Other Sports
Fund Misappropriation: Dalung Challenges Ogba to Table Case before EFCC
The Nigerian Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung has expressed disappointment in a recent media report in which the Chairman, Senate House Committee on Sports, Obinna Ogba took a swipe at the him over allegations of financial recklessness.
Dalung said that the statement credited to Ogba was just another attempt to dance to the gallery of public opinions and paint the ministry as villain.
In a press release from the ministry, the minister described the recent scathing statement on his person as a media trial, unprofessional and an attempt to put him under pressure, weeks before his purported appearance before the committee which Ogba stated has been fixed for September 25.
“For a distinguished senator to make such sweeping statements about a minister in the media is dishonourable.
“If the Senator has personally tried and condemned me before my appearance for a hearing, then I should be reported to EFCC for investigation.
“I don’t have to appear at the National Assembly to defend myself anymore since I’ve already been tried and found guilty by one man, “Dalung said.
On allegations of misappropriation of funds for the National Sports Festival and National Sports Federations elections, the Minister challenged Senator Ogba to tell the public how much was budgeted and allocated for the sports activities for 2017.
According to him, appearing before the Senate should not be seen as an indictment but an opportunity for the legislative and executive arms of government to be on the same page about the day to day activities of government.
“Appropriating funds and releasing money are two different things. I am still wondering when Senator Ogba turned to the Central Bank of Nigeria or the Accountant General of the Federation. Does the Ministry of Youth and Sports collect money from the National Assembly?” Dalung queried.
Dalung noted that while N9m was budgeted for the 2016 National Youth Games, while over N350m was the cost of hosting the previous edition of the games. He added that he had to go from one state to another seeking fund from state governments and corporate bodies.
The minister challenged the Sports Committee Chairman to forward all his claims and documents of indictment to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission or the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission who are agencies specifically set up to handle cases of financial misappropriation and other related matters.
However, Barrister Dalung harped on the need for a good working relationship between the National Assembly and the Ministry.
“We should be seen as partners in progress rather than strange bed fellows. If no money is budgeted for a particular event just like we received zero budget for Youths in 2016, then where do they expect me to get money to fund sports?
“There is need to appropriate adequate funds for sporting activities to avoid controversies and late preparations.”
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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