SPORTS
63rd Anniversary: AbdulRazaq, Speaker Lead Teams in Independence Day Novelty Match
From Alfred Babs, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the Speaker of the Kwara state House of Assembly, Rt Hon Yakubu Salihu-Danladi will lead their respective teams in a novelty match to mark the 63rd Independence anniversary which will hold on Sunday.
While AbdulRazaq will lead the Executive arm of government, the Speaker will lead the Legislative arm of government in a novelty match.
However, the state government said that the celebration will be low keyed to reflect the mood of the nation
A statement signed by Abdulkadir Yusuf, chief press Secretary to the Speaker said the match scheduled to take place at the Kwara Football Academy (KFA) pitch on October 1, at 3.
00PM would be one-of-a-kind event that will bring together representatives from both arms of the Kwara State Government in a camaraderie and friendly competition, while also demonstrating the spirit of unity and collaboration between the two arms of government.“This historic match would also showcase the dynamism, physical prowess, and sportsmanship of the Kwara cabinet – Commissioners, Advisers, and Assistants to His Excellency and the lawmakers in the 10th legislature.
“Beyond the spirit of friendly competition, this novelty match seeks to foster a deeper sense of unity and commitment to the services of Kwara people among political office holders by showcasing their athleticism and teamwork as well as their commitment to democracy and the progress of Kwara and Nigeria, beyond their respective roles as policymakers and lawmakers.
“The novelty match is aimed at amplifying awareness about the importance of collaboration between the Executive and Legislative Arms in shaping a prosperous and democratic Kwara. Both arms will exemplify the significance of balanced governance and the need for effective checks and balances.
“Kwarans can therefore, anticipate an electrifying and scintillating atmosphere, as dignitaries, political supporters, and citizens come together to witness this historic display of unity and sportsmanship thereby fostering a deeper connection between government and citizens.
“In the face of challenging socioeconomic atmosphere, the novelty match will also demonstrate the essence of resilience and perseverance, and rekindle hope for the possibility of light at the end of the tunnel”, the statement said.
Meanwhile, Kwara state government has said that there will be no ceremony for the Independent day anniversary on October 1.
A statement signed by State Commissioner for Communications, Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju, on Thursday, said that there will be no elaborate ceremony for the celebration.
“The Kwara State Government wishes to inform members of the public that there will be no elaborate ceremony of any kind on October 1, 2023.
“This is to reflect the mood of the nation amid ongoing reforms and strong efforts of the government to ensure sustainable development.
“The state government urges citizens to use the October 1, holiday to pray for the state, our country, and the world at large”, the statement said.
Nasarawa United Football Club of Lafia on Saturday defeated Lobi Stars of Makurdi 1-0 in a pulsating North Central derby.
The matchday 16 fixture of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premiere Football League (NPFL) was played at the Lafia Township Stadium, Nasarawa State capital.
The Makurdi side had adopted the Lafia Township Stadium as their home ground for the 2024/2025 NPFL season.
The only goal of the match was scored by Qamar Adegoke in the 12th minute of the match to give all three points to the Lafia side.
Adegoke’s goal, who joined the Lafia team recently, was his second in four matches.
The Nasarawa attacker capitalised on a defensive error by the opponent’s backline and hit the back of the net to give Nasarawa United the advantage.
In a post-match interview, Kabir Dogo, Technical Adviser of Nasarawa United, hailed his players for taking all three points.
He explained that his team had improved by scoring five goals in their last three matches and expressed optimism that they would do better in subsequent games.
“We had a problem in the area of goal scoring in the past, but this has changed in our last three games,” he said.
With the win, Nasarawa United climbed to 14th on the NPFL table, while Lobi Stars remain on 17th position. (NAN)
The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) is organising a two-day National Coaching Seminar, with the theme: “Leadership and Management Skills”.
The event will take place from Dec. 17 to Dec. 18, at the Additional Sports and Entertainment (ASEP) Pro Limited, in Mowe, Ogun State.
The seminar will enhance the capabilities of Nigerian table tennis coaches, with a particular emphasis on female coaches, aligning with the International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) Initiative.
A statement issued by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, on Tuesday, said that the seminar was part of the one-week sports and leadership boot camp titled “Awaken the Giant, She Can 4.
0,” proudly supported by NTTF.“This seminar will also represent the third stage of the 2024 “My Gender, My Strength” programme, which has table tennis star Abosede Akinsete, as a beneficiary.
“NTTF President,Tikon Ishaku, Vice President, Adesoji Tayo, and other board members are dedicated to initiatives that support the development of coaches.
“Wahid Enitan-Oshodi, ITTF Executive Vice President, and President of ITTF-Africa, reaffirms his commitment to empowering women in sports, in line with the GEDI Initiative.
He explained that the seminar would feature people, who would speak on leadership and management skills, to enhance the abilities of coaches to identify and develop talents, as well as encourage the development of high-performance table tennis players capable of competing globally. (NAN)
Rivers United Football Club of Port Harcourt on Sunday returned to the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) summit as strong rivals Remo Stars FC faltered on Match Day 13.
Report says that Rivers United beat visiting Abia Warriors of Umuahia 1-0 after an Ndifreke Effiong 58th minute goal from the penalty kick spot.
Effiong’s goal in the match at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium helped them to move to 25 points from 13 matches, after seven wins, four draws and two losses.
Former leaders Remo Stars dropped to second with 23 points from 13 matches after seven wins, two draws and four losses, following a 0-2 loss to hosts Katsina United.
Plateau United of Jos beat visiting Nasarawa United of Lafia 2-0 to bolster their position.
Shooting Stars Sports Club also struggled to a 1-0 win over visiting Bayelsa United of Yenago.
A 15th minute goal by Anthony Okachi at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan gave them the win.
El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri had on Saturday beaten Akwa United of Uyo 1-0 to move into third place on the table with 22 points from 13 games.
Enyimba International of Aba remained in fourth place with 20 points from 12 matches, with their week 13 game against Sunshine Stars of Akure on hold.
Rangers International of Enugu are in fifth place with 20 points also, after a goalless draw with hosts Heartland FC ain Owerri on Saturday.
Bendel Insurance of Benin had also beaten Kwara United of Ilorin 3-1, while Lobi Stars of Makurdi drew 2-2 with visiting Kano Pillars in Lafia.
NAN reports that the league will enter Match Day 14 on Wednesday.(NAN)
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