₦airaland Forum

Speaking on the Nigerian Basketball crisis:
Quote
" We will try to bring all these people together help them out and we believe we will have some news to protect the players."

The FIBA Africa boss said he understands the need to strike a balance between the government and the federation.

"To promote the game the federation is one entity and government is another entity we know that to promote and develop the game we must work together other wise it is the players that will be affected not the federation and not the government."
-.FIBA Africa president Anibal Manave

Likely Reasons Why FG Withdrew Nigeria From International Basketball Competitions



It becomes imperative for Nigeria government to step into the lingering leadership tussle bedevilling the game of basketball in Nigeria.

The tussle had dealt a big blow to the development of the game in Nigeria to the extend that no Professional Domestic Leagues were held in the country for more than 4 years.

The basketball administrators unfortunately dont bother about the development and survival of over 4,000 local players, many of whom have left sport to find other way of survival leaving the players and game to suffer while they smile to bank in the name of International matches. The deterioration of the game at the home front particularly at this time needs government intervention to safe it from those pretenders.

Here are some of the reasons the Federal Government come to rescue the game.


1) No basket ball domestic league in Nigeria for almost 4 years.

2) 0ver 4,000 young basket ball players denied the opportunity of a career.

3) Hundreds of coaches, referees and support staff are thrown out of jobs because there was no league

4) Big Sponsors like Zenith for over 10 years stopped sponsoring Basketball. About 5 major sponsors took off due to the leadership crisis

5) Nigeria was banned from participating in Basketball African League (BAL) even after government got Nigeria qualified. FIBA dared Nigeria because the NBBF reported to the world governing body that government was interfering

6) Both the Male and Female basketball teams threatned many times in writing that they will not play for Nigeria at the world cup or any international competitions unless the Kida led board is changed.

7) FIBA has refused to engage constructively with Government but only listen to some board members. FIBA said Ministry was 3rd party and should not say anything about Basketball in Nigeria.
This is a Violation of the code of Governance and theconstitutional powers of the Ministry as supervsing Ministry.

Hon. PROPHET JEREMIAH OMAH* Emerges APGA candidate for House of Assembly Ikwo South Constituency.


Honorable PROPHET JEREMIAH OMAH has emerged the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA candidate for House of Assembly Ikwo South Constituency, come 2023 general elections.

Hon OMAH emerged the party’s candidate for House of Assembly Ikwo South constituency, following peaceful elections conducted in the presence of the Independent electoral commission, INEC, security agencies and journalists, in Abakaliki the State capital.


He emerged through affirmation by delegates from the wards that made up of Oh Ikwo South Local Government areas respectively.


The affirmation was conducted under the supervision of the state chairman of APGA, secretary and INEC officials as observers, and with the returning officer, announcing Prophet Jeremiah OMAH as winner.


In his acceptance speech, Hon Jeremiah OMAH said that his emergeance would spur him toward more effective representation to his constituents.


He commended all the party delegates for their support and solidarity to him in ensuring he clinched the party’s House of reps ticket.


He, however, promised not to betray the trust reposed in him, and vowed to protect their interests.


He further declared that the outcome of the election was true reflection of the wishes of the people who were satisfied with his purposeful representation and outstanding performance.


In his words “I urge all of us to join hands together in the struggle to give our party, the All progressives Grand Aliace the desired victory at the 2023 general elections,’’ he said.

By Oramadike Ifeanyi | October 07, 2021

Teenagers may have the view that they know it all, but research says vice versa! The rational part of the brain does not fully develop until 23-25 of age. Adult brains and teenage brains operate purely in a different way. In primary school, the child look up to their parents. But at adolescence stage? Not so ample.

Spending more time with family at home has been a hopeful prospect of these stress and storms periods . Learning and working from home has brought thousands of families closer, and the absence of typical excursions has build more opportunities to interact with and entertain with the family.
But for most homes/families, it’s been a mixed blessing.

According to Sean Grover, licensed psychotherapist and author of “When Kids Call the Shots: How to Seize Control from Your Darling Bully and Enjoy Being a Parent Again,” states, “Teenagers rebel because they want to be different from their parents, plain and simple.”They want freedom at this stage to showcase themselves. “As teenagers struggle to establish their own unique identity, they often reject their parents in the process. This is healthy and necessary for them to develop a strong sense of self.”

it is practicable and important to keep a positive and unshakable relationship and closeness with your teenage child.

The following are few guides to assist facilitate that:

Guide #1: Give your teen some responsibilities;
Teenagers want independence, and parents should foster this by giving them responsibility when possible.

Guide #2: Don’t wait until it’s too late;
"Establishing a family culture of mutual respect and keeping communication open from an early age will assist with the teens years", According to Grover .
“Don’t incline heavily on punishments, as a top-down parenting model will backfire in adolescence big time".

Guide #3: Give a listening ear and be open;
According to Grover, "It’s important to listen more than you talk and maintain a healthy curiosity,”

Guide #4: Be an Example to what you preach;
When parents encourage open communication, it can provide a safe space to talk about peer influence. This, in turn,can assist teenager choose healthy, positive friendships where they will get a reciprocated relationship with other teenagers.

Some questions on Teenagers real identity.
Few questions that will get your teen talking and build your relationship in the process, once you notice that your teenage child is giving you a distance.
Good conversations with teenager are often grounded in their self experiences, likes and dislikes, or opinions.
Some of the questions will come under some categories which includes;
#School/Learning
#Relationship/Friends
#Light-hearted Questions
#Big Questions
#Framework Questions

#School/Learning Questions

Teenagers always have a lot to say on their daily experience in school when the parents ask a basic question like 'How was school?'instead, when speaking to your 17-year-old about their day and school in general, please asks more detailed questions, such as:
What is your favorite subject in school? Tell me about the best activity you’ve ever done in that subject.
What do you think is the most important quality in a teacher? Reason?
Did anything funny happen with [friend] at school today?
Which is the most difficult rule to follow in school? Why do you think that is?
What’s something you’re really good at in school?

#Relationship/Friend Questions

Be genuinely curious about your teen’s world and the people who inhabit or they share it.
Some relationship/friend questions to ask:
What do you think makes a good friend?
What kind of things do you like to do together with your friends?
If you and your friends won a $200 prize, how would you spend it?
Did you meet anyone new today? What are they like?
How do you think this person will impact your life positively?
According to Morrison, "These questions will help parents get a better understanding of whether or not their child’s friendship is a positive or negative influence in their life."

#Light-hearted Questions

Getting information and providing strong leadership doesn’t have to be done so through a dictatorship.”
Grover states,“It’s so important to keep a sense of humor when talking with your teen.”
Light-hearted questions to ask:
What’s your favorite TV show?
What do you look forward to most each day?
In your opinion, what is the most useful/entertaining app?
What’s your favorite song of all time?
What do you look forward to most each day?

#Big Questions

Most times the time and place is ripe for getting your teenage child to really discuss.
Big questions to consider are:
Do you think you have enough support at home? If not, how can we change that?
Do you want to get married one day?
What’s something you wish adults understood about kids today?
Tell me about an achievement/ experience you’re really proud of. Why is it important to you?
What do you think makes your generation unique?

#Framework Questions

Some of the Framework Questions
What superpower would you want to have? How would you use it?
Do you think aliens exist? How would you explain Earth/humans to them?
If you had one year to spend three million dollars, how would you spend it?
Do you think there is too much/ not enough technology in the world? What would you change?
Describe your perfect meal.

Some children will ‘talk’ more through art or through writing journal messages to each other. The important thing is that you’re listening in every way you can. Getting closer to your teenage child is one of the most useful part of their life.

Members of the Local Organizing Committee for the Dr Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament (Aisha Buhari Cup) were at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Friday morning to check out the facility and ascertain the pace of work at the venue.

During a courtesy call to his office a fortnight ago, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State assured the LOC members that work would proceed apace at the facility to ensure its readiness to host matches of the maiden edition of the Aisha Buhari Cup. He also assured that renovation work at the Agege Stadium would be done with rapidity.

At the Draw Ceremony on Wednesday, the organizers announced that the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, which is the site of the old Onikan Stadium, would serve as Venue A of the tournament, while Agege Stadium would be Venue B.

On Friday, the LOC members, including Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi (Chairman); Ms Aisha Falode (Director of Organization) and; Hon. Ayo Omidiran (Member) as well as Technical Committee members, Bola Oyeyode and Dotun Coker, were at the Arena to see for themselves the state of things.

“We thank Governor Sanwo-Olu and the entire Lagos State Government for the celerity of pace of work here, and at the Agege Stadium. We believe that both venues will be ready and all-good-to-go for the tournament,” Barr. Akinwunmi said at the end of the visit.

Nigeria, Cameroon, Morocco, Ghana, South Africa and Mali will battle for honours at the 9-day tournament that will see 10 matches in all played across Mobolaji Johnson Arena and Agege Stadium, with the opening match between Nigeria and Morocco on Monday, 13th September and the final on 21st September – both at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Our (Aisha Buhari Cup) draw was difficult. It’s not as easy as it seems. Ghana has been a powerhouse as well as Cameroon in African football. We cannot take any of the team lightly.

“We’ve always wanted more women’s football competitions on the continent and this will be a mini Women Africa Cup of Nations. I think this is a start of great things to come for women’s football in Africa.

“Six top countries and we couldn’t have asked for anything more. We want to thank Nigeria’s First Lady (Dr Aisha Buhari) for the fantastic initiative.

“Next time, it can be much bigger and also rival big tournaments worldwide. It’s a great initiative and we’re very happy to be part of it.”

A glamorous draw ceremony on Wednesday in Lagos heralded the much –anticipated Dr Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Football Tournament, which the City of Lagos will host 13th – 21st September.

A clutch of dignitaries, including captains of industry, top officials of Lagos State Sports Commission, top acts of the local organizing committee, Super Falcons’ player and Super Falcons’ assistant coach, women’s football financiers and enthusiasts, and representatives of the media witnessed the epoch event at the Australia Hall of the Eko Hotel & Suites in Victoria Island.

The draw ceremony was preceded by a press conference, where Chairman of the LOC, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi outlined the objectives of the tournament, which includes galvanizing the critical sectors of the country to support the women’s game better in view of the abundance of talent in the country; promote and project what Her Excellency, the First Lady, Dr Aisha Buhari is doing with her Future Assured Programme; highlight the several opportunities and possibilities embedded in women’s football; showcase Lagos State, the Centre of Excellence and; further project to the international sphere Nigeria’s immense talent in women’s football, the good attitude of Nigerians and the organizational skill of Nigerians.

Director of Organization, Ms Aisha Falode minced no words in saying that the coming tournament is more than just football played on the field. She contended that what Her Excellency is doing with the Future Assured Programme dovetails excellently with the tenets and spirit of the FIFA Women’s Development Programme, which is all about the girl-child and her health as well as economic empowerment and educational enhancement. She revealed that the organizers want to use the tournament to build positive and enduring narratives about women’s football, Lagos State and Nigeria generally.

Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan assured that the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Sports Commission, will offer all the necessary support to enable a hitch-free tournament, as completion work is at high speed at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan and renovation work is apace at the Agege Stadium – the two venues for the tournament. He added that the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration is gingered up to support sports development projects, and has recently embarked on the construction of 11 more stadia across the State.

A member of the LOC representing the Office of the First Lady, Dr Wole Aboderin, read Her Excellency’s speech, in which she appreciated the President of NFF and the LOC, saying the tournament provides another window to meaningfully impact the life of the girl-child. She added that she has given her full support to the project, and charged all the participants to observe Fair Play as they will be Playing for Good. There were also messages of goodwill from Super Falcons’ players Asisat Oshoala, Onome Ebi, Desire Oparanozie, Rasheedat Ajibade and Gift Monday.

Falode, who is also Chairman of the Nigeria Women Football League, conducted the draw, with famous women’s football financier Hon. Ayo Omidiran, Super Falcons’ assistant coach Ann Chiejine, ace journalist Cecilia Omorogbe and Super Falcons’ forward Gift Monday picking from the pots to draw the teams in groups. Nigeria and Morocco will square up in the opening match of the tournament at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan on Monday, 13th September.

THE DRAW

GROUP A
Nigeria
Morocco
Mali

GROUP B
Cameroon
Ghana
South Africa

Celebrated sports broadcaster and administrator, Aisha Falode took the centre stage Wednesday morning at the draw ceremony of the invitational Aisha Buhari Cup holding in Lagos next month.

The event took place at the Eko Hotel. Nigeria and Cameroon were the seeded sides and topped groups A and B respectively.

Nigeria as seeded team in Group A are drawn against Mali and Morocco. They will play at the waterfront Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

The power-packed Group B will feature Cameroon, South Africa and Ghana and it is easily the group of death.

Nigeria will therefore open their account with a clash with Morocco on 13 September.

Olympics medalist and Technical Director Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Chika Chukwumereije has commended the Minister of sports and youth development, Sunday Akin Dare for leading the country to a successful outing in Tokyo that surpassed the country’s past participations.


Chukwumereije who single handedly groomed the country’s only Taekwondo athlete to the Games, Elizabeth Anyanacho also commended the athletes for truly giving their best to make the country proud at a time that all hope seemed lost.

The Abia state born former athlete while assessing the performance of Team Nigeria to the recently concluded Games said, “I was in London 2012, I had to sit before a press conference as the team captain, and apologized to the entire nation that I am sorry because we didn’t win any medal. In Rio they won one medal and in Tokyo they won two medals and one of the medals came from a sport that never won a medal.

“So statistically we have done better. And when you look at the statistics no African nation did better than what she did before in the Olympics. If you look at Kenya, Ethiopia and even South Africa, none did better than she has done before. I think Nigeria did well. I think also that the honourable minister did well.”

Chukwumereije who would always speak frankly said the country also had some lows at the Games as 10 athletes from the Athletic Federation were dropped from participating in the Games they were already in Tokyo for.

He maintained that whatever led to that disgrace was simply a federation issue not a ministry issue, saying “If you know how sports works, it’s a federation issue. That infighting caused them because who was getting the emails? So one camp was getting the emails, why didn’t they send it to the athletes. I am not blaming any camp but I just saying whenever there is discontent in the federation, the athletes will suffer.”

The member of the dissolved Taekwondo Federation board also noted that in his federation, TFN, there was a big fight during the last election and the federation is still suffering it till date but warned that there is no where that war is good.

“That is the first thing to look at when talking about what happened to the 10 athletes. The second one is the athletes’ whereabouts. I know that prior to the Olympics, they had at least two seminars and they insisted on the whereabouts and they were very emphatic. For an athlete, if you are leaving Abuja today for Lagos there is an Application for them to sign in and say this is where I will be.”

Explaining further, the Olympics bronze medalist said the affected athletes also have a share of the blame because most of them won’t do it. They would just assume the secretariat would do it. But no, that application is for the athlete.

“You are the one that will explain your movement and I the ministry painstakingly taught them that deliberately. So they must take the blame. It is like doping. Doping blames the that anything that enters the body of the athlete is the athlete’s fault even if somebody injected the athlete. So it’s just the same thing. The whereabouts form is for the athletes and they are educated on this,” he said.

The Office of Her Excellency, the First Lady has approved ‘Playing for Good’ as the theme for the highly –anticipated Dr Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Football Tournament that the City of Lagos is hosting 13th – 21st September 2021.
Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the tournament, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi who made this known yesterday, reflected that the theme resonated with the vision and mission of the organizing committee to use the tournament to uphold the honour of the name and Office of Her Excellency, highlight the good causes of the Aisha Buhari Foundation and build and sustain positive narratives about the City of Lagos and Nigeria at large.
“Now that we have the theme, our media and marketing teams should work overtime to drive the message home to every Nigerian and to inspire the confidence and actual buy-in of the political and business environments in the Dr Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament.
“As I keep saying, the principal objectives of this tournament include hosting a very successful tournament that reflects in totality the decency, decorum and excellence for which Her Excellency is known and respected globally, and also to promote and project the beauty, splendour of Lagos and the Nigeria nation,” Barr. Akinwunmi said.
Earlier, the Office of the First Lady and State House of the Local Organizing Committee met at the State House Abuja to synchronize the vision and mission for the tournament, known as the Aisha Buhari Cup.
#playingforgood.

Aisha Buhari tourney gets theme.

PHOTO: Chief of Staff to the First Lady, Dr Turin (third from right); LOC chairman Barr. Akinwunmi (left); Director of Organization Ms Falode (second left); Hon. Omidiran (third from left); Deputy Director of Organization Mrs Daura (right) and Marketing Consultant Mr Ige (second left) after the LOC met with the Office of First Lady at the State House in Abuja.

The Office of Her Excellency, the First Lady has approved ‘Playing for Good’ as the theme for the highly –anticipated Dr Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Football Tournament that the City of Lagos is hosting 13th – 21st September 2021.


Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the tournament, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi who made this known on Friday, reflected that the theme resonated with the vision and mission of the organizing committee to use the tournament to uphold the honour of the name and Office of Her Excellency, highlight the good causes of the Aisha Buhari Foundation and build and sustain positive narratives about the City of Lagos and Nigeria at large.

“Now that we have the theme, our media and marketing teams should work overtime to drive the message home to every Nigerian and to inspire the confidence and actual buy-in of the political and business environments in the Dr Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament.

“As I keep saying, the principal objectives of this tournament include hosting a very successful tournament that reflects in totality the decency, decorum and excellence for which Her Excellency is known and respected globally, and also to promote and project the beauty, splendour of Lagos and the Nigeria nation,” Barr. Akinwunmi said.

Earlier, the Office of the First Lady and Members of the Local Organizing Committee met to synchronize the vision and mission for the tournament, known as the Aisha Buhari Cup.

At a meeting in the State House, Abuja, the two teams also deliberated and harmonized strategies, methods, measures and means to achieve the short-term and long-term objectives of the tournament, and also on how to deliver a hitch-free showpiece.

The First Lady’s team was led by Chief of Staff to the First Lady and SSA to the President on Administration and Women Affairs in the Office of the First Lady, Dr Rukayyatu Abdulkareem Turin, Technical Assistant to the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, Dr Mohammed Kamal, alongside other top officials of the Presidency, while the LOC led by its Chairman, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi also had Ms Aisha Falode (Director of Organization), Mrs Amina Daura (Deputy Director of Organization), Alh. Ibrahim Musa Gusau (Member), Hon. Ayo Omidiran (Member), Dr Wole Aboderin and Dr Sa’idu Suleiman (who both represent the Office of the First Lady on the LOC), Miss Kemi Areola (Member) and Mr Taye Ige (Marketing Consultant). General Secretary of the NFF, Dr Mohammed Sanusi was also present.

The parley discussed broadly about the organization and long-term concept of the Invitational Tournament, the collaboration between the LOC, the Office of the First Lady and the Aisha Buhari Foundation, the enhancement of global visibility of the Future Assured programme.

A Football Conference is planned for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in a couple of weeks to further sensitize and galvanize the political and business environments to the principal objectives of the week-long tournament.

Her Excellency’s Future Assured (FA), an arm of the Aisha Buhari Foundation, seeks to actively advocate for the health and well-being of women and children through community mobilization and health promotion. #AishaBuhariCup

PRESS RELEASE
 
On Nigeria’s Participation at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
 
Not wanting to add to the public distraction, I have deliberately waited until the end of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games before making any observations regarding the various reports on Nigeria’s participation in the quadrennial games.
 
2. This was out of respect for our athletes who had committed so much effort and made such considerable personal sacrifice in order to represent our nation as best as they could.  Overall, we should be proud of Team Nigeria and the effort they made. The bottom line is that these games should always be about the athletes and the spirit of friendly competition and excellence the Olympics are meant to engender.
 
3. Sadly, some people seem not to have embraced either the good cause of our national athletic pursuits or the collegial and noble spirit that the Olympics promote.
 
4. The rancour and confusion some people seem intent on sowing are terribly out of place given the impressive performance of our team and good spirit with which they performed. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics are now over, which means we can begin to honestly and objectively assess what was accomplished as well as what we must do to improve performance for future contests.
 
5. Nigeria succeeded with two (2) medals - a silver in wrestling won by Blessing Oborodudu and a bronze in long jump won by Ese Brume. Their performances were inspiring for they affirmed we can and should compete at the highest levels across the full range of sports events. Yes, we had wished and worked for more medals. But we must also put things in perspective. The medal outcome at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics stands as Nigeria’s best result in the last 13 years.
 
6. Moreover, the athletes of Team Nigeria did their nation proud. Many of them reached the finals of their respective sports and, competing with all they had, were in contention for medals until the final moment. Any one who saw their efforts would have nothing but the utmost respect for them, their coaches and all the technical staff that made Tokyo possible.
 
7. I thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his unrelenting support for Sports and Youth development and indeed for the opportunity to serve and lead our participation at these games. Team Nigeria placed 74th position on the final  Olympic medal table among 205 participating countries, despite our small contingent to the games. We were 8th among 52 African countries that participated. Team Nigeria excelled in many areas that engender hope for greater success in the future.
 
8. Nigeria had five Olympic finalists in 100 meters Hurdles Women, Short Put, Long jump, Wrestling and 100 meters men. Team Nigeria broke the 13 year old jinx of no medal in Long jump and 25 years of no finalist in the men’s 100 meters,  and secured a medal in wrestling for the very first time. Overall, our performance was good and more importantly it is headed in the right direction.
 
9. While the general trends and  overall performance was positive, I must mention two unfortunate incidents that occurred.
 
10. First is the mishap resulting in 10 Team Nigeria athletes being ruled ineligible to compete for missing their mandatory Out of Competition Test, OTC. When notice of this ruling got to me, I immediately mobilized my team and the AFN leadership to see how the situation could be salvaged. We mounted a vigorous appeal process with Athletics Integrity Unit, AIU and had the team members complete the tests.  However,  timing became the critical issue . Despite our energetic appeal, the deciding committee made its announcement which gave no latitude to our team members for what was only an inadvertent lapse.
 
11. The adverse decision was painful to accept. We had prepared carefully and eagerly for the Olympics with the expectation that each person, federation, coach and athlete would also complete the necessary preparations required of them. As Minister, I ensured that all necessary approvals were done so that all requisite tests and exams could be timely completed. For me this unfortunate incident is most painful because these athletes had prepared long and hard and also in view of the challenging circumstances due to COVID-19.
 
12. As the Minister I must bear some institutional responsibility for this lapse.  I also had to depend and expect that each person in the long and often technical chain will perform their role expeditiously and with precision. Unfortunately, somewhere along the line someone failed in their responsibility and  as Minister I bear the responsibility and brunt of criticsm.  But that is not enough. I must move to ensure that Nigeria never experiences another such moment. I have ordered a full investigation that will not only uncover what happened, but will also, recommend a process where such lapses can never occur in the future and initiate leveraging compliance monitoring technology to guardrail this.
 
13. I have personally apologized to the affected athletes. Here and now, I personally apologize to all Nigerians for this ineligibility episode. The AFN has also taken responsibility and apologized to the athletes and to Nigerians.
 
14. Already, a new Medical and Anti-Doping Commission has been set up to establish a fool proof system of testing and ensure Nigeria exits the A Categorization by WADA.
Also,Blessing Okagbare remains one of our best athletes who has served Nigeria well. We emphatize with her. Nigeria will monitor closely developments around her temporary suspension and appeal.  
 
15. The second issue had to do with the apparel provided for the team.
 
16. The Ministry’s responsibility and that of the 38 National Sporting Federations, NSFs of kitting are well spelt out. The production of general wears for Team Nigeria is always the responsibility of the Ministry of Youth and Sport Development. Procurement for the Competition Wear is the responsibility of the respective federations because of the fact that each sport requires specialized outfits. Boxing, Wrestling, Atheletics and each of the  federations need different gears. The Ministry provides budgetary support to the federations.
 
17. The quantity of competition wears given to each athlete is the decision of the particular federation. No complaints came to my notice until the Tik Tok Video posted by one of the athletes went viral. We Immediately stepped in to manage the situation. The Federation involved has been directed to provide a detailed explanation about the kit.
 
18. Team Nigeria was properly kitted for the games with a 9-item back pack using a local manufacturer in harmony with President Buhari’s policy on local content.
 
19. Before any federation which is a component of Team Nigeria however wears any brand, it must refer to the Ministry and the NOC for clearance and approval. The Ministry and NOC must be fully aware of the contract details by the Federation to protect the rights and freedoms of the athletes and ensure Nigeria’s interests are protected. In this situation, the Ministry wishes to state that the contractual arrangement between AFN and Puma prior to the Olympic Games has generated a lot of controversy between the former President of the Federation and the former Board members. I will not want to go into too much details on this issue because it is sub judice. Suffice it to say that the Ministry was not part of the agreement. The Tik Tok video on the issue was an attempt to create a media frenzy to embarrass Nigeria.  
 
20. Following from the above, the issue relating to the competition wears vis a vis the alleged arrangement with Puma is most unfortunate. I have demanded a proper investigation into this matter. Such an inquiry will unearth the truth about how some people tried to sabotage Nigeria’s participation and undermine the country and our Olympic athletes.
 
21. On assumption of office as Minister of Youth and Sports 2 years ago, I began a gradual reformation of the National Sports Federations, NSFs.  For years, a few of these federations were very badly run. These reforms will take time. There already is and will be stiff resistance from some quarters, which is what we are witnessing now. But we are resolute to establish better sport’s management, a legacy President Muhammadu Buhari is desirous of bequeathing to our sports development.  
 
22. There is much to hope for the future. In Tokyo, Most of our athletes were young and debutants – first time Olympians. They gave their all. If only we can support them in a sustained manner, they will give us future Olympic medals  and raise high the flag of Nigeria at all venues of international sports competition. We have started building a new generation of Young Nigerian athletes who will benefit immensely from the Nigerian Sports Industry Policy which will be placed before the Federal Executive Council for approval shortly. This policy will unleash the economic potential of our sports sector following President Buhari’s reclassification of sports as a business, away from recreation. This will be  the foundation for sustained sector growth and maximization of our human resources.
 
23. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics experience will move and challenge me to push our sports  to a higher level and seek a better condition for all our athletes.
 
24. Team Nigeria went to Tokyo 2020 and competed against the best in the world. Two Olympics medals and a statistical performance that has a place in the history of our Olympic participation despite being one of  our smallest contingents. We can perform even much better if we alI hold onto the lessons learnt.
 
25. I  remain grateful to all the athletes that so represented Nigeria well.
 
 
Sunday Dare
Minister of Youth and Sports Development
Abuja, August 9, 2021

Tokyo 2020ne; Sunday Dare Is Still One Of The Best Sports Minister In The History Of Nigeria.... Says Honourable Emmanuel Umar.

By Akin Bolarinwa

The Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Niger state, Emmanuel Umar is excited that the Team Nigeria is leaving the Tokyo Olympics with something to show for their efforts.

Emmanuel Umar praised the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Chief Sunday Dare for leading Nigeria to glory.

He said, Sunday Dare ranks first among Nigeria's most clever, analytic and pragmatic Ministers.

"Let me be honest with you, if there is any minister that has brought directions and policies into bear, it is Dare".

The Niger state born administrator stated further that it is unfortunate that some people don't appreciate what the minister has done in 2 years.

"I have great respect for the minister, what he has achieved within short period of time none of the previous ministers achieved such in a long while".

Umar stressed that Dare risked everything to inspire Team Nigeria athletes to podium finish at the Olympics inspite of attendant issues that confronted team and in all objectivity he has set a progressive path for sports development in Nigeria.

"Do you know how much his budget was?," Umar asked rhetorically. Despite the paucity the man put himself under pressure to do a thankless job".

Going forward, Honourable Umar want Sunday Dare to ignore the naysayers and concentrate further in building a lasting and rewarding future for Nigerian sports.

"There is a day I looked at Sports Minister and I said Oga you are killing yourself on the people that won't even appreciate what you are doing. It is better you keep doing your best and worry less about naysayers". The commissioner stated.

Thanks

Tokyo 2020: Dollar rain for Oborodudu, Brume.

Silver Medalist Blessing Oborududu and bronze medalist Ese Brume have been
rewarded with their promised cash of $10,000 and $7500, respectively in a ceremony held at Grand Prince Hotel, Tokyo Japan on Tuesday.

Oborududu and Brume were presented their cash by the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister said “There’s no point delaying the reinforcement of these athletes who have made the country proud, that is the reason they were rewarded immediately for their record breaking performance”

Chioma Ajunwa was the first person who won gold medal for Nigeria in the Long at Atlanta 1996, Brume thus follows suit with a bronze, while Oborududu is the first Nigerian Wrestler to win an Olympics medal.

In her reaction, Oborududu said “I am just super excited and I want to say thank you to all my supporters and the Federal Government of Nigeria for the encouragement.”

Tokyo 2020: Dare, Team Nigeria did well -Iloenyosi.

Ex-international, Chikelue Iloenyosi is not one of those who believe sports minister, Sunday Dare and Team Nigeria have not done well, given the nation’s performance at the Tokyo games.

Iloenyosi who spoke exclusively to newstap.com.ng said anybody who wants to do an objective assessment of Team Nigeria’s performance would not be calling for the sports minister’s head since in his words…”so many factors come into play when you go into a competition such as the Olympics.”

Iloenyosi said he is happy that first and foremost the country did better in Tokyo than the two previous outings in London and Rio adding that with some element of luck on the country’s side we could have been talking about returning from Tokyo with at least two gold medals.

“I m not holding forth for the minister or anybody for that matter, but for me, we have not done badly in Tokyo. Winning a silver and a bronze was better than London and Rio. Beyond that, that element of luck which is part of sports was not on our side in Tokyo. If not, we would have been talking about Odunayo Adekuroye winning a medal, a Blessing Okagbare winning a medal and even Adegoke and Divine Oduduru. We all saw how Adekuroye lost out, how Oduduru lost out in the 100m and how Okagbare surprisingly failed drug test…tell me if the minister could have done anything about all these shortcomings. I agree that there are areas where we fell short, but let’s also know that there are areas we did well. D’Tigers and D’Tigress may not have done well, but let’s not forget that qualifying the two teams for the Olympics is a huge achievement. The little girl in Taekwondo Anyanacho is an athlete that would be good for a medal at the Paris games. So, for me, rather than bicker over our showing in Tokyo, we should begin immediately to prepare for Paris 2024.

If the former Sports minister, Solomon Dalung had gotten things right after the Rio games we would probably have done better in Tokyo. Dare has taken some good steps that would make our sports better moving forward…what we need now is to consolidate on them.”

NIGERIA AMBASSADOR TO JAPAN HOSTS TEAM NIGERIA.[color=#006600][/color]

......As Sunday Dare Pledges To Finance Surgery of Five Athletes

The Ambassador representing Nigeria in Japan, His Excellency, Abubakar Moriki Husaini hosted Team Nigeria at the Nigerian Embassy in Tokyo, Japan.

Ambassador Husaini, who in company of his staff welcomed all the remaining athletes and officials in the Nigeria camp to Japan; thanked them for the good work and quality representation they have given the federal Republic of Nigeria especially the medallists who made the country proud during the Olympics 2020.

In his response, Mr Sunday Dare, Honourable Minister of Youths and Sports Development expressed his delight for the support received from the Nigerian Embassy in Japan. He equally appreciated the athletes for their exploits in Tokyo.

"I have to sincerely thank all the athletes and officials that have worked assiduously to make Team Nigeria a success. To compete and win medals at the Olympics is a great honour in the country of over 200 milion people. The federal government of Nigeria is proud of you all but let me quickly add that the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development will take care of the treatment of Enoch Adegoke, Blessing Oborodudu, Oluwatobiloba Amusan, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi and Usheoritse Itsekiri plus any of the athletes that is nursing any injury."

In similar vein, Engineer Habu Ahmed Gumel, President, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) who presented the International Olympic Committee Pins and certificates to the medallists urged them to prepare themselves very well for the forthcoming games and events, so that they can perform better. Also, he praised the minister for his effort on the athletes and the working relationship that exists between the ministry and NOC.

Tokyo Olympics: Facts About The Puma Contract and Its Aftermath By Chibuike Anyanwu

Yesterday, the media was awash with news about the termination of kits supply contract by Puma to Team Nigeria. The deal signed in 2019 before the appointment of the current Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare was supposed to lapse in 2022. The contract signed by the then leadership of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Ibrahim Gusau had a Non-Disclosure Agreement without the supervision of the Ministry, in total disregard for due process.

Mr Dare on assumption of office discovered that funds for the Puma kits contract was paid into personal accounts and the then Gusau-led AFN signed a confidentiality clause in the contract with PUMA which prevented them from revealing details of the contract to the supervising body,the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. This is the bone of contention which is antithetical to transparency and accountability mantra of the Buhari administration.

The contract has led to an ongoing legal battle between the sports ministry and Gusau. In addition, Gusau, alongside Sunday Adeleye, technical director of the body, were dragged to court by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for alleged diversion of over $75,000.

Therefore, it becomes pertinent that the Ministry protects Nigerian athletes by refusing to allow them adorn the Puma branded apparel at the on-going Tokyo Olympics because because it is a subject of criminal investigation.

While there has since been a legitimate AFN leadership led by Tonobock Okowa elected by over two-thirds of members since June 2021, the Gusau has continued his campaign of calumny against the Ministry and Nigeria's interest by wilfully sabotaging preparations for the Olympics and expending a whooping N2.7bn to sponsor negative stories in the media. He was responsible for refusing to release details of testing to athletes to ensure that Nigeria fails, and the Minister is disgraced, just because their criminal diversion was stopped in its tracks.

It is quite incongruous that some publications claimed that the Department of State Security (DSS) cleared Gusau of any wrongdoing. That is quite laughable because the DSS is in charge of State Security. Its purview does not extend to investigating criminal matters or corruption allegations. As at today, Gusau has been charged to court by the Police and a "Prima facie" case has been established against him for misapplication of funds and criminal diversion.

It really stands logic on its head that Sunday Dare, a lawyer and seasoned administrator who had served meritoriously as a National Commissioner in Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) amongst other roles in public and private sector would be negligent in his handling of preparations for the Olympics or wilfully bring Nigeria to disrepute in any form.

The crime of the Minister is that he refused to bend the rules and join in the bazaar of sharing the loot, hence Gusau vowed to bring him down, after the emergence of a new board of the Athletics Federation led to his ouster.

Now that the contract has been terminated, let's see how Gusau will refund the $2.7m. Nemesis is catching up sooner than later!

Good

Tokyo Olympics: Facts About The Puma Contract and Its Aftermath By Chibuike Anyanwu

Yesterday, the media was awash with news about the termination of kits supply contract by Puma to Team Nigeria. The deal signed in 2019 before the appointment of the current Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare was supposed to lapse in 2022. The contract signed by the then leadership of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Ibrahim Gusau had a Non-Disclosure Agreement without the supervision of the Ministry, in total disregard for due process.

Mr Dare on assumption of office discovered that funds for the Puma kits contract was paid into personal accounts and the then Gusau-led AFN signed a confidentiality clause in the contract with PUMA which prevented them from revealing details of the contract to the supervising body,the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. This is the bone of contention which is antithetical to transparency and accountability mantra of the Buhari administration.

The contract has led to an ongoing legal battle between the sports ministry and Gusau. In addition, Gusau, alongside Sunday Adeleye, technical director of the body, were dragged to court by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for alleged diversion of over $75,000.

Therefore, it becomes pertinent that the Ministry protects Nigerian athletes by refusing to allow them adorn the Puma branded apparel at the on-going Tokyo Olympics because because it is a subject of criminal investigation.

While there has since been a legitimate AFN leadership led by Tonobock Okowa elected by over two-thirds of members since June 2021, the Gusau has continued his campaign of calumny against the Ministry and Nigeria's interest by wilfully sabotaging preparations for the Olympics and expending a whooping N2.7bn to sponsor negative stories in the media. He was responsible for refusing to release details of testing to athletes to ensure that Nigeria fails, and the Minister is disgraced, just because their criminal diversion was stopped in its tracks.

It is quite incongruous that some publications claimed that the Department of State Security (DSS) cleared Gusau of any wrongdoing. That is quite laughable because the DSS is in charge of State Security. Its purview does not extend to investigating criminal matters or corruption allegations. As at today, Gusau has been charged to court by the Police and a "Prima facie" case has been established against him for misapplication of funds and criminal diversion.

It really stands logic on its head that Sunday Dare, a lawyer and seasoned administrator who had served meritoriously as a National Commissioner in Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) amongst other roles in public and private sector would be negligent in his handling of preparations for the Olympics or wilfully bring Nigeria to disrepute in any form.

The crime of the Minister is that he refused to bend the rules and join in the bazaar of sharing the loot, hence Gusau vowed to bring him down, after the emergence of a new board of the Athletics Federation led to his ouster.

Now that the contract has been terminated, let's see how Gusau will refund the $2.7m. Nemesis is catching up sooner than later! [color=#006600][/color][b][/b]

Tokyo Olympics: Facts About The Puma Contract and Its Aftermath By Chibuike Anyanwu

Yesterday, the media was awash with news about the termination of kits supply contract by Puma to Team Nigeria. The deal signed in 2019 before the appointment of the current Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare was supposed to lapse in 2022. The contract signed by the then leadership of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Ibrahim Gusau had a Non-Disclosure Agreement without the supervision of the Ministry, in total disregard for due process.

Mr Dare on assumption of office discovered that funds for the Puma kits contract was paid into personal accounts and the then Gusau-led AFN signed a confidentiality clause in the contract with PUMA which prevented them from revealing details of the contract to the supervising body,the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. This is the bone of contention which is antithetical to transparency and accountability mantra of the Buhari administration.

The contract has led to an ongoing legal battle between the sports ministry and Gusau. In addition, Gusau, alongside Sunday Adeleye, technical director of the body, were dragged to court by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for alleged diversion of over $75,000.

Therefore, it becomes pertinent that the Ministry protects Nigerian athletes by refusing to allow them adorn the Puma branded apparel at the on-going Tokyo Olympics because because it is a subject of criminal investigation.

While there has since been a legitimate AFN leadership led by Tonobock Okowa elected by over two-thirds of members since June 2021, the Gusau has continued his campaign of calumny against the Ministry and Nigeria's interest by wilfully sabotaging preparations for the Olympics and expending a whooping N2.7bn to sponsor negative stories in the media. He was responsible for refusing to release details of testing to athletes to ensure that Nigeria fails, and the Minister is disgraced, just because their criminal diversion was stopped in its tracks.

It is quite incongruous that some publications claimed that the Department of State Security (DSS) cleared Gusau of any wrongdoing. That is quite laughable because the DSS is in charge of State Security. Its purview does not extend to investigating criminal matters or corruption allegations. As at today, Gusau has been charged to court by the Police and a "Prima facie" case has been established against him for misapplication of funds and criminal diversion.

It really stands logic on its head that Sunday Dare, a lawyer and seasoned administrator who had served meritoriously as a National Commissioner in Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) amongst other roles in public and private sector would be negligent in his handling of preparations for the Olympics or wilfully bring Nigeria to disrepute in any form.

The crime of the Minister is that he refused to bend the rules and join in the bazaar of sharing the loot, hence Gusau vowed to bring him down, after the emergence of a new board of the Athletics Federation led to his ouster.

Now that the contract has been terminated, let's see how Gusau will refund the $2.7m. Nemesis is catching up sooner than later!

Tokyo Olympics: Facts About The Puma Contract and Its Aftermath By Chibuike Anyanwu

Yesterday, the media was awash with news about the termination of kits supply contract by Puma to Team Nigeria. The deal signed in 2019 before the appointment of the current Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare was supposed to lapse in 2022. The contract signed by the then leadership of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Ibrahim Gusau had a Non-Disclosure Agreement without the supervision of the Ministry, in total disregard for due process.

Mr Dare on assumption of office discovered that funds for the Puma kits contract was paid into personal accounts and the then Gusau-led AFN signed a confidentiality clause in the contract with PUMA which prevented them from revealing details of the contract to the supervising body,the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. This is the bone of contention which is antithetical to transparency and accountability mantra of the Buhari administration.

The contract has led to an ongoing legal battle between the sports ministry and Gusau. In addition, Gusau, alongside Sunday Adeleye, technical director of the body, were dragged to court by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for alleged diversion of over $75,000.

Therefore, it becomes pertinent that the Ministry protects Nigerian athletes by refusing to allow them adorn the Puma branded apparel at the on-going Tokyo Olympics because because it is a subject of criminal investigation.

While there has since been a legitimate AFN leadership led by Tonobock Okowa elected by over two-thirds of members since June 2021, the Gusau has continued his campaign of calumny against the Ministry and Nigeria's interest by wilfully sabotaging preparations for the Olympics and expending a whooping N2.7bn to sponsor negative stories in the media. He was responsible for refusing to release details of testing to athletes to ensure that Nigeria fails, and the Minister is disgraced, just because their criminal diversion was stopped in its tracks.

It is quite incongruous that some publications claimed that the Department of State Security (DSS) cleared Gusau of any wrongdoing. That is quite laughable because the DSS is in charge of State Security. Its purview does not extend to investigating criminal matters or corruption allegations. As at today, Gusau has been charged to court by the Police and a "Prima facie" case has been established against him for misapplication of funds and criminal diversion.

It really stands logic on its head that Sunday Dare, a lawyer and seasoned administrator who had served meritoriously as a National Commissioner in Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) amongst other roles in public and private sector would be negligent in his handling of preparations for the Olympics or wilfully bring Nigeria to disrepute in any form.

The crime of the Minister is that he refused to bend the rules and join in the bazaar of sharing the loot, hence Gusau vowed to bring him down, after the emergence of a new board of the Athletics Federation led to his ouster.

Now that the contract has been terminated, let's see how Gusau will refund the $2.7m. Nemesis is catching up sooner than later!