Honourable Ekene Adams felicitates with Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh on his 58th birthday

 

Chairman House Committee on Sports, Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams, has expressed his felicitation with the Nigeria Sports Minister, senator John Enoh as he marks his 58th Birthday.

"I want to join the rest of the Sports family to congratulate our Sports Minister, as he adds another year today."

Honourable Ekene Adams who represents the good people of chikun/Kajuru federal constituency in the House of Representatives said this is the best time for every sports loving Nigerian to pray for the Minister in order to steer Nigeria Sports to greater height.

"I want to personally send my best wishes to the Minister on this day of his birthday and I pray that he continues to enjoy God's wisdom and guidance as he discharges his duties in office."

Honourable Ekene further used the occasion of the Minister's birthday to reiterate his committee's unwavering partnership with the Sports Ministry in the development of Nigeria Sports in terms of legislation and oversight duties.

Signed 

Media, House Committee on Sports Chairman

Arewa Group carpets Sports Minister's deflective tactics, sees response by Senator Enoh to Hon. Adams an assault

 

Arewa Youth Sports Forum on Saturday berated Sports Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh for employing gutter tactics, by attempting to discredit and deflect the issues as advanced by the House Committee Chairman, Hon. Ekene Adams.

A statement signed by the Coordinator of the group, Comrade Yohanna Pam described the Sports Minister's response as disappointing and a blatant attempt to divert attention from the substantive issues raised by the Honorable Member.

The statement reads,"It is concerning to observe the recent Press Release issued by the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, specifically targeting Hon. Ekene Adams and questioning his credibility and sincerity. While the Ministry attempts to defend the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, it is imperative to address certain points raised in the Press Release.

"First and foremost, it is disappointing to note the Ministry's attempt to discredit Hon. Ekene Adams based on his health issues. Implying that his health condition renders him incompetent and out of touch with reality is not only insensitive but a blatant attempt to divert attention from the substantive issues raised by the Honorable Member. It is crucial to remember that personal attacks have no place in constructive discourse, especially within the realm of public service.

"Furthermore, the Ministry's assertion and attempt to belittle the office of that Hon. Adams, reflects a lack of understanding of the principles of democracy and the importance of upholding the dignity of elected representatives. Every individual elected, regardless of their office is higher than a political appointee.Hence,lawmakers deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.The lack of transparency and accountability in Senator Enoh's approach to sports administration has raised concerns among stakeholders, including Hon. Adams, who has highlighted the need for a more responsible and competent leadership in the sector." Pam statement reads.

The statement asked the Sports Minister to stop blaming the CBN for the failure of foreign athletes to receive their payments, noting that his actions is bringing the government President Tinubu to disrepute.

"While defending the Honourable Minister of Sports Development is understandable, it is essential to address the concerns raised by Hon. Adams in a transparent and respectful manner. Constructive dialogue and open communication are key to fostering trust and accountability in governance.Rather than addressing pressing issues such as the delayed payments to foreign athletes who excelled at the African Games in Ghana, as questioned by Hon.Adams, the Minister and Ministry resulted to assault on the lawmaker.We know before now, Senator Enoh has resorted to deflecting blame onto the Central Bank, despite its proven efficiency under the leadership of Olayemi Cardoso, and by extension bringing the Government of President Tinubu to disrepute.

"It is evident that Senator Enoh's tenure as sports minister has been characterized by self-glorification and a disregard for the hard work and dedication of athletes and federation presidents who strive for excellence in sports. His failure to address the challenges facing the sports sector, has only served to exacerbate the existing issues. In contrast, the call for cooperation and collaboration with Hon. Adams, a respected figure in sports with a rich history as both an athlete and administrator, presents an opportunity for Senator Enoh to embrace a more inclusive and effective approach to sports administration in Nigeria.Knowing fully well that the Sports Minister knows nothing in sports administration."The statement reads.

Concluding the statement, Comrade Pam warned the Sports Minister to be careful and trade gently as Mr.President has zero tolerance for corruption

"In conclusion, it is imperative for the minister to know that his present office is at mercy of Mr.President, a man with zero tolerance for corruption.Maybe, the Sports Minister has forgotten how the Tinubu's government is handling Beta Edu's case; coincidentally, they both hail from Cross River state." Comrade Pam concluded his statement.

Olympic Games: National Assembly decries lack of transparency in allocation of intervention funds

 

The 10th National Assembly has raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the allocation of intervention funds for the 2024 Olympic Games to the Ministry of Sports Development.

The Nigeria Government doled out billions of naira each time the country participated in the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games. 

The Chairman House Committee on Sports, Hon. Ekene Adams frowned at the situation where most Sports Federation sponsored their athletes to qualify for Olympic Games without Ministry's support but the Sports Ministry receives money from the government on behalf of the sports federations once they have qualified. 

He said, “80% of the National Sports Federation don't get a dime from the funds allocated for them in the budget in each calendar year.”

He therefore advised the Federal Government to ensure that the intervention funds are scrutinised by the National Assembly before they are passed.

“The Bola Ahmed Tinubu led government prioritised transparency and accountability in allocation of funds and the intervention funds for the Olympic Games should follow the same procedure by involving the National Assembly in the scrutiny of the funds. This will ensure that the athletes, coaches and Presidents of the Federations benefit from the funds.

"Transparency in the process is crucial to ensure that the funds are used effectively and efficiently for the development of Sports in Nigeria. Without proper oversight, there is a risk they the funds could be mismanaged or misappropriated leading to waste of resources and missed opportunity to support the dedicated Nigerian athletes who put the country's name on the global map."

He further said, “For instance, foreign athletes who spent their hard-earned money on flight to and fro Ghana for African Games have not received the refund, also, coaches and many other athletes have not received their monetary prize for medals won at the All African Games in Ghana.

“The delay in settlement of these funds will further dampen the spirits of the athletes which in turn may affect Nigeria's performance at the Olympics.

"We must do everything to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope agenda.

The President has been doing everything in making sure that Nigeria is placed among the best in the world and the 10th National Assembly shares same with the President. Therefore, the struggle to place the country among the best should not be left to the Presidency alone."

Signed:

Media Team, Chairman House Committee On Sports

Honourable Adams chides Sports Minister over insincerity, transparency

Chairman House Committee on Sports, Honourable Ekene Adams, says the Minister of Sports Development Senator John Enoh, is not showing enough sincerity in the Country Sports Development goals.

The Lawmaker representing Chikun Kajuru Federal constituency in Kaduna State says the House Committee on Sports has expressed a lot of retrains with it's dealing with the Minister since he was appointed, more especially because he was a former lawmaker but the Minister has not reciprocated with a good level of transparency.

"The House Committee  on Sports and my personal self have been very co-operative with the Minister of Sports all these while but we have discovered it seems he is taking us for granted with some of the things we are seeing so far.

"We decided to accord him the ultimate regard and respect because he is a former legislator but we discovered he is taking us for granted which we find totally unacceptable.

"As he is new in the Sports sector and appointed as a Sports Minister he should ask questions because he came into the sector as a farmer and he should know that some of us are sports technocrats who have been in football for all our life, as former footballer and then administrator.

"For example, why should the Minister still allocate budget for the renovation and maintenance of the Ahmadu Bello stadium in the 2024 budget after the stadium had been handed over to the Kaduna State Government.

"I think as the Chairman House Committee on Sports, we have tried enough to have a smooth and good understanding with the Minister but he is not being sincere with us," he maintained.

Signed 

Media Team, Chairman House on Sports.

African Games: House Committee on Sports frowns at delay in payment of Team Nigeria allowances

The Chairman House Committee on Sports, Honourable Ekene Adams, has expressed disappointment over the delay in the payment of allowances of Team Nigeria athletes at the recently concluded African Games in Ghana.

Nigeria finished second at the Games behind Egypt surpassing her previous record with a total of 47 Gold, 33 silver and 40 bronze medals.

According to the lawmaker representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, it is very sad that many of these athletes who made us proud in Ghana have not been paid their due allowances and bonuses.

"I am very shocked that up till now some of these athletes have not gotten their money days after the conclusion of the African Games.

"For me, it is even more worrisome that these athletes did not get their money before the Easter celebration and I think we should be finding ways to motivate the athletes more so that they can even do more at the Olympic Games in Paris.

"How do we want their family members to feel knowing full well that they couldn't enjoy the Easter celebrations I think this is the kind of thing we need to get right in terms of athletes' welfare."

Honourable Ekene who is also a seasoned Sports Administrator however pleads with the Ministry of Sports Development to swiftly do the needful so that this delay in the athlete's payment should not linger until the upcoming Sallah break.

He further said; "No Sports should be more prioritised than others and these athletes that did the country proud in Ghana deserve their money even if they couldn't get a Presidential handshake.

"I am using this medium to further appeal to the Minister to ensure every payment due to the athletes is sorted as soon as possible because I am aware some of them were only given allowances in Nigeria before they departed for the Games.

Signed: Media House Committee Chairman

AFCON 2023: House Committee on Sports Chairman Hon. Ekene Adams hails Super Eagles for securing final berth with Ivory Coast

Chairman House Committee on Sports Honourable Ekene Adams has again congratulated the Super Eagles for booking  a place in the final at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D'Ivoire 

The Super Eagles defeated South Africa Bafana Bafana 4-2 in a pulsating encounter on penalties after a one-all draw in regulation and extra time of the first semi-final in Bouake.

According to Honourable Ekene the Super Eagles have shown great character and determination to be in the final with the quality of play from the group stage to the semi-final.

"I want to congratulate the Super Eagles for another milestone at the ongoing 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations because achieving this feat is not an easy task and it is worthy of note that the entire nation is proud  of them."

"As a Committee, we will continue to give necessary support to the team as they prepare for the final stage of the tournament, and as the Speaker had earlier promised the boys will be handsomely rewarded when they return to the country," he stressed.

The Kaduna-born sports administrator stated that the Committee is backing the team to bring back the cup to Nigeria as a repeat of what happened in 2013, charging the players and backroom staff not to relent in their effort to get the job done in the final on Sunday in Abidjan against host Ivory coast.

House Committee on Sports congratulate Nigerians on Super Eagles' AFCON Semifinal berth

 

 ... As Speaker Tajudeen Abbas pledges handsome rewards to players

The chairman house committee on Sports Honourable Ekene Adams has congratulated the Super Eagles for booking a place in the semi final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The Super Eagles defeated Angola one nil at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium in Abidjan on Friday to reach the last four of the tournament.

A first half goal by Ademola Lookman was all the Eagles needed to secure the win.

Honourable Adams said the boys deserved all the praise with the way they have approached the tournament.

He said "I am particularly so happy for the boys and I think they deserve all the support and encouragement at this point to eventually come back home with the trophy."

"These boys have really done us well and their victory against Angola has further sent a message of strong unity despite the challenges the country is facing," he said.

"I want to also specially send the greetings of the Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Tajudeen Abbas to the boys because he is also very  proud of them and their resilient performance."

"The Speaker wants to assure the boys that they will be handsomely rewarded if they bring home the trophy".

Doping ban: House Committee on Sports invites NOC, NADO over WADA threat to ban Nigeria

 

The Federal House Committee on Sports has invited the leadership of Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) and National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) over World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) threat to ban all Nigerian from participating in all sports.

This follows Nigeria's inability to comply with international standard as laid down in the World Anti-Doping code.

After lifting ban on Nigeria in November 2018, WADA is furious that the country has not fulfill the promises made to comply with international Anti-Doping regulations. 

To this end, WADA has concluded plans to ban Nigeria from participating in all sports if nothing is done before the end of August, 2023. 

To save Nigeria from the international embarrassment, the Chairman, House Committee On Sports, Hon. Ekene Adams has invited the leadership of Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) as well leadership of National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) to a Meeting scheduled for Tuesday 22nd August, 2023. This is to put heads together and come up with plans to stop WADA from the imminent suspension capable of putting the country's image in bad light.

"Anti-doping has become very important in sports that athletes and countries alike can be banned  from participating in sports if they do not comply with international anti-doping regulations." Honourable Ekene said.

He added, "To save innocent athletes and Nigeria from the embarrassment, the House Committee On Sports has mapped out plans to stop the imminent suspension by inviting the leadership of NOC and NADO to appear before it.

"Due lack of time, we need to act as quickly as possible to forestall WADA ban pronouncement at the end of August. Sports is a very important tool for addressing youth restiveness and engaging youth for meaning achievement in life. 

"Nigeria has huge population of youth and the benefit this group gain from sports can not be overemphasized and must not be taken away from them. 

"If Nigeria is banned again, it is the innocent Nigerian athletes that will suffer from it. This Government does not need the distraction and embarrassment the issue of anti-doping will generate for the country nationally and internationally." He concluded. 

Hon. Ekene Adams felicitates with new Sports Minister

 

The Chairman House Committee on Sports Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams, has congratulated the newly appointed Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh, saying his vast experience will help the sector to grow. 

According to Hon. Ekene "Let me heartily  congratulate the new Sports Minister Senator  John Enoh, on his well deserved appointment by Mr President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His trajectory as a foremost  lawmaker who had served in the the Senate will be a huge advantage  to the accomplishment  of his new assignment.  As a former lawmaker he understands the dynamics of every  sector, so I believe he will hit the ground  running."

The Member  Representing Chikun/ Kajuru Federal Constituency assured that his Committee  along with the Senate  counterparts will work in harmony with the new Minister to chart a new direction for Nigerian Sports.

"We are all stakeholders and partners in progress, we are ready to work together in the best interest of our great country. We shall  partner with the Minister  to ensure that Sports takes center stage in our nation's development history."

Enoh is Nigeria's 36th Sports Minister and succeeds Sunday Dare who served for four years under former President  Muhammadu Buhari.

House Committee on Sports assure Nigerians on finding lasting solution to recurring unpaid bonuses of national teams

 

... holds fruitful meeting with NFF 

The Meeting between the 10th Federal House Committee On Sports and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) at the National Assembly on Tuesday aimed at restoring peace in Nigeria football ended with resolutions to get the country's football back on track.

The Committee also charged the NFF to resolve the issues regarding the two affected State Football Associations (Plateau and Nasarawa) where Normalisation Committees were set up.

To this end, the Committee stated that the NFF should respect their statue.

"What we are simply saying following petitions received from the two State FAs is that the Federation should respect and go back to their statute to restore peace and order in Nigeria football," the Chairman House Committee on Sports, Honourable Ekene Adams said.

Meanwhile, the President of the Federation, Ibrahim Gusau assured the House Committee that all the lingering issues regarding the State FAs elections will be resolved amicably within three weeks and would revert back to the House on the resolution.

The Committee and the Federation agreed to work together and find lasting solution to the recurring unpaid bonuses of all national teams.

When asked about the payment of the Super Falcons players, the Federation said it would be paid as soon as the money is received from FIFA.

As regards Awalu Baba Jara who was suspended following allegation of match fixing, the Federation has assured the House Committee on Sports to give the alleged offender fair hearing before final decision could be taken.

House of Reps member, Hon. Ekene Adams appoints veteran sports journalists as media aides

Towards ensuring quality information flow and the actualization of his mission and vision,  Chairman House Committee on Sports, Honourable Ekene Adams Abubakar, has appointed his Media Assistants.

Honourable Ekene Adams confirmed Tunde Shamsudeen as head of his 4-man media team in an official letter dated 9th of August, 2023.

According to him, Shamsudeen's profile, professionalism, loyalty, versatility, media network power, passion for sports made him the best choice for the job.

Shamsudeen is the General Coordinator of the most glamorous Pre-Season Football Championship (Ogunjobi Gold Cup) in Nigeria.

He is happily married to Mrs Olamide Shamsudeen and the union is blessed with a daughter. 

Shamsudeen, born and bred in Minna, Niger State capital studied Mass Communication at The Polytechnic, Ibadan and speaks English, Hausa and Yoruba fluently.

He started his journalism career with Osun Network Newspaper, worked as Media Officer of the defunct Anambra United,  Correspondent at The Sun Newspaper, SoccerStar (now Sporting Sun), Media Officer of Prime FC now Osun United. He also worked with Sportalkafrica.com, Opera News Hub, Buwanews.com, Nationalwatch.com and South West Coordinator for mycujoo.tv live streaming team.

He was the Special Adviser On General Matters and Media Aide, to former Secretary General Nigeria Football Federation NFF, late Chief Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi and he is also an NPFL Match Commissioner.

TS, as fondly called by his admirers is a winner of several awards and he is expected to bring his vast experience to bear on his new assignment.

Making the Media Team are the trio of Niyi Busari, and Hot FM (Abuja) duo of Michael Obasi and Modupeola Oyewale.

Busari - is an award winning journalist, the Publisher and CEO of BSN Sports Concepts, one of the most celebrated Nigerian sports journalists of his generation. A"cross-over" professional, he combines the talents and abilities of a print and electronic journalist in a manner that is rare, even though his specialization is print. A graduate of Economics from the University of Abuja where he obtained his Bachelor Degree in 2015.

Obasi is an experienced Award Winning  Sports Journalist who has been on Radio talking Sports over the  last 15 years years.

He has been On Hot FM Abuja talking Sports on his Award Winning show  Hotsports.

He is currently the Anchor of the Radio Sports Show Roughkick Radio Show on Hot FM Abuja.

He is a Graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Abuja and also obtained Diploma in Mass Communication from the same University.

He has worked as Media Aide to former Plateau State Governorship Aspirant and Chairman of Giwa FC Ambassador Chris Giwa.

He is also a Media Consultant to one of the country's top football Academies Water FC.

He hails from Abia state and he is happily married with a son.

Oyewale, who hails from Osun State is a seasoned and experienced Sport Journalist on radio for over thirteen years.

She is currently the Co- Anchor of the Radio Sports Show Roughkick Radio Show on Hot FM Abuja.

Oyewale, who's also a news reporter and producer, is a Graduate of Mass Communication from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State.

She has worked as a Team Coordinator for the Under 17 women's national team, the Flamingos.

FIFAWWC: House Committee on Sports Chairman hails Super Falcons over second round qualification

... to parley sports stakeholders on Thursday in Abuja 

Chairman House Committee on Sports, Honourable Ekene Adams Abubakar will on Thursday August 3rd in Abuja, hold a session with critical stakeholders to pave a way for Nigerian sports.

Honourable Ekene, a member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State made this known a few days after he was named Chairman House Committee on Sports in the 10th House of Representatives by Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.

The accomplished sports administrator, ex-KADA Stars Chief will meet officials of the Nigeria Football Federation, Presidents of all the 36 Sports Federations, the Nigerian  Olympic Committee, Premier League Club Owners, Nationwide League and other League Boards,  Referees, Ex Internationals, Players Union, The National Institute for Sports, Former Sports Ministers, Coaches, Lottery  Board, EFCC, ICPC and members of Corporate Nigeria in a parley billed for the Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja.

Also expected at the event are the Nigerian Olympians Association, the Nigeria Police Force, Medical Practioners, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, officials of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Nigerian School Sports Federation amongst others.

Honourable Ekene assured that the meeting will set the tone for a robust and renewed policy direction for Nigerian Sports as well as to seek areas of mutual benefits in the best interest of Nigerian youths. 

Meanwhile, the former General Manager of Remo Stars and professional player has congratulated the gallant Super Falcons, who on Monday qualified for the Round of 16, as they kept  the tempo to become the only unbeaten African team at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Nigeria's national women's team who stunned co-host Australia 3-2 in their second game, played out a draw against Irealand at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, to seal their passage to the knockout stage.

Honourable Ekene, described the Super Falcons as a beacon of hope for not only Nigeria, but the African continent, as he commended the Onome Ebi captained team for its impressive performances, as he urged them not to rest on its oars until they surpass their quarter-final record in the women's Mundial or secure the ultimate prize.

Ex Remo Stars' GM, Honourable Ekene Adams announced as Chairman House Committee on Sports

Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams, a member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State has been named Chairman House Committee on Sports in the 10th House of Representatives. 

The House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, named the committees and their chairmen on Thursday.

A delighted Honourable Ekene Adams said on Thursday, "Good evening all, I am using this medium to appreciate God Almighty and also thank you all for your prayers and best wishes. I have been appointed as the Chairman House Committee on Sports. To my boss, President of Remo Stars Football Club of Ikenne, Honourable Kunle Soname and everyone I remain loyal."

Adams, is no new face in Nigeria sports as his pedigree  is football management speaks volumes. Born in 1985, Adams is a Nigerian entrepreneur, politician,  an astute sports administrator and former professional footballer.

A few years ago, Ekene established KADA City FC, a Nigerian football club based in Kaduna, to enhance development of football within Kaduna. He was regarded as the youngest football club owner in Nigeria.

KADA City was created to promote development of football within Kaduna state. They had their official unveiling ceremony in February 2018. KADA City won the 2018 Nigeria National League promotion playoff over Bendel Insurance F.C. and made their Nigeria Premier League debut in 2019.

The sports administrator would later join Remo Stars as General Manager in 2021. During his time with the Sky Blue Stars, Honourable Ekene Adams propelled the club in gaining promotion back to the NPFL and after one season in the top flight, Remo Stars earned a CAF Confederation Cup ticket after finishing 3rd on the log behind Rivers United and Plateau United.

House Of Reps member hails organisers of Flying Officers Cup

Member Federal House of Representatives committee on Sports, Hon. Lawrence Ayeni has hailed the organisers of the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in Africa, the Flying Officers Cup. 

Lawrence Ayeni who presently represents the Ilesha Federal Constituency 1(Osun State) in the Federal House Of Representative was present at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja on wednesday, was impressed at what he saw, in terms of organisation of the tournament. 

The former Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Sports, said that the feat achieved by the Organisers in successfully organising the tournament was timely and would help spring out more development in women's football in Nigeria.

"I am really impressed with what I saw at the Area 10 Sports Complex. It is very difficult to see a Nigerian put so much into the development of women's football. 

"As a lover of football myself and one who have invested into the game, I know how far the Organisers must have gone in bringing about 16 teams to participate, including a team from Ghana. This is massive and I encourage more people to take a cue from what Ratels Sports Development Foundation have been doing.

Reacting, the General Coordinator of the 2021 Flying Officers Cup, Dr. Victoria Nlemigbo thanked Hon. Lawrence Ayeni for coming down to show support to the Flying Officers Cup and his home team, Osun Babes FC. She described him as an ardent lover of sports and one who could be described as a Sports ambassador. 

The Flying Officers Cup is in its third edition and is solely sponsored by Ratels Sports Development Foundation, founded by Ambassador Barrister Paul Edeh.