately 500,000 Nigerians engaging over 100,000,000 enthusiasts.”

The minister urged the private sector stakeholders to borrow a leaf from GTI and adopt a sport to enhance all round development in sports.

“With our enormous population, we all can’t play football, I want to urge all stakeholders to emulate what the GTI group is doing with football through the NFF and NPFL.

“Let’s use this medium to showcase Nigeria’s greatness globally, the President Federation Cup is one of president Tinubu’s legacy of championing Nigerian football,” he said.

Similarly, NFF’s President, Ibrahim Gusau, lauded the GTI group for daring to do the importance with Nigeria football.

“When I heard of the GTI initiative, I had to dedicate time, I was at their office for four hours and I asked all mind-boggling questions, they were able to give me answers.

“I applaud them for taking this on and I wish them success as they take on The President Federation Cup, to make it bigger and better,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports Development, Atinuke Watti, also appealed to stakeholders to focus more on goal driven collaboration in order to develop sports at the grassroots.

Abubakar Lawal, the Group Managing Director of GTI Asset Management, said signing the deal made him a happy man.

Lawal, who also applauded the minister and NFF’s president, pledged his unflinching support to football development in Nigeria.

“I’m the happiest man on the planet. I’d like to thank the minister for his believe in us, his support to ensure that this partnership happens. My gratitude also goes to Alhaji Gusau for creating time to listen to us and supporting us.

“Football has gone beyond entertainment; we are driving towards the business aspect of it. This is what will make our vision result-oriented. We want our leagues to be better for it and the result is evident even on our rating table; it’s not business as usual.

“The President Federation Cup is set to witness a revolution; history is about to be made and we are happy about it,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus

Kwara Government said it had commenced the renovation of the indoor Sports Hall of the state stadium at the cost of N2.06 billion.

The Executive Chairman of the State Sports Commission, Bola Mogaji disclosed this while addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Ilorin.

He said that Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq was determined to bring the stadium back to its standard, adding that the renovation would be completed in 12 months.

He said that when completed, the stadium will accommodate about 25 different sports.

Mogaji said previous administrations in the state had neglected the indoor sports hall for long, leading to its bad condition.

“Due to lack of maintenance, some of our athletes were being attacked by reptiles,“he said.

The chairman said that when completed, it will become a centre of tourism as local and international tournaments would be held there.

Mogaji assured that both state and National Sports Festival would be held inside the sports hall after completion of the renovation works.

He said that the state government was committed to take the youths out of the streets and make them have social value and benefit.

“The target is not aimed at financial gains or rewards only, but to make the youth shun drug, thuggery and hooliganism and be more useful to the state and themselves,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sports hall was constructed under the administration of retired Brig-Gen. Agbazika Innih in 1977. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Olanrewaju Akojede

The National Olympic Committee (NOC), says it obtained scholarships from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through its affiliate bodies, Olympic Solidarity and the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOCA).

The Public Relations Officer of NOC, Tony Nezianya, in a statement on Thursday in Lagos, disclosed that the scholarships were directly deposited into the athletes’ accounts.

He added that the selection process involved a complex but meticulous system that had evolved over the years by the Olympic Movement.

“The recommendations commence from the respective federations, continental and international federations.

“Athletes must meet specific criteria set out by awarding bodies to be considered eligible for the awards of scholarships.

“Once the awarding bodies process the funds, they, then, inform the National Olympic Committees about the athletes who will receive the scholarships.

“The NOCs, then, ensure that verified athletes’ accounts are provided for the funds to be dispatched,” he said.

Nezianya also said the athletes were expected to confirm receipt of their funds to both the NOCs and the awarding bodies.

“Deliberately spreading misinformation about such an important but complex matter without contacting the Custodians of the Olympic Movement in Nigeria shows a lack of knowledge and understanding of the movement.

“The NOC accredits all recommended athletes, who have met the minimum Olympic standards and qualifications to be in the Olympic Games and in this case, the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

“The Ministry of Sports Development pays the Athletes their dues and deserved allowances as and when due at Games times.

“Till date, there is no Nigerian athlete now or in the past known to the NOC that has ever complained about not being paid their Olympic Grant,” he said.

Nezianya added: “This is exactly what transpired in Ghana at the 13th African Games and the previous Games.

“We in the NOC are satisfied that the current Sports Minister, Sen. John Enoh, followed a transparent process in granting athletes and officials their allowances and winning bonuses.

“It is, therefore, disheartening to see esteemed organisations, promoting fake news, describing the NOC officials and those of the sports ministry as ‘incompetent’.

“This is a strong language easily associated with the ‘street’ media.

“In this modern era of journalism, there is no place for practices that aim at undermining a credible non-governmental organisation like the NOC through deliberate misinformation of the general public,” he concluded. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Vincent Obi