Sports
Sports, Universal Drug For All Sicknesses -ITF DG
Director General, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Mr Joseph Ari, has described sports as “a universal drug for all sicknesses that must be taken by all”.
Ari made the assertion at the weekend in Jos, at the 5th inter-house athletics competition of the ITF Staff School.
“Sports unite all people. It excites everyone. It attracts everyone and brings sworn enemies together. Engaging in sports prevents a lot of ailments,” Ari said in a speech at the end of the competition.
The ITF boss, who was represented by Mrs. Augustina Igbeyi, ITF’s Director in charge of Business Training Development, said that sporting activities keep people fit and aid the quest for a healthy living.
He said that ITF was committed to promoting sports development and commended the principal and staff of the school for organising the competition.
Ari commended the students for exhibiting a spirit of love and togetherness throughout the exercise, and promised to execute projects that would create a conducive environment for sports activities and academics.
Earlier in her remarks, the Principal of the school, Mrs. Ekong Ndidi-Amaka, had said that the annual competition was aimed at fostering a better relationship among the students.
She urged the ITF management to upgrade the football field and provide badminton, tennis and handball courts.
“We also need additional spike shoes, stop watches and whistles,” she added.
The Plateau Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Victor Lapang, in his remarks, said that cricket would soon be introduced to schools in the state to develop the game.
Tidesports source gathered that six Houses participated in the track and field events that included 100, 200 and 400 metres races, as well as javelin, long and high jump, among others.
Green House emerged the overall winner and took home a cash prize of N60,000, while Red and Blue houses emerged Second and third respectively.
Speaking to NAN, the Games Captain of the school, John Adebayo, urged the management of ITF to repair the volley ball court to encourage students interested in that game.
He commended the organisers of the event, saying that the 2018 exercise was far better than previous ones.
The National Division One and Division Two Volleyball Leagues organised by the Volleyball Federation of Nigeria and sponsored by Alex Otti has kicked off in Umuahia, Abia State.
The Championship features 34 teams from across the country, with about 22 States already participating in activities lined up for the ten-day event.
Addressing journalists at the Umuahia Stadium, the Referee Coach for the tournament and Vice Chairman Nigerian Volleyball Referees Association, Mohamed Mohamed, assured of fair officiating in the competition and advised the athletes to be more disciplined in the field of play, saying that volleyball is known to be a disciplined sport.
He also commended Governor Alex Otti for sponsoring the tournament for the second time.
“Last year, we were here, and we so appreciate the Abia State Government for sponsoring such a competition. The same thing happened this year too, we are here again.
The Coordinator, Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, has stated that the All Women 10km Race aims to connect through their communities, while creating empowerment opportunities.
The 10th edition with the theme: “One Run, a thousand Opportunities,” will come up on the November 8th, 2025, with the start point at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere and end at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan.
This year’s edition of the Lagos Women Run marks a significant milestone, celebrating the program’s journey, the vibrant city of Lagos, and the incredible women who have been part of it since its inception.
It will focus more on empowering women, acknowledging their dedication, and ensuring the program’s sustainability by providing participants with opportunities they deserve.
Popoola added that the race has achieved remarkable success in making women happy and uncovering talents, serving as a platform for participants to train for bigger road races, which fosters a strong sense of community, allowing women of all ages to connect, network, and celebrate themselves.
The event’s non-discriminatory nature makes it a level playing ground, open to everyone regardless of social status, by promoting general well-being among women.
The Franco-Malian tactician made the bold declaration whilst speaking to Nigerian legend Segun Odegbami on 90 Minutes with Mathematical on Eagle7FM on Saturday, expressing gratitude to fans for their support.
“Thanks to the fans. Thanks to Nigeria. I am so happy that I have brought back the smiles on their faces,” Chelle said.
“We beat Benin because the fans pushed the players. I ask them this: They have to do this (for the playoffs)… I plan to do my best for Nigeria, and Inshallah, we will go to the FIFA World Cup.”
Chelle, who took charge of a struggling Nigerian side in January, has transformed the team’s fortunes after inheriting a squad on the brink of disaster. Nigeria were winless in their first four qualifiers, with three draws and one defeat threatening to derail another World Cup dream.
Under his leadership, the Super Eagles rallied to win four and draw two of their last six games, collecting 14 points from a possible 18. The highlight came earlier this month in Uyo, where Nigeria swept past Benin Republic 4-0 in a statement victory that reignited national belief.
However, the revival was not enough to seal automatic qualification. Nigeria finished among the four best runners-up in Africa and must now navigate a continental playoff in November for a spot in next March’s intercontinental tie.
The first challenge is a one-legged showdown with Gabon, with Cameroon or DR Congo potentially waiting beyond.
Chelle’s message to his players was uncompromising, saying, “Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is not a war, but it is like a war… My players need to have a warrior state of mind… They have to be like sharks.”
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