₦airaland Forum

Nigeria's Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare last week was the recipient of the prestigious Special Recognition Awards for contribution to sports development in Nigeria and the African Region in Maldives.

The awards which formed highlights of the Maldives Sports Awards 2023 was presented to the Minister by the Maldivian President, Ibrahim Mohammed Solih.

Dare has superintended over far-reaching reforms in the sports sector since he assumed office as Minister in August, 2019. The most significant being the new National Sports Industry Policy approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in November, 2022.

The Minister is also credited with devising innovative means to addressing dilapidated sporting infrastructure through Adopt-a-Pitch initiative - a Public Private Sector initiative that has seen the Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja, National Stadium Surulere amongst others spring back to life.

In a like manner, the "adopt-an-athlete initiative has provided credit of between $10,000 to $20,000 to at least 44 athletes, prominent recipients are Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume, who have done the country proud on the World stage. Amusan won gold in 100m hurdles at the World Athletics Championship last year and went on to emerge best female athlete on the African continent.

The 10-year Football masterplan was also conceptualised amongst other reforms that has won the Minister garlands at home and abroad.

With the scarcity of new Naira notes and fuel unabated in many parts of the country, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again appealled to Nigerians to remain calm as the government and relevant agencies continue to work out solutions.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, Asiwaju Tinubu said he sympathises with the people especially the downtrodden who have been made to bear the brunt of the new naira policy by the Central Bank and irregular supply of petrol that have combined to inflict avoidable pains on the masses.

He commends the NNPC Limited for the fuel supply relief being enjoyed in the Federal Capital Territory and urges the company to step up its act to bring relief round the country.

He also urges the CBN not to be dogmatic in the deadline it has fixed for the transition from old Naira notes to the new one, especially as the unintended consequence of the policy has been massive pain on our people.

The former governor said he is distressed by news of cash strapped farmers having to sell their products excessively cheap to avoid losing all. Such dispiriting experience in the short term may be a disincentive to our hardworking farmers.

The former Governor of Lagos assured Nigerians that the current challenges will soon be over and pleaded that people should avoid anything capable of causing unrest in the country even when they are justifiably angry.

"This is a challenging period in the life of our country when our people are made to stay on the line for hours to get fuel and even get their own money from the banks.

"I empathise with Nigerians across the country especially the poor masses who have been made to bear the brunt and pains of the CBN Naira policy and fuel scarcity the most.

“While government continues to work to solve these problems, let's stay calm, maintain the peace and continue to shun and avoid any act capable of causing civil unrest and disharmony.

"What the opposition and enemies of democracy want is to create a state of national siege and tension that can disrupt the coming general elections and create an atmosphere of strife in our country.

“We must say no to them. We must be resolute and stand firm to protect our democracy by ensuring we hold our elections in a peaceful and orderly manner.

"I am in this race to bring renewed hope and prosperity to all Nigerians.

“There are no challenges that will be difficult for us as a people to surmount when we stand in unity of purpose.

“When you elect me, I will work to ensure security, economic prosperity, national unity and cohesion and we will together build a country that will be a source of joy to us all and a pride to every black person everywhere in the world," Tinubu said.


Bayo Onanuga
Director, Media & Publicity
APC Presidential Campaign Council
February 7, 2023

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development on Friday visited Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai where the formal transfer of custody of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium through a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was conducted.

It will be recalled that a week ago, Gov. El-Rufai paid the Minister a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja as part of efforts to finalise the hand-over of the sporting edifice to the State Government for better management.

...Says candidates should be adjudged according to track record, not where they come from

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has urged leaders of faiths in the country to champion the cause of justice that would deepen national unity and advance democracy ahead of the February 25 election.

Tinubu also asked religious leaders to desist from efforts by some politicians to substitute sentiments with competence in the run off to the election.

A statement by the Tinubu Media Office said the APC candidate spoke on Sunday evening during a town hall meeting with Muslim leaders from the North East as part of his campaign tour to Bauchi State.

"Our scriptures demand justice of us as believers. May we always honor that demand.

"That principle of fairness and justice also requires that leadership of society should be based on the quality of one’s  ideas, character and accomplishments, rather than on traits unrelated to the ability to lead and govern justly, honestly.

"The recorded history of our faith shows how our Noble Prophet led a plural community. He did not confer special advantage to his own tribe, or clan.

"In many instances he placed others ahead of his own relatives. The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) has set a golden example for us," he said.

He said leaders of faith must act as pillars of unity, rather than agents of division.

"Afraid they cannot win fairly at the ballot, desperate politicians are bent on recruiting otherwise eminent persons to preach hatred against discord. They want servants of God like yourselves to turn against your own convictions. They want you to preach division and stir negative sentiments.

"Please resist these evil-doers and their unholy messages. They seek to enter office by fouling the nation. Too much is at stake to allow such tricks to succeed.

"My request is a simple and fair one. Please focus on a candidate’s record of performance and the quality of his policies."

He said the forthcoming election should not be viewed in isolation, but as "a continuation of a noble quest and an unjust, unenlightened challenge to that quest".

He reminded the gathering that the APC was established to provide progressive good governance in Nigeria to reshape Nigeria into a more compassionate, just and prosperous home for all, "whether they be rich or poor, famous or unknown, Muslim or Christian".

Asiwaju Tinubu explained that despite challenges and the push-pull effects, progress has been made.

"Terrorists have been pushed back. People have returned to their homes. Farmers are more productive. Though this government has less money at its disposal, it has cared for the poor better than any prior administration.

"We have struggled to place the economy on more solid ground so that we no longer only rely on exporting natural resources but that we gainfully employ more of our people in making things that improve the quality of life for all.

"We have sought to revive the ethical fiber of the nation and to reaffirm the high moral quality of our national purpose," he said.

Tinubu said the election is a continuation of this epic struggle of fairness, progress and hope against their opposites.   

"As such, I do not see this campaign as one of personal ambition. I campaign to serve a greater purpose. I campaign to do great things for the nation but not for myself.

"No matter how hard and difficult the opposition stands against our just cause, we will not relent in our pursuit of a better, more tolerant and good united nation. And with the help of Almighty Allah, we know good shall prevail."
 
Tinubu also charged religious leaders to urge their followers to vote wisely.

"May they vote for the candidate who truly has a vision for a more peaceful, more prosperous Nigeria.

 "Let them elect someone who has demonstrated the capacity to deliver that brighter future.  

"If elected, my highest priorities shall be the protection of our land and prosperity of its people.  Security and economic progress will form the fulcrum of my government."

Tinubu promised to build on the progress made by the current administration by putting an end to terror, kidnapping and violent crime in the nation.

"To increase prosperity, we must reform the very foundation of our economy by prioritizing innovation and employment of our youths while  discouraging overreliance on imported goods.

"We must become a dynamic economy that can make most of the goods that we need and one where those who want to work can find a good job.

"Under my watch, we will facilitate the quick commercial operation of the Kolmani oil wells. We will pay adequate attention to other important national projects such as the Mambilla Power Project, the AKK gas pipeline project, and so on.

"By dredging the River Niger, we shall revive our inland waterways in a way that promotes trade and commerce within the nation. We cut down on our steel export bill by making the Ajaokuta Steel Company work.

"Most importantly, we will turn our eye to those who think they are unseen or forgotten.

"If elected, my government will work with you, as religious leaders, toward a lasting solution to the almajiri challenge."

Some of the religious leaders who spoke at the meeting included representative of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, Dr. Bashir Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi; Secretary Council of Ulama JIBWIS, Shiekh Dr. Gambo Kyari, and representative of  chairman JIBWIS Bauchi, Sheikh Salihu Sulaiman Ningi.

Participants at the townhall meeting pledged to support the APC candidate and urged him to be just to all Nigerians when elected into office.

The meeting was attended by the APC vice presidential candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima; Jigawa State Governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; former governors Ali Modu Sheriff, Isa Yuguda and Mohammed Abubakar, among other chieftains of the party.

The Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai on Friday paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare in his office.

Gov. El-Rufai and the Minister had robust discussion that centred on the plan of the Federal Government to transfer ownership of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna to the State Government, amongst others.

Ilorin, the Kwara State capital was brought to a standstill, earlier today, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu led party chieftains and supporters to a Presidential rally in the State.

A Mammoth crowd of ecstatic supporters from all walks of life thronged the venue and gave a rousing welcome to the APC Standard bearer.

...says Atiku plans to sell Nigeria to shady partners

Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Ilorin on Tuesday charged the people of Kwara State to vote for him and all APC candidates in the coming general elections in order to cement the freedom from exploitation they achieved four years ago.

Asíwájú Tinubu and his entourage virtually shut down Ilorin, the state capital, as the mammoth crowd that thronged the Metropolitan Square venue of the rally spilled across the roads and all over the ancient city.

It took well over two hours for the Asíwájú train to arrive at the square from the Ilorin Airport.

Speaking at the rally, Tinubu told the people that they had been enjoying freedom and progress under the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, urging them to remain committed to the administration.

"Are you going to be committed to the freedom that you have been enjoying under Governor Abdulrazaq?
Are you going to cement that freedom? Do you have your PVCs?"

Thanking them for believing in the governor and for being committed to his re-election, Asiwaju Tinubu said: "On February 25th, we will need you to come out. You don't vote for anybody else, you vote for me, you vote for the APC. Vote APC across all levels - Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship and State House of Assembly elections."

The APC Presidential candidate, in his prepared speech, again warned Nigerians never to be deceived into voting the opposition Peoples Democratic Party in next month’s election, saying a vote for PDP would be an error that will be hard to correct.

According to him, several facts have pointed to the fact that the PDP Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar is only interested in the presidential race to enrich himself and his friends.

He said just like he did in the past, if given the opportunity again, Atiku would only sell Nigeria to his shady friends in the name of privatization.

He said: “You earned a favorable and great place in the history of our progressive party and of the nation when you voted for the APC to chase the PDP out of this beautiful and historic town. You kicked them out and now they want to come back.

“Do not let them back in. They only want to devour what they could not take the first time. If you give them the chance, they will strip Kwara and Nigeria bare to the bone.

“The PDP candidate in the race is well known for selling everything that has the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s name on it. If it is part of the public treasure or national patrimony, he is looking to pawn it to one of his shady partners.

“He wants to sell off your chance at a decent job, good schools, a nice home and a happy life. His aim is to sell and turn our public assets into his private profit. He wants you to go hungry so that he can feast off the abundance of the land.”

Tinubu also dwelt on the recent revelation by one of Atiku’s former aides Michael Achimugu where the former vice president himself admitted to setting up Special Purpose Vehicle companies to siphon the country’s funds.

“Before today, we used to call him Mr. Privatize. But today, we must give him a new name. One that comes from his own mouth.

“He is now Mr. SPV. From his own mouth, we have heard him admit that he and his old boss conspired to rob from the Nigerian treasury millions upon millions of dollars. They did this by using a fancy business device called an SPV, Special purpose vehicle, to hide the money.

“By his antics, Atiku has changed the meaning of SPV. It is no longer a business unit. With him, it is a money-eating monster. From henceforth, Atiku shall be known as MR. SPV. S for Stealing, P for Plunder and V for Vicious.

“For this is a vicious assault on the public funds, public welfare and on the public conscience. How can he so brazenly steal and plunder yet ask you to return him to the scene of the crime. He wants to return to the crime scene not to repent but to repeat the Stealing Plundering and Viciousness.

“You must stop him before he stops your dreams and aspirations for a better Nigeria.”

He said the APC just like it has done in the about eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, has shown that it means well for the country and its citizens, promising to continue with this.

“Instead, the APC has a much better way for you. We have good and positive plans for this country.

“If you give us the mandate with your vote, we will carry Kwara and the rest of the country to a more prosperous and secure future,” he added.

He promised to take advantage of the agricultural resources in abundance in Kwara to transform the state for the creation of jobs and welfare of the citizens.

He added, “We will return farming to its glorious past of profitability. Farmers will be paid the full value of their toil and their produce. This will be achieved through Commodity Exchange boards setting a minimum price for strategic agricultural produce.

“We shall create agricultural hubs throughout Nigeria. These hubs will increase land under cultivation. They will also wed small, medium and large farms so that small farms will benefit from the expertise and equipment of the larger ones.

“We shall continue the progress made by the present administration by enhancing agricultural productivity and agro-allied industry. We will boost our production so that we turn our country of importers into one of exporters. We have the experience and the will to make it happen.”

Speaking on education, he said, “We will prioritize education as a tool for empowerment. It is not just about producing more and more graduates. We will improve the quality of our education to make our youths more productive and will reform education such that our able and energetic young people are given the skills and knowledge needed to fill the jobs and compete in the economy of the future.”

The APC candidate also did not fail to mention his plans to ensure that the country is secure and conducive for everyone to move around unhindered and without fear.

“We will secure our nation and our borders through recruiting and deploying more security personnel, improving the communications, equipment and training of our personnel as well as using top shelf technology to improve ground and aerial surveillance.

“These evil crime, kidnapping and terror networks want to put a roadblock in the way of your destiny and future. But we shall take up our progressive broom and sweep away their evil doings so that we can move forward to our nation’s best destiny,” he added.

Kwara State Governor Abdulrasaq thanked the people of the state for the massive turn out while also urging them not to allow "those who stole your future, who could not pay your salaries and pensions to return to power."

The rally was attended by APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, Vice Presidential Candidate Kashim Shettima Director-General of the Tinubu-Shettima Campaign and Governor of Plateau Simon Lalong, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State, APC Deputy National Chairman (North) Senator Abubakar Kyari and members of the party's National Working Committee among others.

Tinubu Media Office
Tunde Rahman
January 17, 2023.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare on Sunday attended the National Unity Polo Tournament 2022 organised by the Keffi Polo Ranch in furtherance of political unity as preparations for the 2023 general elections gather momentum.

Amongst dignitaries that graced the occasion were representative of the Nasarawa State Governor, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Olu of Warri, HRH Ogiame Atuwase III, other royal fathers and representatives of the Presidential Candidates of APC and PDP.

The attention of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has been drawn to viral pictures of our female football team, the Falconets making rounds, portraying them stranded at the airport in Istanbul, Turkey.

For reason of setting the records straight, we thought to lay the facts bare. The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the NFF DID NOT book the tickets. The World Cup is a FIFA tournament. FIFA booked tickets for the team to travel from Bogota to Panama, but for some reason, the flight to Panama was delayed for 3 hours. There was another 1 hour delay at the airport in Panama.By the time the team got to Istanbul, the flight to Abuja had left.

The NFF officials pleaded that the team be given transit visas at the airport so they could head to a hotel in the town, but this was not possible as Nigeria had been removed from the list of countries granted transit visas at Istanbul Airport. So, the airline took the team to a sleeping area at the airport and handed them tickets to have meals after every 5 hours.

The Minister has reached out to the team via phone and video calls and they will be home bound soon. It is is sad, but this has nothing to do with the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the NFF, who had made necessary arrangements to receive the team on arrival in Abuja before the flight hitches.

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday morning received the 10-year Football Development Masterplan Committee Report from the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare and Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima.

Tobiloba Ayomide Amusan has made history as the first Nigerian track and field athlete and the second in history to successfully defend a Commonwealth Games 100m hurdles title.

The petite, 25 year old also set a new 12.30 seconds Games Record on the way to winning the event's gold.

Amusan, the reigning World champion and world record holder in the event also became the first Nigerian track and field athlete to win gold at two editions of the Games.

With the gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Amusan has now become the only Nigerian athlete in history to complete a grand slam of titles at the continental, Commonwealth and world levels after winning gold at the 22nd African Athletics championships in Mauritius in June and the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, USA last month.

Amusan's gold has now brought to 10 the number of gold medals won by Nigeria so far, one short of the 11 won in 1994, 2010 and 2014.

It is also one short of the three gold medals won by the track and field team in 1990,1994 and 2014 with the 4x100m relays and the women's long jump final coming up later Sunday afternoon and evening respectively.

The Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja mainbowl turf and two of its training pitches are back in good shape and ready to host international football matches again.

The turf of the mainbowl had taken a heavy blow after it was rehabilitated through the Public-Private Partnership(PPP)arrangement of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the Dangote Industries Group late last year.

The Ministry's Adopt a pitch Initiative also ensured that similar rehabilitation works are being carried out on the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos and the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium(formerly called Liberty Stadium) in Ibadan.

The Super Eagles beat Sierra Leone 2-1 in the opening game of their 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifiers in Abuja but the state of the pitch left so much to be desired.

Sports Minister Sunday Dare had also directed that the facilities of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja would only be used for the national teams to prevent abuse and over use.

A visit to the stadium over the weekend reveals the attention to details by groundsmen who want to deliver a world class pitch before the next set of International matches of the Super Eagles in September.

In addition to the revamping of the playing turf, the stadium now has new installed FIFA approved technical and players' bench, as well as more effective underground water sprinklers.

Sports Minister Sunday Dare has also reiterated that works at the National Stadium, Surulere and Obafemi Awolowo Stadium will continue to be monitored until their turn around is completed.

The Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Sunday afternoon arrived Daura, Katsina State to pay sallah homage to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Very prominent in his entourage is the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, a long-standing ally of the APC standard bearer. It will be recalled that Dare was Tinubu's Chief of Staff for 8 years before becoming a National Commissioner at the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).

Information filtering out of Daura indicate that Tinubu used the occasion to brief President Buhari on his choice of Sen. Kashim Shettima as running mate. Shettima, a two-term Governor of Borno State, played a pivotal role in the intra-party campaigns leading to the primaries, becoming its arrow-head in the North.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has congratulated All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential flagbearer, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on his emphatic victory at the just concluded APC Presidential primaries.

In a statement he personally signed, Dare felicitated with Tinubu on the feat, stating his triumph is a validation of his political sagacity and a reward for his investment in Nigeria's democracy over the past three decades.

"I am elated and deeply proud to celebrate with you on your emphatic victory at the just concluded Presidential Primaries of the governing party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Asiwaju, I congratulate you on your well-deserved emergence as the Presidential Candidate of our great party.

"Your resounding victory is no doubt a validation of your political sagacity, but also a reward for your decades of sacrifice and struggle for the sustenance of our democracy. Indeed, your immense contributions to the enthronement of progressive governance resonated with our party delegates and culminated in your triumph"

"You have been called to a higher service at a time Nigeria needs more experienced hands to help solve our prevailing challenges. You carry a ray of hope for Nigeria and I urge you to bear the torch of leadership with foresight, humility, determination, consideration for others and with a fierce conviction that you will be a leader for all, and of all".

"Once again, accept my heart-felt congratulations and let us roll up our sleeves for the task ahead", the Minister added.

The attention of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidential Campaign Organisation has been drawn to the erroneous, misleading and mischievous interpretation of his address in Abeokuta, capital of Ogun State on Thursday.

It is on record that the leading presidential aspirant in the forthcoming primaries of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the national delegates of the party in Ogun State , with Governor Mr.Dapo Abiodun in attendance.

In his effort to convince the party delegates to vote for him at the primaries, he went down memory lane to provide specific instances when he brought his political clout and strategic skills to assist individuals, groups and tendencies in the party to gain political power.

These factual references are already in the public realm.

They have been reported and analysed in the media in the last eight years.

They are therefore, matters of public knowledge.

While we recognise that recent unexpected interventions in the time table and the heat generated by the proximity of the event might have led to some anxiety, this campaign organisation believes that the main thrust of Asiwaju's presentation, was that his huge contributions to the formation and electoral success of the All Progressives Congress should count in his favour as a true party man who desires to be the flag bearer.

There is also no doubt that the fresh conditions proposed by President Muhammadu Buhari for the consideration of a presidential candidate of the party made it necessary for Asiwaju to labour to convince the delegates that he fits the bill.

The campaign was surprised at the way the opposition and Tinubu’s traducers had turned his statement to give an interpretation Tinubu did not mean and did not say.

At no time did Tinubu play any ethnic card or denigrate any ethnic group. That is surely out of his character, as Engineer David Babachir Lawal, attested in his viral whatsApp statement.

Tinubu’s speech in Abeokuta did not demonstrate any disrespect to President Buhari, for whom he has a very high regard, and whose re-election campaign he chaired in 2019.

Since the video of the speech he delivered in Yoruba hit the social media, varied interpretations have been given to the speech, which in the main was about Governor Abiodun, who in the true tradition of Yoruba culture bowed to his leader after Tinubu’s short speech.

The Tinubu campaign is not surprised why the opposition in the APC have decided to turn and twist the statement.

The former Lagos governor, a great party man remains the man to beat at the party’s convention on Monday.

We are least surprised that he is the target of well-calculated and most unkind virulent attacks

The campaign organisation hereby appeals to the media to avoid over- sensationalising issues of facts and play its constitutional role of informing the electorate to make informed choices at the presidential primaries.


*Bayo Onanuga*

Director
Media & Communications
Tinubu Campaign Organisation

Team Nigeria capped an impressive outing at the 2022 African Wrestling Championships in El Jadida, Morocco, claiming a silver and two bronze medals in the Freestyle (FS) events on the final day of the tournament. It means all 11 wrestlers paraded by the country at the Championships each won a medal.
 
Wrestling in the 57kg FS, Commonwealth silver-medallist Ebikewenimo Welson won silver, while African champions Ogbonna John (74kg) and Ekerekeme Agiomor (86kg) both settled for bronze medals.
 
After securing quarter and semi-final wins against Congo DR’s Rabby Kilandi (12-1 via fall) and Diamantino Iuna Fafe of Guinea-Bissau (2-1), Welson lost 5-0 to Gamal Mohamed of Egypt in the final.
 
On his part, John, who had won four straight African titles hitherto failed to make it five in a row, after he was stopped in the semi-finals by Egyptian Amr Hussen via a fall victory. He however won bronze by overcoming Brian Oloo of Kenya 10-0 via superiority in the 74kg class.
 
Similarly, Tokyo 2020 Olympian Agiomor (86kg) also claimed bronze after beating Tunisian Sabri Mnasria 9-0.
 
After receiving a bye in the qualification round, the 2018 African champion defeated Guma Bashir of Sudan 10-0 via pinfall in the quarter-finals before narrowly going down 3-2 to Egyptian Mahmoud Badawi in the last 4.
 
On the penultimate day of the competition, Team Nigeria claimed 4 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals in the Women Wrestling events.
 
Nigeria’s performance at the 2022 African Championships:
 
Women Wrestling
Mercy Adekuoroye (53kg) – Gold
Jumoke Adekoye (55kg) – Gold
Odunayo Adekuoroye (59kg) – Gold
Blessing Oborududu (68kg) – Gold
Patience Opuene (62kg) – Silver
Hannah Reuben (76kg) – Silver
Sunmisola Balogun (65kg) – Bronze
Ebi Biogos (72kg) – Bronze
 
Freestyle
Ebikwenimo Welson (57kg) – Silver
Ogbonna John (74kg) – Bronze
Ekerekeme Agiomor (86kg) – bronze

After investigations by Content news ng , it is clear that the Minister Sunday Dare never picked or submitted a governorship form of the APC.

There is no iota of truth in report of sahara reporters.
Saharareporters is on a mission of fabricating lies in order to tarnish the image of the Minister of Youth and Sports. This is a classic case. This online medium is now renowned for churning out fake news or donating its platform to hatchet writers to defame people.

For the records, Dare did not pick a Governorship form, and did not have to submit any form which was never picked. If SR was not blinded by the desire to always malign the Minister, a simple check would have revealed that the Minister never picked or submitted any Governorship form.

Content news ng can reveal that the Minister visited the APC National Organizing Secretary recently to fight for Oyo State indigenes who paid for delegates form but were denied. Minister wanted an explanation as a Political Leader in the State.

In an open room conversation, the Minister listened as the Organizing Secretary explained and promised to resolve the matter when he meets the National Chairman. Thereafter, he left the National Secretariat with no forms, whatsoever.

Though teeeming supporters and associates of the Minister mounted pressure on him to run for an elective office, he took a decision not to run. It was a well thought out decision. Some very close associates were determined to buy his nomination form for any elective office which he also rejected hence the statement he issued.

In issuing a statement rejecting the calls to run for Governorship or Senate seat, he stated thus:

“ The assignment given to me on behalf of the Nigerian people by President Muhammadu Buhari is a national and an important one for the development of our youth and sports. I have in the last three years committed to bringing about far reaching changes in these areas.

"Noble initiatives and policies are about to be delivered in these sectors. It is my desire to stand down and assist Mr. President complete and to leave a lasting legacy in the areas of youth and sports development for Nigeria,” Dare said. Adding that, “The APC equally has a Presidential election battle ahead to which I will make available my skills and experience like I did in 2014 and 2015 to help our party win the Presidency”.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare Monday visited the training camp of the Nigeria Judo Games contingent at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Ibadan, in preparation for the forthcoming 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has over the past 3 years developed far-reaching policy initiatives for Youth and Sports Development that is quite unprecedented in recent history. Below are the synopsis of the conceptualised polices:

1. National Sports industry Policy (NSIP). The Honourable Minister held multiple sessions to achieve the success of The NSIP. In less than two years, with hardwork and dedication, the FG to reclassified Sports as business. The final draft of the NSIP submitted to the Ministry of Justice for final review is a document that is expected to revolution the entire sports industry. This will eventually impact on many players. It is a practical policy.

2. Football Master Plan Committee.

The Honorable Minister set this up after approval from President Muhammadu Buhari. Our football development had been drifting for years, with no plan or policy. The committee was set up in October. It is expected to submit its report first week of May, 2022

3. Adopt An Athlete Initiative: through this initiative of Minister Sunday Dare, athletes received direct Financial support in naira and dollars.

4. Adopt a Sport Facility Initiative: This initiative revived the Abuja stadium brought back after 11 years neglect. It has now become the center of major sports activities. Likewise, Surulere Stadium is on its way back after 19 years of total abandonment. This will be achieved based on Public Private Partnership policy.

5. Return of the National Sports Commission NSC – this is waiting for President’s assent.

6. Talent Hunt Program (THP) We have about 10 young stars from this program.

7. The Ministry has Developed a plan to restore Long Distance Races (LDR) amongst Nigerians. Training grounds will be revived in the Northern part of the
Country; Pankshin and the Mambila Plateau. It will be hashtagged #RunNigeria.

8. The Ministry Initiated an Athlete Relief Fund (ARF) with N11million. Till date 220 athletes have benefited from this initiative

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT POLICIES and Initiatives:

1.Establishment of the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, NYIF to the tune of N75B Naira for three years. This is the first of its kind to support and give soft loans to young entrepreneurs.

2.DEEL ( Digital Skills Acquisition. Employability): this is a strategy document on Training into Enterprise, Entrepreneurship and Leadership Training. DEEL has been fully operative in the last 2 and half years.

3. Ministry of Youth and Sports Development signed 2 major MOUs on Youth Development within the last 4 months of 2022.

4. The Presidents of Turkey and South Africa came to Nigeria to sign these Youth Exchange and Development MOU. This is unprecedented.

We held the first ever National Youth Conference NYC with youths from all over Nigeria on Youth Inclusiveness in Government, employment and security.

With the dire need for policy direction to catalyze sports development and repositioning in Nigeria, Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Honourable Sunday Dare has restated his commitment in ensuring total implementation of the Policies and Plans to drive sports development in Nigeria.

Sunday Dare stated that two major all-encompassing documents which would further catalyze his sports development drive will be ready in time and implemented to the letter.

The Minister said, "the National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) and Football Masterplan Committee will be producing two wholesome documents that will further foster sports development, as well as provide a comprehensive framework to guide sports development in the country."

According to him, "We have been able to successfully re-classify sports as a business and this is just a small part of a larger plan. The final draft of the National Sports Industry Policy has been submitted to the Federal Ministry of Justice and we are positive it would change the face of sports in the country. Policies are well-thought, necessitated by a need for direction and wholesome in its approach, so while it may take a lot of time, it would leave a lasting impact," the Minister added.

The Minister further stated that the Committee on Football Masterplan development which was set up to develop football in the country will submit its report in the first week of May, as part of the plans to re-think Nigerian football.

*The Journey so Far*

Recounting the distance covered so far, through the Minister's Adopt-a-Sports Facility Initiative, after 11 years of neglect, the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja has enjoyed comprehensive rejuvenation, getting CAF/FIFA's pass mark, as well as hosting major national and international sports activities. Also, the National Stadium, Surulere is currently under revamp after suffering 19 years of abandonment. Sports infrastructure in Daura, Abuja and Lagos have all benefitted from the drive. Sunday Dare said this initiative was conceived to revitalize sporting infrastructures in the country and ensure their proper maintenance.

Also, the Minister initiated the Adopt-an-athlete initiative which has seen over 32 athletes receive financial support both in Naira and Dollars to help lessen the burden of tournament participations, medical bills and out-of-competition trainings.

In what represented a boost for the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), Honourable Sunday Dare gave a clear mandate to the league Management Company (LMC) to enforce club licensing for teams, with the need to take the games to the people through the NPFL TV, as well as sanctions for clubs who break the League's Code of Conduct.

Putting the Nigerian youth in the conversation, the Ministry put up the Talent Hunt Program which is incubating bright minds and helping them harness their talents.

Also, two major Memorandum Of Understanding agreements have been signed with the Presidents of Turkey and South Africa for youth exchange drive and development.

In a bid for youth inclusiveness in national development, the Minister hosted the first ever National Youth Conference with youth from all over the country in attendance.

Sunday Dare reassured that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring lasting impact and sustainability of these programs, so the country can reap the benefits of the initiatives.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare Wednesday commiserated with the Zambian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Solomon Jere over the death of Zambian Doctor, Dr Joseph Kabungo during Tuesday's World Cup Qualifiers between Nigeria and Ghana.

In a letter he wrote to the Zambian Ambassador, the Minister expressed sadness over the untimely passage of the deceased, describing him as an asset to Zambia and a major player in African Football Ecosystem, stating his contribution to its growth will remain indelible in the sands of time.

"We pray that God comforts the family, the Country, his friends and colleagues. On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, I convey my heartfelt condolences. May the soul of the departed rest in perfect peace", Dare added.

The National Stadium Lagos is gradually wearing a new look as the renovation of the pitch and Tartan track under the adopt-a-pitch initiative of the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare reaches a crescendo.

The pitch is becoming lush green and the rehabilitation of the Athletics tartan track is almost completed.

A foremost Youth movement for the actualization of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Presidency, the Youth Alliance for Tinubu (YAT) was recently launched virtually.

In an opening address to State Coordinators from over 20 States, the National Coordinator, Hon. Bello Billgate congratulated them on their nomination, stating that they were selected after a rigorous process that involved assessing political antecedents and perusing their contributions to the progress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in their respective States.

The Coordinator stated that YAT is the vanguard Youth Movement for youth political inclusion and for the actualization of the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Presidency in the forthcoming 2023 General elections.

Recalling the contributions of Tinubu to the triumph of the APC, the convener asserted thus; "As you all know, Asiwaju Tinubu led a major tendency, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) into the APC, contributing six States to the merger. Asides that, as a Senator in the defunct Third Republic, he played a pivotal role in the struggle for the deannulment of the June 12, 1993 elections and carried the Progressive streak into governance as two-term Governor of Lagos State".

With a mandate to mobilize Nigerian Youth for Tinubu; Create Awareness Around Youth Issues; and Push out the vote, the Coordinators expressed their readiness to hit the ground running and sell the Asiwaju Tinubu brand to their peers.

_by Ibeama Maxwell_

A section of the media went agog last week with the news of a purported Presidential endorsement of an aspirant for National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). "President Muhammadu Buhari has given the nod to former Nasarawa Governor, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu to emerge as consensus candidate", the headlines screamed. It took the intervention of Presidential Spokesman, Femi Adesina on Saturday, denouncing the alleged endorsement, to calm frayed nerves.

Consensus in itself is not an aberration as it is part of the APC constitution, alongside direct or indirect mode of electing National Executives at the Convention. What was shocking was how President Buhari's name was surreptitiously bandied about as endorsing Adamu as a consensus choice in the absence of exhaustive consultations with critical stakeholders, with most Progressive Governors dissociating themselves from the alleged decision, while all aspirants debunked the news as patently fabricated. Anyone conversant with the antecedents of the President knows he is not one to foist his will on the party, without getting the backing of majority of stakeholders.

It is on record that before former Chairmen John Oyegun and Adams Oshiomhole emerged as consensus candidates, a vast majority of stakeholders threw their weight behind them, and even aspirants agreed to the choice. Such was the situation in 2018 that Oshiomhole eventually ran unopposed, and his nomination was ratified by affirmation at the convention. It therefore beggars belief that an aspirant that came out of the blues and threw his hat into the ring less than two weeks ago, without any tangible engagement with critical stakeholders or widespread support can be projected as the "unopposed" candidate.

The tiny clique of musketeers scheming to impose their will on the APC forget that President Buhari is a true democrat, renowned as a stickler for due process. He is not one to embrace clandestine subterfuge, ride roughshod over everyone or deploy the immense powers of his office to further narrow or parochial interests. The statement released by Femi Adesina is a vindication of this assertion, and has rudely thrown a spanner into the works of vicious power mongers, hell-bent on molding the APC in their jaundiced image.

Now that we can confirm that the President has asked that a credible and widely acceptable choice should emerge as consensus nominee, the job of the party hierarchy is well cut-out. Consultations should be more inclusive and transcend the conclave of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) - though an important institution, is not regarded as an organ of the party in its constitution. In the absence of the National Executive Committee (NEC) whose powers were purportedly donated to the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), the National Caucus should form the fulcrum of deliberations.

The Caucus made up of serving and former Governors, serving and past leaders of the National Assembly, serving and past National Chairman and National Secretaries of the APC amongst others is a diverse platform where aggregate of opinions can be deduced, where critical debates evaluating the strengths and weakness of aspirants can be dissected. Deliberations at this level should guide the party, and culminate in a consensus pick. But in a situation that consensus fails, a free and fair contest at the convention grounds should be encouraged.

As the APC races towards its Convention in barely one month, the ideal National Chairman should be one not hampered by weak physical strength, should be a foundation member of the legacy parties, that understand the dynamics behind the formation of the party. With preparations for the general elections around the corner, the ruling party cannot gamble with an aspirant that is not broad-minded, that has shown proclivity to division and bigotry like Adamu, who had hitherto dismissed power shift to the South.

Asides consensus, the fate of the APC hangs in the balance as the Buni-led CECPC is said to be plotting another postponement of the March 26 convention. Sources at the grapevine have long ago exposed the plan of Buni and his "musketeers" to conduct the primaries and Convention of the party on the same day, not minding the legal conundrum it might pose for the party. With landmines to a successful Convention like the proposed Zonal congress - alien to the party constitution, being wilfully planted, and with INEC guidelines stating that party primaries should commence by April 4th, the grounds for a further shift in the convention date through contrived crisis is crystallising.

The plan of Buni and his tiny clique of two or three Governors, aided by the wily and overly partisan Attorney-General of the Federation is to force a "fait accompli" on the party - the leadership of the National Working Committee (NWC) and Presidential ticket of their choice. Whilst they may succeed because the window for defection would have closed, the APC risks a huge internal revolt and anti-party activities that will bury the party's chances of retaining power in 2023, if they succeed.

President Buhari must forcefully defend his legacy from these renegades and musketeers by first ensuring that the March 26 convention date is sacrosanct, and second by ensuring that a popular and widely acceptable candidate through extensive consultations and inputs of the National Caucus emerge as consensus candidate.

The door should be firmly shut on the old, inept stooge of the power-mongers who is being primed to execute a hatchet job that will cause mutually assured destruction of the party. History will be unkind to Buhari if " _he fiddles while Rome burns"._ Whatever gains of the past 7 years might soon be consigned to the dust-bin of history if the President fails to rise to the occasion.


*_Ibeama Maxwell* _, a political analyst writes from Benin, the Edo State capital.__

_Project Is Victory For Ogbomosoland, Says Minister Sunday Dare_

The Federal Government of Nigeria on Monday flagged off road improvement and erosion control projects in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Ecological Projects, Dr Habiba Lawal, who was represented by the Director of Media and Publicity, Dr Joel Oruche said the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare played a prominent role in attracting Government's intervention to Ogbomoso.


Dr Lawal also enjoined the people of Ogbomoso to cooperate with the contractor and engineers handling the projects for efficient and a timely service delivery.

The roads to be worked on are;
Adebayose Idowu-Dare Street, off Ado Alaamo; Olusegun Obasanjo Way; 1004 Theater Road; R.Bello Road and Muneer Ibrahim Crescent. All in Ogbomoso.

Over 200 youths and adults most of them from Ogbomosoland will be directly employed by the contractors involved in the projects and a lot more would benefit indirectly through the provision of ancillary and other support services.

In his remarks, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the projects that he had proposed and facilitated to Oyo State over three years ago.

Dare said facilitating the projects is the privilege of a lifetime and a dream come true.

His words: “I am thankful to God for this and to President Muhammadu Buhari. Contributing to the social well being of my people, leaving a legacy that transcends my time as a Minister and extends to generations yet unborn is priceless."

The Minister promised to ensure that the youth of Ogbomosoland are not left out in the schemes of developmental programmes and are also fully integrated in all the initiatives of the Federal Government.

The Soun of Ogbomoso, who was represented by High Chief Otolorin Sobaloju, praised the Minister for being a worthy son and a proud representative of the people.

The High Chief said, "the people of Ogbomosoland and indeed Oyo State are lucky to have a son like Sunday Dare as Minister, his interest in the welfare of his people and commitment to bringing developmental projects to them stands him heads and shoulders above his contemporaries."

Former Senator Ayo Adeseun also showered encomiums on Chief Sunday Dare for facilitating the building of the Pakiotan 80 bed capacity hospital, the youth vocational training centre in Ogbomoso, the renovation and equipping of the Okelerin Primary Health Centre and using his personal fund to roofing of the Sọun Township Stadium and serving as the co-facilitator of the Federal Polytechnic Ayeede.

Some of the other dignitaries present at the flag off include the former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Olagunju Ojo, Representative of Soun of Ogbomoso, High Chief Aare Ago, Chairman of NSS, Ogbomoso Branch, Prof A.A Agboola, Chairman Ogbomoso Parapo and Alhaji Saka Bello Aremole.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare today graced the Final Funeral Mass of Late Barr. Angela Folarin, the wife of Sen. Teslim Folarin (Senator representing Oyo Central in the Senate) at the Sacred heart Catholic Church, Bodija Ibadan.

The Minister had earlier paid a condolence visit to the Senator last week at his Abuja residence

APC Convention: President Buhari, This House Is Caving In, Save APC!

By Salisu Gukari_

With about 5 days to the proposed National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), it is almost certain that the February 26 date is no longer feasible. The earlier schedule of activities released by the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) has been largely held in the breach. Forms that were supposed to be sold to aspirants from February 14 has been nowhere to be found; sub-committees due for inauguration on February 19 is non-existent, instead subterranean plots and inordinate ambition of Gov Mai Mala Buni and his tiny clique of backers have overshadowed preparations for the party's Congress.

The CECPC, essentially established as an ad-hoc arrangement based on the doctrine of necessity to manage the affairs of the party and organise a convention within 6 months suddenly got blighted by personal interests, exalting devious machinations of a few Governors, and started shifting the goal posts in the middle of the game. 20 months after the CECPC replaced the Adams Oshiomhole led National Working Committee (NWC), internal schism within the party has exacerbated, key party organs that give rise to robust debates and aid critical decisions at the national level like the National Caucus has been discarded while Gov. Buni and his band of marauders have carried on as undertakers, hell-bent on burying the party on the altar of inordinate ambitions fueled by 2023 permutations.

After several prevarication, sometime in January, the CECPC aligned with the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and picked February 26 date for the convention. It went ahead to release a time-table of events, but as the days rolled by, turning to weeks, the insincerity of the Caretaker Committee came to the fore. It had to be pressured to send the statutory 21 days notice of convention to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and when it did, the "undertakers" surreptitiously omitted the venue of the Convention, which it later sent, after much hullabaloo.

While the CECPC claims to have conducted a revalidation exercise that purportedly gave rise to about 41 m members, the Congresses it conducted from Ward to State level have left many States in crisis, with not less than 14 States affected. The reconciliation committee it established, chaired by Sen. Abdullahi Adamu has been largely ineffective and dogged by its own internal contradictions as Sen. Adamu has lately abandoned his mandate to scheme to be annointed as National Chairman.

With the primaries for the general elections less than five months away, the ruling party has been rendered totally comatose, and held hostage by a few renegade Governors backed by an overly partisan Chief Law Officer of the Federation that does their bidding, providing legal cover for their shenanigans by consistently misleading President Muhammadu Buhari.

These vicious power mongers are not united by the need to entrench the progressive ideology of the APC, neither do they care a hoot about President Buhari's legacy. All they care about is desperation to control the party and determine who gets what, and ultimately, its Presidential ticket for the 2023 polls. Indeed, their plan is to keep the "Caretaker Undertakers" perpetually in office to conduct the party primaries, not minding the legal conundrum that an intra-party election organised by a contraption, unknown to law will pose to the APC. We are all aware of what transpired in Zamfara, Rivers and lately Anambra. The APC is headed towards a monumental loss in 2023, if not at the polls, but at the courts, if these "undertakers" are not stopped in their tracks!

President Buhari has a major role to play to save the party. Sustaining his legacy of progressive governance will be possible if the APC retains power in 2023, but as it stands, the ruling party is caving In from within, it is about imploding. The house is about to collapse if he doesn't intervene decisively.

Buhari should take charge by giving a firm directive to the CECPC to organise a convention within the next two weeks or risk immediate dissolution. He should shun whatever excuses to be adduced by CECPC, or its tiny clique of sympathetic Governors, all blinded by vested interests and 2023 ambitions. Surrendering to the antics of Mai Mala and the renegades is akin to gifting Nigeria to anti-democratic forces, and rolling back the gains of the past 7 years.

Aside from standing firm behind the immediate conducting of a National Convention, the President should insist on summoning of a National Caucus meeting to address inherent issues and forge a common front, in the run-up to the convention.

We must save the APC from those that have seized its soul, and are capitalising on the democratic ideals of the President. This House is crumbling, Mr President. Just as you intervened when it seemed the APC crisis was intractable under the former NWC, we look forward to your intervention, once again. Save your legacy from going down the drains, Mr President. Act Now!!!

Salisu Gukari wrote from Kaduna

* _Says Al-Makura as APC Chairman will "Sustain the gains, and Secure the Future_

The New Media Directorate of the Al-Makura Campaign Organisation (ACO) has launched a customised online campaign avatar to drum up support for the candidature of Sen. Umaru Tanko Al-Makura as APC National Chairman as the APC National Convention inches closer.

The online avatar which features the Campaign theme " Sustaining the Gains, and Securing the Future" is designed to market Al-Makura as the most experienced and competent to lead the ruling party from February 26.

Sen. Al-Makura with over four decades cognate experience in the public and private sectors, became Youth Leader of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the Second Republic in 1980; was elected into the Constituent Assembly in 1988; became the State Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC) in 1990-1992 and went on to build a thriving multi-billion naira business empire before becoming Governor of Nasarawa State in 2011.

Al-Makura's political sagacity was brought to the fore when he led the then Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) to defeat the entrenched Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State in a major political upset that proved bookmakers wrong.

As the APC moves to the final days of its Convention, most party chieftains across the nation are routing for Al-Makura because he is seen as level-headed, calm, cerebral and having the requisite administrative acumen and temperament to lead a party with diverse tendencies like the APC.

To create a customised avatar, please click the link below, input your picture and generate the graphics.

https://getdp.co/c97

Kindly use on all social media platforms for the next 16 days and share on all APC platforms.

Let's install Sen. Tanko Al-Makura, let's Sustain the gains, and Secure the Future!

Segun Tomori

Director, New Media
Al-Makura Campaign Organisation (ACO)

Nigeria and Japan are set to deepen their bilateral relations with stronger and deeper collaborations in Sports and Youth Development.

The Japanese Government is offering scholarship opportunities to Nigerian youth and pledging support for the country's anti doping campaign.

Both countries are also seeking to promote cooperation in information technology that will be mutually beneficial to their youth and sports development.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Monday, the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Matsunaga Kazuoshi said both countries have a lot to benefit by working together.

According to him, hosting the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympic games has given his country a better perspective about the value of sports.

"We appreciate your presence in Tokyo for the Olympics and Paralympic games," Mr Kazuoshi told the Youth and Sports Development Minister Sunday Dare.

"And we want to build on the benefits of hosting these games to promote cooperation between Japan and Nigeria.

"We have sports equipment donated by Kizarazu City and some sports federations for the sports federations in Nigeria," he added.

The Ambassador also stated that the Japanese Anti Doping Agency(JADA) is willing to provide online education that will help Nigeria deal with the doping issues in her sports.

In the area of youth development, Mr Kazuoshi said the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Japan runs a scholarship programme that has over 230 Nigerians among its beneficiaries, while another initiative, the Abe initiative, founded by Shinzo Abe, their former Prime Minister, provided internship opportunities for students in the private sector, stressing that Nigerian students could benefit from both programmes.

In his response, the Youth and Sports Development Minister, Sunday Dare said seeking to strengthen diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Japan using sports and youth development would turn out as the best decision by both countries.

The Minister said Nigeria is working hard to improve her anti doping status and so would take advantage of the online education to be provided by JADA to create more awareness as well as provide more information about doping issues to her athletes.

Dare further stated that the Federal Government, through the Ministry will ensure that only qualified and genuine students are recommended for the scholarship programmes in Japan.

"Tokyo 2020, both the Olympics and the Paralympics, have had positive impact on our athletes. Since participating in the Tokyo Games, most of them have become better.

"In the last two weeks, a lot of our student athletes who were in Japan have improved on their personal best records. Our Table Tennis Champion has moved up to 13th from 15th in the world rankings. All these are the Tokyo Olympics impact.

"On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, we want to thank Japan for hosting us and the rest of the world," Dare added.

The Japanese Ambassador was accompanied on the visit by the Head of Culture and Information in the Embassy of Japan, Ms Nami Nakayoshi and the Ambassador's Special Assistant, Mr John Nwankwo, a Nigerian.

Present at the meeting for the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development were the Director of Sports Medicine, Dr Paul Onyeudo, the Deputy Director, Anti Doping, Mrs Fadeke Adebola and the Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister on Policy, Mr Olumide Bamiduro.

Nigeria and Japan are set to deepen their bilateral relations with stronger and deeper collaborations in Sports and Youth Development.

The Japanese Government is offering scholarship opportunities to Nigerian youth and pledging support for the country's anti doping campaign.

Both countries are also seeking to promote cooperation in information technology that will be mutually beneficial to their youth and sports development.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Monday, the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Matsunaga Kazuoshi said both countries have a lot to benefit by working together.

According to him, hosting the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympic games has given his country a better perspective about the value of sports.

"We appreciate your presence in Tokyo for the Olympics and Paralympic games," Mr Kazuoshi told the Youth and Sports Development Minister Sunday Dare.

"And we want to build on the benefits of hosting these games to promote cooperation between Japan and Nigeria.

"We have sports equipment donated by Kizarazu City and some sports federations for the sports federations in Nigeria," he added.

The Ambassador also stated that the Japanese Anti Doping Agency(JADA) is willing to provide online education that will help Nigeria deal with the doping issues in her sports.

In the area of youth development, Mr Kazuoshi said the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Japan runs a scholarship programme that has over 230 Nigerians among its beneficiaries, while another initiative, the Abe initiative, founded by Shinzo Abe, their former Prime Minister, provided internship opportunities for students in the private sector, stressing that Nigerian students could benefit from both programmes.

In his response, the Youth and Sports Development Minister, Sunday Dare said seeking to strengthen diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Japan using sports and youth development would turn out as the best decision by both countries.

The Minister said Nigeria is working hard to improve her anti doping status and so would take advantage of the online education to be provided by JADA to create more awareness as well as provide more information about doping issues to her athletes.

Dare further stated that the Federal Government, through the Ministry will ensure that only qualified and genuine students are recommended for the scholarship programmes in Japan.

"Tokyo 2020, both the Olympics and the Paralympics, have had positive impact on our athletes. Since participating in the Tokyo Games, most of them have become better.

"In the last two weeks, a lot of our student athletes who were in Japan have improved on their personal best records. Our Table Tennis Champion has moved up to 13th from 15th in the world rankings. All these are the Tokyo Olympics impact.

"On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, we want to thank Japan for hosting us and the rest of the world," Dare added.

The Japanese Ambassador was accompanied on the visit by the Head of Culture and Information in the Embassy of Japan, Ms Nami Nakayoshi and the Ambassador's Special Assistant, Mr John Nwankwo, a Nigerian.

Present at the meeting for the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development were the Director of Sports Medicine, Dr Paul Onyeudo, the Deputy Director, Anti Doping, Mrs Fadeke Adebola and the Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister on Policy, Mr Olumide Bamiduro.

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has commended Nigerian youth for their active participation in the political process at all levels of government.

Speaking ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth festival scheduled to hold on Saturday,  February 5 at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan,  the Minister applauded the organizers of the event, adding that the youth are strategic to nation building.

Dare stressed that national development cannot be achieved without the integration of the younger generation, noting that the youth are blessed with uncommon  talents , which should be explored for the progress of the country.

The Minister, who will deliver a keynote address at the event, is expected to highlight the achievements of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government in the area of youth empowerment.

The Minister, while urging the youth to sustain the feat, called on the political class to support youth-friendly policies of the Federal Government, adding that the President's assent to the Not-To-Young-To-Run bill is a testament to the love President Buhari has for the youth.

Dare, wished the youth a fulfilling and hitch-free festival.