Sports
Dare moves to fast track implementation of National Sports Industry police
***meets Federation secretaries
In a bid to fast track the immediate commencement of the full implementation of the National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP), the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has met with Sports Federation Secretaries
Director of Press and Public Relations Muhammed Manga in a statement quoted the minister at the meeting which was held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, to have informed the Secretaries that with the approval of the policy by the Federal Executive Council, the funding and control of sports development will be handled by both the private and public sectors.
“Henceforth, the funding and control of sports development going forward will be 50-50 between the private sector and government”, he said
Dare explained that the new policy will thrive on 3 ‘i’s, infrastructure, incentives and investment.
To this end, he added, “Football, basketball, table tennis, hockey and all other games will no longer be for recreation alone, but for business as well as recreation”.
The Minister who noted that no Industry can thrive without investment, stated further that through the policy, a lot of investments can be attracted into the sports sector.
He said that will not only contribute to the socio-economic development of the country but also create an opportunity for our teeming youth to showcase their sporting talents as well as compete favourably with their counterparts globally.
Dare expressed optimism that the policy will open up access to grants for athletes, stressing that already, an independent athletes welfare fund has been set up which will be ceded by the government to cater for athletes’ wellbeing.
While emphasising that government will have zero tolerance for anything untoward among athletes, he assured that a disclaimer will immediately be issued on any athlete found wanting. The Minister therefore called on them to refrain from any practice capable of denting the image of the nation.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar thanked the Federal Executive Council and President Muhammadu Buhari in particular, for approving the National Sports Industry policy, explaining that with its implementation, Nigerian sports industry will witness a boom in the shortest possible time.
He assured that the Ministry will create an enabling environment for the full implementation of the Policy and therefore called on the Secretaries to support the efforts of the Federal Government to give the Sports Industry a face-lift by taking right steps to achieve full implementation of the Policy.
***Urges Super Eagles To Go For Gold
By Friday Idachaba Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has applauded the Super Eagles of Nigeria on their Wednesday night triumph over Bafana Bafana of South Africa and qualification for the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Ododo who gave the applaud in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah on Thursday in Lokoja commended the Super Eagles for their display of resilience and the “Can-do Spirit” of Nigerians.
He said that the Eagles in the thrilling semi final encounter held their nerves throughout the game and the emotionally charged penalty shootout won by the Super Eagles 4:2.
The Governor noted that the build up to the game demonstrated the undiluted passion by which Nigerians are known to rally in defence of their country in difficult times.
Ododo equally urged all Nigerians to continue to support the Super Eagles to soar in their quest to bring home the coveted continental trophy.
“This win by the Super Eagles proves that Nigeria has what it takes to bounce back from its temporary setbacks as a nation.
“We are inspired as a country and we must all support the Super Eagles to bring home the trophy as they go against the Ivory Coast in the Final this weekend”, Governor Ododo said.
The Governor also urged all Nigerians to pray fervently for the Super Eagles to clinch the Nations Cup adding that the team needed the support of all Nigerians to bring home the trophy. (Ends)
The Nigerian National Team, Super Eagles has defeated South African Bafana Bafana on penalties at the Stade de la Paix (Stadium of Peace) in Bouake, Ivory Coast to advanced to the final of the African Cup of Nations
Kelechi Ihenacho scored the winning penalty for Super Eagles as Nigeria displaced the South African team from the final of Africa Cup of Nations
Nigeria opened the scoring in the 67th minute through a penalty after Osimhen made his mark.
South Africa star player Mokoena equalised in the 90th minute sending the game to extra time, the extra time ended in a stalemate, and the game advanced to penalties.
Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, saved two penalties, while Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning penalty to send the Eagles to the final
The Super Eagles of Nigeria has defeated Angola in the quart final duel with Angola to advance to semifinal of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after Lookman’s first half goal
Moses Simon’s perceptive pass gave Lookman the rear chance to score his third goal of the knockout stage
With the victory over Angola the Super Eagles have been tipped to be the new tournament favourites however their opponents with confident had created occasional scare.
This is the first time Nigeria have won four consecutive matches at a single Afcon edition without conceding a goal.
Having scored two goals against Cameroon in the last 16 as his first ever Afcon goals, Lookman has become the fourth Nigerian to score at least three goals in the knockout rounds of a single Afcon tournament, after Odion Ighalo in 2019 (4), Jay-Jay Okocha in 2004 (3) and Rashidi Yekini in 1994 (3).
-
Crime1 year agoPolice nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News1 year agoFCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year agoTinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi1 year agoINEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News From Kogi2 years agoEchocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year agoIPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro12 months ago‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News1 year agoKingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu