News
Nigeria’s Olympic Performance Requires Improvement: Sports Minister’s Apology
Nigeria’s Olympic Performance Requires Improvement: Sports Minister’s Apology
The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris ended in disappointment for Nigeria’s team, prompting Sports Minister John Enoh to apologize to the nation. Many Nigerians highlighted that after substantial financial support, the outcome fell short of expectations.
Funding Overview
President Bola Tinubu allocated ₦12 billion for Nigeria’s participation in the Olympics and the Paralympics, distributing ₦9 billion for the Olympics and ₦3 billion for the Paralympics. Despite this significant investment, Nigeria returned home without a single medal from the Olympic Games.
Reflections on Performance
In his statement on August 11, 2024, Enoh acknowledged, “Our performance should have been a lot better. It fell short of our objectives, expectations, and hopes of Nigerians.” He expressed the need for a thorough evaluation of what went wrong while looking ahead to the Paralympic Games scheduled for August 28 to September 8, 2024.
Challenges of Preparation
Enoh took office in August 2023, facing the challenging task of preparing for four international competitions, including the Olympics. He noted that adequate preparations for the Olympics had not commenced due to limited time. “Countries typically require at least four years to prepare for the Olympics. We began our preparations less than a year in advance,” he stated.
In response to Nigeria’s disappointing performance, Enoh initiated plans with various National Sports Federations and launched a nationwide inspection of sports facilities. The focus was to enhance performance and potential outcomes for athletes and coaches.
Training and Support Initiatives
Efforts included establishing the Ministerial Podium Performance Advisory Committee, consisting of sports experts to guide preparations. Despite challenging circumstances, Enoh remained optimistic that Nigeria could replicate or improve on its 1996 Atlanta performance.
Through supportive initiatives, athletes underwent both local and international training camps, notably in Saarbrücken, Germany, and Sevilla, Spain. These camps aimed to provide essential resources, early allowance payments, and comprehensive training from experienced coaches.
Learning from Disappointment
The absence of medals and weak team performance remains a troubling puzzle. The Nigerian sports sector acknowledges the need for a thorough evaluation of athletes’ readiness, including injury histories and coaching methods. Enoh pointed out that learning from missteps is crucial, stating, “We owe Nigerians an explanation.”
He emphasized the importance of this experience as an opportunity to grow and improve. The result of the 2024 Olympics should serve as a pivotal moment for Nigerian sports, redirecting focus towards future successes.
Conclusion
Returning without medals is reminiscent of the 2012 Olympics. Yet, Nigeria previously achieved a bronze in 2016 and silver and bronze in 2020. As Enoh concluded, “As a country, we deserve more,” urging stakeholders to work together to transform this setback into a pathway for future triumph in sports.
Source: ChannelsTv
Last Updated on August 12, 2024 by news
Metro
Only Nigerians with NIN Can Purchase ₦40,000/Bag Rice as FG Launches Food Sale
Only Nigerians with NIN Can Purchase ₦40,000/Bag Rice as FG Launches Food Sale
The Nigerian Federal Government has introduced a new initiative to reduce food prices by selling rice at a subsidized rate. However, this opportunity is exclusively available to Nigerians with National Identification Numbers (NIN).
Government Launches Rice Sale to Control Food Prices
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the commencement of a significant rice sale, aimed at stabilizing the food market. Only Nigerians with valid NINs are eligible to purchase this subsidized rice.
The sale involves 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice, priced at ₦40,000 per 50kg bag.
Purpose of the Rice Sale
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, emphasized that this move is designed to combat food price inflation and prevent racketeering.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, Kyari highlighted that the intervention will be strictly limited to “one bag per person,” ensuring equitable distribution.
Details of the Subsidized Rice Distribution
Kyari detailed that the rice is part of the federal government’s broader strategy to address the current food crisis. He urged citizens to support the initiative, noting that the sale aims to ease the burden of high food costs.
The government’s goal is to make a substantial impact by introducing this 30,000 metric tonnes of rice into the market.
Efforts to Mitigate Food Crisis
Kyari acknowledged the contributing factors to food price hikes, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and climate change.
The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to mitigate these challenges and ensure food security for all Nigerians.
Process for Purchasing Subsidized Rice
To purchase the rice, individuals must present their NIN and phone number at the point of sale. This process is designed to prevent fraud and ensure transparency.
The NIN will be logged into the system, generating a code and a Treasury receipt for the buyer.
Ensuring Fair Distribution
The government has implemented measures to guarantee that the rice reaches those in need. By restricting purchases to one bag per person and verifying identities, the initiative aims to avoid misuse and ensure that the benefits are widely distributed.
Conclusion and Future Expectations
The rice sale is expected to significantly reduce rice prices and benefit Nigerians across the country. The government encourages everyone to participate in this initiative, which is part of its broader commitment to enhancing food security.
FAQs
- Who can purchase the subsidized rice? Only Nigerians with a valid National Identification Number (NIN) can buy the rice.
- How much does the rice cost? Each 50kg bag of rice is priced at ₦40,000.
- What is the total quantity of rice available for sale? The Federal Government is selling 30,000 metric tonnes of rice.
References:
Source: ChannelsTv
Last Updated on September 6, 2024 by news
News
Onyinyechi Mark Breaks Paralympic Record: Nigeria’s First Gold Medal at Paris 2024
Onyinyechi Mark Breaks Paralympic Record: Nigeria’s First Gold Medal at Paris 2024
Onyinyechi Mark Breaks Paralympic Record: Nigeria’s Onyinyechi Mark has made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games by breaking the world record in the women’s 61kg powerlifting category. She lifted an impressive 145kg, surpassing the previous record set by fellow Nigerian, Lucy Ejike.
This extraordinary achievement not only secured Nigeria’s first gold medal at these Games but also set a new world record. With one lift remaining, Mark is poised to extend her record further. Her closest rival is attempting a 138kg lift, while Mark aims for a final lift of 147kg to solidify her dominance.
Team Nigeria has long been a powerhouse in the Paralympics, particularly in powerlifting and athletics. At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Nigeria won ten medals, including four golds. Athletes like Lucy Ejike and Bose Omolayo have previously set world records and claimed multiple gold medals. This ongoing success underscores Nigeria’s commitment to nurturing and supporting its para-athletes.
Onyinyechi Mark Breaks Paralympic Record: For more details about the 2024 Paralympics and Team Nigeria’s achievements, stay tuned.
Source: ChannelsTv
Last Updated on September 6, 2024 by news
News
Paetongtarn Shinawatra Sworn In as Thailand’s New Prime Minister
Paetongtarn Shinawatra Sworn In as Thailand’s New Prime Minister
On September 6, 2024, Thailand’s newest Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, took the oath of office, marking a significant moment in Thai politics. At 38, Paetongtarn, also known as “Ung Ing” and daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is now Thailand’s youngest leader.
This event concludes a month of political upheaval that led to her predecessor’s removal and the dissolution of the main opposition party.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at Government House, with King Maha Vajiralongkorn officiating around 6:15 p.m. (1115 GMT). Following the ceremony, Paetongtarn was seen greeting reporters and then departing in an official vehicle.
King Vajiralongkorn extended his congratulations to Paetongtarn’s new cabinet, emphasizing his confidence in their ability to excel in their roles.
The new cabinet, which Paetongtarn leads, has made history with a record number of eight women members, according to Thai PBS.
Paetongtarn succeeds Srettha Thavisin, who was ousted by the Constitutional Court in mid-August for appointing a cabinet member with a criminal record.
In related news, various incoming cabinet members, including Manaporn Charoensri and Supamas Isarabhakdi, arrived at Government House ahead of the official oath-taking ceremony.
Anutin Charnvirakul and Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn were also present, signaling the formation of a new government.
This transition underscores a pivotal shift in Thailand’s political landscape, with Paetongtarn Shinawatra stepping into a leadership role during a time of significant change.
For further details, see related coverage:
Source: ChannelsTv
Last Updated on September 6, 2024 by news
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