In a heart-warming display of commitment to ensuring athletic excellence, the Nasarawa State Government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, on Tuesday, donated an array of sports kits to the Federal University of Lafia, FU-Lafia.

The donation which comprised an assortment of high-quality sports equipment and kits, including male and female football jerseys; male and female basketball jerseys; male and female Volleyball jerseys(total of 112 pairs); five pieces of football, three pieces of basketball, three pieces of volleyball, two pieces of handball, two pairs of football goalposts’ nets, a set of handball goalposts nets, five pairs of spike shoes for athletics, two badminton rackets, two packs of badminton shuttle calls, and a set of football field corner flags, was presented by the Commissioner, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, who was represented by the Ministry’s Head of Public Relations, Mr. Eche Amos.

In his remarks, the Commissioner highlighted the Ministry’s unrelenting quest to create an enabling environment that would facilitate the holistic development of sports in the State.

He noted that Governor Abdullahi Sule, in his continuous support for sports and talent development in the State, had magnanimously approved funds for the procurement of the items following the request by the University authority through the Ministry, with the high expectations that the items would help to give identity to athletes and officials of the Institution and boost their confidence to excel at sporting competitions.

Kwanta stated that the gesture was part of the State Government’s broader strategy to identify, nurture, and harness the latent talents of Nigerian youth, with a view to projecting them onto the global sporting arena, emphasizing that the gesture would also help to create a culture of sports excellence in the University, thereby contributing to the overall development of the State’s sporting landscape.

The Commissioner assured that the Ministry and the State Government would continue to collaborate with the University community to achieve mutually beneficial goals, particularly in nurturing the next generation of leaders and sports icons.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Shehu Abdulrahman, in his remarks, lauded Governor Abdullahi Sule for providing funds to procure the items.

The Vice Chancellor also commended the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, as well as Staff of the Ministry, for the initiative, describing it as a proof of the State Government’s undiluted commitment to the development of sports in the University and State as a whole.

He assured that the sports kits and equipment would be judiciously utilized to enhance the sporting capabilities of the Institution’s athletes, thereby projecting the University’s brand on the national and international stage.

Professor Abdulrahman appreciated the Director of Sports of the University, Dr. Isa Ozegya Mohammed, and his team, for going the extra mile to achieve the feat, urging other staff of the Institution to emulate them for the development of the University.

Earlier, the Director of Sports of the University, Dr. Isa Ozegya Mohammed, expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor and the University Authority for giving him and his team a level-playing ground to carry out their tasks effectively.

Ozegya equally thanked the Commissioner and entire Staff of the Ministry for supporting the University community to achieve success in sports and talent development.

Also present at the brief ceremony were Professor Ilemona Adofu(Director of Academic Planning), Dr. Ezekiel Obuje(Head of History Department), and Dr. Abdulkareem Alhassan(Acting Director, General Studies), all of the University.

Climax of the event was the formal presentation of the donated items to the Vice Chancellor and photography.

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By Amaechi Agbo

The Enugu State Government has expressed its determination to support the growth of game of chess in the state and charged the new association in the state on talent discovery.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ekweremadu gave the assurance on Monday in his office while inaugurating the Enugu State Chess Association Board.

The Commissioner expressed joy over the quality of membership of the board adding that he has confident in their capacity to develop the game in the state.

“It is my pleasure to have you at this historic event. I am not aware of any Chess Board before now. I am deeply honoured at this time this is happening and I commend you for the initiative

“Listening to the profiles of the members gave me greater confidence that Enugu State Chess will  be in the right path. Even before your inauguration, you have started work which demonstrates your commitment and clear understanding of what needs to be done”.

“Chess has become a popular game in our time, therefore the aim is to catch them young, have young people in schools participate in Chess, playing Chess goes beyond leisure, it’s a career

In his acceptance speech, the Chairman, Enugu State Chess Association, Dr. Johnny Onwumere, thanked   the  Commissioner for giving them the opportunity to help develop  the sport in the state.

He informed him that they  had  already started work with visit to Queens School, Enugu and College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu  and other schools, where they  introduced the game, bought and delivered Chess equipment, taught and advised the students  on how to play the game. He noted that the awareness is critical in order   to promote and popularize the game

He noted that Chess Concave, has the vision to popularize, promote  Chess game, even as they were planning to execute a competition. He pointed out they were running to get as many stakeholders actively involved in developing the game in Enugu.

Dr Onwumere also unveiled he board’s plan in the coming weeks which include establishing Chess clubs in schools, organize competition and get the prepare the athletes for the 2026 National Sports Festival which the state is hosting

In his goodwill message, the Director Coaching Mr Ephraim Ochomma, who appreciated the members for making themselves available to develop sports in the state, urged them to produce players who can win gold medals for the state .

Members of the newly inaugurated Enugu State Chess Association Board, include, Dr. Johnny Onwumere, Chairman; Dr. J.B.C  Emenike, member; Sir Clement Okwor, member; Engr. Martins Okwor, member.

Others are: Arc. China Nwadiogbu, member; Surveyor  Charles Ozokwor, member; Bishop CNC Oyeledu, member; Barrister Buchi Onyia and Gil Eze, Coach.

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By Joseph Joy

Like the sun rising from the East, a young cricketer, Little Udeh Amarachi shone like a star in a dark cloud after she displayed her cricket prowess at the maiden edition of Caesar Okogeri Cricket Championship in Enugu.

The promising young talent from Presbyterian Nursery and Primary School Affikpo, Ebonyi State was the cynosure of eyes in the three days competition which commenced on Friday and ended on Sunday.

Her display received commendations from the Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu Jr who was present during the final at the St Patrick’s College, Emene.

The young player shared insights into her cricket journey with ESUT Monitor. Amarachi, a Primary 4 pupil, expressed her passion for the sport, which began in 2019 when she observed her sister, Ude Lillian, playing cricket.

Despite her school not offering cricket, Amarachi diligently pursued her interest through training at Government College near her residence. When asked about her parents’ support, she confirmed that they were fully behind her cricket endeavors.

“My parents support me. They encourage me,” she said.

On her aspirations, Amarachi who emerged as the Promising Star of the Tournament, expressed a desire to represent the national cricket team, following in the footsteps of her sister, Udeh Lilian who currently plays for the national team. Determined to surpass her sister’s achievements, Amarachi aims for excellence in her cricket career.

Despite facing no major challenges during her cricket journey, Amarachi radiated happiness when discussing her recent victory in the championship which her team, Coal City Cricket Club won after defeating Rising Sun Cricket Club in the final at the St Patrick’s College Emene in Enugu State ọ Sunday. The young athlete is fueled by a competitive spirit and dreams of making a mark on the national cricket stage.

As Ude Amarachi continues to hone her skills and chase her cricket dreams, the local community is abuzz with excitement and pride for this budding talent. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes and highlights the importance of familial support in nurturing sports enthusiasts.

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