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  • Sports Minister Congratulates Super Falcons on African Women’s Cup of Nations Qualification

    Sports Minister Congratulates Super Falcons on African Women’s Cup of Nations Qualification

    …Applauds team’s determination, zeal and commitment

    The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh extends warm congratulations to Nigeria’s Senior Women’s National Team, the Super Falcons on their successful qualification for the African Women’s Cup of Nations, to be held in Morocco, next year.

    Senator Enoh said the Super Falcons displayed an impressive level of determination and teamwork, securing vital victories during the qualifiers to solidify their place in the prestigious African Women’s Cup of Nations.

    He lauded the Super Falcons for their remarkable effort in showcasing the nation’s prowess on the continental stage.

    “The qualification of our Super Falcons for the African Women’s Cup of Nations is a testament to the dedication and talent of our exceptional players. Their outstanding performance reflects Nigeria’s rich sporting heritage and unwavering commitment to excellence,” expressed Senator John Owan Enoh.

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    The Minister emphasized the significance of women’s football in Nigeria, highlighting the pivotal role played by the Super Falcons in inspiring young athletes and fostering a culture of inclusivity and sporting prowess across the nation.

    “Through their hard work and commitment, the Super Falcons have not only secured a place in this prestigious tournament but have also inspired a new generation of aspiring female footballers. Their success resonates beyond the field, serving as a beacon of hope and empowerment for young women in our country,” added Senator John Owan Enoh.

    As the Super Falcons continue to demonstrate exceptional skill and resilience, Senator John Owan Enoh reaffirmed the government’s steadfast support for women’s football.

    In their last hurdle, the Super Falcons edged Cape Verde 2-1 in Praia, to claim a 7-1 aggregate win and confirm their ticket for Morocco 2024. The Madugu-led team came from behind through goals from Esther Okoronkwo and Rasheedat Ajibade to pick the win.

    Nigeria is the most successful team in the tournament, winning 9 out of 13 editions of the biennial championship.

  • COP 28: Betta Edu Seeks Global Leaders’ Support In Providing Durable Solutions To Climate Change-Induced Humanitarian Crises In Nigeria

    COP 28: Betta Edu Seeks Global Leaders’ Support In Providing Durable Solutions To Climate Change-Induced Humanitarian Crises In Nigeria

    The need to provide durable solutions to the impacts of global warming which is one of the causes of humanitarian crises and poverty challenges in Nigeria has been advocated.

    Already, climate change impacts are causing devastating lives and livelihoods every year, a development that requires immediate and determined action.

    These were some of the interactions the Nigeria Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu had with top leaders and participants on the sideline of the ongoing  COP 28, Climate Change Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

    Dr Edu said the loss of natural resources, food insecurity, direct and indirect social impacts, and displacement are some of the humanitarian and poverty Alleviation Challenges caused by climate change in developing countries, including Nigeria.

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    The Minister explained that Nigeria is championing going-green policy sustainability as well as providing durable solutions for humanitarian response to reduce multi-dimensional poverty, urging development partners and foreign donors to support the government’s genuine intention.

    She called on humanitarian organizations across the globe, especially those in attendance at COP 28 to support the proactive approach of President Tinubu’s government in addressing the global climate change impacts in Nigeria.

    She said Nigeria will take advantage of the opportunity of the global stage to attract international partnerships that will help in reducing humanitarian crises and poverty challenges in Nigeria in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    President Tinubu who is about to address over 70,000 world leaders had earlier charged all the participants from Nigeria to “Strive for Nigeria to emerge from COP28 with tangible commitments, reinforcing our dedication to a future where energy is not only a catalyst for development but also a driver of environmental stewardship,” he stated.

    Nigeria has joined other countries to formally approve funding for climate impact response.

  • #100DaysInOffice: Rethinking Sports Infrastructure Development Through the Vision of Senator John Enoh

    #100DaysInOffice: Rethinking Sports Infrastructure Development Through the Vision of Senator John Enoh

    By James Atakor

    In the realm of sports, where dreams are nurtured and champions are forged, a persistent obstacle stifles potential and dims the aspirations of countless enthusiasts—the unavailability of adequate sports infrastructure. This problem stands as one of the major banes of sports development in Nigeria.

    Across communities and states in the federation, the absence or inadequacy of proper sports facilities stands as a formidable barrier, limiting access, stunting talent growth, and impeding the pursuit of athletic excellence. The scarcity of proper infrastructure denies aspiring athletes the opportunity to train, compete, and excel, hampering their ability to reach their full potential. At its core, this issue is a disheartening reality for millions of Nigerians, especially in areas where dilapidated fields, outdated facilities, and a lack of resources converge to create a stark contrast to the vibrant and dynamic sporting environments seen elsewhere.

    One endemic issue in Nigerian sports is the quagmire of well-maintained arenas (the lack of it), tracks, courts, and training centers. This problem does not only curtail the development of skilled athletes but also deprives communities of the myriad benefits associated with a thriving sports culture.

    These days, it looks like the narratives might be changing. In the 100 days that John Owan Enoh has been on the saddle as the supremo of the Ministry of Sports Development, he has unrelentlessly dug into viable avenues to improve the sports infrastructure of Nigeria.

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    As a matter of fact, Senator Enoh’s first action as minister was an inspection tour of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. 24 hours after resuming office, he embarked on the inspection to assess the state of facilities. During a briefing with sports journalists that bright afternoon, he postulated that the Ministry will be as systematic as possible, with the process of driving infrastructural growth. On that inspection tour, the Minister went round the gigantic dual-packaged edifice, assessing the Mainbowl, Facility Building, Power Technical House, etc.

    One of the impressive part of the new minister’s approach is the vision to make major sports facilities self-sustaining, ensuring facilities generate revenue that is more than enough for their maintenance. He had shared his vision to remodel the abandoned hostel at the Abuja National Stadium into a standard hotel accommodation that will house national teams during their assignments and also standard enough to be rented out to external individuals before national teams’ window comes full cycle.

    Senator Enoh’s first trip as a minister was to Lagos, for another inspection tour. He was in Lagos on an inspection tour to the National Stadium, Surulere. In one day, he visited the mainbowl of the National stadium, National Institute of Sports (NIS), Sports Medical Center, Indoor Sports Hall, and other facilities. He also visited the Games Village hostels, and courts of others sports. From his words and poise, one could tell that the Cross Riverian came to the office to work. His passion is contagious, his enthusiasm is infectious and his hard work is admirable.

    During his time in Lagos, he spoke about the process towards the concessioning of the National Stadium, Surulere. He mentioned that he will 100% back any method it takes to bring back the glory of what was once the football palace of Africa. Enoh has been seen wooing private investors, while fostering greater relationship with investors such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Chief Adebutu Kessington. These two individuals have strongly supported infrastructure development  in Nigeria.

    By prioritizing the development and maintenance of sports infrastructure, Senator Enoh is sowing the seeds for a more vibrant, equitable, and thriving future. It’s time to convert this lamentable bane into a catalyst for change—an opportunity to build a nation where every aspiring athlete, regardless of background, can pursue their dreams and contribute to a brighter sporting landscape for generations to come. While the journey is still far, Senator John Enoh is definitely on the right track.

  • Happiness Ernest Onyuku biography and networth

    Happiness Ernest Onyuku biography and networth

    Happiness Ernest Onyuku hails from  Usumutong, Abi Local Government Area,he attend his O,Level Usumutong Secondary School and Holy Standard College Ugep. He later gained admission into Nasarawa State University, Keffi, shedding light on the foundational knowledge that fueled his entrepreneurial ventures. His parents reside in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. He has 6 siblings.

    Happiness Ernest Onyuku started his business and entertainment career few years after graduation from the university. He started his business called Gabvin Logistics and Gabvin Recordz where he later went further to collaborate and featured himself with top Nigerian artistes and skit makers such as Olluwa Dollarz, Magnito and the likes.

    Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade appointed Hon. Happiness Ernest Onyuku as Special Assistant on election sensitisation where he worked with the governor till the expiration of his tenure.

    Happiness Ernest Onyuku is the CEO of Gabvin Records. He has signed three artistes in the last 6 months and has a feature with the popular “Canada“ crooner @Magnito and also a feature with Oluwa Dollarz the popular skit maker. The rise of Gabvin records in the entertainment world has sparked a sudden shock in Abuja as the record label is doing everything possible to take over the Abuja entertainment world, with future plans of working with the likes of Odumodublvck.

    Happiness Ernest Onyuku is also the CEO GABVIN Logistics. This is a logistics company spearheaded by the Happiness Ernest Onyuku (Kelvin of Abuja). It is a leading logistics company that has taken over deliveries in Abuja and across the state with multiple bikes put at over 150, scattered across the FCT, with efficient  deliveries. This has helped create jobs for people who were unemployed.

    Happiness Ernest Onyuku NETWORTH is estimated to be around $345,000. This came after the popular show featuring magnito and oluwa dollarz, that took place in Keffi was sold out just 1 hour before the commencement of the show, leaving a massive crowd outside still waiting to buy more tables.

    Conclusion:

    The legacy of Happiness Ernest Onyuku serves as a powerful reminder that audacious dreams can indeed become reality with determination. As we conclude, we reflect on his journey from Abi to leading Gabvin Logistics and Gabvin Recordz, inspiring countless individuals to dream big and pursue their aspirations against all odds.

  • FG, UN Agencies, Others Commit To Coordinated Approach, Durable Solutions To Humanitarian Response In Nigeria

    FG, UN Agencies, Others Commit To Coordinated Approach, Durable Solutions To Humanitarian Response In Nigeria

    …To Raise $5 Billion Annually For Nigeria’s Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund

    It was the first humanitarian coordination meeting in Nigeria in recent times which featured a heart-to-heart frank discussion at the United Nations House, Abuja Tuesday as Nigeria’s Minister For Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu engaged Ambassadors, UN agencies, Development Partners, INGOs and NGOs on their Commitment to Humanitarian crises in Nigeria.

    The meeting, which was at the instance of the Minister, brought all the humanitarian responders in Nigeria under one roof, where they all committed to a durable, smart, and coordinated approach to humanitarian response.

    Part of the resolutions of the meeting, was the commitment to raise $5 billion annually for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund in Nigeria by the federal government, other countries, private sector, donor agencies and the Development Partners. The hosting of the African Humanitarian summit, which is a follow-up to the World Humanitarian Summit of Istanbul in 2016, joint field assessment by government and partners. Quarterly humanitarian coordination meeting and Nigerian humanitarian report, creation of the Nigeria Humanitarian Dashboard amongst others.

    Dr. Edu conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s appreciation to UN agencies and development partners for their immense contributions to easing humanitarian challenges in Nigeria. She, however, stressed that the era of  uncoordinated, unaccountable, and silotic approaches to humanitarian response in Nigeria was over.

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    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does appreciate the effort of the UN agencies as well as other organizations that are working in the humanitarian space. but we just need to bring this effort in a more coordinated manner so that we can achieve more, especially in the face of dwindling resources.

    “There is a need for the government to take the lead and properly coordinate.The days of uncoordinated responses to the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria should be over.

    “The days of operating in silos and duplicating efforts that lead to wastage amongst other things should be over. The government must take the lead to coordinate, to ensure that we are first in line with government priorities, and then secondly, we are meeting our targets.”Plan with government, implement with government, and let’s get the right results in the right direction.

    “Government will follow up. The government will be proactive, and the government will monitor because we want to see results. Like I told you, We signed a bond, so that bond, we will deliver on it together as a team. Yes, we will,” the minister said.

    She emphasized the federal government’s commitment to reduce, prevent, mitigate, and respond adequately to the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria in a more coordinated manner, thereby reducing poverty by 50 per cent.

    On his part, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria,  Matthias Schmale who spoke on behalf of UN agencies  expressed absolute support to the government of Nigeria in its effort to tackle humanitarian challenges facing the country and commended Dr.Edu for providing dynamic leadership in that regard.

    “We’ve heard very clearly from you, honourable Minister, that humanitarian needs of course span the rest of the country.We are here as United Nations Agencies to support in ensuring proper coordination, develop review and implementation response plan, mobilise resources for country response as well as align to Federal Government priorities.

    The UN chief was optimistic that the “Renewed Hope Agenda of the government is leading the way forward in terms of Nigeria being able to deliver on the SDGS, and address humanitarian needs.”

    The Ambassadors of Malaysia, Norway and United Arab Emirates, amongst other Ambassadors present, committed to supporting Nigeria in a more strategic way to address humanitarian crisis.

  • Cash Transfer: NCTO Partners UKFCDO To Develop Strategic Roadmap For Effective Programme Implementation

    Cash Transfer: NCTO Partners UKFCDO To Develop Strategic Roadmap For Effective Programme Implementation

    The National Cash Transfer Office, in collaboration with the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office (UKFCDO) has held a roadmap validation workshop for effective representation, wider coverage, adaptation, and implementation of cash transfer program to over 140 million Nigerians said to be in extreme poverty.

    The workshop is part of activities earmarked for the enlightenment and sensitization on NCTO framework for staff and partners for optimal service delivery in tune with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope mantra and the Honourable Minister, Dr Betta Edu’s resolve to alleviate millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

    Flagging off the exercise, the  Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and poverty Alleviation, Mr Abel Olumuyiwa stated that the role of the exercise is to navigate a proper framework to drastically lift the over 140 million Nigerians off the Poverty line and create a lasting livelihood scheme for beneficiaries.

    Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, the Deputy National Coordinator, National Cash Transfer Office, Dr Janet Ekpenyong  said the Roadmap will help restructure the already laid patterns of engagement and help in the development of an effortless but realistic National Cash Transfer Programme, in collaboration with the National Social Safety Net Coordination Office (NASSCO), who coordinate the national social register.

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    She said the organization, which is headed by Dr Michael Ajuluchuku, the National Coordinator, employs the principles of people, product, process, and partnership, which Promotes, empathy, integrity, dignity of beneficiaries, total inclusiveness of all eligible persons and communities, quality service delivery, and operation on an independent basis without any external or undue influence.

    She encouraged participants to ensure  that at the end of the validation workshop, there will be an improved roadmap which will serve as an advocacy tool to mobilize resources for the cash transfer program to provide social protection for the targeted 15 million households, to reduce or eliminate poverty, inaccessibility to health care facilities especially in rural communities.

    Laying the overview of the Cash transfer office, Mrs Sadiya Abdullahi who heads the Enrollment unit of NCTO, noted that the NCTO has recorded numerous successes since it’s lunch 7 years ago and being recognized as the most effective cash transfer program in the Continent covering over 2 million households in both rural and urban communities calls for deliberate approach from Government at all times.

    She noted that with due considerations to the most pressing needs of households such as poor school attendance for children,inadequate food supply inadequate access to healthcare, and persistent poverty, the program will deliver in record time.

    Also speaking, representative of the UkFCDO, Miss Claire reiterated their commitment to support NCTO  in the development and implementation of the Roadmap. She acknowledged the federal government’s commitment in the provision of some essential needs in tackling poverty, malnutrition, insecurity, and hunger, amongst others, which their support will further complement.

    The National Cash Transfer units  state leads, UKFCDO, together with other organizations such as the World Food Program, UNICEF,  Save the children, state representative amongst others who were present pledged their support in order to achieve 100% coverage and implementation based on the new roadmap and policy plans.

    The high point of the event was the interactive sessions by panelists and contributors, which will feed into the development of the roadmap.

    Among those present were Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, NCTU heads from the various States, representatives from the World Food Program, UNICEF, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs amongst others.

  • Sports Minister Commits To Enhancing Football Scouting Regulations in Nigeria

    Sports Minister Commits To Enhancing Football Scouting Regulations in Nigeria

    …Says Nigeria’s sports talent pool makes it a hotbed for all forms of sports scouting activities

    The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has expressed his commitment to meticulously review a proposal aimed at regulating the scouting system within Nigeria’s sports landscape.

    The proposal was submitted by a delegation led by the National President of Prestige Football Academy, Uchendu Stephen Nwabara, during a meeting with the Minister in Abuja, on Tuesday.

    Acknowledging the critical role of scouting in nurturing and harnessing the nation’s sports potential, Senator John Owan Enoh stated that Nigeria’s huge talent pool makes it a destination of choice for scouts from all around the world.

    The Minister said the Ministry is concerned about some of the general practices in the sports ecosystem, as it is working to ensure ethical standards are imbibed, and also provide equitable opportunities for aspiring young talents to excel in sport.

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    “Most people in the sector are concerned about the subject of the scouting process of our young men and women,” the Minister said. “When our sports men and women go out of the shores of Nigeria, and break forth, the support they send to their families and the laurels that they win are of benefit to the country.”

    “However, the manner in which some of our sports men and women leave needs to be addressed. Sports in general being a universal matter, promoted globally, and a country as big as Nigeria with its population and talent, has become like a laboratory for various actors to come in and out.”

    Senator Enoh stated that his administration is deeply committed to fostering a conducive environment for the growth and development of sports in Nigeria. Scouting forms the bedrock of identifying and nurturing future sports stars and there is a need to recognize the value of an organized scouting system that fosters fairness, transparency, and professionalism.

    There is an urgent need to stop the exploitation of Nigerians, who are taken out of the country by scouts, agents and tied to slave contracts abroad. Nigeria will work to facilitate a process that integrates fair play, integrity, professionalism and equal opportunities for all sports talents, especially footballers.

    Leader of the delegation, Uchendu Stephen Nwabara expressed optimism about the Minister’s enthusiastic reception of their proposal.

    “We are delighted by the Minister’s commitment to thoroughly examine our recommendations. These reforms are pivotal in transforming the scouting landscape and ensuring that deserving talents receive the attention and opportunities they merit.”

    Senator Enoh said the Ministry will review the appropriateness of the proposal, as it remains resolute in its dedication to uplifting the ethics of scouting.

  • Nigeria Vs Lesotho: Sports Minister Reacts Over Super Eagles Draw In Uyo, Charges Team To Do Better In Sunday’s Game

    Nigeria Vs Lesotho: Sports Minister Reacts Over Super Eagles Draw In Uyo, Charges Team To Do Better In Sunday’s Game

    On Thursday the 16th of November 2023, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, I joined sports loving Nigerians to watch and cheer the Super Eagles of Nigeria play against the  Likuena” (Crocodiles) of Lesotho.

    A clean sheet and goals was not  too much to expect from our National team given our FIFA ranking and pedigree in football, matched against the Lesotho team especially.

    I must say, that our expectations were high, albeit the performance of the Super Eagles against Lesotho fell short.

    The Government and football loving people of Nigeria take the qualification for the 2026 World Cup very seriously and want the Super Eagles to qualify.Having missed out on the 2022 world cup in Qatar ,qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is not negotiable.

    I urge the Nigeria Football Federation to look into and correct all the lapses observed in Thursdays match with the aim of putting in a much better performance in Rwanda on Sunday,the 19th of November 2023 against Zimbabwe.

    Furthermore, we understand that the qualifiers are a FIFA organized competition, and so the television broadcasting rights are in the World football governing body’s purview.Granted, the Ministry is taking appropriate steps in response to this situation.

    It is not good enough that Nigerians could not watch their National team play in their country. A repeat of same should be avoided and NFF will be expected to register Nigeria’s displeasure with the appropriate authority in FIFA.

    We apologize to Nigerians ,most of whom anticipated to watch the game on television.

    Moving on, I charge the Super Eagles of Nigeria to be more incisive for the rest of the qualifying series.
    Nigerians are all rooting for your success.

    Signed:

    Senator John Owan Enoh
    Honourable Minister of Sports Development.
    17-11-2023

  • Sports Minister Pushes For The Development Of Polo In Nigeria, Meets With Leadership Of NPF

    Sports Minister Pushes For The Development Of Polo In Nigeria, Meets With Leadership Of NPF

    …Says Ministry of Sports Development will provide support to the game of polo, to the extent in which it carries  everyone along, not just the wealthy. We should see polo as socially inclusive

    The Honorable Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh called to meet with the leadership of the Nigeria Polo Federation (NPF) in a bid to address various sports based on their prominence in various zones of the country. He identified Polo as a sport which receives more attention, support and enthusiasm from the northern part of the Nigeria.

    Given the drive for grassroot sports development, social inclusion and the economic development trajectory of this administration’s focus in the sports sector of Nigeria, the roundtable conversation with the NPF was held on the 15th of November 2023.

    The Minister of Sports Development while speaking said: “We need to go to the North to encourage and develop the game of polo,given that the followership of polo is centered in that zone of the country. The ministry will be involved in all sports to the degree of its social inclusiveness, where majority of those involved cut across all stratification of society,regardless of class or political status.”

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    Senator Enoh stated clearly the Ministry’s willingness to work with the NPF and immediately called for an Admin secretary to be posted to the NPF, an effort that will give a seamless partnership for the actualisation of goals.

    The minister challenged the president and Executive of the NPF to bring initiatives for the development of Polo sports in Nigeria.He called for a content document from the NPF team  which shows clearly how youth inclusiveness can be achieved,and Foreign investors brought in.

    “Due to the demand for more private sector involvement,a National Polo playground can be achieved.”

    The President of the Nigeria Polo Federation Nura Kangiwa, Turakin Kebbi gave insight into the game in Nigeria. He mentioned that Nigeria is one of the largest Polo playing country’s in the world,with 27 clubs, 33 Polo fields and over 750 players, albeit there are challenges the game faces  in Nigeria.

    “Polo is seen to be a game of the rich,but this is an assumption.Most of the players are sponsored,” the president said.

    Throwing light on some set backs faced by the Federation, the president of the NPF stated that “The Federation needs a National playing ground and fields for play,as most of those in existence are privately owned and associations owned besides Kaduna state owning one.

    “Nigeria can host international tournaments and even the Polo World Cup if we have a National playing ground.”

    Nura Kangiwa further said the African Horse Sickness (AHS) keeps foreigners away from bringing their ponies into Nigeria to bask in the warmth of the sun for their nurturing as those ponies are threatened to death with the diseases, a means in which Senegal uses to attract foreign players and their ponies. He appealed for the government to take measures towards the eradication of AHS and its likes as this reduces foreign investments in Nigeria.

    Senator John Owan Enoh in his response on the African Horse Sickness (AHS) said “The Federal Ministry of Sports Development will partner with relevant ministries and agencies, from the Ministry of Environment and others to make the country safe for Ponies to come in and bask in the warmth of Nigeria.”

    Abdul Karim Jibril the Vice President of the NPF added that the Federation needs government support in the area of training for match officials and players.

    Other members of the NPF delegation include Sarkin Malaman Zazzay (Ex-oficio), Abba Sani Kanguwa and Joseph Karim (PRO).

    In his final words the Minister of Sports Development charged the NPF to birth initiatives that will not only grow the sports of Polo, but ultimately add to the Nations GDP.

    “We are coming to the North for Polo,” he said.

  • Paris2024: Sports Minister Steps up Olympic Games Preparations with Inauguration of Ministerial Strategic Committe

    Paris2024: Sports Minister Steps up Olympic Games Preparations with Inauguration of Ministerial Strategic Committe

    …Charges Committee to ensure Nigeria surpasses previous performances at the Games

    As Team Nigeria gears up towards the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the Honorable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, on Wednesday, took a significant step towards ensuring the country’s exceptional outing on the global stage, as he inaugurated the Ministerial Strategic Committee at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

    In an assertive move towards meticulous planning and strategic execution, the Committee will spearhead Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming Games.

    The inauguration of this Committee underscores the Minister’s unwavering commitment to fostering excellence in sports and providing the necessary support to Nigeria’s athletes.

    Led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, the Committee comprises distinguished members renowned for their expertise and passion for sports development.

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    The Minister stated that the strategic committee is entrusted with the crucial task of orchestrating crucial plans towards a successful Olympic Games appearance.

    “In order to ensure adequate preparations and effective participation of Team Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, The Federal Ministry of Sports Development has therefore constituted the Ministerial Strategic Committee to recommend strategies and modalities towards a successful outing of Nigeria at both Games, the Minister stated.

    “This Committee is made up of eminently qualified Nigerians who have served this country in various capacities. They were carefully selected based on their track record and relevant experiences.”

    The Minister reeled out the terms of reference of the committee charging them to discharge their responsibility for the collective good of the country, including determining shared objectives/targets and reviewing performances of National Sports Federations vis-a-viz the medals projections for each sport.

    With Nigeria’s best olympic appearance dating back to the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, the Minister charged the Committee to surpass Team Nigeria’s medal haul of 1996, where Nigeria won gold medals in football and long jump, amongst other medals.

    “As you go on to perform this critical national assignment, I want to urge the members of the committee to exert positive energy, intellect and experience to ensure that Nigeria surpasses its previous  performance at the Games,” Senator Enoh said.

    The committee comprises: Alh. Ismaila Abubakar as chairman, and Amaka Ashiofu as member/secretary.

    Other members include: Dr. Paul Onyeudo, Mr. Patrick Okeke, Mrs. Thecia Opara, Engr. Abolore Alanamu, Mr. Olufehinti Olusegun, Mr. Tunde Popoola, Mr. Suleiman Issa, Mr. Olumide bamiduro, Mr. Brendan Ndifon, Prince Ebuta Ayuk, Barr. Danladi Ibrahim, and Mr. Abubakaar Waziri.

    Speaking after the Committee’s  inauguration, chairman, Alh. Abubakar stated that the team will do its best to make Nigeria proud, as it will work meticulously to ensure smooth preparations and execution of all plans. He said they will leave no stone unturned to deliver on all terms of reference assigned to them.

    With qualifying series for Paris 2024 still on across various sports, eight Nigerian athletes have already qualified for the Games thus far – 3 track and field athletes, 3 boxers, one wrestler, and one cyclist. In the coming weeks, this number will increase significantly, as more qualifying tournaments are concluded.

    For the Paralympic Games, the country has picked two tickets in para-athletics, 9 in para-table tennis, while 8 athletes are currently on the pathway to qualification in para-powerlifting.