Other Sports
EDO STATE SPORTS COMMISSION BILL SCALES SECOND READING AT HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
The Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday in Benin City showed firm commitment to the development of sports with the passing of the bill regulating the Edo State Sports Commission into the stage of reading.
Governor Godwin Obaseki had in September 2018 through an Executive Order, scrapped the Ministry of Sports creating in its place, the Edo State Sports Commission. The Governor hinged his decision on the need to professionalize sports administration in Edo State.
As a measure of his commitment to the project, Governor Obaseki appointed as chairman of the Commission, Godwin Dudu-Orumen, one of Nigeria’s most diligent and experienced sports administrators.
The present House of Assembly led by Okiye has since its inauguration worked assiduously to partner with the executive branch of government to drive the development of sports in the state. It is thus no surprise that within a few months of its inauguration, the house has set as one of its key priorities, the passing of the sports commission bill into law.
A clearly excited Dudu-Orumen said the bill scaling second reading was a welcome development noting that it would fast track the development of sports in the state particularly as the Commission on behalf of the government and people of Edo State is working assiduously towards hosting the Sports Festival in 2020.
He stated that even beyond the Sports Festival, which timeliness are already being met by the Commission, the more important assignment before it, which entails instituting sound corporate governance in the administration of sports, the nurturing and development of sports at the grassroots and the interface with the private sector for funding, assignments, which if properly executed, will turn Edo State into the hub of sports not only in Nigeria but globally, would not be accomplished without an enabling Act.
“We are clearly excited by the development and thank Hon. Speaker Frank Okiye and members of the House for this laudable step. It is clear from their expeditious treatment of this bill that they appreciate the enormous impact sports will have on the GDP of Edo State and youth empowerment.
“Upon taking office, Hon. Speaker Okiye assured us that he and his colleagues at the House will ensure that the Commission is empowered to fully discharge its responsibilities by speedily pass the bill regulating the Commission into law. It is gratifying to note that they are keeping to this promise “ Dudu-Orumen stated.
He expressed confidence in the ability of the House to pass the bill within the shortest time possible given their awareness of the necessity for timely action in order that the state is able to meets its commitment to the hosting of the Sports Festival, and the Commission, deliver its mandate.
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.
Other Sports
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
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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