By Sunny Canto

"Talent they say is universal, but opportunity is not" for honorable Queen Gladys, the Commissioner for Sports in Cross River State Sports Commission, preparing grassroot athletes for the future is also, a way of curbing social vices and building nation economy.

In 2020, she hosted the maiden edition, that featured five sporting events and over hundred athletes, although due to Covid-19 emergence, the 2020 program which was like a test run was  miraculously a success, now set to kick-start this year mind-blowing YAKARR 2021 CENSPORTFEST.

The age (10-18) years competition, is aimed at discovering talented youths, alleviate poverty, stopping crime and unwanted menace, raising future leaders and bonding cultural differences through Sport activities; because five hundred participants in ten games are involve. 

Football, Badminton, Volleyball, Swimming, Track and Race, Traditional Wresting, Table Tennis, Scrabble, Chess, Handball, events in this year's program billed for 20th-27th November at Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River State; Nigeria.

Exclusively to www.titansportsnig.com "We've tour and inspect the facilities on several occasions, though they're not of standard, but we can manage them"

"It will enable the children to bond, learn, aim higher ahead of the future, however, we've written for support from National Assembly Representatives, State Assembly members from Central CRS and other great leaders from Central Senatorial District, we also called for general support" she add.

Hon. Igut  passionately said, "Its not easy at all, trying to take the lads off the street by engaging them in sporting activities, so many commitments has been made, lets assist them in any way we can" she told.

"Cooperate organizations, individuals, others can partner with us, so we can sponsor, encourage the youths to realise their potentials and dreams," Igut appeal.

The sporting administrator, thanked those who promised and fulfill their pledge, also canvass for wellbeing of the athletes and officials as regard transport, welfare, kits, accommodations provision.

Meanwhile, the six local government in the senatorial district that will be regulating the hosting of the annual grassroot events are: Abi, Boki, Etung, Ikom, Obubra, Yakurr.

Earlier, Ikom Local Government Area hosted a mouth-watering edition and the countdown is on for the Season ll of Central Sports Festival.


#YAKURR2021 CENSPORTSFEST
#EmpoweringYouths
#CatchingThemYoung and preparing them for the future.

By Sunny Canto 

Rome they say is not build in a day, but for Federal Capital Territory, under the leadership of Acting Director, Alhaji Luka Istisfanus who lead his contingents to a massive medal haul at sixth National Youths Games at Ilorin.

FCT with historical and unprecedented achievement in the just concluded National Youth Games, held in Kwara State, Nigeria; featured in Wrestling, Badminton, Tennis, Beach Volleyball, Football, Cricket, Judo, Gymnastics, Basketball, Karate, Hockey among others.

Meanwhile, the Territory boss earlier said, "Our athletes are highly motivated to do us proud, because after discovering and camping them, they're fully ready to excel" he hinted.

"They're dedicated athletes, based on our preparations, i'm confident after grooming them, subsequently for National and International representation"

Interestingly, team FCT that camped for three weeks, emerged victorious aftermath clinching 7th position as they amass total of 26 medals, making it 10gold, 9sliver and 17bronze.

However, the Capital Territory who departed for the annual grassroot program with (2) truck of escorts, (1) ambulance, seventy-four athletes participated in 18 sporting activities.

Notably, FCT that won 6gold, 15silver, 16bronze laurels at Edo 2020 National Sports Festival, usually known for giving all their best in Nigeria sport events.

In the past, her contingents enjoy massive support from the Sports Council and Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development including her Directors.

Similarly, team FCT at (EDO National Sports Festival) medalists, recently delightfully got the Minister of State, Dr. Hajiya Ramatu Aliyu ably represented by Permanent Secretary: Olusade Adesola attention as they where hosted to a remarkable dinner with cash prizes.

Gold medalists where awarded 400,000 each while Silver medalists received 250,000 and bronze athletes collected 150,000 as well as other incentives at Cyprian Ekwensi Art and Culture center, Garki 10, Abuja.

Nonetheless, Director of Sports, Luka Istisfanus reiterated their plans to commence grassroot and other developmental program across the FCTA six area council, mainly from Primary to Secondary and higher institutions; of course Elite Sports.

by Sunny Canto

Incredibly, the journey of some has just began while others look forward to consolidate theirs as Chief Sunday Dare, honorable Minister of Youths and Sports Development today inaugurated the Presidents, vice, board members into office.

Dare charging them to roll up their sleeves for the task ahead deepening development of Sports in Nigeria. 

In his congratulating massage to the new board executives, he emphasized the need for them to work as a team while restating its better to establish procedures and Code of Governance of National Sports Federations in the discharge of their responsibilities.

"As you are aware, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development’s core responsibilities are focused at facilitating youth and sport development through the establishment of a conducive policy environment that provides strategic support systems and sport policy implementation, amongst other functions. 

The Ministry coordinates the formulation and review of policies and legislation in order to provide a framework for effective implementation of youth and sports programs”, Dare reaffirmed. 

“Let me also stress that the future of the various sports is now in your hands, the career of our young athletes under your Federations is now in your hands and history will judge you how you have positively or otherwise impacted Sports in your respective governing bodies”, the Minister added. 

In line with the reclassification of sports from recreation to business as approved by President of the Nation, the Minister revealed that a new business orientation will be pursued, tasking the board of each Federation to adopt and bring about a business approach to its operations.

He gave a marching order to the newly inaugurated 28 Sports Federations to within six months begin the process of formulating the Federations’ constitution in line with the dictates of various international Federations with the inputs and guidance of the Ministry to ensure domestication and operation in tandem with Nigerian laws and Sports Industry policy.

The Minister charged the board of Federations to settle down to business and avoid the acrimonious relationships that beset some associations in the past. He intimated the new Executives that a 2-day technical and business workshop for capacity building will be organized in collaboration with the Edo State Government, and held in Edo State in the coming weeks.

However, Bayelsa State former two time legislator and Sports Commissioner, honorable Daniel Igali while responding on behalf of others, said "We are grateful to the Minister for a credible and successful elections, definitely we shall do our best to develop sports in the country" he assured.

Igali who has been a world champion in Wrestling, foster many talents, empower many sports pundits and buff, seem optimistic ahead of a brighter future toward Paris 2024 which is a worthy template for everyone in the industry.


#FMYSD
#SportsFederationsInuaguration
#RoadToParis2024

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
ABUJA

PRESS RELEASE

As member nations prepare for the Common Wealth Games, Nigeria today, in Abuja received the Queen's Baton Relay, an iconic event which started with a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London as part of the city's Commonwealth Day festivities.

The President, Common Wealth Games Nigeria, Engr. Habul Gumel who received the Queen’s Baton Relay at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja for onward presentation to the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare who is to handover to President Muhammadu Buhari said that, Nigeria is the first country in Africa to receive the Queen’s Baton Relay.

According to him, “the Queen's Baton Relay which is similar to the Olympic Torch is a relay around the world and the Baton carries a message from the Head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II.

The Relay started in October 2021; when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II placed her message to the Commonwealth into the Baton. The Baton will then travel for 294 days, connecting communities in every corner of the Commonwealth, embracing unique cultures and sharing stories”.

This collective journey, he stated further, “will ignite hope, solidarity and collaboration for the next generation, with  stories inspired to take on the challenges that matter most to us.”

Engr. Gumel explained that Nigeria is the third country to receive the Queen’s Baton Relay after which it will tour 15 other African countries before moving to Asia.

The 15 other African Countries are: Gambia (October 16), Sierra Leone (October 23), Ghana (October 26), Cameroon (October 29), Kenya (November 2), Uganda (November 5), Rwanda (November 10), Tanzania (November 13), Malawi (November 17) and Zambia (November 20).

Also, Mozambique (November 23), Mauritius (November 27), Botswana (November 30), St. Helena (December 5), South Africa (December 8), Namibia (December 14), Eswatini (December 17), Lesotho (December 20) Seychelles (December 23).

Birmingham 2022 will stage the 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay – an epic journey across the Commonwealth, with The Queen’s Baton visiting all 72 nations and territories, reaching Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean and the Americas.
Signed
Mohammed Manga
Director, Press & Public Relations
October 15, 2021

Ohio (z) Okhai Takes a Look. 
Illustration and Photography by Ohio (z) Okhai

When it breezed into the ears two months ago at an event that such an android operating system was now available, I doubted it. 

Then the official press release hit my inbox. As a tech, art, electronic game enthusiast I immediately had to request a future youtubed test run.

Yes, HiOS has unveiled another iteration of its operating system, HiOS 5.5, which the release promises to be more personal and enhanced to serve users more powerfully in their daily lives than ever before with helpful tools and tailor-made features. The angle focus is the electroic gaming aspect. But for now enjoy knowing of other unique features. 

The newest release first debuted on the Tecno Camon 12 series and has now made its way to the Tecno Spark 4. 

'The HiOS 5.5 delivers the most helpful features' says the release in that it 'provides a slew of immersive experience and creative features that not only improves the overall phone experience of users but also help users to be more productive in the longer run.'

It also 'brings art to life with augmented reality (AR)'. The‘(AR) virtual canvas' is essentially (a) futuristic finger painting (concept). 'Many sculptors refer to their hands as a tool — and the HiOS 5.5 allows you to turn your fingers into sculptural brushes that you can use to paint in midair. 

Just by aiming your ‘device camera at an object, you can paint or spray on any place in reality within multiple spaces with awesome brushes, emojis, animations, and stickers. You can also work on your creations with friends, or show off your masterpieces to your tribe by sharing it with them’.

It also has a gesture call picker, which is a cool new way to respond to calls. The 'HiOS 5.5 introduces a new ability to answer and end calls with simple fingers and palm gestures without having to physically touch your phone. This will allow you to simultaneously use your hands for other things like eating or washing clothes while also being able to conveniently answer important calls without touching your phone. You can now simply just use "V" gesture to answer the phone or wave your palm above your phone screen to reject the calls

​
'For that all-important message, it 'also gives you the ability to remain on your screen without pausing your game and still reply chats and messages with floating windows without interrupting game play. You can also quickly go online to view game guides all while still remaining on your game screen.'

It further tells that you can 'seamlessly enjoy heavy CPU power consuming games by boosting memory, turn on Wi-fi exclusively for the game, switch data SIM cards and more in-game without disrupting or exiting your game' says the release.

​It also has a 'closed eye detection’ feature. 'Face recognition technology' is said to have 'been vastly upgraded so it can help you secure your phone in a more intelligent and smarter way.'
 
'Security has been stepped up a notch by making it impossible for your phone to be unlocked when your eyes are closed.'
 
The newly improved Face ID 2.0 is more intelligent and can detect eye-status of open, closed or sideways not only frontal faces but also for rotated or tilted head poses' says the release

The 5 .5 is'the smarter way to reach your favorite tools' as it 'comes with an upgrade to the smart panel- a shortcut capability that allows you to access any app or use any tool on your phone from any screen.' 

You can get things done faster by ‘simply swiping right on any screen to access your favorite feature. You can (also) easily snap a selfie or record a video from any screen without having to locate the camera app. The HiOS 5.5 is also said to 'allow (one) to have the Hi Translate tool handy which means you can smartly translate an unfamiliar language to your language without having to leave your current screen.'

What will you also find on HiOS 5.5? Well we are informed that 'a new HiOS lab (that can be found in the HiOS 5.0) that allows you to test out features and tools still in development on an opt-in basis'. Find armed and waiting for trespassers 'a new Face ID security system that helps you unlock your phone even when your eyes are closed’.A ‘smart data switcher that allows you to switch between the SIM cards you are using to connect to the internet in just one click. Finally, available is a ‘fingerprint reset password that allows you to reset your password using your fingerprint when you can't remember your lock codes or patterns.
​
To the most important aspect as far as this sport site is concerned is its gaming features for those EA's FIFA  20, or NBA Live 19, brick games etc play heads. Available is faster and immersive game experience. This is 'a dedicated Game Mode that comes equipped with a Game Assistant which means you can seamlessly neuter distracting apps or intrusive notification like emails, news, chats and social media popup windows and calls to focus exclusively on gaming'.

Electronic gaming just went to an exciting and competitive level to which only those who acquire can capitalize on to win gaming events. Next years Comic Con/9ja Evo's FEJA qualifers as well as FEJA 2020 will really be intense. Check              https://titansportsnig.com/news/pikin-play-for-adults-roi   for the article in Comic Con, 9ja Game Evo and FEJA. Hios 5.5 won't be waiting till the next event comes in 2020, it's playing it way into the hands of smarter players who are ahead of the game.
Ohio (z) Okhai Elakhe is a communication expert, with interests in sports, brand architecture, research, technology, entertainment and the arts. Find him via the brand name At Ohiookhai on (fb; instagram; twitter, gmail blog).

Ohio(z)Okhai Elakhe looked at the on goings at this year’s Lagos Comic Con's FEJA event at SilverBird Gallery from a sport entertainment side.

Illustration and Photography by Ohio (z) Okhai

Sure you can!!!! Am sure that's highly motivating thing to hear in a clime where all are struggling to generate income legally. Well, since we are talking about mobile, computer, video, arcade electronic games, it's actually is its homonym Shao Kahn, a character from one of the popular electronic games played globally.

'Sure-you-can' wise, that's what many Nigerian youths came to display at this year’s (Lagos) Comic Con/9ja Game Evo organized FEJA (Festival De l'Electronique et du Jeu Video d'Abidjan) qualification, but the battle among the competitors was so intense that it was ‘shaokahn’, with goals, knockouts, humorous trash talks or yabs like 'stay there, I go beat you sotey, warner bros go come use you do film' and bragging rights to represent Nigeria at FEJA this year that was achieved. (As at the publishing of this article the main event had just being concluded in Abidjan).
​
FEJA is an electronic etc game event held annually at Abidjan, Cote’d Voire. It began in 2017 and this is the third edition. Different countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroun, Egypt, Mali, Benin Republic, and Angola hold their qualifiers. In Nigeria, it's the first time FEJA will be staged and the first time the gaming aspect of (Lagos) Comic Con would be staged separately from the same venue since inception in 2013 and since 2016 since it became Lagos Comic Con. Another first is not 'Along Came a Spider'; which is a 2001 $195.2 million box office of a $60 million budget suspense thriller James Pattersons film acted by Morgan Freeman but along came Omen by HP and HiOS android operating system for Tecno who acted the script by event sponsors. Omen sponsored and brought an experience center for people to test their PC. HiOS provided phones for mobile gaming and also sponsored.

N100, 000 was 'split between' two PUBG players- Julian Okeke aka Bionicman 52 and  Precious Otis aka Otis 101

As 115 online viewers watched the stream live, 145 participants outsmarted, drilled etc using play devices like Electronic Art's (EA) FIFA 19, Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) 19 by Konami, Tekken 7 by Namco among others. For the purpose of its growing community, 9ja Game Evo added Player Unknown Battle Ground (PUBG), console and mobile versions, to the tournament though it is not featured at FEJA.

Winners Toye Arogunmati aka The Arogs (FIFA 19), Trust Ehiguese aka Kami Zlatan (Pro Evolution Soccer 19) etc, showed why they would be representing Nigeria soon. For the driven pass (R1/RB + Pass), driven lob (R1/RB + Lobbed Pass), standard long ball or maybe even a swanky threaded through ball (R1/RB + Through Ball) swiftly opens up the pitch. Keep an eye on your radar for those off-screen Paul Scholes wonderballs! It’s, it’s it’s, it’s a Gooooooooooal, is usually the result for the player with the quickest' draw of a gun'. Eye to pad to screen and finger coordination was so complex, so robotic, so A. I, I had to consult eurogamer.net to catch up. Life is getting crippy. 'I still be small pikin', I ask myself?

But to think that a once thought to be "e re' fuawan omorde" (childs play in Yoruba) will be earning some youths respect, paying their bills, taking them to many places is not something I nor Lagos Comic Con C.E.O Ayodele Elegba phantomed when we were roommates at Yaba Tech nor Adenipebi Kunmi; CEO 9ja Game Evo a friend back when we were mere students at Kogi State University. Since the tournament is a qualifier for FEJA, appearance/participation prize money will be at the finale in Abidjan. However thanks to Omen, HP headsets were given out to all 1st place positions in all the games.
​
Additionally, HiOS and FiCool, put out cash prizes for the Unknown Battle Ground (PUBG) mobile games which were included in the tournament for awareness and community building. Hence that was the only game where cash prizes were given.

I was not supported as a youth playing video games; most times my dad would get angry.

N100, 000 was 'split between' two PUBG players- Julian Okeke aka Bionicman 52 and  Precious Otis aka Otis 101.
N50, 000 each for both- that kind of pay is what many seek as seed pay for a small start up business venture. The winners are all educated, with over 90% of them having completed or about to complete their tertiary education. Some have businesses of their own. Some have a main job working for a company, while a fraction of them are full time professional gamers.
                                                                
Back when I was in secondary school, my father won't hear of it that I spent time playing video games, since it was his belief (and am sure many parents back then), that it was for riffraff’s and dullards. I usually would keep an eye open to know if he was close to getting home while playing against my friends on his Tv whenever they brought their games over to my place.  (It's understandable why many parents felt that way as it was difficult for them growing up and they didn't want that happening to their kids among other sensible reasons). 

STAY THERE, I GO BEAT YOU SOTEY, WARNER BROS GO COME USE YOU DO FILM

My emphasis shifted back to basketball but the likes of Kunmi stayed on. Yikes, a missed business opportunity for me. Kunmi informs 'I was not supported as a youth playing video games; most times my dad would get angry. (After graduating) in 2006, I started my gaming company which my dad reluctantly supported because of my inlaws, (but) failed because i had no funds to back up'.

He further adds 'I rebooted in 2012, six years later and it was a success as I partnered with an animation company called Sporedust which brought in a technical team'. Ayo equally tells about his childhood. While he mayn't have played video games then according to him, his parents weren't adverse to it if he did play. He did get a lot of support on his love for comics. That is rearing its head in providing jobs today.
​
How did video games get to this point where it pays bills? A memory throws me back like done in EA FIFA 20 game to the early 80s where I eyed my neighbor's Atari game- thank God I didn't steal it. So games were already penetrating, though few. Globally, Techcrunch, EA Sports NBA Live19 throwbacks me via an alley hoops for a slam dunk when it says 'since its commercial birth in the 1950s as a technological oddity at a science fair, gaming has blossomed into one of the most profitable entertainment industries in the world'.

I rebooted in 2012, six years later and it was a success as I partnered with an animation company

‘The mobile technology boom in recent years has revolutionized the industry and opened the doors...'.
Coming back home, the question is what has fueled it penetration? Wikipedia informs that  'due to the growing penetration of smart phones across Nigeria and mobile broadband access that is cheaper and faster than it has been a few years earlier, developers have the opportunity to spread mobile games easily'. Nigeria has the world's fastest growing mobile internet usage behind China and India. Also the emergence of viewing centers has helped grow it to where it is now. Just take a tour of the many inner city Tv viewing centers where football matches can be watched.

Then the grand one, the high level of unemployment. According tradingeconomics.com, as at 2018, youth unemployment stood at 36.56%, living wage stood at a mere at N43, 200. Many youths just need something to preoccupy their minds instead of involving self in the 'sharprapra' business of yahoo-yahoo (internet fraud) or 419 (advanced free fraud). The potential of this aspect of the entertainment industry to building Nigeria's economy can't be overlooked. Kunmi informed that Lagos Comic Con and the gaming aspect draws an average traffic of 3, 000 interested ones. 'The population of Nigeria is young, with more than 60% of the population being under 25 years old' says Wikipedia. That translats to about 130 miillon according to worldmetric.info. With the organizers penetrating South Africa, one can easily see why H.P has invested its Omen Computers, HiOS its android operating system and have said they would be gunning for a long term partnership.

Right now, the best game to play is video runs gaming my editor with legal yahoo yahoo into ensuring more indepth coverage on the various players, competitions, events, industry business activities & opportunities are worked on, putting in mind the animation film and comic to film industry. 'Sure I can' do that. Shao Kahn!!!     
                                                                                                 
Ohio (z) Okhai Elakhe is a communication expert, with interests in sports, brand architecture, research, technology, entertainment and the arts. Find him via the brand name At Ohiookhai on (fb; instagram; twitter, gmail blog).

Fascinating moment as the long awaited annual Youth Games began in style today in University of Ilorin with several cultural display, musical performances and thrilling moment with famous Nigeria artist called Small Doctor aka ‘Omo iya teacher’ in Maracana Stadium, University of Ilorin.

Nigerian Fuji, Afro-Pop recording artist and musical performer, Adekunle Temitope also known as "Small Doctor",

In a funfair atmosphere, he thrilled the entire audience as various kids and youths where spotted dancing and singing alongside the popular artist.

The mouth-watering opening ceremony which started at noon with a resounding Nigeria National Anthem recitation and colorful march-past was indeed a remarkable one; about 7,000 athletes, 30 States featuring in 34 Sporting event is already a significant development in Nigeria.

Since inception of the maiden edition of the National Youth Games in 2013 that was conducted by the National Sports Commission in Fct-Abuja; talents has been discovered, lives has been transformed and economy has change through the grassroots tournament.

It’s objectives is to build talents, enhance and elevate Sports, established athletes from generation to generation, curb age cheating athletes and encourage early participation, to educate and inspire them in playing active role in the society, to reinvigorate national unity and youth collaboration, encourage massive participation of youths in Sport activities for physical and health benefits.

In 2013 the championship featured 14 Sports, 98 events with 4,080 accredited athletes from 32 States and 370 talented athletes was discovered; and the previous edition had 5,534 athletes who were involved in 33 Sporting events as 307 athletes were discovered.

More also, Delta State emerged overall winner with 27 gold, 24 silver, 16 bronze; Lagos clinched 2nd position with 23 gold, 15 silver, 22 bronze; Bayelsa finished 3rd with 11 gold, 7 silver, 16 bronze while Ogun and Akwa-Ibom occupied 4th and 5th respectively.

According to The Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr Sunday Akin Dare has revealed that National Youth Games (NYG) was initiated to empower the teeming youths to achieve their dreams.

The Minister who was represented by the Director Grassroots Development, Dr Ademola Are made the revelation during the opening ceremony of the 5th edition of the National Youth Games at the University of Ilorin Sports Complex, Kwara State.

Dare added that the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development endorsed the annual National Youth fiesta achieve the set goals. He added further that" It was also to stem the tide of the youth restiveness in all the nooks and crannies of the country as well as create career path ways for youths".

While declaring the Games open, Kwara State Governor, Mr. Abdulrahman Abdulrazak ably represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Sports, Mr Shuaib Akanbi urged the youths to resist the temptation of cutting corner to success.

The governor added that sports is unify factor that bind the country together, urged the youths to make the the spirit of patriotism be their watchword.

He said, "if we can have embarked on the training and the retraining of the athletes the issues of unemployment in the country will be checkmated".

Elsewhere, Usulor Usulor of Anambra State and Joshua Ajuozie of Edo state won gold medals in the Judo event at the ongoing National Youth Games in Ilorin. Also, Usulor Usulor defeated Angela Elechi of Delta State in the girls Judo (44kg) final while Joshua Ajuozie of Edo state defeated Kehinde Sulaimon of Lagos in the boy's Judo (42kg) final.

The bronze medal bout, Odunayo Babalola of Ondo State beat Alison Ekong of Akwa Ibom to win bronze medal after a golden score duel in the girl's Judo (44kg) while Ubongabasi Iniobong of Akwa Ibom State beat Success Useni of Borno state to win bronze medal in the boy's Judo (42kg).

Nevertheless, apart from several mechanism put in place by the organizers in order to have a hitch-free tournament; they also served everyone present a delicious lunch.

Aside from the arrival dates on the 7th and 8th September, there was a successful conducted screening exercise for the under 15 athletes at the Multi-purpose hall of the above mentioned school in Ilorin.

Japanese Yukio Yamamoto and his boss from Tokyo where spotted among the VIPs that came to discover talents and witness the 5th edition of the NYG games in ilorin.

In conclusion, Gymnastics, Judo, Wrestling and Cricket began today with outstanding turn-out from the fans and Sports enthusiast while the first threes event mentioned will finished tomorrow others will boost the momentum of the athletes who are certainly gearing to become future champions.

Incredibly, the newly appointed Minister of Sports: Mr. Sunday Akin Dare spark up the hopes of young lads today when he visited them at the Multi-purpose hall of the University of Ilorin as they undergo their screening towards the Sporting event.

Amazingly, the Sport administrator early visit which was a huge surprise and inspiration to the athletes this evening as he was accompanied by some Directors and Sport buffs will definitely enhance the performance of the participants this year.

However, the annual youth championship which is scheduled to commence from 7th-17th September, will kick-start today with mind-blowing opening ceremony by 2pm at the University Sport Complex.

Meanwhile, the Director of Grassroots Development, Dr. Ademola Are told newsmen, “As you know this is the 5th edition and we are trying to do more in order to improve on our last year performance” he said.

“Especially in the area of screening, facilities, accreditation, welfare and security we are doing all we can in conjunction with University of Ilorin to ensure we have a more successful game this year” he added.

“We intend to conduct a strict screening exercise as the Sporting federation secretaries are involved and we have all the records of the past performances of these athletes such as bio-data, birth certificate which the the ministry have their own records” Areh maintained.

“Coaches and the officials from the States will be disallow to be part of the screening, because definitely they may want to influence and ensure their wards are passed for the competition. We have been very strict and we will follow it through” he explained.

“Adding icing to the cakes, the cultural display and then we are bringing in some artists alongside popular musician: Small Doctor who is a youth himself; so therefore his performance for this children is to enlarge their telescope and fan base of the annual Sport fiesta and also to bring in more awareness into the youth program” 

He continued, “our guest artist followers will be drawn to the game and to enable us see what we are doing, thereby increasing the area of entertainment; were expecting and thirty (30) states that will feature in 34 Sporting activities although four (4) states are yet to arrive; that is why we are looking at the issue of screening, whether to allow
those on the road or not” he told.

MOU that we signed with the University of Ilorin is five (5) years, but I can tell you by the end of next edition which is going to be last event here other venues will be available to us, because so many states have already lining up for the hosting right.

Areh explained further, “the ministry is looking at the area of the next edition in terms of hosting, we want to appreciate God that the game has come to stay” he concluded.

Conclusively, defending champions (Delta State) has brought 380 athletes followed by Anambra with 218 athletes as Edo came with 216 participants while Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom came with 172 and 168 respectively.

The maiden Lagos Media Marathon earlier scheduled for May 1 has been postponed because of the May Day celebrations.
In the last few weeks, the office of the Lagos Media Marathon has been receiving continuous calls from unionists; some of whom are journalists and others outside the media industry who will be part of the May Day celebration and at the same time want to be part of the Media Race.
 
It was in this regard that the organizers toiled with the idea of having the race on May 18 but even before the date was officially announced, Muslim faithful noted that this would again coincide with the Ramadan Fasting and would not be fair on the thousands of them that have already registered to be part of the race.
 
In the light of the constraints occasioned by the May Day celebration as well as the Ramadan Fasting, the organizers have bowed to the pressure to further postpone the maiden Lagos Media Marathon and a new date is to be announced soon.
 
In a similar light, major sponsors hoping to be part of the Media Race have also been pushing for a change in date so that they get a lot of mileage as they support the historic road race which will be the first of its kind in this part of the world.
 
While the registration portal on www.lagosmediamarathon will still be left open for as many as possible interested runners, those that may want a refund of their monies due to the changes in date can indicate.
 
“There is the need to let people know that we are focused on organizing a credible race and we are particular about getting it right even from the first edition.
 
“While we regret the inconveniences that the changes may have caused, we are ready to refund the monies of those that want them back, but for those that are ready to keep faith with us, a new date will be announced soon,” Debo Oshundun the Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Lagos Media Marathon and Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Lagos branch stated.

The maiden Lagos Media Marathon earlier scheduled for May 1 has been postponed because of the May Day celebrations.
In the last few weeks, the office of the Lagos Media Marathon has been receiving continuous calls from unionists; some of whom are journalists and others outside the media industry who will be part of the May Day celebration and at the same time want to be part of the Media Race.
 
It was in this regard that the organizers toiled with the idea of having the race on May 18 but even before the date was officially announced, Muslim faithful noted that this would again coincide with the Ramadan Fasting and would not be fair on the thousands of them that have already registered to be part of the race.
 
In the light of the constraints occasioned by the May Day celebration as well as the Ramadan Fasting, the organizers have bowed to the pressure to further postpone the maiden Lagos Media Marathon and a new date is to be announced soon.
 
In a similar light, major sponsors hoping to be part of the Media Race have also been pushing for a change in date so that they get a lot of mileage as they support the historic road race which will be the first of its kind in this part of the world.
 
While the registration portal on www.lagosmediamarathon will still be left open for as many as possible interested runners, those that may want a refund of their monies due to the changes in date can indicate.
 
“There is the need to let people know that we are focused on organizing a credible race and we are particular about getting it right even from the first edition.
 
“While we regret the inconveniences that the changes may have caused, we are ready to refund the monies of those that want them back, but for those that are ready to keep faith with us, a new date will be announced soon,” Debo Oshundun the Vice Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Lagos Media Marathon and Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Lagos branch stated.