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Tag: Sunday Dare

  • Lawmaker commends Buhari, Dare for youth investment fund

    Lawmaker commends Buhari, Dare for youth investment fund

    A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Muda Lawal Umar has commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Sport and Youth Development, Mr Sunday Dare on the establishment of the Nigerian youth investment Fund to support youth enterprise in Nigeria.

    Umar, who represents Toro Federal Constituency of Bauchi State on the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) is a staunch advocate for youth development in Nigeria.

    His advocacy in the green chamber led to his call on the federal government by a motion moved in the House of Representatives on the 19th day of March 2020 to declare a state of emergency on youth development in Nigeria.

    He urged the executive arm to as a matter of national urgency devise means of addressing the socio economic factors bedevilling youths, noting that the prevalence of such challenges is the root cause of insecurity and other social vices in the country.

    In a statement issued on Monday, Umar contended that no meaningful economic development can be achieved in any given society if various economic factors militating against the youths are not addressed.

    “The establishment of the Youth Investment Fund by Mr. President is a huge step in the right direction.

    The major constraint of the youths in Nigeria is unemployment and unavailability of funds to start up private businesses, establishing the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund goes a long way to show that the President is sensitive to the plights of the youths in Nigeria and is willing to address them,” he stated.

  • Why I allowed renewal of Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr’s contract – Sports Minister

    Why I allowed renewal of Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr’s contract – Sports Minister

    The Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare, on Sunday, revealed why he consented to the
    renewal of Gernot Rohr’s contract.

    The minister in a statement by his Senior Special Media Adviser, Mr. Joshua Akanji, said the Super Eagles coach’s contract was renewed because he deserved to be given the right of first refusal.

    However, the sports minister added that it would not be business as usual.

    He insisted that the coach would be held to a higher depth of responsibility, a greater depth of technicality, and a greater level of success where he could have his contract reviewed if he falls short of the direction outlined in the terms of his new contract.

    Before the contract between the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, and Gernot Rohr was renewed, speculations were rife that the minister of sports wasn’t favorably disposed to the contract renewal.

    At a point, former England Manager, Harry Redknapp was linked with the Super Eagles job.

    However, the Minister said he was not averse to the contract extension but insisted that Nigerians must get results if the coach is to remain in charge of the national team.

    He said “The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is statutorily in charge of the growth and development of football in Nigeria under the supervision of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

    “Even before I became Minister, there are processes and procedures that are followed when it comes to bringing on a new national coach or renewing the contract of a coach who is already in the house and I think it was important for us to follow the processes and procedures in place.

    “For Rohr, because he had been signed on earlier, he deserved to be given the right of first refusal, that was what the NFF did and that was what I also allowed to happen.

    “It is best practices, it is global practices but the NFF also had a review of his performance in the last three to four years and based on that review, his new contract had new conditions that never existed before.

    “Some of them bordering on the mode of payment, some of them bordering technical issues regarding the development of our football, and that to me is fundamental.”

  • Covid 19: Ministry Launches ‘I CHOOSE LIFE’ Campaign, Supports Youth Against Substance Abuse

    Covid 19: Ministry Launches ‘I CHOOSE LIFE’ Campaign, Supports Youth Against Substance Abuse

    The Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports is set to launch its “I choose life campaign” to address the mental and emotional pressures that could push youth into substance abuse during the lockdown put in place to arrest the spread of COVID-19.

    Deeply concerned about the effects of the social distancing measures for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 and the possible consequential economic hardships that may follow on the mental, emotional and physical wellbeing of Nigerians , the Ministry is launching the campaign to support young people in making healthy lifestyle choices by avoiding abuse of drugs and illegal substances.

    According to the Minister, Mr Sunday Dare, “The past few weeks have been extremely disruptive for most of us. We have all taken a hit in one way or the other. Our traditional lifestyle is predominantly community oriented. Youth are at the stage of their lives where schooling, socializing, entertainment, sports and relaxation form daily routine are the core of the expression of our youthfulness.

    “In the past few weeks and in the next few months it seems that routine is being defined not by our own choice but by the realities of a pandemic that is ravaging the world until a solution is found. I have spoken to many young people and feel their pain and the toll it is taking on their mental wellness. For many, there is boredom, a sense of anxiety, hopelessness and uncertainty for the future. The usual outlets to let off stress and steam have been disrupted and it gives a sense of gloom. I am quite concerned about the effect on the mental, physical and emotional well-being of our young people at this time.

    “If there is one lesson that we all agree has come out of the last few weeks, it is the fact that we value life. The whole world is now focused on preserving citizens from COVID-19. So, if we do value our lives, we must place a premium on the quality of it. The campaign is to support our young people as much as possible go through this period and come out of it stronger and healthier.

    “All over the world, Nigerian youths are easily recognized as some of the smartest and hardworking set of individuals. Sports, entertainment, intellectual geniuses abound amongst the Nigerian youths of today. Our goal is to support them with messages, information and activities that empower them to choose Life above drugs, illegal substances and depression,” the Minister said.

    The goal of the ‘I Choose Life, Say No to Drugs Campaign’ is to educate and enable Nigeria’s youth to reject illicit drugs. This goal includes preventing drug use and encouraging occasional users to discontinue use. The evidence proves that the earlier children start to experiment with drugs, the more likely they are to develop drug dependence later in life. As such, the campaign’s primary prevention efforts will address all young people as well as the adults who influence them. There is convincing evidence that carefully planned mass media campaigns can reduce substance abuse by countering false perceptions that drug use is normative and by influencing personal beliefs that motivate drug use.

    The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports is partnering other organizations to ensure that the media programmes complement other community and school-based anti-drug programs, when consistent messages are conveyed through a variety of channels and in several different contexts.

  • Martin’s death: Sports minister orders no medics, no matches

    Martin’s death: Sports minister orders no medics, no matches

    Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has directed that no league game should be played, henceforth, without the presence of paramedics and equipment at match venues.

    He gave the directive on Monday in Abuja following the death of a Nassarawa United player, Chineme Martins, during a league match on Sunday.

    The minister in a statement, said the decision was taken after due consultations with key stakeholders.

    “Henceforth, from March 14, no league match would take place without paramedics personnel and necessary equipment as provided for in the NFF Club licensing regulations.

    “This decision was reached to ensure prompt response in the event of any incident during matches.

    “We don’t want any avoidable deaths in our match venues; or at any other sports venue for that matter,” he said.

    Under the arrangement, all match commissioners and host State FAs are to inspect all medical facilities at match venues and test run to confirm that they are working before the commencement of any league game.

    Meanwhile, the minister has offered his condolences to the family of the departed player and his club.

    He assured that adequate measures would be put in place to forestall future occurrences.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Martins died after slumping in a Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) tie against Katsina United in Lafia on Sunday.

  • Sports Minister unveils 2020 plan

    Sports Minister unveils 2020 plan

    The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, on Tuesday, announced some of his plans for the Youth and Sports sector in the new year.

    Dare, in a statement by his Media Assistant, Mr Kola Daniels said that his plan was to ensure that sports and the youth of Nigeria are taken to the next level in line with the agenda of the Buhari administration.

    “Talks are ongoing with government and a few private individuals concerning the renovation of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, formerly Liberty Stadium.

    “Our goal is to deliver four FIFA standard pitches by the first quarter of 2020 by God’s Grace.

    “Our short-term Sports Development Plan for the next two years will gradually unfold.

    “It is focused on Infrastructure, Athletes Welfare, Grassroots Sports and Sports as a viable business.

    “Abuja Stadium is on its way back, National Stadium Lagos is set for concession, not forgetting the Ahmadu Bello Stadium,’’ Dare said.

    The minister disclosed further that the ministry would, in 2020, monitor and ensure the completion of about 20 mini-stadiums across the country.

    He said that the Imo-model of one mini-stadium per Local government by each state would be marketed.

    “The government will provide and open up more opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition working with strategic implementation partners.

    “In this regard, this government is in a hurry to ratchet up the numbers of engaged youths,’’ Dare said.

    He promised to do all within the ministry’s powers to ensure that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Japan counted for Nigeria and Nigerians.

    “Our athletes will be exposed to the best training, competitions and camping possible. The process is already ongoing and will be sustained,” he said.

    On plans to boost grassroots sports development, the minister hinted that the Headmasters Cup for primary schools and Principals Cup would be making a comeback, along with a new Talent Hunt Programme (THP).

    According to him, this is being finalised.

    “Adoption Initiative has been birthed, and the policy to turn sports into business is being pursued among other things,’’ he said.

    Dare further assured of the Federal Government’s commitment towards increasing the level of investment in the youth with a slew of new youth engagements unfolding.

    He said that the previous youth engagements were being strengthened and consolidated through partnership with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

  • U-17 World Cup: Minister charges Golden Eaglets to win record sixth title

    U-17 World Cup: Minister charges Golden Eaglets to win record sixth title

    The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has charged Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets to display the Nigerian spirit and win the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil for a record sixth time.

    The minister gave the charge on Friday in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

    “I watched their final training here (in Abuja) before they left for Brazil and I told them the only option is winning. And that is justified by the fact that they are five times world champions.

    “What I also saw on display was encouraging. I saw talented football players that can compete with any other team in the world.

    “All I can say is that Nigerians are solidly behind this team, we believe they can bring glory to our country; and as they compete for the sixth title, we expect they will win the World Cup because they are indeed champions,’’ he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 18th edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup will hold in Brazil from Oct. 26 to Nov. 17.

    Nigeria are the most successful team in the history of the event with five wins (in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015) and three runners-up medals.

    The Manu Garba-tutored boys are in group B alongside Hungary, Ecuador and Australia. They will face Hungary in their opening match on Saturday.

  • Sports minister relocates to MKO Stadium, Abuja

    Sports minister relocates to MKO Stadium, Abuja

    The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare has relocated his office to the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

    Dare stated that the move, , was in line with the his promise to ensure that the nation’s sports facilities are restored to become fully functional.

    He made the disclosure in a statement by Mr Ramon Balogun, Assistant Director, Press in the ministry.

    He said that with the move, he has made good on his earlier promise to keep a close tab on the revitalisation of Nigeria’s sporting facilities.

    “It is also a sharp departure from what has been regarded as the norm in the past,” he said.

    The Minister indicated that he will be working sometimes days of the week from the stadium.

    He asserted that the Youth and Sports ministry was a critical artery to Nigeria’s human capital development, adding, that 13 Ministries have youth development as part of their budgets and mandate.

    The ministry according to him, will leverage on the pivotal advantage expressed in the National Youth Policy for socio-economic empowerment of our youths.

    He emphasised the importance of communication to youth and sports development, while urging the press unit of the Ministry to improve on its professionalism by reporting events timely and accurately with authentic and approved facts before disseminating to the Nigerian public.

    He also reemphasised his determination to give the youth component of the ministry’s mandate massive attention.

  • TNG year in review: How Nigeria achieved 2013-2018 broadband target

    Nigeria, with the aim to drive internet and broadband penetration in the country, developed a five-year strategy, known as the Federal Government National Broadband Plan 2013-2018, through a presidential committee on broadband.

    To drive internet and broadband penetration in the country, the Federal Government National Broadband Plan 2013-2018 aimed to scale up Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) broadband growth by 30 per cent in 2018.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports the country in 2018 achieved the five-year strategy broadband penetration target, with broadband penetration standing at 30.9 per cent in November, surpassing the 30 per cent target set by the presidential committee.

    As at September 2017, the country’s broadband penetration was empirically adjudged by global telecom regulator, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), as 21 per cent.

    Going forward into 2018, there were concerns in different quarters that the nation might not be able to achieve the target; however, fast forward to November and it is a different story.

    READ | Why Nigeria may not achieve 30% broadband penetration in 2018

    Mr Adeola Ogunbanjo, National President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) said NCC’s licensing of more infrastructure companies (InfraCos) was instrumental in achieving the 30 per cent broadband penetration target.

    The InfraCos licenced by the NCC are Raeanna Nigeria Ltd for South South, O’odua Infraco Resources Ltd for South West (excluding Lagos), Fleek Networks Ltd for North West, Brinks Integrated Solutions for North East, Main One Ltd for Lagos zone and Zinox Technologies Ltd for Southeast.

    According to the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, while announcing the broadband penetration achievement in a recent interaction with newsmen in Abuja, the commission knew it has to meet the broadband implementation plan.

    “At NCC, we knew we have to meet the broadband implementation plan to get to 30 per cent at the end of 2018 due to the work done, we now stand at 30.9 per cent equivalent of 31 per cent.

    “NCC had issued license to seven infrastructure companies to deploy the needed infrastructure to facilitate the required penetration in the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.

    “This will enable penetration reach the served and underserved areas in the country,” Danbatta, ably represented by Mr Sunday Dare, NCC Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management said.

    He said all information and progress on mobile, internet and data usage penetration would be sustained to provide the necessary requirements for increased investments and effective regulation of the telecom sector in Nigeria.

     

  • Telecom industry loses about $60bn annually to call masking

    Telecom industry loses about $60bn annually to call masking

    Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says the telecom industry globally loses about 60 billion dollars annually to call masking.

    Danbatta said this on Thursday in Abuja at the 86th edition of Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP) with the theme: “Overcoming Challenges of Call Masking/Refilling: Task Ahead for the Telecom Industry.”

    Call masking is the act of concealing international calls coming into a country and presenting them as local in order to make profits from the difference in prices between local and international calls.

    Danbatta, who was represented at the TCP by Mr Sunday Dare, the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management of NCC, said that between 54 billion dollars and 60 billion dollars was lost to call masking.

    He added that the commission was taking proactive measures to curb the menace “even though we don’t have the exact amount lost in Nigeria.

    “This is a global menace which is not specific to Nigeria and it is possible because of innovative technology that is available.

    “We talk about the VIOP which is Voice Over Internet Protocol, we talk about the OTT; Over The Top platforms where you do WhatsApp and all other video calls, thanks to innovative technology.”

    He said that these were innovations and technologies that allowed for some of these to happen.

    “But we are happy to say that in the last eight months, the NCC took very proactive measures, through investigations.

    “I think the most critical point is; we have tried to look for a technological solution to solve what is a slight technical problem.

    “As I speak now, we have found a solution.”

    He explained that the solution was tried in Lagos “and about nine people were arrested in the basement of a house and a few cars.

    “We tried that concept, it is working and we hope to launch it in January.

    “When launched in January; I can assure Nigerians that before the end of 2019, we would have had 80 per cent reduction in call masking”.

    He called on the public to report cases of call masking to NCC for appropriate measures.

    He added that arrests had been made using tracker and the culprits would be prosecuted and treated as criminal offence.

    Earlier in a address of welcome, Mrs Felicia Onwuegbuchulam, the Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, said that the forum allowed for interactions with the public and stakeholders in the telecom industry.

    She explained that the theme of the TCP was aimed at ensuring national security and a level playing ground for telecom licensees.

     

  • Nigeria achieves 2013-2018 broadband penetration target

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says the country’s broadband penetration stood at 30.9 per cent as at November 2018 surpassing the 30 per cent target by the National Broadband Plan.

    Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC said this while speaking with newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

    The Federal Government National Broadband Plan 2013-2018 has set a target of 30 per cent penetration to be achieved by end of 2018.

    Danbatta, represented by Mr Sunday Dare, NCC Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management said that the commission had exceeded the target it set for itself with over nine per cent.

    “At NCC, we knew we have to meet the broadband implementation plan to get to 30 per cent at the end of 2018 due to the work done, we now stand at 30.9 per cent equivalent of 31 per cent.

    “NCC had issued license to seven infrastructure companies to deploy the needed infrastructure to facilitate the required penetration in the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.

    “This will enable penetration reach the served and underserved areas in the country.

    “Active Voice Subscriber base grew from 165,239,443 in October 2018 to 169,104,830 in November 2018,” he said.

    According to him, total active broadband subscription on 3G and 4G platforms as at November 2018 was 58,965,478.

    He said all information and progress on mobile, internet and data usage penetration would be sustained to provide the necessary requirements for increased investments and effective regulation of the telecom sector in Nigeria.

    The NCC boss said according to the reports between the first and third quarters, released by National Bureau of Statistics contributions of Telecommunications and Information Services to Gross Domestic Products (GDP ) stood at N4.7 trillion.

    On research grants to universities, Danbatta said N50million had been given to some universities for research that would improve ICT and beneficial to the NCC in the near future.

    According to him, NCC had set up a committee to come up with another strategy plan after the successful implementation of the 2015-2018 plans.

    He said the expected plan would ensure the realisation of the eight point agenda of the NCC that is valid up till 2020 and ensure that customer’s satisfaction is ensured.