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Tag: Dalung

  • Buhari’s minister, Dalung apologizes for error in board appointments

    Buhari’s minister, Dalung apologizes for error in board appointments

    The Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, has apologised for the errors in the board appointments of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Recall that the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Boss Mustapha on Friday announced the appointment of 209 board chairpersons and 1,258 board members approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    However, in a swift response, the presidency on Saturday explained the inclusion of some dead persons insisting the list was compiled in 2015.

    However, another gaffe made and for which the sports minister apologised is the appointment of board members of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.

    By football laws, NFF board members are elected at a congress and not political appointees.

    The minister called on those in the football fraternity to remain calm as efforts were being made to correct the ‘oversight.’

    Dalung said in a statement that the appointment of members into the NFF board by the federal government was an oversight, as by virtue of their statutes, members are elected and not appointed.

    “The recently released board members of NFF is an oversight which is being sorted out. NFF is governed by statutes and board members are elected by congress and not appointed.

    “I am appealing for calm from all stakeholders as it was an administrative oversight. Efforts are tailored towards addressing it very soon.”

    The minister also stated that the Nigerian government and football’s governing body, FIFA, are in talks to clarify the issue and assure the football regulator that no harm was intended.

    “I have spoken with FIFA Secretary General over the situation in Nigeria and conveyed federal government’s commitment to uphold the governance structure of the Nigeria football Federation.

    “All efforts are on course to liaise with CAF and FIFA on constructive engagement that the situation may likely attract. This board of NFF under Amaju has provided leadership but their performance is subject to a congress and not appointment,” Mr. Dalung stated.

    The need for quick reversal of the appointments into the NFF cannot be overemphasised as FIFA frowns at government interference in football administration in member countries.

    Such interference are often met with tough punishment; including suspension from international football activities across the globe.

  • Dalung inaugurates Nigeria House Project Committee

    Dalung inaugurates Nigeria House Project Committee

    The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, on Thursday inaugurated an eight-man reconstituted Nigeria House Project Committee.
    Inaugurating the committee Dalung charged the members to ensure that Nigeria was well represented at major international games including the Olympics, Commonwealth, Africa Games and the FIFA World Cup.
    A statement signed by Nneka Ikem-Anibeze, minister’s Special Assistant on Media, stated that the minister thanked the committee members for their patriotism to serve Nigeria in this capacity.
    Dalung said that their commitment has demystified the notion that nothing could be achieved in sports without money.
    “The Nigeria House Project Committee is set up to establish a hospitality outfit for Nigeria and indeed other African nations to showcase our rich potentials in any country hosting a major sports fiesta.
    ” They will be responsible for making sure the image of the country is presented in the right perspective, using various resources of the state at their disposal including culture, economic opportunities and tourism.
    “During such games, these patriots will work to create a presence for their country to attract foreign investors by showcasing the possibilities and potentials in the country.”
    “I have no fear or doubt that you will accomplish this task and that Nigerians will be proud of the project.
    “The federal government is committed to ensuring that you succeed and will spare no expense to facilitate your success to deliver to Nigerians, a befitting outing at the Commonwealth Games, the 2018 FIFA World Cup as well as the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.”
    Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman of the Nigeria House Project Committee, Ifedayo Akindoju, thanked the Minister for the confidence reposed in the committee, promising to succeed.
    “We have started work and we are working. We will ensure that we deliver on this project and we promise you that we will not fail.”
    The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation Engr Ahmadu Musa Kida is the Vice chairman of the committee while other members include Bolcit Patience Barshep as Secretary/member, Mallam Ibrahim A. Abdul as Assistant Secretary, President of the Nigeria Gymnastics Federation Kelvin Erhunwmuse, Hon Margaret Nzumbato, Tonobok Ojuru Okowa while Mohammed Baba Abdullahi is the Consultant/Coordinator.
    The Nigeria House Project is a Public Private Partnership concept between the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and MOBAB Consult Limited, a management and marketing firm.
  • Nigeria will make a statement at Russia 2018 World Cup – Dalung

    Nigeria will make a statement at Russia 2018 World Cup – Dalung

    The Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung has said Nigeria is prepared to make a statement at Russia 2018, adding that Friday’s draw was a decent one.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria on Friday in Moscow drew Argentina, Iceland and Croatia in Group D of the competition’s first round phase.

    It was the fifth time Nigeria were being drawn alongside Argentina in Super Eagles’ six appearances at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.

    The Minister, who spoke with newsmen on Saturday on the sidelines of the 2017 Korean Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo Championships in Abuja, said the draw was alright for Nigeria.

    “In spite of the fact that Nigeria are underdogs, compared to the other teams in our group and based on their rankings in the world, the draw was good.

    “But again, you have to look at how Nigeria prepared for the qualification competition. It is clear that Nigeria is determined to make a statement.

    “Therefore, I am confident that Nigeria will surprise the world. We will be able to go as far as setting an African record, that is if we do not even make it to the final,” he said.

    NAN reports that Nigeria will take on Croatia on June 16 in Kaliningrad, before facing Iceland on June 22 in Volgograd and Argentina on June 26 in St. Petersburg.

    The 2018 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to kick off on June 14 and last till July 15.

  • Dalung says Nigeria prepared to make a statement at Russia 2018 World Cup

    Dalung says Nigeria prepared to make a statement at Russia 2018 World Cup

    Solomon Dalung, the Minister of Youths and Sports, says Nigeria is prepared to make a statement at Russia 2018, adding that Friday’s draw was a decent one.

    The NewsGuru reports that Nigeria on Friday in Moscow drew Argentina, Iceland and Croatia in Group D of the competition’s first round phase.

    It was the fifth time Nigeria were being drawn alongside Argentina in Super Eagles’ six appearances at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.

    The Minister, who spoke with newsmen on Saturday on the sidelines of the 2017 Korean Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo Championships in Abuja, said the draw was alright for Nigeria.

    “In spite of the fact that Nigeria are underdogs, compared to the other teams in our group and based on their rankings in the world, the draw was good.

    “But again, you have to look at how Nigeria prepared for the qualification competition. It is clear that Nigeria is determined to make a statement.

    “Therefore, I am confident that Nigeria will surprise the world. We will be able to go as far as setting an African record, that is if we do not even make it to the final,” he said.

    TNG reports that Nigeria will take on Croatia on June 16 in Kaliningrad, before facing Iceland on June 22 in Volgograd and Argentina on June 26 in St. Petersburg.

    The 2018 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to kick off on June 14 and last till July

  • Nigeria prepared to make a statement at Russia 2018 World Cup

    Nigeria prepared to make a statement at Russia 2018 World Cup

    Solomon Dalung, the Minister of Youths and Sports, says Nigeria is prepared to make a statement at Russia 2018, adding that Friday’s draw was a decent one.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria on Friday in Moscow drew Argentina, Iceland and Croatia in Group D of the competition’s first round phase.

    It was the fifth time Nigeria were being drawn alongside Argentina in Super Eagles’ six appearances at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.

    The Minister, who spoke with newsmen on Saturday on the sidelines of the 2017 Korean Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo Championships in Abuja, said the draw was alright for Nigeria.

    “In spite of the fact that Nigeria are underdogs, compared to the other teams in our group and based on their rankings in the world, the draw was good.

    “But again, you have to look at how Nigeria prepared for the qualification competition. It is clear that Nigeria is determined to make a statement.

    “Therefore, I am confident that Nigeria will surprise the world. We will be able to go as far as setting an African record, that is if we do not even make it to the final,” he said.

    NAN reports that Nigeria will take on Croatia on June 16 in Kaliningrad, before facing Iceland on June 22 in Volgograd and Argentina on June 26 in St. Petersburg.

    The 2018 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to kick off on June 14 and last till July 15.

  • I want to be remembered as a red beret-wearing minister – Dalung

    I want to be remembered as a red beret-wearing minister – Dalung

    Minister of Sports and Youths Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung, has said he even if he achieves nothing in his tenure, he wants Nigerians to remember him as a beret-wearing man.

    The Minister said this during Stakeholders Forum for the Guidelines for the conduct of elections into the boards of the National Sports Federations, NSF.

    He said, “If I remain a minister, even if I do not achieve anything, I want to be remembered as the man who used to wear his red beret.

    “Even if as they say, I know nothing in sports, I want to be remembered as the man who insisted that the norms of democracy were respected in the conduct of the elections.”

     

     

  • Dalung meets Buhari, updates him on World Cup qualification, others

    Dalung meets Buhari, updates him on World Cup qualification, others

    The Minister of Sports, Mr Solomon Dalung, on Thursday updated President Muhammadu Buhari on the efforts of the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

    Dalung, after a closed door meeting with Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said he also briefed him on other developments in sports.

    The Minister said that the president was informed of the election of a Nigerian into the board of Confederation of African Football (CAF).

    Amaju Pinnick, President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), defeated the President of the Football Association of Benin Republic, Anjorin Moucharafou, to secure a seat on CAF Executive Committee for the 2017 to 2021 cycle.

    Pinnick’s election makes him the third Nigerian ever to sit on the CAF Executive Committee.

    “I updated hm on the need for us to intensify our mobilisation efforts for the World Cup qualifier. Although we are topping the group, it is not Uhuru for us. We need to do more.

    “I drew his attention to the fact that we have received the Queen’s Relay baton which kick-starts the mobilisation for Commonwealth Games in Queensland, Australia in 2018.

    “The baton is a Commonwealth tradition which is always flagged off by the Queen and she did that in March and it has been to six African countries with Nigeria being the seventh and it will proceed from here.

    “The significance of the baton is its wake up call to countries to begin to prepare for the games.

    “And we as a country had always performed very well in the games. There is a need for us to try and surpass our records in the next Commonwealth games.’’

    The minister disclosed that the president appreciated the briefing and congratulated Pinnick for clinching the seat of the executive member of CAF and the progress so far made in sports.

    According to him, the president promised to do everything possible to support sports generally.

     

  • Dalung’s wife for burial Feb. 4

    The Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has confirmed that his late wife will be buried on February 4 at Sabongida, Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau.

    Dalung confirmed this in a statement signed in Abuja on Wednesday by Tolu Makinde, the Director of Information in the Ministry.

    According to the statement, Dalung is still pained by the demise of his wife.

    It said the minister had expressed gratitude to Nigerians from all works of life for the outpouring of love, sympathy and condolences over the tragic loss of his wife.

    He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari who personally called him Tuesday night to condole with him and his family at this period of grief.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Mrs Briskila Dalung passed on in Jos on Jan. 29 after a protracted illness.

     

    NAN

  • BREAKING: Sports minister, Solomon Dalung loses wife

    The Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung, on Sunday announced the death of his wife.

    The minister made the announcement on his Facebook page.

    In the short statement dalung posted on the social media platform, Dalung said: “I AM BEREAVED:

    “For it is appointed for man to live thereafter comes death and judgment says the Holy Bible. While in the Quran, it states that it is appointed that every soul shall test death.

    “My heart is heavy, I cannot continue, I lost my first wife this morning. May her soul and the souls of faithful departed rest in the bosom of the Lord, amen.

  • At last, NFF pays Super Falcons allowances as FG releases fund

    Nigerian Football Federation has paid players and officials of the Super Falcons their outstanding allowances after receiving the money from the Federal Government on Friday.

    NFF’s spokesman Ademola Olajire, made the disclosure yesterday in Abuja.

    The statement quoted NFF’s Head of Women’s Football, Ruth David as saying, “the bank accounts of the players and officials are being credited as we speak.

    “They will all receive credit alerts of the monies due to them, as released by the government, before the end of the day.”

    The payments were for the Super Falcons’ participation at the 10th Women Africa Cup of Nations finals, which the team won after defeating hosts Cameroon 1-0 in the final in Yaounde on 3rd December.

    Olajire said the money released by the Federal Government included allowances due to players and officials of the Super Eagles for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Algeria, played in Uyo in November.

    “A breakdown of the Super Falcons’ monies showed that each player got the sum of N5,494,500, less the sum of N600,000 that was earlier paid to each of the players at various times by the NFF.

    “The amount is at the rate of $17,900 (converted to naira at the official rate of N305 to $1), plus the sum of N15,000 camp allowance and N20,000 transport allowance.

    “All the monies were converted at the official rate of N305 to $1.

    “Head Coach Florence Omagbemi got a total of N11,014,000 less the sum of N800,000 paid to her earlier.

    “Assistant coaches Ann Chiejine, Perpetua Nkwocha and Bala Mohammed, as well as the backroom staff were N8,274,250 richer, less the N500,000 earlier paid to each of them.

    “The equipment manager got a total of N4,114,625, less the N500,000 earlier paid to her,” the statement said.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the players protested following the failure of the NFF to pay their outstanding allowances.

    On Wednesday they took their protest to the National Assembly where they were addressed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, who promised them that they would be paid in 48 hours.

    NAN correspondent who visited the Agura Hotel, where the players were lodged,,discovered that they had left the hotel. (