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*Chairman of Lagos State Chapter of SWAN, Debo Oshundun (Nigeria) Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Debo Oshundun, has described the series of recognition awards given by the illegal caretaker Committee set up by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria Incorporated , SWANI, as an act of desperation by the illegal caretaker Committee. Oshundun in a statement in Lagos , stressed that, the action of the illegal caretaker Committee giving out three quick Recognition Awards to prominent Lagosians without due process, showed clearly that, they are just out to get immediate gains and gifts from the awardees without the approval from the Lagos SWAN executive elected by the   c ongress   of the authentic Lagos SWAN   members. "It is out of place for the illegal SWANI Caretaker Committee to venture into giving three quick Recognition Awards to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Biodun Alabi, the Chairman, House Committe...

(Nigeria) Edo State Government has identified 14 sports for rebranding, as enjoyed by Edo Queens and Bendel Insurance Football Clubs, including Handball. The State Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu  disclosed this, while hosting Edo Dynamos Handball Team, which clinched the  3rd position in the just concluded National Division 1 Handball League. He praised the team for the hardwork and talent displayed during the championship. Shaibu noted that with the calibre of persons in the new Edo State Sports Commission, headed by ex-international  Nigerian high jumper, Mr.Yusuf Ali, Edo is poised to regain its number one position in  sports among the comity of States in Nigeria. According to the Deputy Governor: "we have identified 15 sports which we will immediately strengthen. We have started with football and just as we have done with Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens, we will rebrand these sports we have identified where we have competitive strength. Our plan is to...

*Late Dr. Emmanuel  Ojeagbase (Nigeria) Dr. Emmanuel  Ojeagbase, founder and executive chairman of Complete Communications Limited, publishers of Complete Sports newspapers, SuccessDigest and other online publications, has passed on to Glory. He died on February 26, 2022, in Atlanta, United States of America, USA, after a brief illness. He was 71 years. A statement by Mr Julius Ojeagbase for the family on Monday, said: “Dr. Ojeagbase hailed from Uzebba, Iuleha in Owan West of Edo State. Popularly known as Sunny Ojeagbase (or simply “S.O.”) before he added Emmanuel to his names, the late media entrepreneur broke into national consciousness as the pioneer publisher of sports news in Nigeria when he established Sports Souvenir weekly newspaper in 1984.  Before then, he was a retired soldier of the Nigerian Army who cut his teeth in sports journalism as a stringer at the Daily Times newspapers in the mid-1970s. Through s...

*Federal High Court, Abuja (Nigeria) A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a suit seeking to compel President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint a member from the Southeast geopolitical zone to the governing board of the National Lottery Commission. Justice Taiwo Taiwo held that the plaintiff, Mr. Chidiebere Nwachukwu, commenced the suit via a defective originating summons. Chidiebere, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/518/2021 filed through his counsel Oloruntoba Elisha, told the court that the governing board of the National Lottery Commission had two members each from the Northcentral and the Southwest geopolitical zones, leaving out the Southeastern geopolitical zone. He prayed the court for an order dissolving the composition/constitution of the National Lottery Commission's governing board by the President for being “in gross violation of sections 2(2) (C) of the National Lottery Act, 2005 and section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (As Amended). He further praye...

The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has begun the national training workshop for existing and aspiring young entrepreneurs based in the southern zones of Nigeria. This is keeping in line with some of the major programmes  lined up by the present administration and also fulfilling one of the many mandates of the Ministry. The programme, which has since commenced, will end on September 25, 2021. Themed 'Generate, Design and Write Bankable Business Plans.' The training aims to help increase the chances of young Nigerians in getting grants and accessing loans to expand their ideas, as well as attracting investors. It will teach the youth how to package their great ideas to attract the right kind of investors. The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development also revealed that there were many more training opportunities for youths to  become entrepreneurs in diverse fields, advising them to seize these opportunities by regularly visiting the official we...

*Sunday  Dare (Nigeria) The Minister of Youth and sports Development,  Mr Sunday  Dare has reiterated government's commitment  to minimising the risks to national security posed by rising youth unemployment and underemployment. The Minister disclosed in  Abuja during  the launch of the Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan, NIYEAP,  on Tuesday. According to him, the launching of the Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan was an expression of the commitment of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to continue to create an enabling environment to generate  about 3.7 million jobs annually to achieve national development goals, particularly, sustainable economic growth in the country. Youths he said, must and should be regarded as a viable investment that can yield positive benefits in all spheres of our socio-economic progress, rather than a group targeted for periodic empowerment interventions. The Minister stated that youth unemploym...

L-R: Nebeolisa Anako;  Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare;  Chairman Zinox Group,  Dr Leo Stan Ekeh; and CO- CEO Konga Group, Nick Imudia, during the signing  of MOU  between  Minister of Youth and Sports Development and the Konga Group in Abuja on Monday. (Nigeria) Minister  of Youth and Sports Development Mr Sunday Dare  has  canvassed  for an action implementation agenda for Youth in order to reposition  them for leadership role in the country. Speaking in Abuja on Monday  during the launch of  European  Union Youth Sounding  Board in Nigeria, the Minister  said the initiative  resonates with  the Ministry's  DEEL programme which  has led  to creating  new opportunities  for the youth population. "The Youth ate the leaders of tomorrow, but leadership stems from  engaging the leaders  today. I have seen the demands on our Youth, I hav...

(Nigeria) The Ministry  of Youth and sports Development on Monday signed a Memorandum of understanding  with BravoPoint International  Limited for the  Next Titan Television  programme  which would create employment opportunities  for  participants. Speaking during the signing ceremony  in his office,  the Minister said: "We are delighted  to go into strategic  partnership  with  Bravopoints,a partnership  that will accelerate  and deepen Youth development  in our country. Al ot of work has been done  to put the MOU together. We believe this is a bold step  forward  as we embark on the journey  to support our Youth. We believe this would also support SME, SMs and other  business  enterprise. Bravo point already has a programme  called the Next Titan which is like the Apprenticeship  Program where young   Enterprenuers, innovative youth are invited to t...

(Nigeria) The Federal Government has reassured that it will continue to harness youth potentials in the country with a view to enhancing sustainable economic growth and development. Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare according to a statement by Director, Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga, disclosed in Lagos on Sunday, at the closing ceremony of the six-week training on Economic Sustainability Plan, ESP, organised by the Ministry across the 36 states of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He said that deliberate and strategic investment in young people is required for the high percentage of the youth population in the country to become a demographic dividend. “When the youth are positively engaged, there will be a reduction in the indices of crime and delinquency, which are factors that are inimical to national development efforts,” Dare said. He stated that the approach of the Ministry has been the inclusion of youth em...

*Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare (Nigeria) With the increasing uptake  of technology as an enabler by a huge number in the younger generation, the innovative minds and skills of the youth will serve as the fuel for development. Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, who stated this, added that this year’s International Youth Day celebration offers the world an opportunity to again implement timely policies that will harness the innovative talents of the youth for development. According to the Minister, “Our world is increasingly technology driven by a youthful generation of brilliant and innovative minds who are daring and ready to discover new frontiers through innovation.  From fintech, to E-medicine, e-agriculture, solar energy systems, digital arts, digital marketing, robotics and artificial intelligence, the youth hold sway.” The theme for this years international youth day celebration is “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innova...

(Nigeria) Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has inaugurated the 2021/2022 Executive Committee of Enugu Sports Club led by John Nwosu. Governor Ugwuanyi, who is the President of Enugu  Sports Club, performed the exercise on Saturday at a colourful event held at the Club’s arena in GRA, Enugu. The event was attended by prominent members of the society such as the Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Edward Ubosi, Senator Victor Umeh, Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province (Anglican Communion), Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council, HRH Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Anambra State, Chief Valentine Ozigbo and Chief  Anayo Onwuegbu (Omeiheukwu), who chaired the occasion. Enugu Sports Club is an elite, private members' Club established in 1929 as a centre for relaxation and physical exercise through various outdoor and indoor games as well as a convivial atmosphere for intellec...

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN on behalf of President Buhari unveils Team Nigeria's 2020 Olympic Kit and attends the send forth ceremony for the athletes en-route the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games at the State House Banquet Centre, Abuja. (Nigeria) As Team Nigeria to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics prepares to leave the shores of the country, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has called on the team to replicate the performances of past Nigerian Olympians, noting that “you stand on the shoulders of giants.” Recalling the exploits of past Nigerian teams, the Vice President added that “you will also carry with you the encouragement of the great exploits of Nigerian Olympians before you.” Osinbajo stated this today at the send forth ceremony for Team Nigeria to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, at the Presidential Villa. The event also marked the formal handover of the Nigerian contingent to the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the unveiling of the team’s official outfit and kit. He reminded the ...

Representative of the Edo State Governor and Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu (left) and UFC Welterweight Champion, Kamaru Usman (right), when the governor received the UFC champion at the Government House in Benin City, on Wednesday. (Nigeria) Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, on Wednesday, received the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s Welterweight Champion, Kamaru Usman, also known as ‘the Nigerian Nightmare,’ who hails from Edo State. Receiving the UFC champion, who was accompanied by friends and family members, at the Government House, in Benin City, the governor reassured that his administration will sustain reforms and programmes to ensure that more young people in the state thrive and realise their potentials to the fullest. Obaseki, who was represented by his deputy, Philip Shaibu, said Kamaru Usman has made the state and country proud with his achievements, promising to collaborate with the welterweight Champion to make champions out of Edo youths. According to him, ...

(Nigeria) Delta State Government has congratulated the new President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, Tonobok Okowa, on his election and subsequent inauguration. The government, in a statement today by Mr Olisa Ifeajika, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, in Asaba, commended the AFN delegates for a peaceful poll that had given them a board to steer the ship of the federation which had been chequered in the last few years due to crisis. It urged the new president and his team to reach out to all aggrieved stakeholders to bring back peace to the body in the interest of development of the sport in the country. The government acknowledged that the delegates put premium on Okowa with their votes in recognition of his vast experience in sports development, and called on him to reciprocate the gesture by deploying his wealth of experience to take athletics in the country to a greater level. It particularly encouraged the new president of the sports body to build ...

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reinforced the importance of protecting the integrity of sport, while speaking at a special United Nations General Assembly event, highlighting the dangers of corruption. Invited to address a UN delegation, and stakeholder chiefs, President Infantino reiterated how good governance is critical to building sustainable, clean football for the whole world to enjoy. From robust financial reporting and safeguarding children, through to the relentless fight to combat match manipulation, FIFA remain committed to building a sustainable, safe sport that can become truly global.   “The new FIFA has learned from its past experiences, which showed how sport organisations can be severely impacted by corruption and rent-seeking behaviours of individuals,” the FIFA President explained, “unless appropriate checks and balances are fully in place, correctly implemented and frequently initiated.” It was also an opportunity for representatives of international ...

(Nigeria) The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development’s Nigeria Youth Investment Fund, NYIF, has disbursed loans to no fewer than 4,680 beneficiaries amounting to N1.31billion out of the first tranche of N12.5 billion. Director of Press in the Ministry, Mohammed Manga, in a statement on Sunday, said: “Latest report from NYIF partner, NIRSAL Micro Finance Bank, NMFB, showed that the beneficiaries who received the loans as at the end of April 2021 are spread across the country and critical sectors of the economy. “The beneficiaries have commended the Ministry for surmounting the initial challenges to make the disbursements possible. “Furthermore, the Ministry wishes to assure applicants that more disbursements will be achieved in the coming weeks to ensure that the objectives of the programme are achieved.”

(Nigeria) Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, has congratulated Enyimba International FC of Aba on their hard-fought victory over Orlando Pirates of South Africa last night. The last round of matches for the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup held on Wednesday, across the continent with Enyimba needing a win against Orlando Pirates at the Enyimba International Stadium to be sure of qualification for the quarter final stage. With heightened anxiety and probable ouster from the competition staring the Aba giants in the face as the game wore on, it took a moment of magic from Cyril Olisema to strike in stoppage time of 90+5 minutes to break the heart of the South Africans and ensure qualification for the Enyimba. Basking in the euphoria of the victory, Governor Ikpeazu took to his official Twitter handle, @GovernorIkpeazu to express his delight at the victory thanking God for 'His grace', the players for rising to the challenge, the supporters, the Nigerian Football...

(Nigeria) The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development  has cleared doubts about the disbursement  of the Youth Investment fund,  assuring that it was being done in phases. A statement   by the Director   of Press said, "The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has been following with interest the reaction of some beneficiaries of the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund, NYIF, particularly those expressing disappointment at the N300,000 cap on disbursement under the first tranche of N12.5 billion. “Firstly, the framework specified 250,000 as the maximum for individual and eligible businesses that are critical can access up to N3million subject to meeting key criteria set in the guideline and conditions. “Considering the number of applications received, there was need to ensure spread and enable more beneficiaries enjoy the facility. “It   is pertinent to state that the Ministry received over three million applications for the N12.5 billion that i...

(Nigeria) A Non-Governmental Organisation, National Youth Development Project, NYDP, is to partner Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, in organising a National Peace Football Tournament tagged “ALGON Peace Cup”. The National Coordinator of the organisation, Mr Bonaventure Chimee made this known at the inauguration of State Coordinators of NYDP in Abuja. Mr Chimee said the tournament which had been endorsed by the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, was to foster unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians most especially the youths. He stated that the tournament would also aim at discovering talented youths in the field of football. According to him, the move will go a long way in combating restiveness, crime and all forms of unpatriotic acts among Nigerian youths. “Anyone that is in the know will agree with me that the youth constitutes the bulk of our society. No one would dispute the fact that this awesome class of our population holds the very key to our...

(Nigeria) The Local Organising Committee, LOC, Edo2020 has just risen from another emergency meeting to review the Presidential intervention over financial crisis threatening the National Sports Festival. Ebomhiana Musa, Project Manager, Media and Communications in a statement on Thursday, said “At the end of the meeting presided over by the Chairman/Deputy Governor, Edo State, Philip Shaibu, the LOC decided that the games have to continue. “The LOC agreed that the Presidential intervention is a very strong and direct commitment which we must all respect, honour and take seriously. “We strongly believe and respect commitments from the Presidency. We take them by their words. It’s a strong message to us that they are strongly committed to redeeming their pledge to support us for the loses suffered arising from the three postponements of the games. “The LOC appreciates President Muhammadu Buhari, the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osibanjo, the Secretary to Government of the Federatio...