Ogun State government has renewed its determination to give the athletes needed support in their quest to win laurels for the state at various competitions.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Dr Qudus Yusuf stated this in Abeokuta while receiving the victorious wrestlers from the just concluded Governor Diri National Wrestling Championship.
Dr Yusuf described the second overall position achieved by the Ogun State contingents to the competition that attracted top-class wrestlers as commendable.
He commended the contributions of the Chairman, the Wrestling Association, Dr Taofeek Babalola and members of the association towards the success story of the team at the competition.
Dr Yusuf encouraged the association not to relent in the efforts to ensure the sustainability of the feat in future competitions, especially the forthcoming Youth Games and National Sports Festival.
The Chairman, Ogun State Wrestling Association, Dr Taofeek Babalola who presented the trophy to the Permanent Secretary said the association remained committed to the growth and development of sports in the state
Dr Babalola noted that apart from the second overall position, said Ogun State also won the best young athletes award in the competition.
The Oyo State Government has reiterated its policy thrust to develop sports at the primary level, saying its pupils will soon dominate sporting events at the National level.
The Coordinating Director, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr. Jacob Dairo made this known at the distribution of sporting equipment donated by Oyo State Government, in collaboration with Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to 82 primary Schools held at the Board’s headquarters, on Tuesday.
Mr. Dairo said that the Board was not only poised to restore the leading position by the State in primary sporting activities, but to take school sports to an enviable height in Nigeria.
He revealed that benefiting schools got sporting equipment such as Handball goalposts and net, skipping ropes, table-tennis bats and nets, handballs, Badminton rackets and other equipment distributed to schools in the 3 Senatorial districts in the State.
Dairo, who heads the Board’s Schools Services department, said the Board got delivery of sporting items courtesy of Governor Seyi Makinde and that the essence of the occasion was to officially flag-off the distribution of the items to the various beneficiaries in the State.
He said Oyo State Government intended to catch them young with the facilities, adding that the items will enable pupils to participate actively in sports.
The coordinating director said the Oyo State Government will organise a sporting competition among schools at local and Zonal levels, while the overall winner will represent the State in National competitions.
Mr. Dairo therefore charged the beneficiaries to take care of the items delivered to them, urging them to make proper use of the equipment for the purpose for which it is meant.
The Coordinating Director added that, Oyo State Governor had earlier approved the commencement of the Agricultural Education Training Programme for 73 primary schools.
He said the programme will train Education Secretaries, Head of Section, schools services of each Local Government, Head teachers, Agricultural studies teachers, and School Based Management Committee (SBMC) representatives from different Local Governments.
Mr. Dairo explained that Oyo State Government had approved funding of the agricultural training programme, in the 33 Local Governments in the State.
Dairo said the trainees in turn would train pupils on crop farming, snailery, and livestock farming.
Mr. Dairo added that a monitoring team will go round the schools to ensure that funds allocated for the training programme are properly utilized.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Oyo State Chapter, Comrade Raji Oladimeji applauded the initiatives put in place by the Oyo State Government for pupils.
The NUT Chairman said sporting activities, which are almost moribund in most schools, is due to the topography of land in most schools.
He therefore said the development will resuscitate the almost-moribund sporting activities in most public primary Schools.
Also, the Chairman, Association of Primary School Head teachers of Nigeria, AOPSHON, Oyo State branch, Comrade Adedeji Adekunle appealed to the trainees to pay full attention to the teachings.
Mr. Adekunle also applauded Governor Makinde for his unwavering support to wholesome basic education in the State, saying the agricultural training programme will put basic education in the State on a leading path, among its contemporaries.
The Zonal chairman, School based management committee, Egbeda Local Government, Deacon Adegbite Omoniyi said the agricultural training will encourage younger ones to participate in agriculture.
He said the SBMC and other stakeholders are committed to the new project, which will accelerate agricultural development in schools.
A female students’ football team from African Church Grammar School, Ita-Eko, Abeokuta in Ogun State has won the just concluded Nigeria Secondary Schools Flag Football Season II, with scholarships worth N100 million for the pursuance of their academic to the university level.
Speaking during the presentation of a trophy by the state representatives, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu commended the school for making the State proud always at most of the major competitions, especially in JETS and School Sports.
Professor Arigbabu said that since the inception of the present administration, not less than 200 students were sponsored to participate in competitions at the Local, National and International levels, to aid competitiveness and enhance better performance.
While urging the beneficiaries to remain focus in order to attain more academic success, Professor Arigbabu gave the assurance that present administration in the state would continue to celebrate outstanding students.
In a remark, the Southwest Chairman, Nigeria School Sports Federation, Mr. Olarotimi Okeleye explained that the competition was jointly organised by the Nigeria America Football Association, Nigeria School Sports Federation, Ondo and Ogun State Governments.
The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu on Monday received members of the Nigerian female football team, the Super Falcons, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Super Falcons crashed out of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, having lost through penalties to the English team, the Lionesses last Monday, August 7.
The First Lady last week held a similar meeting with the Nigeria female basketball team, D’Tigresses.
The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has celebrated two members of the Nigeria Female National Team, the Super Falcons over their performance in the just concluded FIFA Female World Cup.
The Governor who played host to the two players Rasheedat Ajibade and Rofiat Imuran in his Ede country home expressed happiness over what he described as their sterling performance in the competition.
Rasheedat Ajibade hails from Ikirun in Ifelodun Local Government, Rofiat Imuran is a native of Ile-Ogbo in Ayekire local Government areas of Osun State.
Governor Adeleke said his decision to host the football stars was based on his resolve to celebrate every significant contribution of an Osun individual to the state and the nation.
Earlier in a telephone conversation with Rasheedat Ajibade, where the Governor formally invited her, Senator Adeleke said losing the last to a penalty kick was a gallant one for the country.
Responding, Rasheedat Ajibade appreciated the Governor for taking time to celebrate them on behalf of the people of Osun state, with a promise that they would continue to make the nation proud.
The two players presented their branded jerseys and another customized jersey in the Governor’s name to the Osun Governor as gifts.
The Ogun State Wrestling Head Coach, Mr Badmus Adebayo has appealed to the state government to provide the sport with necessary equipment and other logistics especially mat to improve athletes’ performance at major competitions.
Coach Adebayo made the call while speaking with Radio Nigeria on heels of the wrestlers’ performance at the just concluded Governor Diri National Wrestling Championship in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.
The coach who commended the Chairman of Wrestling Association, Dr Taofeek Babalola and other members for improvising the current mat used in training, said the provision of a standard mat and financial support was required to boost the morale of the wrestlers and prevent them from being poached.
Coach Adebayo who attributed the 15 medals won by the athletes in various categories at the championship to hardwork and determination, said ogun state would be ranked in the comity of states in the sport if given the needed facility
Ogun state wrestlers won two gold, five silver and bronze 8 medals in the competition that attracted top notch athletes from all parts of the country.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Wrestling Association has commended the impressive performance of the state’s athletes at the just concluded 2nd Governor Diri National Wrestling Championship in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.
The Chairman of the Association, Dr Taofeek Babalola who gave the commendation through the media officer, Olusegun Folarin described the 15 medals won by the wrestlers in various weights categories at the championship as laudable
Dr Babalola said the association would not relent in it’s efforts to support and boost the morale of the wrestlers in the state through various interventions noting that the responsibility of sports development should not be shoulder by government alone.
Osun State House of Assembly in collaboration with the State Government is set to give sport activities a face lift to create job opportunities for the youths.
The Chairman, House Committee on Youths, Sports and Special Needs and Member, Representing Ife Central, Mr. Abiola Awoyeye stated this in an interview with Gold FM in Osogbo.
While emphasizing that some youths had made significant success in sports as a profession, Mr. Awoyeye explained that it was high time for the youths to tapped into various opportunities aimed at improving their lives and the society at large for the better.
The lawmaker assured his constituents of his resolve to work towards attaining the five cardinal points he outlined during the electioneering campaign which are health, education, security, helping the youth and assisting micro, small and medium enterprises, MSMEs to thrive.
Mr. Awoyeye urged the Youth to focus on legal ways of making money and making positive impact into the Society.
” They can expect expedient transformation , we are going to use Sports to transform the youth, because a lot of Youths are invested in Sports and is not everybody that would be an Engineer or Medical Doctor , Some people through sports they can make a name and make a way for their own life” Mr. Awoyeye
” I have some Bills on Education already, in Ile- ife I want to facilitate a Special Needs Secondary , we have a Special needs Primary School , Education for less – privileged and disabled People are Important because they are part of the Society. “
Former Ekiti United Football Club handler, Samson Omiponle has been unveiled as the head coach of Gateway United Football Club of Ogun State.
Coach Omiponle was unveiled alongside his assistant, Rasheed Bamgbose at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Presenting the new Head Coach to the public, the General Manager of Gateway Utd FC, Mr. Niyi Soleye expressed excitement for the addition of the former Warri Wolves Coach.
Mr Soleye noted that the appointment of coach Omiponle was in line with the desire of the state government and fans of the club.
He urged the new Manager not to dash the expectation of the fans’ hope of seeing the football club at the Nigeria Premier League next year.
Addressing journalists, Coach Omiponle assured the management of possessive football which according to him is the modern style of elite football.
He promised to bring his wide experience as football analyst for Shooting Stars to ensure qualification of Gateway United to the Premier League next season.
Should government continue to unnecessarily interfere in sports, it is bound to stunt its growth in the country.
Speakers made the remark in their various presentations at the 2023 Sports Summit organised by the Department of Outside Broadcast and Sports, Radio Nigeria, Ibadan Zonal Station.
The speakers, who spoke on the theme, Sports as a Business Catalyst were of the opinions that over the years, management of the sports sector had been policitised, hence, the low performance and rating of the Nigeria contingents at international tournaments.
Speaking on government interference, ineptitude and lack of accountability a veteran sports Journalist and retired Director of OB and Sports at Radio Nigeria headquarter Abuja, Mr. Shina Abimbola explained that people saddled with the responsibility of administration of sports and maintenance of facilities are often inexperienced, and this remains injurious to the sector.
Mr Abimbola canvassed for discipline in the Federal Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Commission to attract sponsorship and partnership of the private sectors to boost the nation’s sports development.
In another presentation, Chairman Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Mr. Isaac Ogala called on Government to create sports friendly environment for games to thrive.
Mr. Ogala enjoined government to desist from politicising sports, bring back its culture in public schools and reward outstanding performance.
The Zonal Director FRCN Ibadan Zonal Station Mr Dominic Mokikan, represented by Deputy Director Engineering Services, Engineer Gabriel Ajayi called on government to tap into the business opportunities in sports to tackle the economic challenges of the nation.
Chairman on the occasion, Mr Benjamin Okorie charged the national sports management to explore opportunities in cycling to shore up the nation’s glory among the comity of nations.
Winner of gold medal in table tennis at the first National Sports Festival in 1973, Alhaji Waheed Ẹkùn, who lamented his being not compensated till his retirement 30 years ago, advocated the creation of enabling environment and adequate reward for Nigerian sports talents.
Member of the Federal House of Representatives from Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Engineer Remi Oseni, represented by Alhaji Niyi Yusuf, charged Nigerians to renew interest in the national sporting league so as to boost the business opportunities inherent in the sector.
Earlier in an address of welcome, Deputy Director OB and Sports, Dr. Abiodun Ogidan noted that playing politics with the nation’s sports sector would inhibit talent discovery in the country.
Super Falcons of Nigeria will today (Monday) face European Champions England in the round of 16 stage of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.
The game will kick off at the Suncorp Stadium, Milton, Australia at half past eight in the morning.
The second match of the day will see Co-host Australia battle Denmark at the Stadium Australia at half past eleven in the morning.
Meanwhile, defending Champions United States of America yesterday crashed out of the tournament, losing 5-4 on penalties to Sweden.
Also, African Champions Bayana Bayana of South Africa got eliminated yesterday after they were beaten 2-0 by Netherlands.
Ahead of the 2023 National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, Ogun State Football Association has concluded screening for state’s representatives in Under-15 boys and girls football event.
The exercise was carried out in conjunction with the state’s sports council at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.
Chairman of Ogun FA, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, who witnessed the exercise alongside the General Manager, Ogun State Sports Council, Mrs Iyabo Rotimi, Chairman Technical Committee of the FA, Dr. Bayo Oluwatoki among others, expressed optimism that the players selected would do the state proud when the multi sports event take centre stage in the state dubbed “The Big Heart”.
Alhaji Majekodunmi, who is also a board member of Nigeria Football Federation, said the screening exercise would also serve as a roadmap for the assemblage of kids that would take part in the Ogun State age grade football tournament
The 2023 National Youth Games will hold in Asaba, Delta State between September 7 and 17th, 2023.
The Local Organizing Committee, LOC, for the 2024 National Sports Festival has inspected sporting facilities across the three senatorial districts of Ogun state.
The areas inspected include Remo Stars sports facilities at Ikenne, NYSC Orientation camp at Sagamu, MKO Abiola International stadium, Abeokuta, the Golf Resort in Abeokuta, and Alake Sports Centre in Ijeja.
The LOC Chairman, Chief Bukola Olopade who led other members of the committee described tartan track floodlights, scoreboard, the swimming pool, tennis courts, as infinitesimal in facilities that needed to be put in place.
Also, The Executive Secretary, Local Organizing Committee, Dr. Kweku Tandoh expressed satisfaction with the level of facilities provided by the state government for the festival.
Dr. Tandoh who said state had really shown the level of preparedness to host a befitting festival expressed optimism that most of the facilities for the festival would be ready in less than 16 months to the festival.
In a remark, The Chairman, venues and facilities committee, Dr. Emmanuel Igbinosa commended the state government for creating a friendly environment for private business to thrive.
Dr Igbinosa described the sports complex at Remo Stars in Ikenne as world-class that could host any international competition.
The festival is scheduled to hold in the Gateway state between November and December 2024
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has inaugurated the Organising Committee for the 2024 National Sports Festival with a promise to surpass the achievements recorded during the previous editions of the game.
Governor Abiodun, who gave the assurance during the inauguration of the committee at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said the state was ready to put in place world class sporting infrastructure across the length and breadth of the state.
He reaffirmed his determination to use the competition to showcase the talent, culture, potential and the unique sense of hospitality of the people of the state.
Governor Abiodun who noted that the National Sports Festival would bring together the energy, creativity of youths in the country said the biennial event also serve as a platform for them to showcase their diverse talents and potentials.
He described the festival as a testament to the commitment of his administration to empower the next generation by offering them the opportunity for growth and self development, the Governor implored members of the committee to embrace the responsibility given to them with a deep sense of purpose.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and former Commissioner for Youths and Sports in the State, Mr Bukola Olopade had commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for bidding and winning the right to host a successful National Sports Festival.
Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for the round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.
The Super Falcons played a goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland in their final Group B match to end the group in second position with five points.
Co-Host Australia finished top of the Group after thrashing Canada 4 nil.
Earlier in the day, Japan demolished Spain by 4 goals to nil, while already eliminated Zambia defeated Costa Rica by 3 goals to one.
The Director, Ogun State Sports Council, Mrs Folakemi Iyabode-Rotimi has appealed to the state government to approve the permanent employment and contract for athletes in the state ahead of the 2024 National Sports Festival.
Mrs Iyabode-Rotimi made the call in Abeokuta during an interaction with the newly elected executive members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Ogun State chapter.
The State Sports council director who noted that the step would reduce the spate of poaching of athletes from the state also said that the establishment of the Sports commission was needed for the turn around of the sports in the state.
While advocating increased funding of the council for improved performance, Mrs Iyabode-Rotimi said the current allocation to the council was inadequate.
She noted that the task of sports development in the state required the concerted efforts of all stakeholders especially the sports journalists.
Mrs Iyabode-Rotimi who acknowledged the contributions of the state Sports Journalists towards the success of the council gave the assurance that efforts would be intensified to prioritize interest of the SWAN members in the state.
Earlier, SWAN Chairman, Mr Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji had called for more stronger and robust synergy between the sports council and the association in the state.
Twelve teams from the six geo-political zones of the country will converge on Ogun State for the National Under -18 Boys Football Competition tagged ” MKO Abiola Cup”
The Chairman, Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria, YSFON, Ogun State Chapter, Alhaji Waheed Lawal made this known in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Abeokuta.
Alhaji Lawal, who noted that the competition had suffered a setback due to lack of funds and sponsorship, explained that arrangements had been concluded to stage the fifth edition of the tournament.
He pointed out that the competition was to honour the first Pillar of Sports in Africa, late Chief M.K.O Abiola for his contributions to the growth and development of sports in Nigeria and outside the shores of the country.
Alhaji Lawal said the competition to be played at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode would take place between 20th and 26th August while the final would be held at the MKO Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta.
He said there would be a friendly match between All Stars Football Club, Abeokuta and Ogun State Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, for the posthumous birthday of the late Philanthropist.
Also, a Football psychologist, Coach Adeyemi Kehinde said National teams’ coaches would be on ground to select players for the various national teams.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria boosted their chances of qualifying for the round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup with a 3 – 2 victory over Co-host Australia, at the Brisbane Stadium.
Emily van Egmond gave Australia the lead in the dying minutes of the first half, but Nigeria responded almost immediately through Uchenna Kanu.
In the second half, the Super Falcons stepped up their game as they took the lead in the 65th minute through Osinachi Ohale, before Superstar Azeezat Oshoala scored in the 72nd minute to make it 3-1.
However, Alanna Kennedy reduced the deficit with a headed goal in the 100th minute, and the game ended 3-2.
The Super Falcons now have four points and sit top of Group B.
Before the match, the nine-time African champions have recorded only four wins in the history of the competition – two at the 1999 edition (against North Korea and Denmark), against Canada in 2011, and at the 2019 edition, where they also recorded a 2-0 win over North Korea.
Germany this morning, thrashed Morocco 6 nil in their opening match of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World cup in New Zealand and Australia.
The German female team raced to a 2-0 lead in the first half and added 4 more goals in the second half to condemn Morocco to the heaviest defeat so far in the tournament.
Earlier, Italy overcame Argentina by a lone goal in their opening Group H match.
The match, which kicked off at seven o’clock this morning, saw the only goal of the game scored in the 87th minute by substitute Cristiana Girelli.
In the last game of the day, South American Giant Brazil demolished debutant Panama by 4 goals to nil.
The football team of Paramount FM, Abeokuta, has defeated their counterpart from Continental Suites by three goals to two in a novelty match, as part of the events lined up to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the station.
The encounter played at the Fun Turf behind MKO stadium, Kuto Abeokuta witnessed brilliant displays of both teams throughout the game.
Afolabi Sobande of Engineering Department got two goals and one assist in the game, which earned him Man of the match, despite losing a penalty in the encounter, while Jude David of Programmes Department increased the goal to three.
In a post match conference, head coach of the team, Ayo Omotosho expressed satisfaction with the performance of his players, describing their opponent from Continental suites as a good side.
Also, The General Manager, Paramount FM Abeokuta, Mr Akinyinka Akintola, who performed the official kick-off, commended the players for making the station proud and appreciated the management of Continental Suites for their support at all times.
Super Falcons of Nigeria began their FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign with a goalless draw against Canada.
The match, which kicked off in the early hours of today at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, saw Canada dominate possession, but neither team could find the back of the net as the game ended 0-0.
However, in the 98th minute, Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun received a red card as Nigeria finished the game with ten players.
The Super Falcons next game will be against Co-host Australia next week Thursday.
Meanwhile, the second match for today between Phillipines and Switzerland is currently ongoing, while Spain will tackle Costa Rica in the last game of the day at half past eight this morning.
Co-host New Zealand began their FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign this morning with a one nil victory over Norway.
Hannah Wilkinson scored the only goal of the game in the 48th minute at the encounter played at the Eden park stadium.
In the second match of the day between Co-host Australia and Republic of Ireland at the Stadium Australia, Stephanie Catley converted a 52nd minute penalty to give Australia a one nil victory over Republic of Ireland.
Meanwhile, Super Falcons of Nigeria will open their campaign tomorrow when the clash with Canada
World record holder, Tobi Amusan, on Sunday, won the 100m women’s hurdles at the 2023 Silesia Diamond League.
The Nigerian only caught American Kendra Harrison on the line in a thrilling race to set a meeting record with 12.34 seconds.
Speaking on the milestone, Amusan said, “It was not easy for me with injuries in my hamstring and my knee. But I trusted in my coach and my work. It’s all about the process. I just won this in a smooth style, I was just running. Honestly, I had no idea that I won when I crossed the finish line.”
Ogun State government named former Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Bukola Olopade as the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, LOC, for the 2024 National Sports Festival to be hosted in the State.
Unveiling the 16-man Local Organizing Committee in Abeokuta, the State capital, The Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, noted that a sports enthusiast, Mr Tilewa Adebayo, will be the Co-Chairman for the biennial event.
Mr Talabi explained that the LOC had been mandated to set up subcommittees, made up of various stakeholders to ensure a hitch-free exercise as well as deliver a world class sports festival in the country.
He pointed out that the unveiling of the committee was to reaffirm the readiness of the State government to hold the 2024 National Sports Festival.
Other members of of the committee are the two-time Olympic medalist, Chief Falilat Ogunkoya-Omotayo, the Secretary-general of the Local Organising Committee for the NSF Edo 2020, Dr Emmanuel Igbinosa, a notable sports administrator, Dr Kweku Tandoh, as well as the renowned sports psychologist and head of the Department of Sports and Exercise Medical Sciences at University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana, Professor Oluwaseun Olanrewaju Omotayo.
