September 9, 2024

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Sports

16th IBB junior golf open: Enthusiasts call for sustainable future

By Victor Okoye

Some sports enthusiasts in Abuja have called for the consolidation of golf’s future in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was the main thrust at the 16th edition of the IBB Junior Golf Open at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

No fewer than 146 children are participating in the 16th edition of the IBB Junior Golf Open, which is being organised by the IBB Ladies Golf Section.

The championship, which teed off on Thursday, will end on Sunday.

A cross-section of sports enthusiasts who spoke to NAN on the sidelines of the ceremonial tee-off on Friday, said there was a need to ensure that golf development at the grassroots was sustained.

Sunday Dare, the former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, said that holding the 16th edition of the grassroots competition and sustaining it for such a long time was very commendable.

“It is such an important landmark. It is the 16th edition, which is very impressive. The key thing for me is ‘junior’ because I often say that the gold is in the child.”

He called on other sporting federations in the country to borrow a leaf from what was being done at the IBB Golf Club and organise more grassroots competitions.

“I think this is very important, and I am very supportive of this event. I hope several other sports in the country can organise junior, senior, amateur, and elite championships.”

Ibrahim Babayo, the Captain of IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, said the championship was very dear to the club, adding that the young ones represented the future of the sport.

“If we don’t develop these young talents, then there is no hope for the survival of the game in the country.”

Julie Donli, the Lady Captain of the Club, said the championship was one that involved children from all states of the federation, with no fewer than 146 kids participating.

“This year, we are lucky to have children from nine states and the FCT participate in this championship.”

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Illustration for Olympic Day Run
Features

Nigeria’s Olympics Flop: Talent migration and other matters arising

By Victor Okoye, News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN)

Before the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games commenced last Sunday at Stade de France, most of the members of Nigeria’s contingent to the World’s greatest sports show were already back to their bases or shopping in the City of Romance.

A total of 88 athletes featured across 12 sports for Nigeria at the Paris Olympic Games which held from July 26 to Aug. 11.

The events are, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Canoeing, Cycling, Football, Swimming, Table-tennis, Taekwondo, Weightlifting and Wrestling.

The Americans also won the most total medals with 126 to China’s 91, after winning 42 bronze medals as against China’s 24, both countries tied at 40 gold medals.

Team Nigeria had one of its worst performances since joining the Olympic movement as an independent country at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic. Zero gold. Zero silver. Zero bronze.

The embarrassing outing matched that of Mexico 1968, Moscow 1980, Seoul 1988 and London 2012. Even as a debutant in 1964 Nigeria won one bronze medal.

At Rio 2016 Nigeria managed one silver medal. Four years later in Tokyo, the country won one silver and one bronze. The glittering year was 1996 when Nigeria won two gold, one silver and one bronze medal.

At least nine African countries, including Kenya and South Africa won gold, but the “Giant of Africa” with over 200 million people returned empty handed.

This was in spite of over N12 billion released for this year’s Olympics, which is almost twice the amount budgeted for the entire Ministry of Science and Technology for 2024.

The Sports Minister had confirmed before the start of the Games that the Federal Government approved and released over N12 billion for Team Nigeria with N9 billion budgeted for the Olympics.

The remaining N3 billion is expected to cater for the Paralympics team, which will hold in the same city from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.

Sports analysts say many factors are responsible for Nigeria’s abysmal performance, including administrative shortcomings and poor talent management.

Nigeria had glimpses of success, but the hope was dashed as the athletes that carried the dreams of the sports loving country failed to shine.

Tobi Amusan did not make the final of the women’s 100 metres hurdles, in spite of the fact that she came into the Games as the world record holder.

Ese Brume finished fifth in the women’s long jump, while Blessing Oborududu suffered a painful defeat as she ended her contest in the women’s 68 kg wrestling event without a podium finish.

Hannah Reuben lost her Women’s Freestyle 76kg fight early Saturday to effectively put the country’s slim hope of making the podium to rest.

Mongolia’s Enkh-Amaryn Davaanasan defeated her 5-2 in the round of 16 tie, capping off the country’s worst Olympic outing since London 2012.

The female basketball team, the Tigress showed glimmers of hope after beating top teams, Australia and Canada to make it to the quarter final. But they came short against their U.S counterparts.

In addition to the abysmal performance, the country also dealt with a handful of controversies at the Games.

The most prominent was the exclusion of Favour Ofili from the women’s 100 metres race in spite of holding one of the best qualifying times.

Another was the revelation by Ese Ukpeseraye that she had to borrow a track bike from the German team to perform in the Keirin cycling event.

The administrative issues continued with athletes’ agitation over the disparity between the amount paid to the foreign-based athletes and their home-based counterparts.

Nigeria-based athletes who represented the country at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games demanded same training grants as their foreign-based counterparts

It was learnt that the foreign-based athletes were paid 5,000 dollars as their training grant for the Games, while their local counterparts got 1,000 dollars.

However, it was not all doom for Nigeria as Ofili became the first Nigerian to make the women’s 200 metres final in 28 years, while Samuel Ogazi also broke a 38-year jinx by making the men’s 400m final.

Also, Nigeria had three athletes- Brume, Ruth Usoro and Prestina Ochonogor in the women’s long jump final event.

Japan finished third with 20 gold, 12 silver and 13 bronze for a total of 45, while Australia came in fourth place with 18 gold, 19 silver and 16 bronze for a total of 53.

But no factor arguably counted more against Nigeria more than talent migration as while Nigeria won no medal, several athletes of Nigerian descent won laurels of different hues for their adopted countries.

Some of such athletes include: Yemisi Ogunleye (gold, Shot put, Germany), Samuel Omorodion, (gold, football, Spain), Michael Olise (silver, football, France), Anette Echikunwoke, silver, hammer throw U.S) and Barthélémy Chinenyeze, (gold, volleyball, France).

Others are: Salwa Eid Nasara (silver, Bahrain, 400 metres). She was formerly known as Ebelechukwu Agbapuonwu and performed at the 2013 School Sports in Port Harcourt and the National Youth Games in Ilorin, Femi “Bam” Adebayo (gold, U.S. basketball, men).

There was also Rasheed Adeleke, Republic of Ireland. Though she did not have a podium finish at the Olympics she has been an Irish national record holder. Ayomide Folorunsho competed for Italy in the women’s 400m.

Similarly, Saheed Idowu competed in the Table Tennis event wearing the colours of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Out of these seven athletes who won medals, the story of Echikunwoke was the most touching as it was reported that she was set to compete for Nigeria way back at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics before switching her allegiance to the U.S.

Echikunwoke could have competed in green and white, but for administrative oversight by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Instead, the 28-year-old became the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in the hammer throw event.

The AFN had failed to comply with a rule which requires athletes to undergo three out-of-competition tests within a 10-month period before a major event.

Echikunwoke said she had provided her whereabouts to the AFN six times in that timeframe, but no-one came to test her in the USA.

Indeed, Echikunwoke’s story is just one amongst many of such Nigerian athletes who chose to migrate to other foreign countries for one reason or the other.

Some have had to endure and put up with such nonchalant attitude and negligence of the Sports Ministry, Athletics Federation of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).

A case in point is that of Nigerian athlete Favour Ofili who expressed her disappointment and frustration after being omitted from the 100m Women’s event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

This unpardonable exclusion has been attributed to the negligence of both the AFN and the NOC. Ofili took to Instagram to voice her frustration.

Ofili later competed in the 200m race but ended up with a disappointing sixth place in the final.

Sports Minister, John Owan-Enoh, had pledged to implement severe actions to make amends and assuage the anger of the sports fraternity.

In a statement on his official X account, Enoh expressed strong dissatisfaction with the AFN and the NOC for their mishandling of the registration process.

Enoh criticised the negligence, declaring it unacceptable and promising that those responsible would face sanctions after a thorough investigation.

Why do Nigerian elite athletes easily accept nationality switch?

Analysts say first among the list is the search for better facilities and training opportunities. Foreign countries may offer superior training facilities, coaching, and support staff, giving athletes a competitive edge.

Unfortunately, Nigeria’s sports system faces challenges like inadequate funding, poor facilities, and administrative issues, driving athletes to seek opportunities elsewhere.

There is also the issue of financial incentives as some countries offer attractive financial packages, scholarships, or sponsorships to athletes, which can be a significant draw.

Citizenship and residency requirements are also factors as athletes may have dual citizenship or residency in another country, making it easier to represent that nation.

Last, but not least is the Olympic eligibility rules whereby the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allows athletes to switch nationalities under certain conditions, making it possible for Nigerians to compete for other countries even after competing under green-white-green.

It’s indeed a complex issue with various factors contributing to their decisions. However, it is essential to acknowledge the athletes’ personal choices and decisions while also addressing the underlying issues in Nigeria’s sports system.

Sports Entrepreneur and Chairman Gombe State Athletics Association, Ahmed Gara-Gombe, says there is need for an overhaul starting with the sack of Sports Minister.

Gara-Gombe told NAN that Tinubu should also impose serious sanctions on the NOC President, Habu Gumel and the AFN president, Tonobok Okowa as a deterrent for negligence.

“The negligence, inefficiency, and the corruption that have eaten deep into Nigerian Sports are the root cause of this.

Godwin Bamigboye, the National Coordinator of the Association of Football Administrators in Nigeria (AFAN) said the sports federations were poorly funded and managed.

Bamigboye said politics was allowed to prevail over common sense and merit in appointments to federation boards, excluding the passionate.

“The worst is the appointment of novices as sports ministers. The fault lies at the door of the Presidents since 1999.

“They use sports to reward politicians instead of appointing capable administrators. This does not need money, just wisdom.

“President Bola Tinubu can return Nigeria to its halcyon days. In the Barcelona ’92 Games, Nigeria had two finalists in the men’s and one in the women’s 100m.

“With 7.12m, Chioma Ajunwa gave Nigeria its first athletics gold at Atlanta ’96. The U23 team beat Argentina to the gold in the ’96 Games and silver medal at Beijing 2008,” he said. (NANFeatures)

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

Sports

One Year on: Appraising sports infrastructure under Tinubu’s Administration

 

A News Analysis by Olanrewaju Akojede

President Bola Tinubu came to power on May 29, 2023 on the wave of ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda – a wavelength different from his predecessor’s ‘Change’ mantra.

The President inaugurated a 45-man Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Aug. 21, about 84 days after his inauguration, to tinker on promises made to the electorate which ensured his victory at the Feb. 25, 2023 elections.

Thereafter, Sen. John Owan-Enoh became the Minister of Sports Development in FEC after Sunday Dare’s tenure.

The choice of Owan-Enoh (58) – an accomplished educationist and politician – was greeted with a lot of mixed feelings by sports enthusiasts who weighed in on many grounds, especially on the background of the new minister.

Some, who saw him as someone lacking in sports administration, alleged that he had no direct or indirect technical know-how to handle a sector that many believed had suffered from several years of neglect.

They also argued that he could be another neophyte or greenhorn that, would, arguably, further slowdown the development of sports in Nigeria.

However, some people viewed the appointment of a neutral person in the mold of the Cross River-born politician as ‘a breath of fresh air’ for Nigerian sports.

True to his calling, the University of Calabar graduate of Sociology, appraised the enormous tasks ahead of him and swung into action.

Few days after his appointment, he visited some of the national sports infrastructure including the 62-year-old national stadium, Surulere and similar facilities in Abuja and Ibadan.

Perhaps Owan-Enoh, who knew that his background included no previous expertise in active sports or sports administration, resolved to work smart by familiarising himself with the sports terrain.

Expectedly, Owan-Enoh is faced with a myriad of problems that have continually plagued the sports administration in Nigeria.

Many stakeholders regard sports administration in the country as corruption and mismanagement prone.

In their estimation, other hydra headed issues including corruption in Nigerian sports had indeed made it almost impossible to get the system working.

Corruption can affect private sponsorships and willingness of well-meaning investors to leverage on their financial muscle to boost sports development.

These are majorly some of the issues that Owan-Enoh needed to address to improve the performance of Nigerian athletes at the local and international levels.

Nigerian sports as it were, needed strategic plan document, identification of specific challenges, major governance and enabling environment for critical sports infrastructure to thrive.

Owan-Enoh during his visit to the National Stadium, Surulere, openly wept over the abandoned facility.

He also expressed worry on what could have been responsible for the abandonment of facilities at the once national treasure.

He also saw that the facilities there had been abandoned for periods stretching to about 20 years.

Owan-Enoh, who could not hide his emotion over the sorry state of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, said, ”I weep for this place, I earnestly weep.”

He went from the entrance to the main bowl, the hostel, boxing, wrestling, para sports and athletics gyms and shook his head in disapproval of the state of rottenness in the stadium.

He assured that within a short period, President Tinubu’s administration would prioritise the facelift of the iconic sports infrastructure.

”This should not be the symbol of our sports in a city referred to as a sports city,” he said.

He also promised to bring back the glory of the facility, once touted as the pride of Africa.

According to Owan-Enoh, the maintenance of the facilities is necessary to avoid the mistakes of the past that resulted in the decadent infrastructure.

He said, ”We must be careful and make something happen quickly, so that the facilities we have working, don’t fall into the same sorry state of shame.”

He stressed President Tinubu’s commitments to sports development, adding that the President would continually give his support to sports, at all times.

Promises were made in the past to bring back the glory of the National Stadium, Surulere, but such promises did not materialize, especially with the experience from the former Sports ministers – Solomon Dalung and Sunday Dare.

Dalung, during his time, made frantic efforts at concessioning the National Stadium, Surulere when the then Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, made efforts to get the stadium to be under the control of the state government.

While the details of the negotiations were not made public, it remained to be seen what eventually went wrong and why the deal failed to materialise after a much publicity and state visits.

After Dalung came the immediate past minister, Dare, who also assured that there would be the political will needed to fix the National Stadium, Surulere.

Dare, during his visit to Lagos then, assured that there would be a departure from the previous neglect and lack of political will to fix the abandoned National Stadium all over the country.

During his one-day working visit to the National Stadium, Lagos, Dare said that the stadium’s reinstatement was among his three-point agenda.

Accompanied by bigwigs in the sports circle such as the Chairman, Nigeria Women League, Aisha Falode and other directors in the ministry of sports, he decried how a space once used for 1973 All African Games was neglected for more than 16 years.

He said that the ministry’s agenda for sports development in Nigeria would be in three key areas – facilities maintenance, upgrade and management.

Dare said that his working visit to the stadium was to have a holistic assessment of the stadium with a strong political will to fix it.

”Let me say that my coming here is not for ritual sake, I came with a renewed instruction from the President Muhammadu Buhari who gave the assignment.

”There is political will on the part of the president this time to make sure that national monuments like this are not neglected.

”For this, we will find out an option at which we can restore back to glory Nigeria as a football nation.

”We should have up to 10 or 12 international standard stadium and pitches up top FIFA standard. So, there is a renewed political will to restore the stadium,” he said.

Dare further disclosed that a Public Private Partnership (PPP) to bring back the stadium would not be jettisoned, adding that holistic assessment would be given to the facilities.

”My work is to inspect and provide the right advice from a professional standpoint. I will be working in conjunction with experts from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the youth ministry.

”I hope that the arrangement with the Federal Government and Lagos state Government will come and we are also looking at Public Private Partnership (PPP) for a model to evolve and put the facility back,” he said.

In spite of the promises made, no meaningful impact was made towards recreating the glory days of the National Stadium, Surulere. The decay endured.

Dare also embarked on demolishing what he referred to as shanties attached to various structures in the facility.

Traders and hangers-on, who loiter the facility were dislodged, ostensibly to attract investors that never came.
During the back-and-forth, a major disaster occurred in the National Stadium, Surulere, which led to its closure by the minister.

Since then, things have not remained the same with the facility. However, the present sports administration under Owan-Enoh needed to go beyond mere promises.

Some stakeholders in the sports community told NAN that immediate action should be taken to revamp the moribund sport infrastructure.

Howbeit, the past administration was unable to effectively address in its two-term tenure, the resuscitation of the stadium. There is now an urgent need to put words to actions.

A significant feature of the strategic plan is to specify the magnitude of the tasks involved and face it.

Some sports enthusiasts and icons are also not impressed with the slow pace in bringing back to life the sports city in Lagos.

Some amateur boxers including the General Secretary, Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) also called for the rehabilitation of the aging gymnasium (gym) at the stadium.

They urged the relevant authority to address the deplorable state of the 63-year-old facility being one of the oldest boxing gyms in Nigeria.

Several boxers, who competed for Nigeria at local and international levels, trained at this facility.

An on-site visitation to the weather-beaten facility showed that, apart from the blown off roof, shattered windows and a septic tank that had caved in, toilets seats at the gym were either broken or in bad shape.

Being the only gym available at the facility, the deplorable state of the boxing gym had, no doubt, affected athletes training needs.

Sunday Usman, an amateur boxer, who described the gym’s current condition as an eye sore, also alleged that it was ‘out of use for the past few years’.

Another amateur boxer, Clement Bassey, said that, notwithstanding the fact that the love for boxing had sustained him as an athlete, the present state of the gym was a discouragement.

“Training under this condition is harsh and discouraging; sometimes whenever it rains, the whole gym will be flooded because the roof has been blown off.

“Some of the boxers don’t even like coming here, except when they have an appointment with the national coach at the stadium,’’ he said.

The General Secretary of the NBF, Oladapo Akinyele, also appealed for an urgent fixing of the dilapidated facility.

“Of course, this is where we train and we have to manage it. Some of the boxers who went for the Olympics qualifiers in Thailand trained here.

“It is in a sorry state, the roof has been blown off. Many times I provided some palliatives by buying some nylon cover for the ceiling, but they are constantly blown away by winds.

“We need to give the present government a chance to steadily address this problems because they are inherited ones. Am sure that the Minister of Sports Development will soon address the problem.

“The Minister cares a lot about boxing especially with our good outings during the last African Games in Ghana,’’ he said.

A Sport journalist, Femi Adepoju, also told NAN that the long neglect remained a national tragedy, “It is such an embarrassment that we cannot maintain the national stadium.

“All over the world, there are local clubsides that are maintaining bigger sports infrastructure, not to talk of a state-owned facility.

“A certain Anfield Stadium is being maintained by Liverpool FC of England; Emirates Stadium is owned and maintained by Arsenal; Turf Moor by Burnley; Stamford Bridge by Chelsea FC and so on.

“I don’t believe that we can’t manage those stadia, the political will is not just there.’’

Having spent a year in office, the Sports circle have achieved much especially in tandem with promises made.

As we celebrate the first-year anniversary of this administration, there is need for us to remind the Sports Minister that promises made during his visit to the sports facilities in Lagos must be fulfilled.

The specifics of the decay in the national stadium is distressing, requiring urgent reconstruction work sponsored either by private firms, consortiums or the government.

Sub-national governments own football, basketball, volleyball, handball, and hockey teams (male and female in some cases) with scarce resources.

National sports infrastructure should not be allowed to live on past glory.
Sports enthusiasts are of the opinion that if we must erect new standard facilities to promote sports, due attention must also be given to the existing ones as well. (NANFeatures)

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

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

Defence/Security

Physical training critical to military’s operational readiness – CDS

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says sporting activities help to sharpen the physical fitness, mental alertness and skills of military personnel to ensure combat readiness.

Musa said this on Friday in Abuja at the Inter-Command Combat Sports Competition organised by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of the activities to commemorate its 60th Anniversary.

He said the security challenges confronting the nation had made the armed forces to continue to evolve joint training with emphasis on physical training and sports.

He said the sportsmanship exhibited during the keenly contested activities gave credence to the premium placed on sports by the armed forces towards enhancing the combat readiness of personnel.

“It is my belief, therefore, that the continuity and sustainability of this level of training and competition, coupled with the equipping of the armed forces, the armed forces will develop the required capacity to overcome these challenges.

“The Nigerian Air Force no doubt places high premium on sporting activities through the annual ten kilometer walk, route matches, annual fitness test programme and the just concluded combat sports.

“This effort certainly underscored the value the service has given to the physical and mental health of its personnel.

“I encourage you to sustain your drive for personal development, taking cognizance of the fact that human capital remains the most critical component of any organisation, as many studies have shown,” he said.

The CDS congratulated the participants for the display of resilience and spirit of sportsmanship.

He added that the personnel that participated in the combat sports exhibited sacrifice, discipline, self control, team spirit, tenacity, physical and moral courage, as well as the zeal to win.

According to him, these are the same values that are needed to navigate the armed forces and the wider society through tough and difficult times.

“As Nigeria passes through this defining moment in its history, our armed forces is required more often than ever before to deliver on its constitutional mandate of securing our dear country.

“I enjoy you all, therefore, to sustain and improve upon the ideals which you have displayed this evening,” he added.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said having sound physical and mental health was imperative for the armed forces in discharging their constitutional responsibilities.

Abubakar said active participation in sports enabled the personnel to keep physically fit while providing the much-needed outlet to cope with the rigours of military duty.

He added that sports provided a basis for the teamwork needed for troops to function with the necessary cohesion during peacetime military engagements and combat operations.

“As we all know, warfare is a gruelling experience and the ability to advance long distances with full combat gear through rugged terrains and to fight effectively require strength, agility and stamina from troops.

“This can only be conditioned through combat sports and rigorous physical fitness training.

“Hence, active participation in combat sports helps to provide both physiological and psychological benefits that reduce stress, illness and injuries, especially during operations.

“Accordingly, physical fitness and mental alertness of personnel have become key considerations for the armed forces to meet the increasing demands of current and emerging threats,” he said.

The CAS said NAF had continued to prioritise the participation of its personnel in sporting activities to enhance the standard and quality of sports and sporting facilities in bases to improve the overall health, well-being and morale of personnel.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sporting event comprised combat sports, relay races, casualty evacuation race, tug of war, archery and invitation races, amongst others.

The various NAF Commands such as Tactical Air Command, Ground Training Command, Air Training Command, Special Operations Command, Logistics Command, Mobility Command and NAF Headquarters teams competed.

While the NAF Headquarters emerged the overall winner, the Ground Training Command came second and the Logistics Command came third. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

Sports

Nigerians must unite to fight banditry, terrorism – Chief of Defence Staff

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

General News

42 schools set to participate in Association’s sports carnival

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Unity Schools Old Student Association (USOSA) is gearing up to host its second sports carnival, with the aim of fostering nationhood, unity, and social cohesion.

The President General, Michael Magaji announced during a news conference in Abuja that a golf tournament has been included in the competition to support the elderly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2024 theme of the sports carnival is tagged:” Reigniting Unity in Diversity ”.

Magaji said that the carnival, which would commence from April 22 and end on April 27, had drawn about 42 schools to participate in 14 games competitions.

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

“The sports carnival is part of our ‘project unite’ and this will look at the wellness, health, careers and different components of living.

“The carnival will bring together 3,000 USOSANS and 2,000 non-USOSANS. We are doing this to situate sports for nation building,” he said.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the carnival, Mr Mohammed Mustapha, in a remark, said the association was working toward reviving sporting activities across schools in the country.

Mustapha urged sports stakeholders and other concerned Nigerians to collaborate in leveraging sports for national upliftment.

He also announced that there would be no age restrictions in the various sports competitions, which include badminton, volleyball, tug of war, sack race, and veteran race, among others.

(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Defence/Security

DEPOWA School holds maiden inter-house sports competition

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) on Tuesday, held the maiden edition of its Daycare Nursery Primary and Secondary School Inter-House Sports competition to support development of sports among children.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sports competition featured Alphabet Game, Filling the Basket, Egg and Spoon Race, 100m Sack Race, Football, 100m Race, Relay Race and Match Past.

The houses named after the five associations that constitute DEPOWA include NAOWA House, NOWA House, NAFOWA House, POWA House and DEPOWA House.

POWA House came top with 85 points; NAOWA House came second with 70 points; NAFOWA House came third with 64 points; NOWA House came 4th with 63 points while DEPOWA House came last with 52 points.

Schools of other sister associations were also invited to participate in the competition.

In her remarks, the President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, expressed delight that the school had come of age and able to put up such competition event for children to showcase their sporting talents.

Musa said the idea of the inter-house sports competition was to promote healthy competition, teamwork, and sportsmanship among students.

She said that various schools were intentional in organising sporting event as a way of encouraging physical activity and healthy habits as well as school spirit.

According to him, other important benefits of inter-house sports competition are that it teaches important life skills such as perseverance and how to work for common goal; above all, it is a day of fun for our children.

“From the proceedings so far today, I have no doubt that the pupils and students of DEPOWA Daycare, Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools are thoroughly enjoying themselves.

“I am truly moved and inspired by the incredible performances of these young athletes as they showcase their sporting talents, compete with each other and interact with one another, in atmosphere of joy and happiness.

“Beyond the wins, medals and accolades, what truly stands out to me is the sportsmanship that pervaded our school community in the course of this event.

“We witnessed moments of triumph, moments of near misses and even moments of defeat but what defined the entire moment is the atmosphere of mutual respect and support among competitors.

“This is a testament to the values instilled in our school – values of integrity, respect and fair play,” she said.

DEPOWA president congratulated the pupils and students for their hard work, perseverance and unwavering commitment to excellence from the track to the field events.

She also commended the teachers for their dedication and tireless efforts, which she said, was instrumental in shaping the athletic abilities, character and leadership qualities of the students.

The Acting Commandant of DEPOWA School, Maj. Samuel Buzugbe, thanked the DEPOWA President for approving the inter-house Sports, describing her as an exceptional leader impacting lives in various ways.

Buzugbe said that Mrs Musa had participated in various physical training exercises and as such, understood the benefits on the overall health performance of humans.

He said the competition was one in the lists of various extra-curricular activities organised for learners thereby providing them with opportunities to engage in healthy competitions, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and promote physical fitness and well–being.

According to him, sport competition helps to build learners’ sportsmanship and resilience as they worked together with their housemates, support each other and learn to graciously accept defeat and celebrate success with humility.

“In general, sports helps to unite people of diverse culture, ethnicity, religion and different strata of life to set aside their individual differences thereby enjoying maximum interactions, feelings as well as sense of humour that comes with sport,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/IAA

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Health , Sports

Sports, instruments to boost skills of PWDs – Lawyer

 

By Lilian U. Okoro
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Tunde Alara, has identified sporting activities as instruments that boost the social skills, physical fitness and mental well-being of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Alara, represented by  Alara Oluwasegun, a Lawyer, made the assertion at the 17th Edition Inter-house Sports of the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inter-house sports featured many activities including march-past, egg race, sack race, fishing game, blind folding race, fill-in-the-bottle and fill-in-the-basket game.

Other activities featured in the inter-house sports included walking race, 50 and 100 metres race for boys and girls from some selected special schools across Lagos State.

The children were grouped into four different houses/teams comprising Ivory house in blue colour, NSIA house in yellow colour, Opeodu house in red colour and Somolu house in green colour.

Alara, who was the Chairman of the occasion, said that the inter-house sports was a means of portraying awareness and total inclusion of persons with disabilities in the society particularly those with down syndrome.

According to him, sports is a therapeutic procedures for psychological and mental development, saying that the programme serves as a means of giving people with disabilities a sense of belonging.

He, therefore, urged the public to shun all forms discrimination/stigmatisation against PWDs and incorporate them into the society because they were also humans created by God.

“The essence of the the inter-house sports activities is to boost the self esteem, social skills, physical fitness, psychological and mental well-being of the children.

“The society needs to stop discriminating people with disabilities; they should be given that sense of belonging because we are all human,” he said.

Speaking, the National Coordinator of DSFN, Mrs Nike Dennis, said the inter-house sports was one of the activities used by the Foundation to mark the World Down Syndrome Day celebrated annually on March 21.

Dennis said it was also an opportunity for the children to showcase their talents and abilities.

According to her, lack of adequate sport facilities has been a major challenge facing the programme for long now, having being in existence over 15 years ago.

Dennis, therefore, called on parents, organisations, philanthropists and governments to assist with provision of basic sporting facilities and sponsorships to aid development of the programme, which had made enormous impacts on the lives of people with down syndrome.

 

Also, Mr Joseph Obah, Chairman, Board of DSFN, said that the programme was an indication that people with down syndrome could participate in various sports activities as well as all endeavours of life.

According to him, the inter-house sports has made massive impacts in the lives of children with down syndrome, saying that it has produced athletes that have participated in international Olympics.

“The children were grouped into four different houses/teams; which is way of encouraging team work spirit, unity and togetherness among them,” he said.

Obah, therefore, called for total inclusion of young adults with down syndrome in the society particularly in the workforce.

He said that their rights should be protected like every other human being in the society.

“With their performance today, it shows that there is nothing they cannot do.

“People with down syndrome need to be integrated into every aspects of life particularly into the workforce to enable them contribute to economic development.

“That is why we are clamouring for equity and inclusion of all because we all have equal rights.

“Let no one be left behind, not even people with disabilities,” Obah said.

Also, Moyosore Ijaye, a down syndrome person, expressed satisfaction and excitement over the inter-house sports activities.

Ijaye said the programme gave him the opportunity to exercise and display his talents, saying that he participated in march-past, walking race and many other activities featured in inter-house sports.

According to him, he looks forward to seeing and participating in more activities of this kind in the future.

Somolu house in green colour emerged the overall winner of the game with six gold medals, six silver medals and one bronze.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Defence/Security

CDS pledges to restore glorious days of military in sports

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has promised to restore the glorious days of the Nigerian military of winning trophies in international sports competitions.

Musa gave the assurance at the closing of the 8th General Assembly of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), on Friday in Abuja.

He said it was common knowledge that the armed forces had in the past brought athletic glory to their respective countries through their participation and trophies won in international athletic events.

The CDS said the military under his watch would use the platforms provided by OSMA and Council of International Military Sports (CISM) sporting competitions, Olympics, Commonwealth, All African and Invictus Games respectively.

“Since my assumption of office as the CDS of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, I found sports as one of the veritable tools in our non-kinetic efforts in tackling the multidimensional threats in our dear country.

“Further to that, I also envisioned that the promotion of sports is a vital medium to enhance unity and cooperation among members of the armed forces, our families and the general populace.

“This, is as enshrined in my leadership concept which focus on the people centric approach.

“In my leadership concept, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have also started a sports recovery program through the Invictus Program Foundation for our Wounded, Injured and Sick Soldiers to manage Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

“Based on this, we are gradually observing positive behavioural and mental changes among those involved or influenced through the medium of sports,’’ he said.

Musa thanked the participating countries in the OSMA General Assembly, Abuja 2024 for re-electing the Nigerian Army’s Maj.-Gen. Abdullahi Maikano to continue as the OSMA President for another term.

According to CDS, the event was aimed at fostering the existing cordial relationship among the various armed forces in Africa.

He said the event came at a time when good working relationship between African countries was ultimately required to overcome the security challenges facing the continent.

He added that the ability and the capacity of OSMA to nurture bond could never be overemphasised, adding that citizens would be the ultimate beneficiaries of the collaboration in all spheres.

“Going further, the Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to protect the excellent relationship with all African countries.

“I have no doubt in my mind that by building bridges of understanding through sports diplomacy, Africa will be better for it,’’ he said.

The President of OSMA, Maj.-Gen. Abdullahi Maikano, said that sport was one of the non-kinetic methods of military operation through participation by other civilians.

Maikano said the aim of developing CISM and OSMA was to bring all the officers and soldiers together for the common good of all in sport rather than in the field of war.

He said the delegates from 30 African countries, re-elected for another term of four years during the general assembly.

According to him, that is an indication of the confidence they have in Nigeria and pledged not let them down.

He thanked the CDS and service chiefs for their support to OSMA as well as the delegates for their commitment to the organisation and attendance to the general assembly event in Nigeria.

The Chief of Nigerian Delegation and Director of Sports, DHQ, AVM Abidemi Marquis, said it was historical that a Nigerian was occupying the headship of OSMA for two terms.

Marquis said the attendance of 30 nations at the event in the country came at a time when Nigeria was changing the narrative about its security situation.

He the Nigerian military was fully prepared to host the upcoming African military games in November, adding that about 3000 athletes and officials were being expected.

President, International Military Sports Council (CISM). Col. Nilton Rolim, expressed confidence in the future of Africa in international military sports.

Rolim said the activities of OSMA were inspiring for other countries to follow, adding that the hosting of the second African Games in Nigeria was an important step forward.

According to him, the leadership from Nigeria is expected to lead them to achieve their goals through sport. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Defence/Security

Army harps on training, sports to enhance combat efficiency

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to enhance the combat readiness and efficiency of its personnel through sports and physical training.

Lagbaja said this on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the Nigerian Army Combat Sports Coaching and Officiating Clinic 2024.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was organised by the Directorate of the Army Physical Training (DAPT).

Represented by the Deputy Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, the COAS explained that the purpose of the clinic was to give army coaches and athletes the required resources and techniques needed to improve their skills.

He said it was also to make them win laurels for the army and professional competence that would translate to troop’s combat efficiency in the field.

He added that the training was in line with the actualisation of his Command Philosophy, which is to “transform the NA into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.”

Lagbaja said he had directed that all training and sporting activities in Training Year 2024 should focus on those events with relevance to kinetic.

He added that the directive was geared towards emphasising the professional conduct of military operations aimed at addressing the security challenges nationwide.

”I am glad to observe that the DAPT has made appreciable efforts to deliver on this mandate.

”In spite of the focus on events with impact on kinetic operations, the directorate under the direction of Army Headquarters Department of Training has continued to innovate training activities to enhance the capacity and performance of our sportsmen in all aspects.

”Accordingly, the initiative by the DAPT on the novel idea of a combined coaching and officiating clinic in the Training Year 2024 is commendable.

“It is sequel to this, that I approved the conduct of this second edition.

“I am aware that, the clinic is aimed at building the capacity of army coaches and sportsmen in combat events on modern fighting and scoring techniques, which engender excellence in national and international combat sports competitions,” said Lagbaja.

He reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s support to the Nigerian Army towards ensuring remarkable success in all its operations within the country.

The Acting Director, Directorate of Army Physical Training, Brig.-Gen. Abdulrahim Bello, said the essence of the clinic was to build more capacity that would invariably improve troops’ combat efficiency in the field.

Bello said the importance of training and adequate knowledge of combat was essential for success in sport activities.

According to him, “this clinic was organised to ensure the Nigerian Army coaches and athletes are given the required additional training in line with international best practice.

”It is expected that all participants of this clinic will make maximum use of this opportunity as the onus will rest on you to justify the trust and confidence reposed in you.”

He thanked the COAS for providing the required funds and enabling environment for the smooth conduct of the training.

Meanwhile, in an interview with NAN, the representative of COAS, Etsu-Ndagi, said training was critical to the operations of the Nigerian Army.

He said training in the army included training with equipment and weapons as well as training without weapons.

He noted that there could be occasions when the troops might have to fight it out with the adversary face to face, or eyeball to eyeball.

According to him, all combat sports training such as coaching and officiating clinic seek to enhance the capacity of the trainees to slug it out with the adversary, even if they don’t have their weapons with them.

”Sports is a physical activity and operation is also a physical activity. So, training in sports is a way you can actually build the stamina, endurance and fitness of trainees to be able to face combat.

”You will agree with me that through sporting events, personnel will be able to maintain the appropriate body mass index to engage in combat activities,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Salif Atojoko

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