Other Sports

NIGERIA’S FIRST SPORTS TRUST FUND, LSSTF, ROLLS OUT PLANS

Published

5 years ago

May 7, 2019

The Lagos State Sports Trust Fund, the first of its type in Nigeria has unfolded its programme on Tuesday. Led by the former Deputy Governor of Lagos, Otunba Olufemi Pedro, the body is composed of 12 members and has staff strength of 20.

According to the chairman of the body, the Lagos Sports Trust Fund is the first of its kind in sub-Sahara Africa. The board was inaugurated in March last year after it was created by law in 2017.

Otunba Pedro, the chairman explained that the body is just rolling out now as it had to first painstakingly embark on a strategic exercise to craft out its vision, mission and core values.

“We have also developed our fund-raising and communication strategies and established our corporate governance principles, organisation structure and operating model.”

He revealed further that the body has developed a blueprint for sports development in Lagos State.

The sports trust fund is therefore set to commence its core business of creating adequate funding for sports development.

Otunba Pedro pointed out that the body was created primarily to play a critical role in financing the development and promotion of sports, sporting activities and facilities in Lagos State.

Also in the 12-man board is Wahid Enitan Oshodi, a former sports commissioner in Lagos State who is also the President of the Africa- Western Region of the International Table Tennis Federation. Other members include Dr Kweku Tandor, the chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission; Babatunde Bank-Anthony, the Director General of Lagos Sports Commission; Mrs Omolola Essien who represents the local governments of Lagos State; Kenneth Odusanya, a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria; Oladipo Awe; Moyo Ogunseinde, chairman of Lagos State Gymnastic Association; Adekoyejo Adejumo, Akin Ogunlana, Fola Pandonu, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs; and Olaposi Agunbiade.

Other Sports

Teenager Inkosi Brou captures Nigeria’s first medal at International Fencing Championship

Published

20 hours ago

September 23, 2024

Kunle Solaja

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.

Other Sports

Stolen Ferrari Recovered Almost 30 Years Later –

Published

7 months ago

March 5, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Stolen Ferrari Recovered Almost 30 Years Later -

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

Other Sports

Bayelsa State are National Para Games champions

Published

9 months ago

December 15, 2023

Kunle Solaja

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.