With just six days to the 3rd National Para Games in Abuja, preparations across host venues have reached advanced stages. The Moshood Abiola National Stadium is set to serve as the central hub, with multiple para-sport events scheduled across its facilities, while other competitions will take place at designated locations such as Jabi Lake and the Velodrome from March 26 to April 3, 2026. But beyond the readiness of the host city lies a more pressing and uncomfortable question for stakeholders in Gombe State: Is Gombe truly prepared to be part of this national event or is it at risk of being absent altogether? Confirming initial plans, the Director of Sports in Gombe State, Manga Sale, stated that three associations; para athletics, para table tennis, and para cycling are expected to represent the state at the Games. On paper, this suggests participation. In reality, however, it raises deeper concerns: Are these teams adequately trained, funded, and competition-ready? Or is this ...
Dankwambo Chairs His Inaugural Chess Federation Board Meeting, Sets Vision for Grassroots and Institutional Growth
The newly elected President of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Senator Ibrahim H. Dankwambo, PhD, OON (Talban Gombe), on Thursday, November 6, 2025, presided over the inaugural meeting of the Federation’s Board in Abuja. The meeting is a significant step in repositioning chess development in Nigeria, as the board reviewed its 2025 programs with key focus areas including funding, capacity building, athlete welfare, and the expansion of chess into secondary and tertiary institutions nationwide. In his remarks, Senator Dankwambo commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its ongoing efforts to strengthen the sports sector through innovation, transparency, and inclusiveness. He noted that the Federation’s renewed vision aligns with the NSC’s broader agenda for sports development across the country. The newly elected Federation President underscored the importance of strategic planning and collaboration in advancing chess in Nigeria, stating that the NCF would ...