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Tag: Minister of Youth and Sports

  • Minister to govt agencies: stop rejecting Corps members

    Minister to govt agencies: stop rejecting Corps members

    The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has frowned at the incessant rejection of Corps members by government agencies.

    Barrister Dalung who was reacting to the refusal of the Budget Office of the Federation to accept a Corps member from Rivers state who had been posted on primary assignment to the office in Abuja said such decisions were not in the interest of youth development and empowerment in the country.

    “Government agencies cannot reject Corps members. It is unacceptable. Why will government agencies reject corps members? Do you pay them or is that there is  no work to be done?” Dalung queried.

    The Minister reminded Government agencies and Parastatals that it is a government policy not to reject corps members posted to their offices.

    “The National Youth Service Corp scheme is a creation of the federal government and is intended to involve the country’s graduates in the development of the country. They are posted to states far from their states of origin intended for them to learn the culture of the indigenes in the place they are posted to. This is aimed at bringing about unity in the country and giving them an opportunity to learn about higher ideals of National achievement.”

    Dalung appealed to government agencies and private organisations to assist in absorbing Corps members so that they can be engaged positively nation building.

    “Rejecting corps members will add to the profile of unengaged youths which will create tension. Therefore, everybody is invited to join hands to assist our young people through entrepreneurship and empowerment programmes or anything that can gainfully engage them and create wealth for their livelihood and sustenance,” he said.

  • Breaking News: Mass reshuffle in Sports Federations

    Breaking News: Mass reshuffle in Sports Federations

     

    The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung may have reshuffled the National Association secretaries going by the names of secretaries for the Federations that were released today.

    The staging.thenationonlineng.net gathered that under the new dispensation, all the six geo- political zones are represented to achieve efficiency, professionalism and national spread for equality and sustainability.

    Under the new postings, Segun Oguntade, Olumide Bamiduro, Gloria Ekwempu, Ademu Elijah, Beyioku Niyi, Abobi Patrick and Olalekan Alabi were redeployed to the Federation and Elite Athletes Department FEAD while Patrick Okeke, Clement Iyaluegbehe, Ajao Olufemi, Ganiyu-Opolo Abidemi and Dapo Akinyele were posted to Grassroots Sports Development.

    Chinedu Joyce Ezealah-ogundare, Thecla Opara and Iwang Isreal will now move to Sports Planning, Research and Documentation, Uche Onwumeh and Ikana Mbora are deployed to the Lagos Liason office while Onyeka Emeka Augustine, Birma Buba Ademu and Ogenyi Queen move to Human Resource Management.

    In the re-deployment, a new set of ministry staff were assigned to the federations which hitherto were managed by those posted to the ministry departments, while the others were moved to other federations with all appointments taken effect immediately.

    Meanwhile, these are the list of Federations and their new secretaries:

    Athletics: Kabiru Yusuf

    Aquatics: Sani Mohammed

    Badminton; Patience Okon.

    Basketball; Osuoha Chinedu.

    Boxing: Asiegbu. Chimezie

    Chess: Bisi Azeez

    Cricket: Akawo Amechi

    Cycling; Davies Oludare

    Darts: Ademola Okeyedun

    Deaf sports: Agbabiaka Lukman

    Fives; Abulude John oladayo

    Football: Mohammed Sanusi

    Golf: James Eakyns

    Gymnastics; Amayo Ngozi

    Handball: Nwose Nonye

    Hockey: Rita Akande

    Judo; Idaye Tony

    Karate. Bola Adedeji

    Kick boxing: Peter Njoku

    Kung fu: Etim Udokang

    Rowing and yatching: Bunmi Oluode

    Rugby: Mohammed H. Maigidansanmo

    Shooting: Oludukiya Emmanuel

    Scrabble: Maikano Adamu

    Squash: Aminu Samuel

    Traditional Sports: Ademisoro Oluwasegun

    Table tennis: Belewa Augustine

    Tennis: Mariam Akande

    Taekwondo: Oriss Taiwo Dennis

    Volleyball/beach volleyball: Salisu Mamman

    Weightlifting: Umar Lambu

    Wrestling: Libata Abdullahi Ahmed

    PARA SPORTS

    Amputee Football: Javan Bernard

    Para Athletics: Fabunmi Evelyn

    Para Swimming: Enang Emmanuel

    Para Table Tennis: Anusa Victor

    Powerlifting; Paul Okocha

    Wheelchair tennis; Abbas Wasilat

    Wheelchair Basketball: Omagbemi Peter Ebony

    Sitting Volleyball: Amadikwa Uchechi

  • Federal Government orders NFF account audit

     

    The Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung says he is yet to receive a report of an audited account of the Nigeria Football Federation.

    Barrister Dalung had directed the NFF to appoint an independent auditor to look into the books of the federation and also provide minutes of nomination by the Congress of its President,  Mr Amaju Pinnick to vie for a CAF seat during its Congress on Sunday.

    ” I received a communique of the Congress which referred to my action as uninformed. Instead of providing me with the minutes, the Congress went ahead to endorse its president, two weeks after its Secretary General had sent a letter of his nomination to CAF”

    The Minister emphasized that government was yet to nominate anybody to contest for the CAF seat.

    “The Ministry of Youth and Sports wants to make it clear that Nigeria has not endorsed anybody to contest. The Ministry will constitute a committee to screen and recommend to government, a suitable candidate who will represent Nigeria”.

    Barrister Dalung also stated that since the Federation has failed to appoint an independent auditor to audit the accounts of the federation, government has no option than to embark on a full scale investigation of those issues raised at the congress.

    “FIFA’s forensic audit has raised concerns about documentation of the federation’s accounts. 19 grave issues were identified in FIFAs audit report which needs to be looked into. The federal government has already set machinery in motion  to embark on a full scale investigation of those issues.

    “We are committed to getting rid of all obstacles capable of destroying probity, credibility, transparency and accountability in sports administration in Nigeria” the Minister said.

  • Dalung assures concession of National Stadium in progress

    Dalung assures concession of National Stadium in progress

    The paucity of funds has slowed down the concession of the National Stadium, Lagos. This information was revealed by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung in Lagos.

    He stated that the approval for the concession of the stadium was inherited by his ministry but lamented that the machinery was not set in motion.

    He also said that hope was not lost as the concession was at the point of appointment of a Transactional Adviser and funding.

    “We have funds that we are applying for empowerment because, in the 2016 budget, there was no provision for it, so we want intervention from the government, but the government has said for now they don’t have funds and we don’t want the process to end.

    “So, we have applied for funds for the process so that we can have funds which were allocated earlier for renovation and deploy it to the concession process.

    “We have gotten so many people who have declared an interest, their profile is indeed rich enough and they have even given us an idea of what they intend to put in place but our agreement has been that it is not only the national stadium.

    “Whosoever is coming into the concession arrangement will take the adjoining land too and must develop it alongside the national stadium by building either a five-star hotel there and bars around it before you will talk about the national stadium.

    “So that we don’t come and pick the nation stadium alone and then run back into the same situation we are trying to come out of.

    “If we succeed in getting the funds, we will be moving ahead with the issue of the concession and it may be within the year or early next year,’’ he said.

    On the swimming pool at the National Stadium, Lagos that has been rehabilitated, he noted that everything was almost over and remained just final touches.

    “The issue of the funding situation needs to be solved so that we can do the final touch and hand it over for use because it cannot be commissioned twice but it’s been difficult since we don’t have funds.

    “But of late, I have been informed that the money is available and if it is, we will discharge the contractor and take over the swimming pool.

    “We intend to hand over the swimming pool to somebody that will manage it so that it is not left to us government again for it to go back to the same situation.

    “Whosoever is managing it will be generating funds, paying us and also generating his money from the process before the entire process of concession. I think that is the unfortunate solution that has to do with the swimming pool.

  • Dalung seeks massive support for Super Falcons

     

    The Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung has appealed to football loving Nigerians and the Nigerian community in Cameroon to spare a thought for the Super Falcons and come out en masse to cheer the team to victory this Saturday in the final of the 2016 CAF Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Yaoundé.

    In a statement, Barrister Dalung commended the team for the results recorded so far at the ongoing tournament which has propelled them to the final.

    Reviewing the semifinal game against South Africa, the Minister praised the Super Falcons for bouncing back in the second half to defeat Bayana Bayana by a lone goal scored by Desire Oparanozie.

    “It was a tension soaked match in which I was busy praying for our team not to concede a goal.
    I knew that the technical crew was reading the game and would make the necessary adjustment before the resumption of the 2nd half which they did. The rest is history”.

    Ahead of Saturday’s finals, Dalung appealed to the team to do everything possible to retain the title they won against Cameroon in 2014.
    He urged the team to remain resolute because millions of Nigerians will be glued to their television sets to cheer them to victory.

    “I know it will not be an easy task playing against the host in the final of a major competition like this. Nothing more than the title will be good enough for Nigerians who will see the trophy as an early Christmas gift.”

    He admonished the team to do everything sportsmanly possible to emerge victorious on Saturday because “the world does not reckon with second best. We did it in 2014 against the same team and we can do it again in 2016.”

    Barrister Dalung reiterated Federal Government’s support for the team as he promised that the payment of their allowances and bonuses will definitely be addressed as soon as they return to Nigeria.

    “I have said it before and I will say it again. As a responsible government, we do not neglect our athletes representing us anywhere in the world neither do we discriminate against teams or sports.
    We will ensure that your money is speedily processed and that you’re adequately compensated when you return. We appreciate your perseverance so far preparatory to this competition and we appeal to you once more to make the country proud by lifting the trophy on Saturday”.

  • Taekwondo Federation honours Obasanjo, Dalung, others

    Taekwondo Federation honours Obasanjo, Dalung, others

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung and retired Lt.-Gen. Inuwa Wushishi are to be honoured by the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation.

    The award is part of activities lined up by the federation to mark the 2016 edition of the annual Korean Ambassador’s Taekwondo Championship, slated for Dec. 8 to Dec. 10 in Lagos.

    The President of the federation, George Ashiru, said in a statement on Tuesday that the championship would be used to mark the 30th anniversary of the body.

    He said that the recipients were being honoured for their immense contributions to the growth of the federation.

    Ashiru said that the event, sponsored by the Korean Cultural Centre, would hold at the Molade Okoya Thomas Hall at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

    According to him, the event is geared toward boosting sports development and bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Korea.

    “It is noteworthy that this is the 30th year of establishing the Taekwondo Federation in Nigeria. It was formed in 1986 and inaugurated in 1987.

    “We are giving out awards in recognition of the people who have in one way or the other supported the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation tactically, politically and materially.

    “These Nigerians will be honoured during the competition holding between Dec.8 and Dec. 10 for uplifting the sport in Nigeria.

    “Former President Olusegun Obasanjo incepted the training of taekwondo in the National Library, he personally supports, visits and enrolled his grand children.

    “The minister for sports for second time in a row will be physically present at the event and deserves special recognition.”

    Ashiru explained that the history of taekwondo would never be complete without the mention of Inuwa Wushishi, who used his good office as the Chief of Army staff to propagate taekwondo in the Nigerian Army.

    “We will like to honour the gentleman, who signed the bilateral agreement that brought in the first set of Korean instructors officially to Nigeria when he was the chief of army staff.

    “One of the two instructors brought in by Wushishi later became the first national coach, who took the pioneer national team to the All Africa Games in 1987 which I was part of.

    “We think it’s time, 30 years after, for the federation to remember the man that started taekwondo in the Nigerian Army, which the army is now benefiting from.”

    Ashiru disclosed that all the awardees had confirmed that they would be present to receive their awards.

  • World Drug Day: Dalung, Akiolu, others call for support for NDLEA

    World Drug Day: Dalung, Akiolu, others call for support for NDLEA

    The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos and other stakeholders have called for intensified efforts in the fight against drug trafficking in the country.
    Dalung said that all over the world, governments are committing billions of dollars to fight the menace of drug abuse.
    According to the minister, “investing in social programmes that discourage young people from going into drugs will yield fruitful results in the long run. The Youth and Sports Ministry will collaborate with the NDLEA in minimising the abuse of drugs and other substances especially among the youth.”
    Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu also called for improved funding for the Agency and provision of logistics for enhanced performance.
    He urged members of the public to volunteer useful information on the activities of drug trafficking organisations in their neighbourhoods for the NDLEA to serve them better.
    “I want the government to improve the funding of the NDLEA. Drug control cannot be fought without logistic support. Members of the public also have a responsibility to report the illegal activities of drug traffickers in their neighbourhood to law enforcement agents,” the Oba stated.
    Chairman and  Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd.) said that Nigeria remains committed to the dislodgement of criminal drug syndicates targeting the country and West African sub-region as a hub for illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse.
    The 26th of June was set aside as International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by resolution 42/112 of the United Nations General Assembly on the 7th of December 1987.
    Abdallah who was represented by the Director General of the Agency, Mrs Roli Bode-George stressed that the country had maintained a rising drug control profile through capacity building and unwavering sense of obligation.
    He promised to work with stakeholders in ensuring a healthy and drug-free society.
    “Nigeria will continue to dislodge criminal drug syndicates seeking to turn our country and West Africa sub-region to a hub for illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse. We have maintained a rising drug control profile through capacity building and unwavering sense of obligation.
    The Agency will continue to work with stakeholders in ensuring a healthy, drug-free society” Abdallah stated.
    The NDLEA boss gave the assurance at an event to mark the 2016 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking held in Lagos. In his words, “As we mark this important day, stakeholders must review drug control strategies aimed at ensuring a safer environment. Moving forward, we must determine the effectiveness of existing measures.
    The adequacy of allocated resources to drug control, effectiveness of public enlightenment on the dangers of drugs and what areas should be given priority attention in terms of policy change and reinforcement.”
    Speaking on the global theme for this year’s campaign, which is Listen First; the NDLEA Chairman called on parents to strengthen the bond between them and their children. “This theme is a clarion call on parents to carry out a self appraisal on the relationship between them and their children and amend observed gaps. When parents fail to listen to their children, they are unwittingly creating room for negative confidants to mislead them.”
    He urged parents, guardians and leaders to continually reach out to young persons, interact and share in their concerns. This will help them to build positive attitudes and relevant skills needed to prevent drug abuse and other social vices inimical to societal peace, growth and development.
    Listening to children and youths is the first step in bonding with them to grow healthy and safe. As children advance through adolescence, they explore their environment and discover their unique potentials and capabilities. In the process, they are exposed to challenges of drug use, violence and radicalisation if not properly guided. Many youths have been negatively  influenced by peer pressure, poverty, exposure to violence, ignorance and absence of supporting parenting.
    Drug use often begins as a way to seek recreation, but the addictive properties of drugs soon make people dependent. This compulsion is uncontrollable and may interfere with the individual’s everyday life. Some of the effects of drug use include paranoia, psychosis, immune deficiencies, organ damage, dropping out of school, loss of job, unfulfilled dreams and premature death to mention a few.
    An estimated 246 million people across the globe, that is 1 out of 20 people between the ages of 15 and 64 years were reported to have used an illicit drug in 2013 by the World Drug Report 2015. It was equally reported that 1 out of 10 drug users about 27 million people, or almost the entire population of a country like Ghana or Mozambique are problem drug users suffering from drug use disorders.
     Almost half of this number about 12.19 million injects drugs while 1.6 million of those who inject drugs are HIV positive. Above all, about 187,000 drug related deaths also took place in 2013.
    Drug syndicates constantly seek ways of circumventing drug control laws. They introduce new psychotropic substances annually and change drug trafficking routes. In 2015, a total of 602 new psychoactive substances were reported by Member States to the International Narcotic Control Board (INCB).
    This represents 55 percent increase over the previous year when 388 new substances were reported globally. In Nigeria, we have observed a growing abuse of new drugs like cough syrups with codeine, tramadol, and Rohypnol. We shall continue to monitor demand and supply in determining the control of substances.
    Another threat of narcotic drugs that has capacity to undermine the sovereignty of nations is the nexus between drug trafficking and terrorism. Illicit proceeds derived from drug trafficking are so huge that such ill-gotten money can be used to finance terrorism and political ambitions of drug barons. We also know that most criminal acts are perpetrated under the influence of narcotics. Armed robbery, murder, rape and violent acts are most often induced by illicit drug use.
    Drug syndicates are targeting Africa as a trans-shipment point  for smuggling cocaine across the Atlantic into Europe as Eastern Europe is gradually becoming a transit and destination area. West Africa is equally becoming an established source of methamphetamine smuggled into East and South East Asia through Southern Africa or Europe. With the expansion of methamphetamine markets in East and South East Asia as well as growing use of methamphetamine in parts of North America and Europe, West Africa is now the focus of drug cartels.
    NDLEA will resist any move to use the sub-region as a hub for illicit drug production and trafficking. The arrests and drug seizures of the Agency reaffirm our commitment. Additionally, the timely arrest and prosecution of four Mexicans and three Bolivians underscores our resolve to stop the infiltration of foreign cartels into Nigeria. Apart from the huge seizures of narcotics at the airports, seaports and land borders; the Agency made a significant breakthrough by detecting eleven clandestine laboratories for the production of methamphetamine in the country since 2011.
    The war against narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is a battle for peace and welfare of mankind. There is no better time to consolidate on gains recorded as we reappraise and streamline drug control strategies. Let us continue to extend the frontiers of drug abuse prevention programme through an integrated approach. A process driven by families, schools, communities and the media. The Drug Anonymous Support Group that will commence soon is expected to provide help to people with drug abuse problem. This shall be complemented with psychotherapy, which helps patients learn how to resist and redirect compulsions and individual counseling.
    The Agency will continue to undertake innovative approaches to drug control by strengthening international cooperation. Members of the public are encouraged to visit NDLEA website and patronize our social media anti-drug abuse counseling platforms. Through shared responsibility we can achieve far above our individual targets. We must continue to sustain the momentum until total victory is secured.
    The Agency honoured her fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for a drug-free society adding that their sacrifices are not in vain. It promised to extend the scope of the campaign until total victory is achieved.

  • Rio Olympic: Nigeria yet to officially begin preparation

    Exactly 98 days to the kick off of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil, Nigeria is yet to hit the ground running in terms of its preparation for the sports fiesta.

    Even when some nations like Great Britain and a host of others have started final phase of preparation, there are indications that what befell Nigeria at the 2012 London Olympic may be brewing as there has not been any formal build up to the games.

    Despite the qualifications of athletes in wrestling and table tennis, the sports ministry is yet to officially call the athletes to camp.

    At Seoul 1988 and London 2012 Olympic Games were the two games that Nigeria has failed to win a medal and sports buffs believe anther poor showing is about to happen with the recent development.

    Despite the efforts made after the poor outing at the 2012 London Olympic Games, a sports summit was organized to avert such occurrence again but as things are Nigeria may have returned to the status quo.

    For the Nigeria Wrestling Federation President, Daniel Igali, the preferential treatment given to some sports over others when it comes to getting ready for major championships is worrisome.

    Igali, an Olympics gold medalist said recently that, “The sports authorities feel that the money that could have been used to send athletes for training in preparation for Olympics to bring glory to the country can better be used for an irrigation project. Imagine over N300 million spent on the Eaglets; but yet just N20 million for wrestlers was said to be too much an investment in an Olympic year! This is really sad.”

    Everything seems to be going the wrong way for Nigeria with the Ministry of Sport to be a fixed on how to commence the preparation blaming it on paucity of fund.

    According to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, Nigeria’s preparations for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro is been hampered by the inability to account for the N2.9billion released by the Federal Government to the defunct National Sports Commission (NSC) last year.

    The minister said that the money meant for the 2015 All Africa Games as well as the preparations for the Rio2016, could not be properly accounted for which explains why the Federal Government was reluctant in releasing further funds.

    However, the sports minister has promised to take the matter of Nigeria’s preparations for the summer games to the Presidency to avoid a repeat of the failure at London 2012 in Brazil.

    Some of the athletes who spoke with NationSport that nobody should expect miracles from them in Brazil. “It is what you give that you get. I will just try my best in Brazil but nobody should put pressure on me. We thought this minister will bring us good tidings but the man seems to be pre-occupied with constituting of committee for hospitality for the Olympics rather than given attention to athletes who are the actors. I don’t think he understands sports,” the athlete who pleaded anonymity said.

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  • Minister de-registers all Youth Council Organisations

    Minister de-registers all Youth Council Organisations

    The Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung has announced the Ministry’s withdrawal of recognition for existing Youth Council Organisations and ordered that a new registration that will strictly be in line with the National Youth Policy be put in place.

    He also affirmed that that the age bracket of 18-35 years will be strictly enforced for all eligible members.

    The Minister gave the directive while addressing a delegation consisting of Board of Trustees of the National Youth Council of Nigeria NYCN, some past Presidents and Representatives of the members of Management Committee of the Council who visited him in Abuja.

    The Minister explained that the directive has become imperative in order to restore sanity into the National Youth Council of Nigeria which has been fragmented for some time now; a development that has resulted in six people laying claims to the leadership of the Council.

    The Minister had earlier expressed his disdain at the way and manner the ideals and virtues which used to endear the organisation to the public have been eroded; giving way to blatant pursuit of personal interest and unabashed materialism by the present day self-acclaimed leaders of council at the expense of Nigeria Youth.

    Dalung assured that the Board of Trustee which he describe as the custodian of the Council will play a big role in the new reform meant to restore the Council back to its former glory.

    The Minister also advocated the return to the Ministry of all interventionist programmes targeted at the development of youth whether in the area of Agriculture, Health, Micro-Finance, Job Empowerment etc. for effective  coordination and mainstreaming; arguing that the present practice where such programmes are scattered  in different Ministries has not yielded the desired result and that warehousing such interventionist programmes in the appropriate Ministry is key to realising the objectives.

    Earlier on, the leader of the Delegation and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NYCN Chief Macaulay Oma Azugbene lamented the situation whereby “the Council has had to contend with leadership crisis which has resulted in its inability to effectively play its role and ensure that the Youths benefit from the dividend of democracy.”

    He also lamented the infiltration   of the Council by selfish, shameless and materialistic characters “who are ready to throw virtues to the dogs once there is monetary benefit to derive.”

    He also lamented that “we have had some persons declaring themselves presidents of their imagined councils without submitting themselves to due process of election at a duly organised National Youth Congress.”

    He said part of the problem in the Council is traceable to the advent of “brief case voluntary youth organisations which parades Certificate of Registration from the Corporate Affairs Commission without members”

    Chief Azugbene later appealed to the Federal government for resuscitation of the statutory subventions to Voluntary Youth Organisations – VYOs to enable them resume proper tanning of youth through capacity building and leadership orientation.

    The Chairman of Broad of Trustee also call on government to appreciate past Youth Leaders through national Honours, government appointments and patronage of their businesses.

  • Glitz and Glamour At 2015 Nigerian Sports Award

    Glitz and Glamour At 2015 Nigerian Sports Award

    • as Sports Minister Commends Organizers

    Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalong has described the Nigerian Sports Award as the best way to reward sportsmen and women who have distinguished themselves in this country and make Nigeria proud.

    Dalong made the statement at his first official outing since his appointment as minister during the award ceremony held on Friday at the Marquee, Oceanview, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Dalong who admitted that the reward system in this society of ours has been consigned to materialism, commended the vision of the organizers for their initiative to recognize talents, contributions, skills and performances of the distinguished sportsmen and women through the award.

    The Jos-born administrator added that the establishment of the Nigerian Sports Award has developed a society where the reward system is functional.

    “I am very elated from what I have seen here and we would improve on it. My passion as a person is that we should be able to develop a society where the reward system is functional. I believe a society without an effective reward system is a society destined to doom,” Dalong said.

    “Of course, in this society of ours the reward system was consigned to materialism. You are not recognizing because of your consistent, you are not recognized because of your talent, you’re not recognize because of your skills but you’re recognize by the size of your pocket. Indeed, that has contributed immensely in destroying the progress of the country. And here stands the viability of the vision of organizers of this award, which we are all gathered here to recognize excellence.

    “We are here to recognize the talents, the contribution, the skills and performances of our sportsmen and women who have distinguished themselves in this country and make Nigeria proud. This was made possible with the organizers of this award, which is commendable.  Sports we all know is one of the basic instruments that can unify not only the country but also the whole world,” he stated.

    At the end of the award distinguished sportsmen and women was recognized with awards.

    The FIBA 2015 MVP Chamberlain Oguchi emerged Ball Sportsperson of the Year, for helping National Basketball team, D’ Tigers won the just concluded FIBA Africa tournament. He defeated Aruna Quadri and Olumide Oyedeji.

    Are Feyisetan, Nigerian Powerlifting Coach, beat off a stiff competition from the National Men’s Basketball team, William Voight and the Women Cycling Coach, Bashir Mohammed to be crowned the Coach of the Year category.

    Kelechi Nwanaga (Javeline) was handed the Discovery of the Year award at the expense of Awoniyi Taiwo (Footballer) and Amusan Tobiloba.

    In the football category, Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa was named the Footballer of the Year (Men) ahead of Odion Ighalo, and the Sunshine Stars striker, Tunji Adeniji while Ngozi Okobi dethrone Asisat Oshoala to emerge the Footballer of the Year (Women) category.

    World record breakers at the just concluded All African Games, Yakubu Adesokan went home with double awards of the Special Sport Person of the Year and the Sports Man of the Year.Loveline Obiji humbles Balqis Otunla and Lovina Onyegbule to emerge the Sports Woman of the year.

    The Director General (DG) of the National Sports Commission, Yakmut Al-Hassan was named the Sports Administrators of the Year category ahead of the President of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali.

    For the School Sports Award, Eyeanugie Primary School, Edo state emerged the winner while Nigerian Men Basketball Award team, D’Tigers, was named the Team of the Year category.

    Tosin Oke (Triple Jump), a gold medalist at the just concluded All African Games overpower Kelechi Nwanaga (Javeline) and Uke Claire (Discuss), for the Track and Field Star of the year while Balqis Otunla conquered Mariam Usman for the weightlifter of the Year award.

    For the Sport Journalist of the Year (Print) category, Tana Aiyejina of The Punch Newspaper retained the award after he triumph over Oludare Shina of Goal.com, Johnny Edwards Complete Sports and Kayode Ogundare i-Soccer while Ganiyu Yusuf of the Complete Sport was named the Photo Journalist of the year ahead of Bola Omilabu of the Nation/ SportingLife Newspaper, John Ebota of The Nation, Segun Ogunfeyintimi and Akeem Salawu of The Vanguard Newspaper for.

    The Radio Sport Journalist of the Year went to Chinasa Ibonye, City FM after a competition from last year winner Godwin Enakhena, Top Radio, Murphy Djemba of Brila FM, and Udeme George, Love FM, Abuja while Austin Okon -Akpan of Channels TV emerged Sport Journalist of the Year (Television) after surmounting pressure from Miyen Akiri of Galaxy TV, and Moses  Praiz of Supersports.

    The Special recognition award category goes to the President of the Nigerian Boxing Federation, Major General Kenneth Minimah and the 2015 World Scrabble Champion, Wellington Jighere.