By Sunny Canto

Excitement in the air as honourable Silas Agara, the President, Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN) has affirm his determination for his athletes welfare and fitness for global recognition.

The former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, disclosed his plans to Journalists immediately the inauguration ceremony of boards of National Sports Federations in Abuja ended.

Agara said, "I own them the responsibilities as the re-elected leader of Karate Federation of Nigeria which my duty" he told. 

Also, I'm grateful to God for the free and fair elections and commending the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for all they have done till our inauguration today" he add.

“Let me applaud the speech of the honorable Minister for the precise delivery and template given to us. Of course, the time to work is now" he said.

“My focus is to lead by example, although challenges could be there, but we won’t be weary as my board members and I have pen out aim and objectives for further development.

“Our obligation is to monitor the growth of athletes participating in our beloved sport and ensure they are well taken care of.

“We have many priorities, but my favorite is taking the welfare of our athletes seriously, because they're our major concern. 

Also, we intend to partner with the private investors, bring glamor to Karate sport and discover more talents,” he said.

"The KFN board would not relent in her targets and goals but will keep making waves towards a bigger achievement for the future of karate and fostering upcoming athletes" he assured.

“The ministry has appreciated us, thereby propelling us to do more, that's responsible for the athletes; though we have so many activities line up for this year as we've concluded some"

“We are going to be frequently checking 2022 roster of our sport program, so as to quickly identify our means of income and draft out our budget,” he confirm. (Titans Sports) report (www. titansportsnig. com)

#KFN
#SilasAgara
#PresidentKarateFederation
#Continuity 
#BuildingFutureChampions

Amazingly, the capital city athletes named: Oluwaseun Olurumbe and Taiwo Fagboro was among the victorious participant that earnestly registered their name on the medal table at the just concluded Karate and Kickboxing event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

The young stars who display rare talent during the male individual KATA exercise proof beyond reasonable doubt that Team FCT is really ready to host the forthcoming Unity Game by December, 2018.
Eventually, they both won gold and bronze medal as their resilience and consistent practice couldn't allow room for failure before traveling for the championship.
Oluwaseun Olurumbe who won gold, told the Press, "I feel delighted defeating Yahaya Glen that i once lost to last year during the Karate National Open but with the help of sponsors, we can do more because i was discovered in that tournament.
"I'm just 17 and with more handwork including the support of our Coaches, the sky will be our limit" he added.
In the female category, FCT Queen Orji prowess earn her a bronze medal in the individual KUMITE which later motivated team FCT during the KUMITE fight as they recorded another bronze medal despite narrowly losing first place to team Edo and Anambra respectively.
Although, their favorite athlete and skipper Ifeanyi Ogene was uanble to participate due to some logical reason including 8 time champion Rita Asone. Notwithstanding, they will all compete at this National Sports Festival in order to inspire young athletes that are looking unto them.
Surprisingly, the trio of Kehinde Fagboro, Oluwaseun Olurumbe, Taiwo Fagboro had initially lost confidence when they saw the renown Yahaya Glen who has champion the event for decades, but as a result of their veteran Coach Dave Jegede presence and the relentless support from their teammates which enable them to conquer.
In conclusion, this achievement can't be possible without mentioning the FCT sports Director in person of Chief. Mrs. Dilichukwu Onyedinma who has tremendously contributed to FCT athletes, staffs and officials development through her office. As a result, she has bagged many awards and laurels in that regard including the 2017 Sports promoter of the year given to her by FCT SWAN.

​The maiden edition of the Rivers National Karate and Kickboxing championship was brought to an end with Nigeria National Anthem as the participating teams and officials where instructed to queue for match past with their unions thereby giving the Alfred Diete Spiff event center a colorful look with VIPs from all works of life delivering their speech.

In attendance are King Alfred Diete Spiff (Event Chairman), Hon. Silas Agara (Karate President), Chief Marco Purgatorio (GM Plangeria Ltd), CSP. Yakubu Abubakar (Kickboxing President), King Eze Obun including other special guests that graced the memorable closing ceremony.

Notably, the championship was a commemoration of the (Late) Victor Bassey a pioneer both in Karate and Kickboxing but the late Sensei has tutored many students in self-defense some in the Army, Police and Para-Military and he was a great Sports personality that left his footprint behind. Also, the WKO president in Nigeria won so many accolades and awards since he shown interest in Karate, Judo, Kickboxing Sports during his secondary school days.

Adding 'ice into the cake' was a awesome performance from D Psk dancing crew who stir up the joy in the spectators with their energetic Hip-hop display alongside ace Comedian Danny Spry with hilarious moment shortly before the finals matches on both Karate and Kickboxing fights that was happening simultaneously.

While speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Karate Federation, Agara told news men, "I see success in the future of this athletes but they need our encouragement that is why we're doing our best to enable them excel nationally and globally.
He continue, "we have plans to organize clinic for our officials and we will extend our programs to Primary schools, Secondary schools and territory institutes for them to learn more" he concluded.

The tribute tournament had 22 teams in Karate and 16 participating teams in Kickboxing across the country. And it's targeted at preparing the athletes for the upcoming National Sports Festival, All Africa Games, Olympics ecetera.

Kickboxing president briefed Journalists, "It been very encouraging aside from the massive turnout; i'm glad we organized a successful tournament of this magnitude with a fair officiating.

In his speech earlier, he said, we're grateful to Rivers State for giving us the needed resources and facilities regarding this important event. Indeed, Rivers State is a beehive of Sporting activities among others.

"Equally, appreciating the PLANT-GERIA LTD for their immense support which Chief. Marco Purgatorio (MD) has shown towards developing combat Sports in Nigeria" Abubakar fanalized.

Meanwhile, DFC boss and Kickboxing LOC chairman expressed satisfaction about the event but explained further, "Our target is to replace the aging ones with the newly discovered talents.

Adding, "we're definitely going to showcase our best athletes at the Unity Games in Abuja. Although, Samson Ndukwe, Juliet Okah and Bright Green are very good as we look forward to expose them to more Africa competitions" he maintained.

Amazingly, young star Oluwaseun Olurumbe (Fct) claimed best KATA award as (Delta) Ogheneogaga Elizebeth won the female category while in KUMITE, (Edo) Ramot Mommor received the female award and renown Joseph Omu collected the male category.

Certainly, the Unity Games will be fascinating and historical as team Fct has recorded total of 2 golds and 3 silvers in this championship, because once they host the 19th National Sports Festival by December, there will be a huge impact and different as the Sports Minister is working alongside Directors and Officials to ensure a remarkable outing in the capital city between 6th-16 December, 2018.
​
In summary, Delta won over medal table as Edo clinched 2nd position while team Fct emerging 3rd. Meanwhile, Nigeria Army retained their titles as they dominated the Kickboxing events throughout the tournament. In addition, medals, laurels and cash prize was given to the successful athletes alongside certificate of participation to all of them.