Sports
Nigerian Art Works On Display In Johannesburg
Nigerian artifacts and other rich cultural arts estimated at about N7million are on display at the Nigerian Stand in the Welcome Village set up by the City of Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg for World Cup visitors.
According to our source in South Africa, thousands of visitors have been streaming into the Welcome Village to admire cultural works of the six participating African countries at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Organisers of the event said between 15,000 and 25,000 visitors pass through the facility daily to learn more of Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Retired Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa was among visitors at the village on Tuesday, where he gave kudos to officials of the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation for doing the nation proud.
Marwa said that the stand, with display of rich cultural values of Nigeria, would help visitors from across the globe have a first hand view of what the country had to offer.
He said the country’s tourism potentials would also be boosted by displays at the stand.
The Deputy-Director, External Relations in the Ministry, Mrs Dayo Keshi, who coordinated activities at the stand, told newsmen that various artifacts and works of art to the tune of N7 million had been brought in from Nigeria for display.
She said the exhibition would further boost bi-lateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa as well as project the country more globally.
“Our stand showcases a wide range of creative ingenuity of our past heroes through an assemblage of our masterpieces that portray spiritual linkages between artistes, their community and their country,’’ she said.
The Deputy-Director said some visitors had requested to purchase many of the art works on display.
She said after the world cup, everything on display at the Nigeria stand would be moved to the High Commission to give more people the chance to see them.
“The excitement has been high with people saying they did not know Nigerians can be such warm people,” she said.
Mr Rufus Matipe, Director, International Relations in the Department of Arts and Culture, South Africa, told newsmen that the village was one of the busiest in the country with a heavy flow of international visitors.
“The idea is that football is just 90 minutes on the field but people coming will like to see more than just soccer,” he said.
Matipe said the village would boost cultural relations among African countries exhibiting at the Village.
The Ekurhuleni Welcome Village gulped R23m (about N460m) in its construction and among other things, aims to enhance the spirit of togetherness in the continent.
Port Harcourt the capital city of Rivers State will be at the centre stage in Nigeria as Port Harcourt Arsenal Community will hold her maiden edition of Football Fans Fiesta (FFF).
The Fiesta scheduled to hold on the 13th December, 2025, at Eddiz wine bar GRA, promises to be all football fans carnival in the State , as there will be a lot of fanfares.
The Coordinator of Port Harcourt Arsenal Community (PHAC), Ugochukwu Oputa has said that the forthcoming Football Fans Fiesta was basically to promote peace, unity and love among football fans in irrespective of the cub.
He stated that sports is a catalyst to bring peace, love and Unity in any given society, hence the occasion was initiated.
Oputa said this in an interview with sports journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, saying that arrangements are on top gear for a successful programme.
” This event is for all football fans irrespective of your club. It is basically to promote peace, love and Unity among fans.
“It is like stating the obvious that football is the catalyst of peace and unity in the world. So the Port Harcourt Arsenal Community want to use this avenue to bring people together and foster friendship.
“There is no gate fee, but it is expected to put on jersey of your club as to make the event look unique” Oputa said.
The Coordinator used the forum to advice football fans in the world to love one another, and equally urged fans that will attend the occasion to be of good conduct and behaviour.
Tonye Orabere
Consistent with its project execution routine, Dunamis-Icon Limited, Project Consultants of the Niger Delta Games, has concluded the first phase of physical inspection and evaluation of facilities for the event, 24 hours after the presentation of the hosting right to Edo State was performed.
The project management team was guided round select facilty locations in Benin City by Desmond Amadin Enabulele, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, and the team leader, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo expressed satisfaction with the sports infrastructure assets of the host.
“Edo is a ready-made choice based on all the factors that are necessary to host this kind of big event. We are expecting over 3000 athletes coaches, alongside journalists and technical officials, with an approximate number of people outside spectators in the range of 5000. So, we need facilities that work for the games itself”, Ikpokpo explained.
He commended the Edo State Government for the good state of facilities at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, and promised that the state will be assisted with the renovation of some of the facilities as may be necessary to ensure good competition experience for the athletes.
“I have been to the iconic Ogbe Stadium and must commend the Edo State Government for maintaining the facilities there. We are also considering taking some events to the University of Benin, so that people in that part of the city can also feel and enjoy the fun. Where need be, we will also see how to assist the state and the University of Benin to add value to some of the sporting facilities”.
Dunamis Icon Limited is the franchise rights owner to the games conceived and designed to provide a platform for unity and integration, and identifying and grooming talented youths from the region into national and international stars.
The NDDC as the flagship interventionist agency for the nine states that make up the region, is the prime sponsor of the games as part of their strategic focus on youth engagement and human capital development.
The inspection tour began at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, after a brief meeting with Enabulele and the Sports Commission team at his office.
Areas inspected include the stadium’s main bowl, the tartan track, the state box, the VIP lounges and other key areas like the ceremonial room, the media studio and other indoor facilities.
Other facility locations assessed are the Wire Road Sports Centre being listed to host basketball and volleyball games, the University of Benin Sports Complex, and the Etete Sports Centre.
In the entourage of Dunamis-Icon were the Project Director, Mr Fred Edoreh; Director of Facilities and Equipment, Dr Emmanuel Ochuko Igbigbisie; the head of Communications, Harry Iwuala; Head of Transport and Logistics, Israel Umueri Afoke. Others are Theresa Ineke, Head of Secretariat, Godwin Enakhena, the Head of Scouting, Mr. Edi Lawani, the Head of Culture Affairs and Entertainment and Elder Siegha Porbeni of the Technical Department.
The Edo Sports Commission Chairman was also supported by Hon. Frank Ilaboya and Mrs Sabina Chikere, Executive Directors, with Mr Baldwin Bazuaye (MON) also in the company.
-
Featured5 days agoOil & Gas: Rivers Remains The Best Investment Destination – Fubara
-
Business1 day ago
Shippers Council Vows Commitment To Security At Nigerian Ports
-
Business1 day agoNigeria Risks Talents Exodus In Oil And Gas Sector – PENGASSAN
-
Business1 day agoCBN Revises Cash Withdrawal Rules January 2026, Ends Special Authorisation
-
Business1 day ago
NCDMB, Others Task Youths On Skills Acquisition, Peace
-
online games2 days agoHow Pocket Option Works: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
-
News1 day agoTinubu Swears In Christopher Musa As Defence Minister
-
Women1 day agoRIVERS NAWOJ AND PHACCIMA PARTNER TO STRENGTHEN MUTUAL GOALS