Sports
Ikpeme May Become NFF Secretary-General
There are strong indications that the Deputy Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, may be appointed as the new scribe of the football federation today.
The chairman of Zamfara Football Association, Ibrahim Gusau, emerged as the new NFF president last Friday in Benin City during the elective congress of the football body.
The Tidesports source learnt yesterday that the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has already commenced the process of replacing the incumbent NFF Secretary General, Mohammed Sanusi, who is from the same geo-political zone with the new president (Gusau).
Apart from the issue of his geographical zone, Sanusi was said to have fallen foul of civil service etiquette through an alleged wrong move he made during the NFF election.
Sanusi was said to have displayed absolute disrespect for the Sports Ministry and the office of the Minister, Sunday Dare, in the build-up to the NFF election in Benin City.
According to a source, Sanusi allegedly wrote a letter in mid-September, this year, to report the Federal Government to FIFA for interfering in the NFF election.
“Sanusi sent a copy of his letter to the Permanent Secretary of the Sports Ministry. The NFF is still a parastatal under the Ministry and answerable to the Minister. The Ministry is the supreme body responsible for the administration of sports in Nigeria and it is fully empowered by the constitution.
“Sanusi and the NFF thought they could use FIFA to blackmail Nigeria.Disrespecting constituted authority is taking it too far by the Secretary-General. He (Sanusi) has created problems for the new NFF president by his behaviour and is likely to be ejected from the NFF secretariat because he is a civil servant, just like other secretaries in the various sporting federations,” the source stated.
Another source hinted yesterday that Ikpeme, who is from the South-South geopolitical zone of the country, might be announced as the new NFF Secretary-General today.
According to the source, the decision to arrive at the choice of Ikpeme as the new NFF scribe is hinged on his experience as the next in command to Sanusi in the Federation.
“Apart from being the most senior officer next to Sanusi in the NFF, the sports ministry recently appointed Olumide Bamiduro as secretary of the Interim Management Committee of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL). Both Bamiduro and the IMC Chairman,Gbenga Elegbeleye, are from the Southwest geopolitical zone,” the source added.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, who delivered the President’s condolence message during a visit to Kano on Tuesday evening, said the Federal Government was already working on a framework to provide proper rehabilitation for the injured and sustained support for the bereaved families.
“The National Sports Commission, on behalf of the Federal Government, has offered to interface with the state government to come up with a proper framework to support the families of the dead and also ensure the proper rehabilitation of the survivors,” Dikko said during the visit.
“This injury is to all. It is a tragically momentous period in our sporting history, and we want to let the state government and the individual families know that we are all grieving together and will do all that is needed.”
Dikko, who had just returned from London where he attended the Unity Cup final and held meetings on domestic sports development, travelled straight to Kano upon his arrival in Nigeria.
He was received by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsallam Gwarzo, as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is currently in Saudi Arabia for the hajj pilgrimage.
Senior government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government Umar Farouk Ibrahim, commissioners, and executives of the Kano State Sports Commission, were also present.
The NSC chairman visited the homes of several bereaved families across the state capital and later proceeded to the Murtala Muhammed Hospital, where nine survivors of the crash are currently receiving treatment.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring not only immediate relief but also long-term recovery and rehabilitation for those affected.
“I had to cut short my trip to the UK, where I was holding strategic meetings to boost our domestic sports, to come down and visit the people of Kano,” Dikko added.
“Going forward, the need for enhanced safety and welfare of participating athletes before, during and after major sporting events will become even more topical now. Our prayer is that this should never happen again.”
In response, Deputy Governor Gwarzo thanked the President and the NSC for their concern, describing the visit and federal intervention as timely and deeply appreciated.
Kano State’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Umar Fagge, also said efforts are ongoing to provide medical care for the injured and emotional and financial support for the affected families.
“These athletes were ambassadors of Kano and were full of life and hope. Their loss is deeply painful,” the commissioner said.
A representative of the bereaved families, who spoke at a local mosque during the visit, expressed gratitude to the President for his empathy and swift response.
The fatal crash occurred at the Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, as the delegation returned from the national competition.
It has been described by state officials as one of the darkest moments in Kano’s sporting history.
ICC revealed the outstanding programmes and performances that have won regional honours in the 2024 edition of the ICC Development Awards on Wednesday.
Nigeria will be vying for the global honour with three other regional winners from East Asia Pacific, Europe and Asia.
Emirates Cricket Board (Asia), Persatuan Cricket Indonesia (EAP) and Cricket Scotland (Europe) are the other contenders.
Top of Nigeria’s women’s cricket stride in the year under review is the qualification of the women’s U-19 team for the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia as well as the bronze-winning feat of the Female Yellow Greens at the Africa Games in Ghana.
The ICC Development Awards were established in 2002 to celebrate the initiatives and innovative programmes leading the growth of the sport around the world, delivered by ICC Members in emerging nations.For the first time, the 2024 awards comprise seven categories after the introduction of the ICC X Rexona criiio Festival of the Year award.
The winners of the global awards will be determined by a specialist and independent panel of voters consisting of Indian cricket icon VVS Laxman, former West Indies leg-spinner Samuel Badree, former White Ferns wicketkeeper-batter Katey Martin, Head of Marketing – Unilever International Nitin Agarwal and representatives from ICC partners, ICC full members, and the media.
Speaking on the announcement of the Regional Winners of the ICC Development Awards, ICC Chairman, Mr Jay Shah said, “For the past 22 years, the ICC Development Awards have celebrated the successes of ICC Associate Members, and it is pleasing to see how much growth in innovation, creativity and inclusivity has taken place with each passing year.
“Cricket is a vehicle for change and the programmes and projects delivered both physically and digitally reflect the hard work of our passionate Members from around the world who work tirelessly to see the sport grow in their territories.”
“I would like to congratulate the regional winners on their success and wish them luck as we embark on the global voting process.”
Put together in honour of former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for his laudable roles in socio-economic and political development of the country, the Bank says the sponsorship is a proof of its unwavering commitment to the development of sports in Nigeria under its First@Sports initiative.
As preparations for the event gathers momentum, captain of the Club, Sunday Ajiboye, says all necessary arrangements at making sure the event goes as planned has been put in place while promising a fun filled atmosphere during the event.
“This auspicious event is where golfing stars are made and the game enjoyed to its fullest. We promised unparallel experience, making this edition the best yet,” Ajiboye said.
Over the years, First Bank has been a driving force in the promotion of sports in the country, and this is evident in its legacy sports initiative, which includes golf, polo and tennis.
The famous Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championships which has been sponsored for well over 63-years is a testimony to the bank’s dedication to the development of golf in Nigeria.
The OBJ golf tournament which debuted in 2015 has run for seven years with First Bank providing the funding.
-
Politics4 days ago2027: Elder Statesman Cautions Atiku, Obi, el-Rufai Against Heating Up Polity
-
News4 days agoRSG Recommits To Children’s Welfare Urges Partnership In Upbringing
-
Niger Delta6 hours ago
Otu’s Wife Champions Healthcare Access For 500 Elderly Citizens
-
News5 hours ago2024: No Oil Licencing Guidelines Violated – NUPRC Boss
-
Editorial4 days ago2025 UTME: Lessons, Concerns
-
Rivers4 days agoPhysically Challenged Persons Call For Inclusion, Reconciliation
-
News6 hours ago
World Environment Day: Researcher Advocates Sustained Citizens Enlightenment
-
News4 days agoBandits, Insurgents Living Among Nigerians -Sanusi