Sports
Youth and Sports Ministry partner BOI to Launch 60-Day App Development Challenge
***Initiative targets improvement in Innovation, Creativity Of Nigerian Youth
The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in collaboration with the Bank of Industry ( BOI) have put in place mordalities for the launch of the second edition of the 60-day app development challenge for young tech enthusiasts across the country
Director of Press and Public Relations
Mohammed Manga in a statement said the initiative which is opened to applicants between age 18-35 according to the National Youth Policy is aimed at improving innovation and creativity among the Nigerian Youth.
This he said will encourage them to develop their own app ideas and turn them into reality by using them to solve problems within one of the shortlisted sectors: Agric-tech, Edu-tech, Fintech, Health, Sports, or Telecommunications.
“The Agric-tech sector covers technologies related to agriculture, such as precision farming, crop monitoring, and irrigation systems. An app idea that solves a problem in this sector could be one that helps farmers optimize their crop yields, identify pests and diseases early, or streamline their irrigation systems.
“The Edu-tech sector covers technologies related to education, such as online learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and educational games. An app idea that solves a problem in this sector could be one that helps students learn more effectively, provides access to high-quality education for underserved communities, or gamifies the learning process.
“The Fintech sector covers technologies related to finance, such as mobile banking, online payment systems, and personal finance management tools. An app idea that solves a problem in this sector could be one that helps people manage their finances more easily, provides access to financial services for underserved communities, or streamlines the payment process for businesses.
“The Health sector covers technologies related to healthcare, such as telemedicine, fitness tracking and disease management. An app idea that solves a problem in this sector could be one that helps people manage their health more effectively, provides access to healthcare for underserved communities, or tracks and motivates healthy behaviors.
“The Sports sector covers technologies related to sports, such as fitness tracking, performance analysis, and sports media. An app idea that solves a problem in this sector could be one that helps athletes optimize their performance, provides access to sports content for underserved communities, or streamlines the process of managing a sports team.
“The Telecommunications sector covers technologies related to telecommunications, such as mobile networks, internet service providers, and communication tools. An app idea that solves a problem in this sector could be one that helps people stay connected more easily, provides access to communication tools for underserved communities, or streamlines the process of managing a telecom network.
On the overall the statement indicated that, the 2nd National 60 Days App Challenge is an exciting opportunity for young people to develop their own app ideas and turn them into a reality by focusing on solving problems within the shortlisted sectors. Participants can make a meaningful impact and potentially turn their app into a successful business.
“Asides the potential digital jobs that will be created from the solutions and the number of people that will find the app useful in their day-to-day affairs and personal development, incentives to app developers is to further attract a N1m grand prize for 10 top apps ; Business Development Training as well as 50 Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development participation certificates, amongst others.
“Prospective applicants are expected to send in their entries through the portal, www.appchallenge.ng beginning from 9th January 2023.”
Sports
Senator Natasha Hosts Kogi-Born Gold Medalist, Supports Her with ₦2 Million
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.
Sports
Peter Obi lauds Ugo Ugochukwu on historic FIA World Cup Victory
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.
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.
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