Sports
FG urges youth to take advantage of empowerment programmes
The Federal Government has urged the teeming unemployed Nigerian youth to key in to the various youth initiatives and programmes of the present administration to empower themselves.
Some the programmes with Agro-allied skills, especially with the provision of start up packs and other Agro-allied equipment given to them by Government, have the capacity of making them self-employed and job creators.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare made the call on Saturday in Jos, the Plateau State Capital, during the closing ceremony of a two-week National Youth in Agriculture Empowerment Training Programme.
Director Press and Public Relations Mohammed Manga in statement issues in Abuja on Saturday said the minister was represented by the Director, Enterprise Development and Promotion Department (EYD), Prince Momoh Olugbenga at the event.
According to the minister the programme which was organized by his Ministry was designed to cover unemployed youth both male and female, within ages 15-29 from the 36 States of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
He said the training programme is not only aimed at fostering the creation of wealth through acquisition of Agro-allied skills, but also to reduce youth unemployment and restiveness as well as enhance their participation in profitable Agro-allied business.
This he said is with a view to boosting economic growth and development in line with the policy thrust of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.
Dare stated further that Agriculture and Agro-allied business are one of the areas where jobs abound.
“A general survey has indicated and confirmed that Agriculture and Agro-allied business are one of the areas where jobs and employment opportunities abound and will continue to be relevant and as well play significant roles in the economy of this and other centuries” he said.
To achieve the national goal of wealth creation and employment generation therefore, the Minister said, “there is need to build the capacity of our youth in areas where we have comparative advantage in both material and human resources.”
He explained that tapping into the potentials of the youth could prove a crucial asset for economic development of the country with the acquisition of relevant and marketable Agro-allied skills that meet the demands of the 21st century.
The Minister assured that government will continue to invest in the youth by equipping them with various Agro-allied skills such as Fish Processing and Value Addition, Garri Processing and Value Addition as well as Entrepreneurial skills including Financial Literacy Education, access to Micro Finance Facilities so as to enable them start and manage their Agro-allied ventures.
He therefore called on the relevant stakeholders to harness the potential of the youth and mobilize their energies, talents, visions and creativity for the socio-economic development of the country.
Earlier in her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Plateau State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mrs Helen Ishaya applauded the various youth initiatives and programmes embarked upon by the Preseident Muhammadu Buhari-led administration with the view to empowering them for self reliance, self development and economic growth of the country.
She said that the empowerment will further reduce the excruciating pangs and pains of youth unemployment which is mainly responsible for the increasing social vices in the country.
The Permanent Secretary therefore called on the youth in the country to put to use all they learnt from the training for the betterment of their lives and also count themselves lucky to be among those chosen from the teeming Nigerian youth as beneficiaries of the programme.
Responding on behalf of the participants, Adedokun Omowumi thanked the Minister and President Muhammadu Buhari in particular, for the privilege given to them to acquire the skills, noting that the training has been highly educative and impactful and as such, would not be taken for granted.
She gave the assurance that the Agro-allied skills acquired during the training would be adequately invested so as to bring about socio-economic growth and development of the country.
Senator representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has hosted Kogi-born sports sensation Matthew Ovayioza Sarah at her Abuja residence, celebrating her remarkable achievements in weightlifting and arm wrestling.
Ovayioza gained global recognition after clinching two gold medals at the Weightlifting World Championship in Manama, Bahrain, marking her as one of Nigeria’s brightest sports stars. During the meeting, she presented her medals to the senator and discussed her need for financial sponsorship and access to advanced training facilities to prepare for future competitions.
A statement by her chief Press Secretary Orogbonlo Isreal in a statement quoted her to have commended Ovayioza for her resilience and dedication, despite facing numerous challenges, and encouraged her to remain focused.
“Your achievements are a source of pride for Kogi and Nigeria. We will ensure you receive the support you need to excel further,” she said.
In a gesture of support, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan provided ₦2 million to the athlete and pledged to seek additional resources from relevant government bodies to aid her career.
Ovayioza has an impressive record of accomplishments, including, 2 Gold Medals in Weightlifting World Championship, Bahrain (2024), 3 Gold Medals in Nigerian National Weightlifting Championship, Abuja (2024) and 2 Gold Medals in Armwrestling African Championship, Accra (2023).
Others are 1 Bronze Medal Nigerian National Sports Festival, Delta (2022) and 1 Gold & 1 Silver Medal at National Armwrestling Championship, Lagos (2022) and 2 Gold Medals Bamitonia Armwrestling Championship, Lagos (2023)
She also holds three national records in weightlifting, including a snatch lift of 117 kg, a clean and jerk lift of 138 kg, and a total lift of 255 kg. Ovayioza is currently ranked World No. 3 in the 76 kg weightlifting category.
Beyond weightlifting, she is a two-time African champion in arm wrestling’s 71 kg category and a multiple-time Nigerian champion.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s support underscored her commitment to fostering grassroots talent and ensuring that Nigerian athletes receive the backing they need to excel on the global stage.
The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party(LP) in the 2023 general election Peter Obi has extended heartfelt congratulations to teenage motorsport sensation Ugo Ugochukwu Orlandi for his groundbreaking victory at the 71st Macau Grand Prix.
Writing on his X-Handle, Obi lauded the 17-year-old driver for becoming the first American in over 40 years to win the coveted FIA World Cup title.
He described Ugo’s achievement as a historic moment of pride and inspiration, highlighting his exceptional talent, dedication, and hard work.
“Ugo’s outstanding victory stands as a testament to his immense talent, hard work, and consistent dedication qualities that our youth today can demonstrate when given the right support and guidance,” Obi said.
Born to Nigerian supermodel Oluchi Onweagba Orlandi and Italian fashion designer Luca Orlandi, Ugo’s diverse heritage was also celebrated in Obi’s message.
He emphasized the young driver’s role as a beacon of inspiration for Nigerian youth, showcasing how passion and opportunity can lead to remarkable success.
Obi also commended McLaren Racing for its pivotal role in nurturing Ugo’s potential and investing in the future of young talents in motorsport.
He described Ugo’s success as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and supporting young people’s aspirations.
“Beyond making history, you have inspired millions,” Obi wrote, expressing optimism about Ugo’s continued rise in the motorsport world.
The victory at Macau is the latest milestone in Ugo’s fast-ascending career, solidifying his position as a future star of international motorsport.
As Edo Queens prepare for a crucial face-off with South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the ongoing 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, Governor Monday Okpebholo has issued a heartfelt message of support, rallying the team to victory.
The match, set for Saturday, November 16 in Casablanca, Morocco, will determine whether the Queens advance to the semifinals.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Fred Itua in a statement quoted Okpebholo to have praised the Queens’ achievements, acknowledging the determination and hard work that has kept them at the top of Group B.
He assured the team of his administration’s unwavering backing. “I want our girls to know that we are fully behind them,” the governor stated.
“They have nothing to worry about — their state and nation stand solidly with them. We want them to defeat Sundowns on Saturday and make Edo State and Nigeria proud.”
Okpebholo also expressed confidence that the Queens could go on to win the tournament, promising that his administration will prioritize sports development across Edo State.
“Go ahead and win the cup and bring it to your fatherland. Sports will surely receive the attention it deserves under my government,” he affirmed.
Edo Queens, champions of the Nigeria Women Premier League, began their CAF campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank, with goals from Emem Essien, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Goodness Osigwe.
A goalless draw with Egypt’s Masar FC kept them at the top of Group B, positioning them for a semifinal berth if they secure a win or draw against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The much-anticipated showdown is scheduled to kick off at 6 pm local time on Saturday.
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