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*LA Olympics 2028: Global South’s Leading Countries Need to Get Their Act Together*
*By Joseph Dimegbechie*
Judged by their own high standards, the leading economies of the Global South had a lacklustre performance at the recent Paris Olympics. Some, like China, must be feeling inconsolable. Boasting some of the most sophisticated sporting infrastructures and pedigrees, they had aspired to surpass Team USA but fell just short of the mark. China, which matched the USA in gold medals, ultimately conceded to their rivals in the total medal count, missing an opportunity to claim some prestige for the fastest-growing and largest developing economies outside the Western hemisphere. With burgeoning populations and an expanding role in international politics, nations like Nigeria, Mexico, Turkey, Brazil, Pakistan, and India must prioritize sports development as much as they do infrastructure and human resources.
Outside China, the Paris Olympics ended in disappointment for these emerging global powers. It seems they overlooked a critical element. Brazil secured only three gold medals and a modest total of 20 medals. The defeat of the Brazilian women’s football team in the finals against the USA was particularly poignant, given the country’s passion for the sport. “Better luck next time,” one might say to the Samba Girls. Mexico and Turkey each won three gold medals, while Pakistan added just one gold to a sparse tally for this collective of nations, home to the world’s largest human population and the custodians of our future. For India, which won no gold and only six medals, and Nigeria, whose team returned empty-handed, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics present another chance to succeed and claim some bragging rights to fit their rising reputation in world politics.
Many knowledgeable commentators have argued that unless nations from the Global South elevate their performance and start to dominate the medal tally, the Olympics risk devolving to the ignominious level of the Winter Olympics, which is often mocked in much of the developing world as the “White Olympics.” However, no concessions will be made, and if these emerging nations desire a shift in power, they must earn it through developing a successful strategy and investing substantially in the cultivation and nurturing of talent. The Olympic Games are a grand display of humanity’s natural athletic ability and resilience to excel, and they are a chance for every country to show off their citizens’ physical prowess proudly. This year Nigeria has had many struggles in this prestigious global competition, but the Nigerian spirit is nothing if not unyielding and tenacious.
An avoidable issue that has encumbered Nigeria’s ability to shine at the Olympics is the ill-preparation of the country’s Ministry of Sports Development formerly headed by Sunday Dare who failed to adequately equip the Ministry for this year’s Games. With the nation’s performance in 2020’s Summer Olympics and 2022’s Winter Olympics, it should have been a wake-up call for better preparation. In Paris, this year, Favour Ofili, a promising sprinter from the national team, unfortunately found herself unable to register to compete in the competition. Similarly, Ese Ukpeseraye, a dedicated cyclist, faced challenges as well and had to borrow a bicycle from the German national team. These project an unflattering image of Nigeria especially with the number of accompanying officials going to the competition who outnumbered the athletes.
Yet another disheartening issue is the significant number of athletes with Nigerian heritage who opted to compete for other countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and even less prominent nations like Bahrain. This raises questions about the sports and athletics environment in Nigeria when our own athletes prefer to represent other nations at the Olympics. Indeed, there are both positive and negative aspects to Nigerian athletes representing and winning medals for other countries. On one hand, it demonstrates the abundance of sporting talent in the country; on the other, it highlights the deficiencies in the administrative and motivational structures necessary to translate raw talent into medal counts. Despite these shortcomings, some accomplishments should be applauded.
In an official brief, John Owan Enoh, the current Minister of Sports and Development has surprisingly taken responsibility for the hindrances faced by the national team. This is unusual for Nigerian officials who love to play the blame game, ever out to save their reputation and pin it all on someone or something unrelated. Enoh has further developed a comprehensive plan to ensure Nigeria’s advancements and optimizations in future competitions, not just the Olympic Games. This is a breath of fresh air as it proves steps in the right direction are being made under the Tinubu Administration. Another important aspect of Enoh’s brief is his ministry’s resolution to renovate Nigeria’s sports facilities and refocus sports federations to bolster Nigeria’s performance on the international stage. This comes on the heels of the necessity of the country’s U-23 football team to construct a training camp in Germany before the Olympics.
But it is not all gloomy for the “Giant of Africa.” The inspiring story of Rena Wakama, a woman of Nigerian descent born in the United States of America who chose to coach Nigeria’s women’s basketball team (D’Tigress) over that of the US, shows Nigerians that even when abroad, we are proudly Nigerian, exceptionally patriotic. Ms. Wakama’s efforts were officially recognized by President Bola Tinubu as well as other individuals who have contributed to Nigeria’s place in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Her efforts have been fruitful with D’Tigress becoming the first African basketball team to cross the quarter-finals in the Olympics. Doping of any sort has recently become more common for athletes in the Olympic Games and Nigeria has been a repeat offender in this regard. However, this year, no competing Nigerian athlete was guilty of any form of unfair performance enhancement in Paris. This is commendable as it shows Nigeria’s national team’s dedication to good sportsmanship.
The Nigerian team returned home medal-less, yet they offered a preview of the potential for success in Los Angeles over the next four years with early preparation. Los Angeles is poised to evoke memories of the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, which was perhaps the most remarkable performance by Black Africa. The Nigerian Dream Team not only triumphed in men’s football, outplaying Brazil and Argentina the renowned powerhouses of the sport, but Chioma Ajunwa clinched Africa’s first female gold medal in a field event. The question remains: Can Nigeria replicate the Atlanta ’96 exploits in Los Angeles 2028? Given the indomitable Nigerian spirit this is certainly achievable. However, the groundwork must start now. The humility of the Nigerian Sports Minister is an indication that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Government can build the foundations to power the dreams of all Nigerians and hope for the Global South for a Los Angeles medals table flourish!
This is not the time to propose the removal of Senator John Owan Enoh, an unusually truthful public servant, a position being canvassed in certain quarters. Rather, it is the time to accord him every necessary backing to enable him focus and prepare for Nigeria’s forthcoming sporting appearances.
*Dimegbechie a public analyst lives in Enugu*
…leaders urge resilience as pressure mounts within ADC ranks
By Gloria Ikibah
Former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello and Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, have thrown their weight behind Rep. Leke Abejide, urging him to remain steadfast amid ongoing political tensions within his party the African Democratic Congress.
The messages of support were delivered during a dinner in Abuja held to celebrate the 50th birthday of his wife, Esther Abejide, where both leaders praised his resilience and commitment to democratic ideals.
They encouraged the Yagba Federal Constituency representative to stay the course and continue his efforts to stabilise and strengthen the African Democratic Congress, despite mounting internal challenges.
Bello described Abejide as a determined political figure who remains focused on his goals, while Gbajabiamila urged him to remain within the party and push for what he believes is right.
Their intervention comes at a time of heightened uncertainty within the ADC, with calls for unity and perseverance growing louder among party stakeholders.
Bello said, “Honourable Leke Abejide sought to be a member of the House of Representatives on the platform of APC then, and there are some mathematical miscalculations. But that never stopped him. He came second time and he is performing and touching lives across the board.
“Honourable Leke Abejide is acting as if he was the governor. At a point I was like, do you want to overthrow me? Honourable Leke Abigide sought to be the governor of Kogi State. He contested keenly with my amiable and wonderful successor. I know how many times our brother, the chief of staff, the president, intervened, called me, and several meetings were held. And I maintained one thing. I said, look, this is my brother. I will never deceive him. The politics of Kogi State, nobody knows better than I do at this stage. Let him just try his luck and learn and wait for an appropriate time.
“Honourable Leke Abejide did not lose. He only came to learn the act of politicking especially for governorship at that level in Kogi State. Honourable Leke Abejide did not hesitate to support and give all of his backings to my governor immediately after the election. He was under serious pressure to go to court. He was the first person who said he was not going to challenge it. Rather, he collapsed his structures and supported.
“Honourable Leke Abejide at National Assembly level, despite he belonged to ADC, he was supporting our president actively, both physically and covertly. Honourable Leke Abejide, we thank you for all your performance. Your Excellency, thank you for your guidance. The Chief of Staff, the President. Tell Mr. President that we appreciate you. And that myself and my governor, we have conferred on each other. And that we are calling on Chief Leke Abejide and telling all of the Yagba Federal Constituency’s persons that are here, please take this message home, that we want Leke back in APC”.
Similarly, the Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila commended Rep. Abejide for his doggedness which he said kept him on track in his democratic journey and winning elections on a platform which he kept alive and running for long.
He said, “I keep saying people to people when I talk about him, that for a man to contest an election in a face-to-face state where elections are fierce, and to contest under a platform of a relatively unknown party, ADC, and to win back-to-back-to-back, it tells you who that man is. Not when he won the first time, he came on a sole ADC carry to the house. Four years later, he went back to Kogi. He brought somebody else from the ADC.
“Honorable Abejide, I know you to be a committed party man. I know you to be a fighter. I know you to be someone who does not like to be cheated. So please, my charge to you is to stay in that same ADC. Fight. Fight them. Scare them. Hold on to your party, ADC. Do not allow them. We like what you are doing. Continue.
“Don’t let the former governor say that you should come and join the APC. No, no, no, no, no, no. Stay in the ADC. Win your election in the ADC as you will. Bring Gombe. We will support him. Bring him. Do the right thing. You are a fighter. Do the right thing. Nobody can come and take your party away from you. A party that you’ve been to for years with your sweat and your money and everything. No. Continue. Good luck in court”.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Legislators Serving and Former Forum has tasked all stakeholders especially the Judiciary on projection of Nigeria’s democracy.
The forum gave the charge on Tuesday at a news conference in Abuja while reacting to comments allegedly made by some top politicians and public officials that do not advance Nigeria’s democratic processes.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Ms Nnenna Ukeje, a member of the 8th House of Representatives said that as patriots, the forum is committed to national interest and have defended democracy on many fora.
According to her, their intervention stands for the defence, stability, protection of democracy and preservation of our beloved country.
“We must reiterate that there is a clear difference between the tyranny of the majority and true democracy; between illiberal civil rule and a system grounded in democratic contestation; between constitutional governance and authoritarian subjugation.
“Nigeria must remain firmly on the side of democracy, resisting overreach by any arm of government is not subversion; it is a constitutionally given right and duty.
“To the judiciary, we reiterate: this is a defining moment; the tipping point, the nation’s eleventh for survival.
“Your independence must remain sacrosanct. Your integrity must be unquestionable and your patriotism unapologetic. Your decision will determine the drift,” she said.
Ukeje said that Nigeria’s democracy must not be weakened by the very forces that once fought to build it saying that the preservation of democratic space is not a favour to the opposition but a duty owed to the nation.
The former lawmaker said that Nigerians must be very vigilant as democracy does not defend itself but survives only when citizens, institutions, and leaders commit to its protection.
“In conclusion, Nigeria must remain a nation governed by law, not expediency; by robust institutions, not strong individuals; and by the will of the people, not predetermined outcomes.
“Let the judiciary act without interference. Let opposition thrive without intimidation. Let citizens participate without fear.
“Nigeria’s democracy belongs to its people, and it must be protected and defended by all.
We remain committed to defending it through all lawful means; through the courts, through civic engagement, and at the ballot box,” she said. (NAN)
——-
…..Oyedele elevated to Finance Minister
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the membership of the Federal Executive Council.
According to a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, two cabinet members, Mr. Wale Edun and Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa are to leave the cabinet while their replacements have been named.
Edun, until the latest development, was the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy.
He has been directed to hand over to Mr. Taiwo Oyedele who is now to take over as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Oyedele was formerly a Minister of State in the ministry.
Also Mr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma (PhD .) has been named as the ministerial nominee and minister designate for the Housing and Urban Development Ministry.
The memo also directed Dangiwa to hand over to the Minister of State in the ministry.
The memo stated that “all handing over and taking over processes should be completed on or before close of business on Thursday 23rd April, 2026.”
Explaining the President’s decision, Akume said: “These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He said the President, in approving the cabinet reshuffle, has fully exercised his powers as conferred on him by Sections 147 and 148 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended).
The President thanked the outgoing ministers for their services to the nation while wishing them the best in all their future endeavours.
The President, Akume noted, equally assured all cabinet members that “the process of reinvigoration shall be continuous.”
Stand Firm and Keep Fighting, Bello, Gbajabiamila Rally Abejide
Forum of legislators calls on Judiciary to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy
Tinubu approves minor cabinet reshuffle, sacks Edun, Dangiwa
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