Other Sports
All Set for Nigeria’s Sports Bodies’ Election
BY CHINWE EDOGA.
With less than 24 hours to election into the boards of 31 sports’ federations in Nigeria, the country’s sports minister on Monday inaugurated a 93-man electoral committee.
The Sports Village Square gathered that the election into the boards will hold simultaneously at the Package A of the Abuja National Stadium complex.
An aide of the minister told Village Sports Square in Abuja that each sports federation had been assigned three-man panel comprising a chairman and two members.
“Considering that there may are up to 50 electorates per federation, the electorates will occupy the outer part of the glass cubicle hospitality lounges”, Sports Village Square gathered.
In a media release signed by the Special Assistant to the sports minister, Nneka Anibeze, the minister, Solomon Dalung “charged the Electoral Committee members to be fair, just, courageous and unbiased in the conduct of the elections”.
He gave the charge while inaugurating the 93-man committee at the VIP lounge of the National Stadium Abuja on Monday.
In his remarks, the minister said that the foundation of change in the sports sector will be laid during the conduct of the sports federations elections and harped on the need to get it right through a democratized process.
“It is important and critical that we get this elections right. It is the foundation of the change we are trying to establish.
“The outcome will either justify or vilify our intentions. It is the credibility of the process that will vindicate our stand to democratize the Sports Federations.
“Apart from the transition of the old tradition where 13 persons were appointed into the boards, the expansion of the electoral college from 13 to 54 presents its unique challenges.
“If a process is fair, transparent and credible, both winners and losers will have a sense of victory.
“So, I charge you all to ensure that we achieve our collective objectives of delivering a fair, transparent and credible election,” Dalung said.
The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel also advised the electoral committee members to conduct elections in a democratic way as Nigeria will be monitored by international bodies and observers.
“I will not like to receive any letter from any international federation or the International Olympic Committee asking questions about this election.
“We should do this properly and let it be the best ever. You should conduct this election without sentiments and favour.” Gumel said.
Responding, the Electoral Chairman of the Badminton Federation, Kefas Lar thanked the ministry, the NOC and all sports stakeholders for finding them worthy to serve the country in this capacity.
“We thank you for the elaborate explanation of the guidelines to us all.
“May I state categorically that, having served as the President of the Nigeria Badminton Federation for eight years, the President of African Badminton for five years and the World Badminton Federation for six years, this is the very first time that I am seeing very serious business in the electoral process.
“We are all aware of the decay that is going on in sports administration.
“I assure you, on behalf of other members that Tuesday’s elections will be fair, transparent, just and based on the major principles as stated in the electoral guidelines.
“We pledge to give all our support to ensure that we come out with one of the best elections as projected by the NOC President”, Lar assured.
“The Minister also redeployed all the Secretaries of the federations to other federations to maximize transparency. The Secretaries will return to their original federations after the elections.
A seven-man Elections Appeals Committee was also inaugurated thereafter.
The members were also charged to ensure that they preside over appeals, petitions and complaints of aggrieved contestants with justice and fairness.
The Chairman of the committee and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Abdulrazak Salau also pledged on behalf of the members, to live up to the task assigned to them.
History will be made in Lagos as the city becomes the first on the African continent to host the world’s all-electric powerboat championship, the E1 Series, from October 3 to 5, 2025.
The announcement marks a major milestone for Nigeria and Africa, as the E1 Lagos Grand Prix brings cutting-edge water sport, innovation, and environmental sustainability to the continent’s shores for the first time.
Sharing the news on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the event as “a demonstration of innovation and progress, showing how sport can inspire sustainable solutions for the future.”
He added: “It is also a celebration of the creativity and resilience that define our people. This occasion gives us the opportunity to showcase Lagos to the world as we know it: welcoming, dynamic, and determined to embrace the future with confidence.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also extended an open invitation to Lagosians and the global community to witness the groundbreaking spectacle.
“The E1 Lagos Grand Prix is a chance for Lagos, and for Africa, to stand proudly on the global stage,” he said.
Traditionally renowned for its passion for land-based sports like football, Africa is now set to explore its aquatic potential as the UIM E1 Series, presented by PIF, transforms Lagos’ waterfront into a thrilling race track.
Scheduled for October 4–5, the E1 Lagos Grand Prix promises a unique blend of speed, culture, and sustainability, turning the city’s coastline into a symbol of Africa’s readiness to embrace innovation and green technology in sports.
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Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has unveiled a full-size stadium and an Olympic-size 50-metre swimming pool at the Peaceville International Academy, located within the Redemption City of God, Ogun State.
The esteemed cleric was accompanied by his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, along with top church leaders including Pastor Joseph Obayemi; RCCG National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, and the management of Peaceville International Academy led by Head of School Dolapo Fatoki.
The event was graced by several board members of the school, including Leke Adeoye, Olugbenga Omojola, Ayoola Jolayemi, Noah Osato, and Mrs Busola Ogunsiji.
Reflecting on his past, Pastor Adeboye lamented the lack of such facilities during his university days and the general scarcity of quality sports amenities across the country.
“This kind of well-grassed stadium and serene environment were not available in universities during our time. Remarkably, God has made this possible in a secondary school, showing that He is on our side,” he remarked.
He offered prayers for those who contributed to the realization of these facilities and expressed his vision for the school to become a global brand.
In her welcome address, Pastor Mrs. Adeboye, the founder of the college, described the institution as a legacy made possible by God’s support.
She thanked her husband for his unwavering support in making the school a reality and emphasized the importance of the sports facilities in moulding Godly champions.
The unveiling ceremony also featured a novelty match to celebrate Pastor Adeboye’s 83rd birthday, with him performing the ceremonial kick-off for the match between Redemption City FC and Region 1 FC. The home team triumphed with a 4-0 victory.
Head of School Dolapo Fatoki highlighted that the facilities would be judiciously used to enhance the physical well-being of students and position the school as a hub for sports development in Ogun State and Nigeria.
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Championship promotion chasers Burnley clocked up 1,000 minutes without conceding a league goal as they drew 0-0 at Preston North End on Saturday to stay third in the table.
It was Burnley’s 24th Championship clean sheet of the season and their 11th in a row — a new English second-tier record.
In 33 Championship games their miserly defence has been breached only nine times and no opposition player has scored against them in the league since Dec. 21.
Burnley keeper James Trafford has faced only 21 shots on target in achieving his 11 successive clean sheets — including two penalties which he saved against Sunderland.
Scott Parker’s side need just one more clean sheet to match the Championship record of Queen’s Park Rangers in 2010-11.
“It’s something we pride ourselves on. We’re proud of being hard to beat and if you can’t win games, don’t lose them,” Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen told the club’s website.
“We come away with a point thanks to that defensive record and being solid again here at a tough place.”
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