World News Update

By Kola Daniel Today, as we bid farewell to 2024, I want to celebrate a man who has profoundly impacted my life—a man who began as my boss and evolved into my godfather, Hon. Sunday Dare. My relationship with Hon. Dare, is nothing short of a divine connection orchestrated by God.   It all began on that fateful day, September 7, 2019, when our paths crossed. From that moment, my journey has been like the proverbial golden fleece, filled with blessings, mentorship, and growth, all through God's grace and the invaluable guidance of this great man.   During his tenure as the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, I was meticulous and committed to giving my best. That effort not only paid off professionally but also opened doors for me after his time in office. Remarkably, his support did not end with his tenure—he has continued to extend his hands of friendship and mentorship to me, shaping my path and pushing me toward greatness.   I was stunned ...

Sweden-based Nigerian international and founder of MSport Link, Matins Moses Ebuka, has expressed his dedication to transforming young lives through the AddBrand Cup, a grassroots football tournament aimed at providing opportunities for talented kids from rural and underprivileged backgrounds. Speaking about the initiative, Matins said, “We want to show the kids that we value them and care for them. We want to use this tournament to keep their dreams alive.” He emphasized the inspiration he draws from the young participants, adding, “I see passion, I see hope, I see what football means to them, and I see myself in all these kids.” The AddBrand Cup, which has grown significantly since its inception, continues to attract talented children from Lagos State and surrounding areas, offering them a platform to showcase their skills without any participation fees. This commitment to accessibility ensures that financial barriers do not hinder the dreams of young athletes. “The tournament is get...

 PRESS STATEMENT   _Commends Hon. Bukola Olopade’s Impact on Sports Development_ The Executive Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, has honoured two-time unified world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, by naming the State’s new boxing hall after him, on Monday, as the Governor hosted the celebrated boxer.  Governor Abiodun also bestowed upon Joshua a Yoruba name “Omobowale,” meaning “the child who has come home,” in recognition of his dedication to identifying and celebrating his roots, at every given opportunity. During a brief event held in honour of the boxing legend, Governor Abiodun described Anthony Joshua as a true ambassador of Ogun State, whose success on the international stage has brought immense pride to the state and Nigeria as a whole. “Anthony Joshua exemplifies excellence, resilience, and humility, values that resonate deeply with us in Ogun State. Naming this Boxing Hall after him is our way of celebrating his ...

PRESS STATEMENT National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has fulfilled a personal donation of ₦10 million to the Super Eagles B team, following their emphatic 3-1 victory over Ghana’s Black Galaxies in Uyo, securing Nigeria's place at the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled for February 2025.   The pledge, made before the crucial encounter, was revealed by the NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, who initially expressed his own intention to personally reward the team for a win.  However, in a remarkable display of leadership, Mallam Dikko interceded, insisting on taking up the gesture himself.   Hon. Olopade said “before the game, I made a personal pledge to reward the team if they emerged victorious. When I shared this with the NSC chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, he immediately applauded the idea but insisted that he would make the donation himself as a sign of solidarity and appreciation for the players’ efforts.” “It wa...

Papa Daniel continues to carve his name into the hearts of football fans and cement his reputation as a rising star in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).  In a thrilling four-goal encounter against the Black Galaxies of Ghana, the Niger Tornadoes playmaker delivered a mesmerizing performance that earned him the rave reviews and accolades. The Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo bore witness to Daniel’s brilliance, as the dynamic midfielder orchestrated play with precision and flair during the Super Eagles CHAN team’s emphatic 3-1 victory.  With his energetic presence, sublime footwork, and impeccable ball control, he left fans in awe, many of whom cheered when he got on the ball.  A modern midfielder with a deft left foot, Daniel demonstrated remarkable shooting ability and unrelenting stamina, characteristics that define a player destined for greater heights.  His knack for breaking down opposition defenses, coupled with his mastery in delivering key passe...

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has congratulated the Super Eagles B team on their qualification for the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN), following a resounding 3-1 victory over the Black Galaxies of Ghana at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.   Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, who witnessed the thrilling encounter, expressed his admiration for the team's outstanding performance. Speaking shortly after the match, he said:   “This victory is a testament to the talents we have as a nation, home and abroad. We are committed to supporting the team and ensuring they are adequately prepared to not only compete but excel at CHAN 2025. This is a stepping stone to greater achievements, and we aim to use this momentum to build a thriving sports ecosystem that will inspire future generations.”   The Super Eagles B got off to a flying start with Ismaila Sodiq opening the scoring in the 18th minute after a superb pass through ...

For the first time in 69 years, Nigeria’s sports industry is on the brink of a revolution. The Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) 2025 budget, presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the National Assembly on December 18, 2024, earmarked an unprecedented ₦78 billion for sports development. This historic allocation underscores a paradigm shift in the country’s approach to sports, signaling its potential as a powerful tool for national development, youth empowerment, and economic transformation. The massive financial commitment is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), spearheaded by the National Sports Commission (NSC). Under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko as Chairman and Hon. Bukola Olopade as Director General, the commission is resetting the narrative around sports in Nigeria. The initiative's Reset, Refocus, and Relaunch (RRR) framework aims to reposition sports as a vital driver of economic growth and social cohesion. “This budget ...

PRESS STATEMENT The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has urged Nigeria’s Super Eagles B, to avoid complacency as they prepare to face Ghana in a decisive qualifying match on Saturday, December 28, in Uyo.   Olopade emphasized the importance of capitalizing on home advantage and urged the players to remain disciplined, determined, and tactical throughout the match.   "This is not the time to relax or underestimate the opposition. The team must stay focused and give their best to avoid a repeat of the past disappointment against Ghana. The stakes are high, and the country is counting on them to deliver," Olopade said.   The first leg of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier ended in a goalless draw in Ghana, leaving everything to play for in the return leg in Uyo. The winner of the match will secure a ticket to the 8th African Nations Championship.   Hon. Olopade reminded the team of the bitt...

 PRESS STATEMENT The National Sports Commission (NSC) has unveiled the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), a bold plan to transform the nation’s sports industry through the Reset, Refocus, and Relaunch (RRR) initiative which seeks to reset Nigerian’s  Sports echo-system from Competition-driven to a Developmental-driven and value addition Industry. The strategy brief signed by the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, was designed as a framework to establish sports as a vital driver of Nigeria's socio-economic growth and development. Led by Mallam Shehu Dikko as Chairman and Hon. Bukola Olopade as Director General, the NSC has set an ambitious objective and roadmap to unlock the potential of the sports economy by revitalizing infrastructure, fostering grassroots development hinged on school sports and professional academy programs, and promoting private sector engagement/investment in sports and indeed sustainable credible participation across all competi...

Youths from Oyo State attended the Renewed Hope Agenda Youth Summit tagged 'Renewed Hope Agenda: A Concrete Foundation', for A Prosperous Nigeria', on Saturday 21st December 2024. The Youth Summit, held at June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto Abeokuta, was well attended by youths, who are indigenes of Oyo State, selected from Oyo State APC, Support Groups and zones across Ibadan, Ibarapa, Oyo, Oke Ogun and Ogbomoso. The over 50 participants were provided with T-shirts,  free transportation feeding, as sponsored by the Special Adviser to the President (Media and Public communication), Chief Sunday Dare, who was also present at the event. This rare opportunity was facilitated by the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring and Delivery), Oloye Titilope Gbadamosi. The event, which was graced by eminent personalities from the Presidency, National Assembly and different Ministries, Departments Agencies and Parastatals of government, was organized by the Ogun ...

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, says prioritising the  plight of the Country's Special Athletes is one of the integral commitments of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,GCFR, under the revamped Sports Commission. The NSC DG stated this over the weekend when he attended the final of the first edition of the Elite Wheelchair Basketball Championship held at the National Stadium in Lagos. The DG reiterated that every Sports will get its required attention from the National Sports Commission , stressing that the Mandate of Mr President is to ensure a sustainable Sports Economy is built by maximising the potential of every sport. " I must state here that myself and the Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko are totally committed to ensuring that you guys in wheelchair basketball, like every other para- sports, feel the impact of the renewed hope agenda of Mr President  " This is why events of this nature , as small as it may appear ...

The Executive Chairman of Ogo-Oluwa Local Government, Honourable Oluwaseun Adesoye Ojo has bagged the 'Local Government Chairman of The Year Award. The Local Government Chairman of the Year Award was presented to Prince Oluwaseun Ojo, by the organizers of 2024 MOGA (Meritorious Ogbomoso Ajilete) Awards, on Sunday 22nd December 2024. The award ceremony, held at the Soun's Palace Oja'gbo Ogbomoso, had in attendance, dignitaries from all walks of life, who were also decorated with other categories of awards. In his remarks, Hon. Oluwaseun Adesoye Ojo stated that,  "I so much appreciate the organizers of this award ceremony, for deeming me fit for the Local Government Chairman of The Year Award Category. You have noticed the good work our administration is doing, and you have decided to honor me; this award will serve as a motivation, for us to do greater developmental exploits, in terms of education, road infrastructure, community development, healthcare deliveries, and s...

NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT "The era of losing our best sporting talents to foreign countries is over. Aggressive grassroots talent hunting will be put in place and those talents will be nurtured and supported to achieve their dreams and indeed to win laurels for the country without being poached by the opportunistic western world". National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko put down this marker  while hosting 14 year-old serial-winning gymnast Stephanie Ogechukwu Onusiriuka and her mother.  Onusiriuka has been labelled Nigeria's Simone Biles drawing marked global acclaim and the Commission has moved to tie down her future to the country. She trains at the Leeds Gymnastics and is a member of the UK Gymnastics Club.  Having just finished her Senior Secondary Certificate Education (SSCE) examinations, her parents have been fielding calls from her UK club enquiring when she will be back. To this, Dikko jokingly asked her mother, ...

 Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has stated that Ogun State is witnessing a transformative era in sports development under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, as the state prepares to host the 22nd National Sports Festival, dubbed “Ogun 2024.” Speaking about the governor's achievements, Hon. Olopade stated, "Even before the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) was constituted, when Nilayo Sports Management bidded on behalf of Ogun State, it was evident Ogun was ready. During recent inspections, technical directors from various states applauded the facilities they saw. It was gratifying to know Ogun State's readiness was evident." Reflecting on past challenges, the former commissioner for sports in Ogun, said the legacy he left after office was destroyed and sports looked doomed “until Governor Dapo Abiodun started reawakening the sleeping giant in sports.” Governor Abiodun's administration has prioritized youth empowerment...

PRESS STATEMENT _New initiative, Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) to compete as 38th state_ The Joint Technical Committee for the 22nd National Sports Festival, Ogun 2024, has approved an adjustment of the Games’ dates to allow the Games reflect the new direction of sports in the country and also provide more time for the implementation of recommendations made during the joint technical meeting. According to a communiqué jointly signed by the Director General of the National Sports Commission/Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee, Hon. Adebukola Olopade, and the Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development, Ogun State, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, the Gateway Games will now take place from May 16 to 30, 2025. Additionally, the zonal eliminations for team sports are scheduled to hold from February 23 to 28, 2025. During the deliberations, the committee commended the Federal Government for its political will to develop sports in Nigeria through the creation of a dedicated Commission to manage s...

NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, and the Honorable Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, held a strategic meeting on Thursday, to strengthen collaboration between the NSC and the Ministry of Education. The meeting focused on revitalizing grassroots sports through school programs, fostering talent development, and positioning sports as a key driver of national development. The meeting underscored the importance of aligning education and sports policies to harness the potentials of Nigeria’s youth. Shehu Dikko highlighted the pivotal role of school sports in identifying and nurturing talent as a conveyor belt for sustainable domestic sports development, pointing to the success of student-athletes who contributed 38% of medals won at the 2024 Paris Olympics. A major initiative of the National Sports Commission discussed involves the establishment of Sports Centers of Excellence. At le...

_Calls for a united federation to build sustainable eSports economy_   As part of the National Sports Commission's (NSC) ongoing commitment to revamp eSports in Nigeria, the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has convened a strategic meeting with key stakeholders in the eSports ecosystem.   Speaking during the virtual meeting, Hon. Olopade emphasized the resolve of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to position Nigeria as a major player in the multi-billion-dollar eSports industry.   "This meeting is the next step of the Commission's determination to place eSports where it rightly belongs and gives it the right regulation and framework for sustainable operation," he said.   “I am sure you are all stakeholders in the eSports family, and you must have noticed the new mandate given to us by Mr. President to build a strong sports economy. The Commission sees eSports as a major driver to achieve this."   Hon. Olopade reiterated the NSC’s c...

The Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring and Delivery), Oloye Titilope Gbadamosi has stated, that the newly unveiled Youth Activity Dashboard will place Nigerian youths at the heart of development agenda of the present Renewed Hope administration. Honourable Titilope Gbadamosi made this known, at the launching of the 'Youth Activity Dashboard', held at the Rotunda Hall, 2nd Floor Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abuja, Tuesday 17th December 2024. Speaking at the event, the former Consultant (Research and Documentation) to the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, said the “technological milestone” would place the youth at the heart of the country’s development agenda. “With over 60% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 25, our young people represent the greatest opportunity for growth, innovation, and leadership,” she said. “The Youth Activity Dashboard is not merely a platform, it is a transformative tool that will revolutionize how we...