Sports
CON award: Sports ministry applauds Sunday Dare
The Management and Staff of the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development have sent a message of felicitations and congratulations to the former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare on his conferment as Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by former President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR on May 28, 2023.
This the Ministry said is also in recognition of the various policy initiatives he introduced in both sports and youth sectors as well as the work he carried out for the development of sports in Nigeria and the African region by extension.
Director of Press and Public Relations Muhammed Manga in a statement issued in Qbuja on Thursday said his four years of service to Nigeria as the Minister of Sports and Youth Development recorded tremendous achievements, especially in the sports industry, unequalled in recent times.
“The Ministry unequivocally
affirmed that the conferment of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by the former administration is a testimony to Dare’s indelible mark of hard work and diligence which led to the transformation of both the Sports and Youth sectors, areas that were almost forgotten, over the years.
“It also wants to state clearly here for record purposes, the various programmes, policies and initiatives his tenure as Minister put in place in the Ministry that impacted positively on the youth like DEEL (Digital Skills, Enterpreneurship, Employability and Leadership) through which the Youths were trained on various skills like Cybersecurity, Web Development, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Digital Photography and Coding.
“Others, include securing the approval of the N75bn Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme (P-YES), National Young Farmers Scheme (NYFS) as well as other supportive ventures aimed at empowering the youth of our country.
In the field of sports, the former Minister also introduced various initiatives leading to numerous podium performances by our athletes at global competitions.
Some of these include: the Adopt initiative, National Sports Industry Policy, the 10 Year Football Development Masterplan, the Talent Hunt Program, the return of the long and middle distance races, and cross country race in Nigeria after almost 40 years in the doldrums.
As a result of the enabling environment created by the past Administration, Dare was also able to embark on the rehabilitation of sporting facilities across the country and other efforts, thus brightening sports outlook in Nigeria
The Ministry wishes to state further that under Dare’s leadership, Nigeria posted her best ever Commonwealth Games performance in August 2022 and produced her first ever World Record holder and World champion (in athletics) in Tobi Amusan.
You would also recall that Nigeria had her best Olympic Games performance in 13 years with 2 Medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
It will be pertinent to mention here that in recognition of his stellar performances since assumption of office, the former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare bagged various awards including the Award of Excellence in Public Service, an award given to him by the former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
Others are the National Telegraph Most Innovative Minister Award, the Blueprint Sports Icon of the Year Award, Youth Award in the United States of America, African Illustrious Minister of the Year Award, the National Youth Council of Nigeria Leaders Role Model Award (NYCN).
The Ministry noted that Dare’s desire and passion for Sports development across the country will forever stand the test of time.
“Thus, the Management and Staff of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development once again felicitates with its former Minister on the Conferment of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by the former President, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR. It is, indeed, a well-deserved honour.
“We are optimistic that the award will spur him into doing more for his fatherland anytime he is called upon to serve.
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.
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