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.”
Other Sports
Teenager Inkosi Brou captures Nigeria’s first medal at International Fencing Championship
Nigeria made a remarkable entry into the global fencing scene-at the weekend with an impressive performance by 16-year-old Inkosi
Brou.
Inkosi secured Nigeria’s first-ever medal in the Sabre category at the
World Tournoi Satellite Cup in Iceland.
Competing against some of the world’s elite fencers at the Viking Cup
2024, a Senior World Cup Satellite Sabre Tournament, the world’s No. 67
ranked fencer, Inkosi, clinched a silver medal after a hard-fought 9-15
match against Iceland’s Andre Mateev.
As the No. 5 seed, Inkosi began his campaign in the Round of 16,
defeating Germany’s Magnus De Witt 15-9. He continued his winning streak
in the quarter-finals with a close 15-13 victory over Spain’s Oriol
Farre.
In the semifinals, Inkosi faced his biggest hurdle when he faced
No. 1 seed, Cristoher Cortez of Ecuador in a tactical and intense match,
ultimately advancing to the final with a 15-14 win.
Inkosi, the grandson of the late Dora Akinyuli, former NAFDAC Director
General, expressed his excitement and inspiration from his performance,
which fuels his ambition for a spot at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic
Games.
“Starting the fencing season with a silver medal at one of my first
senior FIE competitions is a great achievement.
“I am proud to represent Nigeria at this elite competition and continue my quest for a spot at LA 2028. I’d like to thank Akhi Spencer-El, Daryl Homer, Alex Fotiyev, and Tom Seitz for their support during the off-season,” Inkosi said.
Adeyinka Samuel, President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation (NFF),
praised Inkosi’s efforts and highlighted the significance of this
achievement for Nigerian fencing.
“We are thrilled with the progress in the sport as it aligns with our prediction to medal at the LA 2028 Olympics Games. Inkosi’s success motivates us to work harder towards having a Nigerian team well-represented at the 2028 Olympic Games.
“This first medal in an FIE event is truly inspiring, and we hope Inkosi
continues to gain experience and recognition globally,” Samuel stated.
A Ferrari Testarossa sports car stolen from Austrian Formula One driver Gerhard Berger during the 1995 San Marino Grand Prix weekend has been recovered by London police almost 29 years later.
The Metropolitan Police said on Monday the red F512M, worth some 350,000 pounds ($444,325.00), was tracked down in four days after Ferrari reported it was the one being sold through a British broker to a U.S. buyer.
Police enquiries found it was shipped to Japan shortly after being stolen from the Italian city of Imola and then arrived in Britain in late 2023.
The Organised Vehicle Crime Unit said enquiries were ongoing and no arrests had been made.
A second silver Ferrari F355 that belonged to Berger’s French former team mate Jean Alesi, which was stolen on the same weekend in the Italian city, remains missing.
Alesi finished second in the race won by Williams’ Damon Hill with Berger third, in the Ferrari drivers’ final season at the Italian team before the arrival of Michael Schumacher and Eddie Irvine.
Berger had caught the thief in the act of stealing his car but after jumping clear and then giving chase in a friend’s Volkswagen Golf, according to a news report at the time, was unable to prevent it from getting away.
-Reuters
The resounding success of the 2nd edition of the National Para Games culminated in an exhilarating and grand closing ceremony at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The week-long celebration of talent, resilience, and sportsmanship concluded on December 14th, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of para sports in Nigeria.
The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, lauded the remarkable display of talent and dexterity exhibited by the para athletes throughout the Games. Expressing his delight, he commended the spirit of competition and the dedication of all participants.
“The National Para Games have once again showcased the incredible abilities and unwavering spirit of our para athletes,” Senator Enoh said. “The level of talent and determination displayed by these athletes is truly inspiring. They embody the essence of sportsmanship and perseverance.”
“Through sports, we celebrate unity, resilience, and determination. The National Para Games have proven to be a platform that not only showcases exceptional talent but also fosters inclusivity and breaks barriers.”
From December 8th to 14th, the stadium played host to representatives from all 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The atmosphere was charged with excitement as athletes showcased their skills, determination, and unwavering spirit, captivating audiences and leaving spectators in awe.
Bayelsa State emerged as the champions of the Games, winning 30 gold, 24 silver and 20 bronze medals. Abia, Kano Lagos, and Oyo states completed the top five in that order. Their athletes’ dedication and outstanding performances solidified their position at the pinnacle of para sports excellence.
The closing ceremony was a spectacle of pomp and pageantry, featuring captivating performances, cultural displays, and heartfelt tributes to the athletes who epitomized perseverance and triumph over adversity.
As the curtains drew to a close on this momentous occasion, the legacy of the National Para Games continues to inspire a new era of inclusivity, empowerment, and recognition for para athletes across Nigeria.
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