Sports
Nigeria Olympic committee President recieves prestigious Japanese govt award
The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel has been conferred with “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon Award” by His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan, Emperor Hironomiya Naruhito.
Director Press and Public Relations Mohammed Manga in a statement indicated that the conferment ceremony held at the Japanese Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday.
He quoted the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi to have stated that the Award was in recognition of his contributions towards the promotion and strengthening of bilateral relationships between Nigeria and Japan.
This he said would be achieved through sports, curltural exchange as well as for Olympic Coordination towards the success of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games.
While extolling the sterling virtues of Engr. Gumel, Ambassador Kazuyoshi noted that Nigeria has talents in sports that if given sponsorship by sports loving philanthropists, would fly the nation’s flag globally.
He therefore called on Nigerian Youth to take advantage of the Internet to showcase their sporting talents with a view to attracting foreign sponsors.
The Ambassador commended the Management of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration in particular, for creating the enabling environment for the development of sports in the country.
The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare thanked the Government of Japan for finding Engr Gumel worthy of the Award which he said, was not only for the glory of the Gumel family, but also for the entirety of Nigeria as a country.
Dare also commended the NOC President for his contributions to the development of sports not only within the country but also through the Nigeria and International Olympic Committees.
He described Engr. Gumel as a great resource in the field of sports noting that he is the fourth person globally to receive the “Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon Award” of the Japanese government .
He also pledged Federal Government’s unflinching support to the creation of an enabling environment for the development of all forms of sporting activities in the country that will assist Nigerian youth to showcase their talent in the field so as to contribute to the socio-economic development of our nation.
Responding, the Award recipient, Engr. Habu Gumel,
thanked the Japanese Government for appreciating his contributions to the promotion of friendship between Nigeria and Japan, through Sports and cultural exchanges under the platform of the Olympic Games.
He stated that the activities of Tokyo Olympics which birthed the award began in earnest in September 2013 at the 125th Session of the International Olympic Committee in Buenos Aires, Argentina, when Tokyo won the bid to host the Summer Olympic Games.
Gumel applauded the Japanese Government for allowing the Games to hold in their country, despite the palpable risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He explained that “the cordial relationship between both countries, promoted through close ties with the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi had over the years, culminated in sports exchanges and Olympic channels, leading to the creation of opportunities for Nigerian National Coaches in Volleyball, Badminton, Baseball, Karate, etc to be trained at the National Institute of Sports in Tokyo, Japan, among others”.
The NOC President thanked the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr Sunday Dare, the Management Staff of the Ministry and President Muhammadu Buhari in particular, for their relentless efforts at empowering both the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to thrive.
The Order of the Rising Sun, which was established in 1875, is a Japanese Order which is awarded to individuals who have outstanding contributions in promoting international relations and advancing Japanese culture in their respective fields.
Sports
CAF Champions League: Okpebholo backs Edo Queens for Semifinal Spot
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.
Sports
At National Transporters Games Mascot Unveiling, speakers highlight transporters contribution to economy
**Say games aim to transform negative perception of Transport Sector
As the maiden National Transporters’ Games billed for December 2024 draws closer, the unveiling of the Mascot for the games which took place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium on Thursday evening highlighted the event’s goal of fostering national unity among stakeholders in Nigeria’s transport sector.
Scheduled to be hosted in Ogun State, the games are designed to encourage collaboration and camaraderie among participants.
The unveiling ceremony, attended by key officials and industry representatives, showcased a mascot symbolizing strength and teamwork.
Senator Prince Gbolahan Dada, a prominent advocate for the event, emphasized that the competition, themed ‘Unity in Motion, Strength in Diversity,’ aims not only to promote national cohesion but also to enhance the economic viability of the transport system.
He emphasized the crucial role of transporters in Nigeria’s economy highlighting the need to challenge negative perceptions associated with transport workers.
Dada stressed that transporters are essential contributors to economic stability, pointing out that a one-day strike by transport unions could lead to widespread disruption.
He called for a repositioning of transporters as vital partners in driving economic growth.
He said the games marked a significant collaboration between the private sector and government, noting the importance of using sports as a unifying force within communities.
He recalled the legacy of Rashidi Yekini, a former transporter and national football hero, to illustrate the untapped potential within the sector.
With Nigeria’s vast population, the senator urged for a focus on nurturing local talents and creating opportunities for business growth through improved partnerships in sports and transportation.
He reiterated the importance of enhancing transport networks and ensuring the well-being of drivers, advocating for safe resting places and greater collaboration with law enforcement.
Senator Dada’s address is a call to action to honor and support transporters, reinforcing their pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic landscape.
National Coordinator of the National Transporters games, Wale Shodeinde outlined the event’s structure, revealing that athletes from eight transport organizations will compete in six sports: football, draughts, athletics, table tennis, swimming, and Ayo.
Shodeinde explained that the decision to unveil the mascot in the northern part of the country, while holding competitions in the south, underscored the event’s commitment to national unity. He assured attendees that the next edition will be hosted in the north.
He said the games are targeted at reshaping the narrative around transport workers in Nigeria. “This groundbreaking event, set for December, is poised to be the first of its kind in Nigeria and potentially in Africa.
Shodeinde expressed gratitude for the federal government’s support in organizing the event, which wl bring together 12 national transport unions across the country.
He highlighted the importance of fostering unity among transport workers, emphasizing that sports can serve as a powerful unifying force.
“The games will feature various competitions and will be hosted in different regions”
Shodeinde affirmed that the initiative is not just about sports but also about enhancing the image of transporters, who have often faced negative perceptions.
He acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders, including the National Association of Road Transport Owners and the National Union of Road Transport Workers, in making this event a reality.
The event aimed to promote national cohesion and celebrate the contributions of transport workers to the economy.
The unveiling of the mascot marks a significant step towards the upcoming games, which are expected to showcase the talent and dedication of transport workers while promoting unity across the sector.
Shodeinde concluded by urging the media to help convey the importance of the National Transporters Games, asserting that this initiative is here to stay and will play a vital role in transforming the narrative surrounding the transport sector in Nigeria.
Also in attendance, Honourable Solomon Bamola, Chairman of Miss Football Nigeria, highlighted the significant economic implications of the games, noting the opportunity to reshape public perceptions of transport workers.
The National Transporters’ Games are set to serve as a pivotal platform for enhancing unity and collaboration within Nigeria’s transport sector, promising a bright future for its participants and the industry at large.
Sports
T2Bet Unveils Innovative Online Betting Platform to Engage Users, Boost Earnings
In a groundbreaking move for the online betting industry, T2bet has launched a new segment of its platform, allowing users to engage in a diverse range of betting options across 4,000 games daily.
This innovative offering, presented by CEO Theo Ubani, is aimed to enhance user experience by combining gaming and potential earnings in a fun and secure environment.
During a recent press briefing in Abuja, Ubani emphasized the platform’s commitment to redefining the online betting landscape. “For the first time, users can bet on a wide variety of games, not just limited to football or premier leagues. This is a unique opportunity for fun and gaming while having the potential to win real money,” he stated.
The platform stands out by addressing common pain points experienced by users in the betting industry, particularly concerning payout delays. Users can create a secure wallet on the platform, with funds automatically linked to their accounts for swift payouts. Ubani reassured attendees that T2bet is collaborating with reputable international providers, ensuring the reliability and security of transactions.
“Our goal is to not only create a fun environment but also to add value to the economy,” Ubani remarked. “We’re bringing new solutions to existing market challenges, including the need for faster payments and more engaging betting experiences.”
Another key feature of T2bet is its affiliate program, which allows individuals to earn money by driving traffic to the platform. By participating as affiliates, users can earn income by referring others, creating a potential income stream without needing significant investments or prior experience.
Ubani pointed out that the platform is accessible to everyone, with betting options starting as low as 15 Naira. “Even a small deposit can turn into substantial earnings,” he explained. “If you bet 15 Naira and win, your return could be substantial, making this an exciting opportunity for users to engage and potentially benefit financially.”
The platform also offers extensive online resources for new users, including guides and tutorials to help them navigate their betting options. “We’ve designed this platform to be user-friendly and educational,” Ubani noted. “Once users log in, they will find everything they need to make informed decisions and enjoy their experience.”
With a vision to reshape the online gaming experience, T2Bet is set to lead the way in the industry by providing an engaging, fun, and secure environment for users.
The official launch of the platform is expected to generate excitement among both seasoned bettors and newcomers alike, paving the way for a new era in online gaming.
-
Crime1 year ago
Police nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News10 months ago
FCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year ago
Tinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
INEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
Echocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year ago
IPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro8 months ago
‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News10 months ago
Kingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu