Nigeria – The Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Kayode Oladele has pledged full support for the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA), affirming that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, which places fairness, inclusiveness and unity at the heart of national development.
Oladele gave this assurance during a courtesy visit to the FCC headquarters in Abuja by Khalifa Onu, consultant to NUGA, alongside his team.
In his remarks, Onu explained that the games serve as a platform where students from across Nigeria come together to showcase their talents. He noted that a committee had been set up to revive traditional sporting activities across universities and highlighted the importance of FCC’s partnership, given its mandate to foster national unity and inclusiveness.
While responding, Oladele described NUGA as more than just a sporting competition, stressing that it has evolved into a national symbol promoting discipline, excellence and unity.
“Every edition of NUGA brings together young Nigerians from diverse regions to compete, interact and build lasting friendships, thereby demonstrating the strength of our diversity,” he said.
He emphasised that the core values of fairness, equity and inclusiveness are the principles upon which the FCC was founded and are also reflected in NUGA, where athletes compete on merit rather than prejudice.
Speaking on the forthcoming festival to be hosted by the University of Jos, Oladele described Plateau State as a melting pot of Nigeria’s cultures and traditions. He added that hosting the games in Jos would reinforce the message of unity in diversity.
The acting chairman affirmed the commission’s endorsement of NUGA as a vital instrument for national integration and youth development. He urged referees and officials to uphold the highest standards of fairness and impartiality. “Athletes should succeed based on skill, discipline and determination, not favouritism,” he stated
Highlighting the role of youth in nation-building, Oladele noted that the future of Nigeria rests on their shoulders. He reiterated the commission’s commitment to policies that guarantee equal opportunities for all Nigerians regardless of background.
He explained that the FCC has been implementing reforms to promote fairness in recruitment, improve staff welfare and ensure equity across ministries, departments and agencies.
Hon. Oladele urged NUGA consultants to bring professionalism and patriotism to their work, ensuring that this year’s festival would be remembered for unity and friendship rather than medals.
According to statement by the commission’s director of public affairs and communication, Chizea Chukwudi, Oladele advised that sports should remain a unifying force and a rallying point for national hope, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity remains its greatest strength.