Commonwealth lauds Nigeria's commitment to Youth Development ahead of Africa Summit

 

Ahead of the  Commonwealth Youth and Students Summit for the African region slated to hold in Abuja from 7th to 11th May 2023, the Head of Social Policy of Commonwealth Secretariat  Mr. Layne Robinson, has commended the Nigerian Government for its continued commitment to youth development.

Mr. Robinson who made the commendation during the pre-summit meeting held at the Nigerian Embassy in the United Kingdom on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Youth Network Leaders Summit thanked Nigeria for offering to host the Commonwealth Youth Secretariat in Abuja as well as Commonwealth Youth and Students Summit for the African Region. 

The pre-summit meeting which had in attendance members of the Summit taskforce and Youth network leaders from 54 Commonwealth countries aims to bring together Youth and students to amplify their voices and contribute meaningfully to Youth Development in the areas of entrepreneurship, education, and the digital divide.

The Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare said, Nigeria is ready to host the young people of the Commonwealth, "Although the event is being hosted by the Nigerian Government, the ownership of the events belongs to the youth." 

He explained that  "the thematic areas chosen by the youth task force are apt for this post covid era that has cast a shadow on decent jobs and wealth creation for young people as we know it."

The Minister, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Youth and ICT, Ann Kemi Areola, reassured the youth of Nigeria's commitment to youth development in Africa and informed them that Abuja looks forward to hosting them.  

Mr. Benjamin Fraser, Chairperson of the Commonwealth Students Association said, the Summit will provide a great opportunity for the youth and students in Africa to network and partner with youth and student organizations.

"This offer by the Government of Nigeria is huge and the Commonwealth Students Association is incredibly grateful. It is important to emphasize more on implementing the outcome of this Summit because the thematic areas which are; entrepreneurship, digital education, and decolonization of education curricula are very relevant to the yearnings of the youth and students in Africa." 

Also speaking, Christabel Derby, the Deputy Chairperson on Inclusion in the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) said, "the CYC appreciates the support to host its secretariat by the Nigerian Government at last year's Commonwealth Youth Ministerial taskforce meeting held in Kigali, Rwanda. 

Meanwhile, the Programme Manager 

and Youth Adviser of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Sushi Ram has emphasized the need to ensure proper planning and strategy

as he reiterated the need for the youth task force to commence necessary activities within strict timelines to achieve the desired objectives from the summit in the weeks to come.

The summit which will be hosted by the Nigerian Government in collaboration with the Commonwealth Youth Council, Commonwealth Students Association, and Pan African Youth Union is expected to draw participants from the national youth and student organizations from  21 Commonwealth member countries in Africa.

Sunday Dare congratulates Tonobok Okowa on African Athletics Regional Presidential victory

 

Sports Minister Sunday Dare has joined millions of compatriots to congratulate the president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa on his election as the president of African Athletics Region 2, West Africa on Saturday.

Consequently, the election victory also means Okowa has become one of the vice presidents of the Confederation African Athletics (CAA).

Dare expressed his delight at the victory of the Delta state-born sports administrator, stating that it comes as good news to Nigeria.

“I’m glad at this victory and I’m also not surprised that Okowa has ascended to the level of international leadership in athletics. He has paid his dues from the grassroots, in Delta State and now he is performing creditably at the national level.

“He has performed well since he emerged president of the AFN. Nigeria had a good outing at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, our athletes were incredibly fantastic at the Commonwealth Games and even at the African Youth Athletics Championship. Without doubt, his role in these successes were major.”

Okowa, who is also the chairman of Delta State Sports Commission claimed the victory in Ghana, contesting against Vierin DeGon of the Benin Republic, Togo’s Tchanile Salifuo Falilatou and Oually Sara of Senegal in the first round. He clinched his victory at the second round against DeGon with nine votes to six.

He will now become one of the vice presidents to Cameroon’s Hamad Malboum, who heads the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA).

President Buhari's Minister Promotes ace journalist, Kola Daniel to Executive Media Aide level

 

Mr. Kola Daniel, One of the media aides, of the Honorable Minister for Sports and Youth Development, Chief Sunday Akin Dare has been promoted to the Position of Executive Media Aide.

Kola Daniel, an ace  Sportswriter and  Media Aide was elevated in status, following an appraisal carried out in November last year, to properly evaluate and situate performances by staff of the Ministry.

The report on the exercise, seen pressmen

rated Mr. Daniel and a few others, as top and most effective staff.

Kola Daniel thus  ventured into the new year in style, after a well deserved promotion by his principal, Chief Sunday Dare, who was unequivocal in heaping praises on the dexterity, commitment, foresight and deligence; in handling any task assigned to him.

"After appraising all of my staff, I considered him as one of the best, most productive member of staff, hence, my decision to elevate him to the position of Executive Media Aide". Dare said.

Receiving this news, the elated Mr. Daniel told pressmen  that, he is overwhelmed with the happiness and satisfaction, such a timely reward and recognition to his services, has brought him".

He reserved special thanks for his principal for finding him worthy of being relied on, and committed to remaining loyal, while learning under him.