News
National Sports Commission Boss Assures Support For Squash Federation
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The National Sports Commission Chairman, Mal. Shehu Dikko has expressed his delight with the recent achievements of the Nigeria Squash Federation.
PUNCH reports that the Federation has made significant strides since its return from a ban on non-contact sports, with notable successes in the Namibian Squash Open Championship.
In a press statement signed by the Commission’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Kehinde Ajayi and obtained by PUNCH Online, said Ayomide Oladipupo emerged as the champion in the Namibia Open Division ‘A’ for men, while Gabriel Olufunmilayo took home the bronze medal in the BDO tournament.
He added that the U19 age category also made a strong impression, winning several medals and causing upsets in their matches.
Dikko assured the Vice President and the Federation team of moral and financial support, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication.
He also pointed out the need for effective communication and promotion, stating that “sports are all about promotion” and that “no one will take you seriously if you don’t provide what you do to the public.”
” The Commission would continue to support the Federation, including exploring opportunities for sponsorship and collaboration with other Federations.” He added.
He further encouraged the Federation to work closely with the Press to project their activities and achievements.
” The Nigeria Squash Federation has been making giant strides internationally, with Adegoke Obaopemipo becoming the first Nigerian to win the PSA Challenger,” he disclosed.
“As the Federation continues to make strides, the National Sports Commission remains committed to providing support and guidance to help them achieve their goals, including winning Olympic medals in Squash.
Our Correspondent also reports that Kehinde Samuel also emerged victorious at the University of Victoria, Canada, while Ms. Salome Iyeh made history as the first female Referee from Nigeria to officiate at the British Junior Open.
The Executive Committee and Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State have passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani ahead of 2027, declaring that there would not be vacancy in the Aso Rock Villa and Sir Kashim Ibrahim House Kaduna during the next election.
This is contained in a communiqué signed by Francis Danladi Kozah and Jerry Irimiya Mark, chairman and co-chairman of the APC stakeholders and read by the council chairman, Joseph Bege.
The communique stated that the decision was taken based on President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani’s commitments to the peace and security of not just Zangon Kataf, but Kaduna state at large.
According to the stakeholders, the establishment of a military 2nd National Mission Brigade base in the local government has proven to be a pivotal move in sustaining peace in the area.
“Their commitment to the peace and security of our people is evident in the sudden end to attacks on our communities.
“This move reflects the government’s understanding of the critical need for enhanced security measures in areas prone to conflict, thereby fostering an environment where citizens can thrive.
“We urge all residents of Zangon Kataf to remain vigilant and committed to fostering harmony within our communities, as peace is the cornerstone of development,” They said.
The stakeholders lauded Tinubu for appointing Indigenes of Zangon Kataf including Gen. Chris Musa as Chief of Defence Staff and Bishop Hassan Kukah as Pro Chancellor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia.
They explained that given the return of peace in the area and the tangible infrastructural development being witnessed, the re-election of Tinubu and Sani was a done deal.
“In light of all that we have benefited from this government, we want to declare that there is no vacancy in Sir Kashim Ibrahim House and Aso Rock come 2027.
“We shall offer our full support to both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in their re-election bid,” they added.
They appreciated Gov. Sani for the ongoing multi-billion naira skills acquisition city that will provide ‘our youths with certified skills, thereby stamping out the root cause of criminality in our society’.
The stakeholders called on people of the local government to rally behind the two leaders as they have shown dedication to their welfare, security and progress.
Nigeria’s public debt rose by 48.5 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to N144.67 trillion ($94.23 billion) in 2024 from N97.34 trillion ($108.23 billion) in 2023.
The Debt Management Office (DMO) disclosed this in its latest public debt profile report.
The debt stock consists of external debt of N70.29 trillion ($45.78 billion) serviced with $4.66 million and domestic debt of N74.38 trillion ($48.44 billion).
The report showed that the country’s external debt increased by 83.89 per cent YoY from N38.22 trillion ($42.5 billion) in 2023.
Domestic debt also grew by 25.7 per cent YoY from N59.12 trillion ($65.73 billion) in 2023.
The report further indicated that the Federal Government’s domestic debt component rose by 32 per cent YoY to N70.41 trillion from N53.26 trillion in 2023.
But the domestic debt of states and the Federal Capital Territory declined YoY by 32 per cent to N3.97 trillion in 2024 from N5.86 trillion in 2023.
The rise in public debt can be attributed to fluctuating trends in exchange rates amidst changes in global economic conditions.
The sharp increase, particularly in external debt, highlights the nation’s vulnerability to exchange rate volatility and changes in global economic conditions.
With the continued depreciation of the naira, the cost of servicing foreign debt could escalate, adding pressure on the country’s financial resources.