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FG Set To Implement National Sports Industry Policy

In the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration, the Federal Government has assured that it will implement the National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) approved by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration to provide opportunities for corporate and private sector participation in the development of sports in the country.

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, stated this today in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja while answering questions from newsmen.

He stated that the present administration has endorsed the National Sports Industry Policy as both corporate and private sector play critical roles in sports sponsorships and infrastructure upgrades, adding that the policy has also provided an opportunity for moving sports away from mere recreation to business

Besides, the Minister added that one of the key policy objectives of the present administration is that sports can be used as a source of unity, peace and stability of the country, job creation as well as providing an opportunity for inclusivity in participation in sports by both male and female

He explained that government intends to set up machinery for interface with the newly discovered talents from the just concluded National Youth Games (NYG) with a view to securing scholarships for their nurture to the elite stage, and also for sighting of facilities and infrastructure across the country at grassroots to provide early exposure and grooming for budding talents

Senator Owan Enoh informed that the investment and funding in sports comes largely from both the corporate and private sectors the world over because it is a huge and vast area adding that there was a time in this country when the private sector was much more involved in funding sports and providing scholarships

That, he said, may have reduced quite substantially but that one of the major focuses of the Ministry now is to see how we can get back and sell ourselves to the private sector, to see how much we can build trust and confidence so that competitions and initiatives of the Ministry can have the endorsement and huge support of the private sector

The Minister who recognised the critical role welfare plays in the overall performance of athletes, assured that the Ministry under his watch will not only set up a well-planned welfare scheme to cater for non-active and active sportsmen and women but also ensure that the country shows them recognition for their contributions through provision of various honours, among others for their sacrifices.

According to him, Anybody who has had cause to fly the National Flag high, represent the country, we should be able to show them gratitude and recognition because it is a no mean feat

He assured further the Ministry will continue to work assiduously with various sports federations with a view to ensuring early preparations and participation of our athletes in both national and international competitions for podium finishes.

In addition, the Minister assured that the administration will give support and strength to the existing Anti-Doping Committee to ensure the clean participation of our athletes in these competitions.

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Olukismet FC Youngster Popoola Abdulrasaq Joins Top Hungarian Side Kisvarda FC

Highly rated midfielder of Ekiti based NLO 1 side Olukismet FC, Popoola Ridwan Abdulrasaq has joined Hungarian side Kisvarda FC on a five- year deal.

According to a statement from the Ekiti based team which is known for churning out top young talents under the tutelage of renowned youth talents developer, Coach Gabriel Oladeji Atobaje, Popoola has quickly hit the grounds running with some wonderful displays in the games he has played for the promotion seeking side since he started pulling on the red and white of the club.

In his remarks, Coach Atobaje expressed confidence in the abilities of the 18 years old midfielder, who has started turning heads with his performances in the Hungarian league.

“We’re very confident that our boy Popoola would make us proud out there in Hungary.

“This is a very gifted young player with uncanny ability and intelligence and physical strength to dominate the midfield play, even at the highest heights of world football,” the obviously excited Atobaje enthused confidently.

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Joy Unlimited: NBBF Board Members, Stakeholders Hails Musa Kida’s Appointment As Chairman, NNPCL

Encomiums and felicitations have been pouring for the President of Nigeria Basketball Federation, Engineer Ahmadu Musa Kida, on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the new Chairman of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Since the appointment which many experts in the oil and gas industry described as long overdue, but timely, it has been stopless prayers and heartfelt goodwill messages for Kida by all Nigerians and particularly, from his immediate sports constituency, the basketball community.

In a press statement signed and released by veteran sports journalist Felix Awogu, on behalf of the NBBF board members, congratulates Kida on his appointment as the chairman of the board of NNPCL.

It noted that Kida has proven his ability, capability and integrity as a globally renowned expert in the energy, oil and gas industry, with over 40 years’ experience bouyed by high levels of efficient and spectacular achievements.

“It is no gain saying that you’re a great achiever with so much experience and sagacity in administration, and that is glaringly evident in the unprecedented feats your leadership as President of the NBBF has brought to the game of basketball in Nigeria.

“We acknowledge your reputation as a globally renowned expert in the oil industry and like the other good people of this great nation, we have implicit confidence that you shall deliver on the mandate of your new board of the NNPCL.

“The board members of the NBBF, the stakeholders, as well as enthusiast and aficionados of the game, say a big thank you to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on your appointment. And we heartily pray that God in His infinite mercies continue to guard, guide and bless your steps in your new national assignment.

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Mikel Arteta Refuses To Concede Title To Liverpool After Man United Draw

Mikel Arteta has refused to concede the Premier League title race after Arsenal fell 15 points behind Liverpool with a 1-1 draw at Manchester United.

Declan Rice’s 74th-minute strike cancelled out Bruno Fernandes’ opener in first half stoppage time but neither side were able to find a winner in a frantic finale at Old Trafford.

Arsenal still have a game in hand on the leaders but now face a mammoth task in their attempts to secure a first league crown since 2004.

And when asked whether the race was now over, Arteta said: “I don’t want to say that. Today the frustration is that we haven’t won the game. We know the urgency and we are obligated to win every single match if you want to have any chance of doing that. I don’t think it is the right moment to talk about that.”

Rice vowed Arsenal would keep pushing until the final day. “Like the manager said, we’ll keep going until the end of the season,” the England midfielder said.

“Liverpool have been amazing all year. We’re Arsenal. We’ve been hit hard by injuries. We’ll keep going and we’ll be alright.”

Arteta’s frustrations were evident when he left his post-match media obligations with Sky Sports early following a question about the title race.

After answering several questions, Arteta was asked whether he regretted Arsenal not signing a striker in January and replied: “No, it’s not about that” before beginning to walk away.

The interviewer then asked for one more question, which Arteta allowed. But while being asked about the 15-point gap to Liverpool, Arteta walked out of shot.