FCT Director Commends Screening Committee, Charges Incoming Boards on Performance

FCT Director Commends Screening Committee, Charges Incoming Boards on Performance

By Our Reporter 

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is targeting a significant increase in podium finishes at future national sporting competitions, including the National Intermediate Games and the National Sports Festival scheduled to take place before the end of 2026, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

FCT Director of Sports, Luka Istifanus, disclosed this while receiving the report of the Steering Committee responsible for screening aspirants into the boards of the 33 FCT Sports Associations. The report was presented on behalf of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

Istifanus expressed confidence that the thorough and transparent screening exercise conducted by the committee, led by veteran sports administrator Godwin Bamigboye, would provide a sustainable foundation for sports development across the FCT.

According to him, the emergence of capable and committed leadership within the various sports associations will play a crucial role in enhancing athlete development and improving the FCT’s performance at major national competitions.

He specifically highlighted the forthcoming National Intermediate Games in Lagos and the National Sports Festival in Ogun State as key targets for improved results, urging the incoming association boards to work collectively toward achieving the sporting objectives of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

The Director of Sports also commended the Chairman of Chairmen of the FCT Sports Associations and incoming Chairman of the FCT Basketball Association, His Royal Majesty, Sir Eze Ifeanyi Eke, for his contributions to sports development in the territory. He encouraged him to continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving the performance of FCT athletes and coaches.

Istifanus further called for measures to prevent the loss of talented athletes and coaches developed within the FCT to other states offering more attractive incentives and welfare packages.

Among those present during the submission of the report were incoming chairmen of several sports associations, including Prince Ladan Dahiru Uke (Squash), Barrister George Ogbeme (Handball), and Alhaji Usman Mohammed Bappa (Badminton). Also in attendance were Professor D.C. Lucky Abubakar, an incoming board member of the Basketball Association, and Alhaji Abdulmunin Yusuf, an incoming board member of the Taekwondo Association.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, former member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Albert Atiwurcha, expressed appreciation to the FCT Minister for the confidence reposed in the committee. He noted that the successful completion of its assignment marked a significant milestone, describing it as the first time the FCT had undertaken a comprehensive screening process for aspirants seeking positions on sports association boards.

The steering committee was chaired by Godwin Bamigboye and comprised Honourable Albert Atiwurcha, Dr. Charles S. Agadu, Dr. Mrs. Whoba Esther Chioma, Iyiola Ogundele, Mrs. Uche Nwudoh Hilary, Busari S. Oyeniyi, Dave O. Jegede, and Jones Owoicho Adakole as members, while Clinton Agbor served as Secretary and member of the committee.

The boards of the 33 FCT Sports Associations are expected to be inaugurated later this month, marking the beginning of a new phase in sports administration and development within the Federal Capital Territory.