Joel Ajayi
The Federal Republic of Nigeria has pledged to host a memorable Africa Schools Games, Abuja 2027. This assurance was given by the Chairman of National Sports Commission Mallam Shehu Dikko on Tuesday June 9, when a delegation of the ANOCA Africa Schools Games Coordination Commission had an interface with the leadership of the NSC.
The ANOCA Africa Schools Games Coordination Commission is on a working visit to Nigeria ahead of the Africa Schools Games slated for Abuja in 2027.
During the visit which lasts from June 8 to 11, the ANOCA Commission members are expected to hold strategic meetings with the Local Organizing Committee and relevant stakeholders, as well as conduct inspections of the proposed competition and non-competition venues earmarked for the Abuja 2027 Africa Schools Games.
The ANOCA Commission was led by its chairman João Da Costa Manuel from Sao Tome. Other members on the entourage are Gaby Ahrens Diana (Namibia), Ben Mensah Nunoo (Ghana), Jappie Mhango (Malawian Minister of Transportation), Pedro Celestino Godinho (Angola), Olajide Adebola (Nigeria) and Wedu Motswetla (ANOCA). Meanwhile three members Fardouza Moussa Egueh (Djibouti), Habu Ahmed Gumel (Nigeria), and Nah Boudina (Tunisia) sent their apologies for absence.
Speaking at the event, Mallam Dikko pointed out that hosting the Games aligns with the mandate handed to the NSC by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
His words, “We are committed to hosting the best Games ever because it clearly aligns with the mandate by our dear President who has not hidden his desire to ensure the development of sports from the grassroots. This is the foundation of sports not just in Nigeria but in Africa, so we must get it right. Here in Nigeria, we are working hard to revive our school sports. I and the Minister of Education are working jointly in these regards as mandated by the President. So hosting this Games will boost that vision.”
He continued, “We are embarking on a massive infrastructure reset and such events will help us to showcase what we are putting in place. The President has mandated us to harness the potentials of the sports economy. Hosting these international events will help that cause.”
The NSC Chairman assured of the President’s personal backing for the Games.
“The headquarters of ANOCA is here in Abuja, so you are part and parcel of this country. It must also be noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is a patron of ANOCA. By the grace of God, he will be available to declare the Games open”, he concluded.
Earlier, Director-General of the NSC Hon. Bukola Olopade reiterated the Commission’s commitment to hosting an event that will never be forgotten on the continent.
He said, “We had never failed to host well in the past. Whether it is the FIFA U17, U20 or the 2003 All Africa Games, this country has always been a wonderful host. And this particular event will not be different. I was in Algiers when we approached ANOCA to host this Schools Games and the NSC Chairman gave the orders that we must bring the hosting right home. We are glad ANOCA obliged us.
“We are proud to partner with ANOCA and be rest assured that we will not fail. We have the expertise and infrastructure to deliver a landmark Games and once again we will put together something classy.”
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the ANOCA Coordination Commission João Da Costa Manuel thanked Nigeria for accepting to host the Games.
“Thank you for accepting to host this Games. We have not come to give orders because we know you have capable hands to deliver this project. It is only customary that the ANOCA Commission interfaces with the Local Organising Committee and offer our support”, he said.
He added, “The athletes are the core of the Olympic Movement because without them there will be no competition. That’s why we are happy that Nigeria has accepted to host this Games. The success of the Schools Games is important to us because it will help us to discover the future greats of Africa.”
