By Tolulope Oguntimehin

The President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Dr. Ademola Are, has galvanized all federations in anticipation of the upcoming African Games scheduled to be held in Ghana from 8 to 23 March 2024. 

As the event draws near, with just approximately two months remaining, Dr. Ademola Are believes that the meeting with the Minister of Sports Development is perfectly timed. 

This meeting is pivotal, not only to align the federation's efforts in preparing for the All African Games but also to consider that these games serve as qualifiers for certain events in the Paris 2024 Olympics, in collaboration with the ministry's comprehensive plans for Team Nigeria.

In expressing the significance of the federations' roles, Dr. Are emphasized, "The roles of the federations are of utmost importance in ensuring sustainability in the development and growth of sports in Nigeria." He underscored the importance of a technical meeting scheduled for 11th January 2024, deeming it crucial for deliberate and purposeful strides in preparing for podium success at the games.

 He urged federation Presidents  to set aside past grievances, stating, "I know we are pained by some happenings in both past and present situations in our sphere of sports development in the country, despite your personal sacrifice and efforts to ensure that Nigeria remains relevant in the comity of nations. But we must focus on the bigger picture, which is to work with the Honourable Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh, in ensuring that the federation's roles in achieving podium finishes at the games are not undermined." 

Addressing logistical concerns, Dr. Ademola Are clarified that the earlier circular sent by the ministry would no longer be implemented. Instead, the ministry will handle the logistics for the attendance of federation Presidents and their secretaries at the meeting. Throughout, he remains steadfast in his call for unity and focus, unwavering in the commitment to ensuring Nigeria's triumph at the upcoming African Games in Ghana.