By Seun Adams
The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh has called for collaboration and synergy with relevant stakeholders in and outside the sports industry with a view to developing the sector in line with contemporary realities.
The Minister made the call in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, shortly after assumption of office.
He reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is passionate about the development of sports in the country and that is why, in his wisdom, he assigned a Minister to specifically drive the development of the sector.
Enoh, explained that the collaboration has become expedient because sports is not only one of the most unifying factors for all Nigerians but also one of the key sectors that contributes to the socio-economic development of the nation.
The Minister, said: “As challenging as the country is today, despite the conflicts, the diversity, when it gets to sports activities in the country, Nigerians are always united.”
He expressed optimism that with effective collaboration of all stakeholders, especially with positive reportage by the media on all sporting activities, as key partners in the development of sports, Nigeria is sure to register its name among the comity of sporting nations.
He assured of his commitment to ensure a complete turn around in the sector in line with the policy thrust of the present administration
Enoh, called on staff and officials of the Ministry as well as sports federations, to bring their wealth of experience and expertise to bear, in ensuring that the country has the best representations in all competitions.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, overseeing the Ministries of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, assured that the Ministry will continue to create an enabling environment for the full implementation of sporting initiatives, policies and programmes for the development of the sector in the country
He assured that the staff and officials of the Ministry will bring in their wealth of experience and expertise to bear, in the realization of sports development in Nigeria