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Tag: Solomon Dalung

Nigeria out of 2017 ITTF World Juniors, Cadet Championships

It has been confirmed at the start of the 2017 ITTF African Junior Championships holding in Tunis, Tunisia that one of Africa’s superpowers – Nigeria will not be part of any major junior championships this year within and outside Africa.

Specifically, the West African giant is considered one of the teams expected to make it to the global tournament but it has been ruled of 2017 ITTF World Junior Championships and World Cadet Challenge following their inability to be part of the ongoing ITTF African Championships in Tunis.

The Nigerian team failed to make it to Tunis after the Ministry of Youth and Sports failed to provide the need logistics for the team to travel out at the weekend.

Despite pleas from the 10-man team to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, the players were dispatched at the weekend after eight days of training at the Lagos National Stadium in readiness for the Tunis tournament which serves as qualifiers for the World Junior Championship and World Cadet Challenge holding later in the year.

Meanwhile, the most successful country at the ITTF African Junior Championships – Egypt dominated the seeding list in the team and singles events at this year’s tournament which served off yesterday at the Sports Palace of El Mensah in Tunis.

Over 12 countries were listed in the official opening of the championship while in the team event seeding, Egypt tops in the junior boys and girls categories as well as in the boys U-21 event, the Egyptian were seeded number one.

Host – Tunisia were seeded the top team in the cadet girls, while Algeria were top team in the cadet boys and girls U-21.

In the singles event, Egyptian players dominated the junior and U-21 divisions while Algeria and Tunisia are the top seeds in the cadet boys and girls.

In the junior, Egypt’s Youssef Abdel-Aziz and Mariam ALHODABY are top seeds in the singles of boys and girls, while Egypt’s duo of Aly Ghalab and Aida RAHMO dominated the U-21 boys and girls.

Algeria’s CHAICHI Abdelbasset tops in the cadet boys singles, while Tunisia’s Manel BAKLOUTI is the best ranked cadet girls in singles event.

April 9, 2017
Sports Minister meets Buhari on World Cup qualification, others

The Minister of Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalung, on Thursday updated President Muhammadu Buhari on the efforts of the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Dalung, after a closed door meeting with Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said he also briefed him on other developments in sports.

The Minister said that the president was informed of the election of a Nigerian into the board of Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Amaju Pinnick, President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), defeated the President of the Football Association of Benin Republic, Anjorin Moucharafou, to secure a seat on CAF Executive Committee for the 2017 to 2021 cycle.

Pinnick’s election makes him the third Nigerian ever to sit on the CAF Executive Committee.

According to Dalung, “I updated him on the need for us to intensify our mobilisation efforts for the World Cup qualifier. Although we are topping the group, it is not Uhuru for us. We need to do more.

“I drew his attention to the fact that we have received the Queen’s Relay baton which kick-starts the mobilisation for Commonwealth Games in Queensland, Australia in 2018.

“The baton is a Commonwealth tradition which is always flagged off by the Queen and she did that in March and it has been to six African countries with Nigeria being the seventh and it will proceed from here.

“The significance of the baton is its wake up call to countries to begin to prepare for the games.

“And we as a country had always performed very well in the games. There is a need for us to try and surpass our records in the next Commonwealth games.”

The minister disclosed that the president appreciated the briefing and congratulated Pinnick for clinching the seat of the executive member of CAF and the progress so far made in sports.

According to him, the president promised to do everything possible to support sports generally.

April 7, 2017
Dalung briefs Buhari on developments in sports

The Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalong, on Thursday briefed President Muhammadu Buhari on sporting activities in the country while he was on medical vacation in the United Kingdom.

Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Dalung said the President congratulated Nigeria for clinching a seat at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee and the progress so far recorded in sports.

The minister said the President promised to continue to support sports despite the economic constraint.

He said, “I came in to brief the President on the development in sports since he went on vacation and returned. I also informed him on the successes recorded so far in CAF where a Nigerian has been elected into the executive committee of the continental soccer body.

“The President appreciated the briefing and congratulated Nigeria for clinching the seat at the CAF executive committee and the progress so far recorded in sports.

“He promised that even though we are economically constrained, government will do everything possible to ensure that it continues to support the progress of sports generally

“I updated him on the need for us to intensify our mobilisation efforts for the World Cup qualifiers. Although we are topping the group, it is not yet uhuru for us. We need to do more.

“I drew his attention to the fact that we have received the Queen’s Relay baton kick-starting the mobilisation for Commonwealth Games in Australia in 2018.

“The baton is a commonwealth tradition which is always flagged off by the Queen and she did that in March. It has been to six African countries with Nigeria being the seventh and it will proceed from here.”

April 6, 2017
UNILAG stuns all, lifts AMK/NUGA Basketball trophy

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) male team have emerged champions of the maiden edition of the Ahmadu Musa Kida (AMK) Foundation/Nigeria University Games (NUGA) 3X3 Basketball Competition in a final decided on Sunday in Abuja.

They beat neighbours, University of Ibadan (UI) in the final game to claim the trophy as well as qualify to represent Nigeria at the World University Tournament.

Basketball power house, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) settled for the bronze medal.

In the female category, Bayero University Kano (BUK) subdued fellow northern team, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) to pick the gold, leaving the latter with the silver.

University of Ibadan again, put up a good fight to settle for the bronze medal.

ABU defeated Nasssrawa to pick bronze in men and UI defeated UNIZIK.

Minister of Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, who was the Special Guest of Honour, lauded AMK Foundation as shining example of what NGO’s can do to promote youth empowerment through sports.

He confirmed readiness of government to reforming the sports sector insisting that the only pathway to growth will be through the grassroots.

He also thanked NUGA for expanding its programs beyond the biannual sporting festival.
AMK Foundation President Engr Musa Ahmadu Kida in his speech expressed the readiness of the Foundation to remain committed to its foundation goals of empowering the youths through education and sports, saying that the investment in NUGA basketball is a continuation of that service.

He confirmed the interest of the foundation to solidify the partnership with NUGA going further into other Basketball enterprises.

NUGA President Professor Stephen Hamafyelto expressed gratitude to AMK for the sponsorship urging other private stakeholders to follow suit.

He also canvassed for adequate funding for NUGA from government to ensure that the sporting sector within the university system remains vibrant.

Other side events at the occasion were a slam dunk competition, free throws, and a 3pts shoot out. Most valuable player awards were given to outstanding male and female players.

March 6, 2017
Date fixed for Mrs Dalung’s burial

The Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has confirmed that his late wife will be buried on Feb. 4 at Sabongida, Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau.

Dalung confirmed this in a statement signed in Abuja on Wednesday by Tolu Makinde, the Director of Information in the Ministry.

According to the statement, Dalung is still pained by the demise of his wife.

It said the minister had expressed gratitude to Nigerians from all works of life for the outpouring of love, sympathy and condolences over the tragic loss of his wife.

He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari who personally called him last night to condole with him and his family at this period of grief.

Mrs Briskila Dalung passed on in Jos on Jan. 29 after a protracted illness.

February 1, 2017
President Buhari condoles Dalung

President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung on the death of his wife, Mrs. Briskila Dalung who died after a brief illness in the early hours of January 29, 2017 in Jos.

In a telephone call made to Barrister Dalung by the President on Monday night from London where he is currently on a short vacation, he prayed God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.

President Buhari regretted the death of Mrs Dalung which came at such an unripe age and prayed that God will forgive her sins and give the family she left behind the fortitude to bear the loss.

The President promised his unflinching support to the family of Dalung in their moment of grief.

Mrs Dalung is survived by her husband and 5 children.

January 31, 2017
Swan condoles Sports minister

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has condoled with the Minister of Youths and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, following the demise of his wife Mrs Briskila Daulung.

A condolence message signed by Olawale Alabi, the Association’s Secretary-General, said it was pained by the news of Briskila demise.

“Her death, which occurred after a brief illness, has no doubt left behind a vacuum which will be difficult to fill.

“We can only pray Almighty God in His Infinite Mercy to give you the fortitude to bear the loss, however.’’

SWAN also prayed that God should avert any more of such deaths, and keep safe those Briskila left behind.

“On behalf of SWAN members nationwide, please accept our condolences as we pray God to strengthen you and the rest of your family at this time of grief,” the Association submitted

Condolences have continued to pour in from far and wide following the demise of the Madam Briskilla who has been described as easy going and accommodating by those who are very close to her.

Among early callers who sympathized with the minister include Ambassador Chris Giwa who hails from the state the same state (Plateau) with Barrister Dalung.

“The minister is my brother and I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of his wife. What can I say? We are not in a position to query God, but we can only pray that the Almighty God extends His mighty hand to comfort him at this hour of grief,” said even as he called on Nigerians to rally round the Minister at his hour of grief.

January 30, 2017
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

January 24, 2017
Dalung felicitates with Amaju on appointment

Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung has congratulated the President of the Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Melvin Pinnick on his appointment as member of the Organising Committee for FIFA Competitions.

In a letter sent to Mr Pinnick on January 20, 2017, the Minister said he received the news of the appointment with great joy as it will not only bring honour to Nigeria as a country but position Nigeria to play a greater role in global sports politics.

“May I personally congratulate you on your appointment and wish you well as you discharge this burden of leadership imposed on you by the Football World Governing body. It is a great responsibility that will go a long way to avail you global experience and relationships too.

“Please accept my assurances and co-operation always. Once more, congratulations” Dalung stated.

January 23, 2017
‘Upgrade Aper Aku Stadium’

The Governor of Benue state, Dr Samuel Ortom has appealed to the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung to use his good office to assist the state in the establishment of a national football academy and upgrade the Aper Aku stadium to international standard.

Ortom stated in an interview that the state lacked such facilities where international activities can take place.
He said: “We are soliciting that you kindly facilitate our hosting of national and international sports festivals as this will open our state to investors. We propose a partnership with your ministry to host competitions such as schools sports, sports festivals and inter-collegiate competitions. These activities will help in identifying talents, promoting recreation, tourism as well as physical fitness of our young people.”

In the same vein, Dalung commended the governor for providing good leadership attributes to the people of Benue state despite huge challenges facing the state.
“I am here to inspect some of your sporting facilities and that of the Federal Government and also to invite your excellency
to invest more in sports especially those sports like basketball and volleyball which Benue state monopolized back in the days. Benue must come back and take the lead in these two sports so that Nigeria can be represented in these sports internationally.

The Minister later visited the Macarty stadium which also serves as club house for Lobi Stars, the Aper Aku stadium including the main bowl, the abandoned swimming pool project, dilapidated Tennis and basketball courts, the APC headquarters as well as the NYSC camp at Wannune Benue state.

January 22, 2017