By Goodluck Ikiebe
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has expressed the Ministry’s desire to make Nigeria a one-stop shop for Cycling and trainings through the development of structures and athletes in the game.
The Minister made the disclosure in Abuja when he received a delegation of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria, led by the President, Confederation of African Cycling, Dr Mohamed Waguih Azzam.
He expressed delight over the granting of hosting rights to the country at the continental level of the game, noting that it is a validation that the Federation is doing well in the game.
Dare, who commended the President of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN), Engr. Giandomenico Massari, for his contribution to the development of Cycling in Nigeria, stated government’s willingness to synergize for the growth of Cycling in Nigeria.
According to him, “We will like to work and partner with you to get a better facility and our cyclists will then be world beaters anytime, anywhere.”
While describing Nigeria as a Cycling loving country, Dare stated that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration was committed to the development of sports in the country.
Earlier, the President, Confederation of African Cycling, Dr. Mohammed Waguih Azzam, thanked the government for creating an enabling environment for the game to thrive in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the President, Cycling Federation of Nigeria, Engr. Giandomenico Massari, commended the Federal government for granting approval for the hosting of the event in Nigeria.
He described Cycling as an interesting game to watch, adding that the games also create an opportunity for youth to showcase themselves.
In another development, with a view to ensuring the smooth running of affairs for Para Sports in Nigeria, the Federation is set to hold its National Elections on Friday, July 15, 2022.
This is following the successful conduct of elections into the Para Sports Boards at the six (6) geo-political zones of the country recently.
The Ministry which stated that the National elections will be conducted for Amputee Football, Para Athletics, Para Powerlifting, Para Soccer, Sitting Volleyball, Para Swimming and Wheelchair Basketball Federations, called on stakeholders to collaborate with the Federations in ensuring the success of the exercise.
It will be recalled that the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare, dissolved the Boards of seven (7) Para Sports Federations on Tuesday March 8, after the expiration of their four (4) year tenure on February 27, 2022.
