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Sports: Still A Long Way To Greatness
Sports has become more than a recreational and entertainment activity across the world. It has indeed, transformed into a powerful tool for most countries to forge and achieve many national goals, be it political, economic, social or national integration.
Nigeria by all standard, ought to be one of the best sporting nations of the world considering the physiological endowment of her people, the large human capital and apparent abundance of internationally acclaimed administrators and economic opportunities at her disposal.
However, despite the front-row standing of sports in the reckoning of most Nigerians and the fact that it has, over the years acted as one of the strongest unifying factors obtainable in the country, the sector seems not to have made the level of progress expected of it.
In fact, sports, generally, has flattered to deceive more often than not and at the best of times flourished in sparks and sports.
Sixty years down the line, sports in the country can hardly be classified neither as a massive success nor a monumental failure.
Most stakeholders are of the opinion that the country, as the self acclaimed giant of Africa, should have by now became the beacon and leading sporting nation in the continent, as well as a serious contender for laurels at every international meet.
Unfortunately, despite taking part in the Olympic Games since 1952, eight years before independence and having been part of the world’s greatest sports rendezvous 17 times, the country can only boast of a mere 25 medals, three gold, 10 silver and 12 bronze medals, a haul some smaller and less endowed countries have been harvesting in one or two outings.
The record and the country’s inability to have made it beyond the Second Round of the FIFA World Cup underlines her failure to harness the enormous human capital to compete successfully among the comity of nations.
As the country marks her 60 years of independence and reminisces over her tortuous journey since 1960, it is pertinent to note that though she has not lived up to her potentials yet in sports, the sector still remains one of the country‘s most potent agents of unity, a serious diplomatic tool and an elixir for the citizenry in their daily efforts to escape the trauma and challenges of life.
In the Dream Team to the Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games, the Golden Eaglets, Police Woman Chioma Ajunwa, Emmanuel Ifeajuna, who while still a student gave Nigeria her first Commonwealth. Games medal in high jump in 1954, Hogan ‘Kid’ Bassey, who emerged World Featherweight Boxing Champion in 1957, Dick Tiger Ihetu, who won the middle Weight title and later moved up to become the World Light Heavyweight Champion, as well as Michael Okpala (Power Mike), Nigeria has had some athletes and teams, who had at different times ruled the world.
Also, the country, in late Orok Oyo, Habu Gumel, Amos Adamu, Sani Ndanusa, Violet Nwajei-Odogwu, Awoture Eleaye, Late Abraham Ordia, Late Patrick Okpomo, Solomon Ogba, Amaju Pinnick among others, has produced sports administrators that made international impact.
Apart from athletes and administrators that have impacted the world of sports in the past 60 years of nationhood, Nigeria has hosted key continental and global sports competitions. These include the All Africa Games which has been hosted twice in 1973 in Lagos and 2003 in Abuja, African Cup of Nations, twice, in 1980 and 2000, while the country has also played host to the African Women Nations Cup thrice, in 1998, 2002 and 2006.
Nigeria has also hosted FIFA World Cup events twice when in 1999 she staged the FIFA U-20 World Cup, popularly called Nigeria ‘ 99 and the FIFA U-17 World Cup 10 years later in 2009.
The period between the 1980s and 1990s could be referred to as the golden era for Nigeria. This was when the top 10 in sprints and middle distance races would not be mentioned in Africa and globally without at least three to four Nigerians being in the line up. It was also a time when the country broke its duck and won the African Cup of Nations for the first time, after hosting the Championship in 1980.
The era threw up iconic stars across different sporting fields such as Mary Onyali, Falilat Ogunkoya, Tina Iheagwam, Chioma Ajunwa, Chidi Imo, Innocent Egbunike, Yusuf Alli, Henry Amike, Adeniken Olapade, the Ezinwa brothers (Davinson and Osmond) Beatrice Utondu, Mary Tombiri, Oluchi Ogwo, Christy Opara-Thompson, Moses Ugbesien, Fatima Yusuf and Olusoji Fasugba.
Others include, Peter Konyegwachie, Ikpoto Eseme, Ironbar Bassey, Brown Ebewele, Gabriel Okon, Segun Toriola, Funke Oshonaike, Bose Kaffo, Hakeem Olajuwon, Atanda Musa, Nduka Odizor, David Imonite and a plethora of football stars.
In football, the country has made more in roads than others fields. After wining the African Cup of Nations in 1980, it qualified for the final of a FIFA world tournament for the first time in 1983 when the national U-20 team qualified for the Youth World Cup in Mexico.
The Flying Eagles beat Russia, drew with Holland and lost 0-3 to Brazil to fail to advance from the Group stage.
Two years later, Nigeria made it to the maiden FIFA U-17 Kodak tournament in China. The cadet team under the tutelage of coach Sebastian Brodericks Imasuen stunned the world as they stormed to the title in grand style.
To be continued
A bill to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, which mandates compulsory counselling and training for individuals convicted of corruption-related offences, was sponsored by Kayode Akiolu (APC-Lagos) during plenary on Wednesday.
Leading the debate, Mr Akiolu explained that the bill sought to amend Section 67 of the principal act, introducing new provisions that were not part of the original section.
“These additional provisions, found in subsections 2, 3, and 4 of the amendment bill, require judges and magistrates to not only impose imprisonment and/or fines on those convicted of corruption but also mandate a minimum four-week anti-corruption counselling and training.
“The counselling and training will be designed and delivered by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) and aims to address the psychological factors related to corrupt behaviour,” Mr Akiolu said.
Mr Akiolu emphasised that the training would help reform convicts by addressing their corrupt tendencies and could even transform them into advocates for anti-corruption efforts.
He added that this approach aligned with the reformative aspect of the criminal justice system, which focused on punishment and rehabilitation.
“As per subsection 4, the bill allows magistrates and judges to order convicts to cover the cost of their counselling and training, preventing additional financial burdens on the government,” the lawmaker noted.
Mr Akiolu further argued that if the bill is passed into law, it would strengthen the country’s fight against corruption.
Given the widespread negative impact of corruption, he urged the House to support the bill for the country’s benefit.
Following the debate, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas referred the bill to the relevant committee for further legislative consideration.
The Judiciary and the Media are key pillars of democracy, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said.
Kekere-Ekun made this statement in her address at the 2024 National Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC).
The CJN was represented by Mr Abdulaziz Olumo, the Secretary of the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
“ The judiciary and the media occupy unique and complementary roles in any democratic society.
“ The judiciary serves as the guardian of justice, equity, and the rule of law, the media acts as the conscience of society, disseminating information, shaping public opinion, and ensuring accountability.
“ Together, these institutions provide checks and balances that strengthen the fabric of democracy,” she said.
Quoting Felix Frankfurter, a former U.S. Supreme Court Justice, she said: free press is not to be preferred to an independent judiciary, nor an independent judiciary to a free press. Neither has primacy over the other; both are indispensable to a free society.”
The CJN said this dynamic interdependence between the judiciary and the media presents opportunities and challenges alike.
“ The media is entrusted with the responsibility of informing the public about judicial activities, the judiciary relies on accurate and ethical reportage to enhance public confidence in its work.
“ However, the inherent power of the media to influence public opinion requires careful management, especially when its focus turns to judicial proceedings.
“ The question posed by Robert J.Cordy, a former Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, is pertinent here: “What happens when the free press turns its sights on the courts-scrutinizing, sensationalizing, and exposing the frailties of the judiciary while questioning its ethical standards and performance?”
“The media’s capacity to shape narratives and perceptions is undeniable” she said.
Quoting Jim Morrison , she said “Whoever controls the media controls the mind.”
According to her, this underscores the immense responsibility placed on journalists to report truthfully, fairly, and objectively.
“ Unfortunately, the commercialisation of news and external influences have led to the rise of sensationalism-a practice that distorts facts, erodes trust, and undermines the very essence of journalism.
“ Sensationalised headlines, such as the infamous 2016 headline “We raided the houses of ‘corrupt, unholy’ judges, says DSS,” can paint a skewed picture of the judiciary and its officers. Such reporting, often devoid of context, compromises the integrity of the justice system and misleads the public.
“ Closely tied to this is the issue of “trial by media,” where premature and often biased media narratives prejudge cases and infringe on the constitutional rights of individuals” she said.
She added that as Mahatma Gandhi rightly observed, “The sole aim of journalism should be service.” It is imperative for media practitioners to remain steadfast in their commitment to truth and objectivity.
To this end, she advised, the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents to take proactive steps to regulate the activities of its members.
“ This is not merely about enforcing rules but about fostering professionalism and safeguarding the credibility of the media.
“ The judiciary and the media must work as partners in progress.
“ To bridge the gap between these institutions, there is a pressing need for constructive engagement and mutual understanding.
“ Courts can provide the media with guidelines on judicial processes, courtroom decorum, and the nuances of court proceedings.
She noted that globally, courts have adopted initiatives to support the media’s role in reporting judicial matters.
For instance, she said the Supreme Court of Dakota’s media guide outlines protocols for courtroom reporting, while the UK ‘s Media Guidance document provides clarity on access and etiquette for journalists.
“ These examples demonstrate how structured collaboration can enhance the quality of judicial reportage.
“ In Nigeria, we can take a cue from these models by developing a comprehensive media guide tailored to our judicial landscape.
“ This initiative, which would involve inputs from NAJUC and judicial stakeholders, would not only enhance media access to courtrooms but also ensure that judicial activities are accurately and responsibly reported” she said.
She advocated that judiciary correspondents must make deliberate efforts to familiarise themselves with the rules and procedures of the courts.
She added that understanding these frameworks will enable journalists to navigate the complexities of judicial proceedings effectively and responsibly.
“ Training programs such as this conference play a crucial role in equipping judiciary correspondents with the knowledge and skills needed to report judicial matters accurately.
“ The theme of this year’s conference, “The Role of Courts in Enforcement of Judgments,” is both timely and significant, as it addresses an aspect of judicial work that is critical to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice.
“ I commend NAJUC for its commitment to promoting accountability and transparency through its engagements with the judiciary.
“ As I conclude, I must emphasize the importance of credible journalism in strengthening public trust in the judiciary” she said.
She urged judiciary correspondents to prioritise the pursuit of truth and objectivity, resist undue influences, and remain steadfast in their commitment to ethical standards.
She commended the leadership of NAJUC, under the chairmanship of Mr Kayode Lawal, for its efforts in promoting professionalism among judiciary correspondents.
The Senate has issued an arrest warrant for the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Peer Lubasch, to appear before its Committee on Works.
The Tide’s source reports that the warrant was for Lubasch to explain the utilisation of funds appropriated for the reconstruction work on Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway.
The warrant followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP- Enugu) and co-sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC-Cross River) and Sen. Mpigi Barinada (PDP- Rivers) at plenary in Abuja, yesterday.
Ngwu, in the motion said, that the senate had mandated the committee on works to conduct investigation into the state of road infrastructure across the country.
He said that in furtherance to the investigative hearings, Julius Berger refused to honour invitations to provide details of its role in the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway project, in spite of receiving substantial public funds.
He said that this was worrisome, given the alarming discrepancies in performance among contractors on the project, with specific reference to Julius Berger for failing to meet delivery timelines.
Ngwu said it was the constitutional powers of the National Assembly under Sections 8 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to conduct investigations on any person or organisation responsible for administering public funds.
He said that the powers set out in section 6 of the legislative powers and privileges act empowered the Senate to issue warrants of arrest on persons in contempt of its proceedings.
The Tide source reports that the senate further ruled that President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, should sign the warrant, mandating the Julius Berger managing director to appear on a date to be communicated.
Akpabio said that the senate’s decision was in line with its constitutional powers under Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“This senate will not tolerate the continued disregard of its authority.
“The managing director of Julius Berger must appear before the relevant committee, failing which further actions will be taken as prescribed by the constitution.
“The point of order, which was supported by the majority of the senators, highlighted the importance of upholding the integrity of the legislature.
“The senate committee will submit its findings to the National Assembly after the MD’s appearance.
“If there is any further failure to comply, we shall take the necessary steps to ensure respect for the constitution and the rule of law,” Akpabio said.