Sports
Philanthropist Determined To Develop Handball In Ondo
A philanthropist, Chief Ayodele Oluwatosin, has expressed his determination to develop the game of handball at the grassroots level.
Oluwatosin stated this on Monday in an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the one-day handball championship sponsored by him at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
The one-day championship, titled: ‘Otunba Ayodele Oluwatosin Handball Championship’ (OAOHC), had the team led by Mr Stephen Abitogun emerging winner of the maiden edition.
The Abitogun-led team had earlier defeated team Otunba Ayodele Oluwatosin 7-2 before getting a better side of the Ondo State Police Machine 8-4 to go home with the coveted prize.
Oluwatosin’s team recorded a 9-7 victory over Ondo State Police Machine to emerge second in the competition, while Police Machine ended the championship without any victory, to settle for third position.
Oluwatosin said that he decided to sponsor the championship in order to contribute his own quota toward sports development in the state, with special interest in handball.
According to him, the championship will become a yearly event, with better improvement.
“I am a fan of handball and that is why I started with handball.
“By God’s grace, we will look at other sports in our continued efforts to join hands with government to develop sports in the state,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Stephen Abitogun, representing Akure Constituency II in the House of Assembly, commended the sponsor for his contributions to the development of sports in the state.
Abitogun said that the sponsor had done well by identifying crucial areas where the potential youth could be harnessed for the prosperity of the state.
He thanked the General Manager of the State Sports Council, Mr Henry Babatunde, for his efforts at ensuring that all departments of sports were doing well.
“I’m elated to be here, and with the catch-them-young policy of the state government, we will produce world best sports men and women,” he said.
Secretary of the state’s Handball Association, Mrs Ife Daramola, appreciated the sponsor for identifying with the association, urging him to support the team’s participation in the Handball Premier League next year.
Vice president of the Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC), Chief Solomon Ogba, foremost Sports Marketer and founder of Okpekpe Road Race, Mike Itemuagbor and top Sports Journalist and Media Strategist, Mitchel Obi have lent their voices in support of the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF).
The personalities with backgrounds in sports administration, marketing and media spoke separately in commendation of the festival, an initiative of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) with Dunamis Icon as consultants.
“This is a positive addition to the evolving sports business ecosystem because it is not just a springboard for identifying talents, it also offers a platform to truly hone the skills of those already discovered”, remarked Obi, who served as Special Advisor to a former Sports Minister, late Anthony Ikhazabor.
He said the festival will be a flagship event in the region that would trigger interest in sports among the youths and people of the region.
Edo State-born Itemuagbor commended the NDDC for the decision to add sports in the list of their intervention projects in the region, adding that: “This speaks directly to the problem of youth restiveness which is of great concern to our people.”
Raphael Onyedika has now emerged as a major doubt for the Super Eagles’ must-win 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month.
The midfielder was forced out early from last week’s league game against Standard Liege.
He has not recovered from the injury and so will miss today’s league match against Gent and may also miss a UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash against Aston Villa yesterday.
The Super Eagles take on Rwanda in Kigali on March 21, before they face Zimbabwe in Uyo four days later in crucial World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Al-Khalood defender, William Troost-Ekong, has shared his experience on the difficulties of winning the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) while describing it a must win trophy.
The former Watford FC defender has competed in the tournament three times but has yet to lift the trophy.
“I’ve been there three times now, bronze medal, silver medal, but I haven’t had the chance to win it. That remains my ultimate goal,” he told Tidesports source.
“It means so much to me and all the kids growing up in Africa and Nigeria.”
-
Business3 days ago
FG Reaffirms Commitment To Aviation Safety Through Technology
-
Opinion3 days ago
NDDC, A Regional Commission?
-
News3 days agoOkogbule Steps Down, Lauds Fubara For Support As RSU VC
-
Sports3 days ago
NFL champion Reveal plans to unveil sports academy
-
Rivers3 days ago
RILTA Seeks Indigenous Language Centre Establishment … Marks Silver Jubilee
-
Nation3 days agoCultist Escapes Mob Action In Benin City
-
Business3 days ago
NCAA Explains Impending Ibadan Airport Shutdown
-
Featured3 days agoWe’ve Strengthened Rivers Fire Fighting Capability – Fubara