By Dele Ogbodo
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Sports has reiterated it’s unwavering commitment to improve sports for national unity and socio economic growth.
This is coming even as the first National Council on Sports which attracted stakeholders from across the country icks off in Enugu, the Enugu State capital.
The event which started on Monday at the old Government Lodge, is expected to come to come to close tomorrow (Wednesday 22nd).
Delivering the welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Tinuke Watti, noted while sharing her excitement that the theme of the meeting was suitable, relevant and timely as the Ministry navigates the challenges and opportunity of the current era.
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FMSD, Mrs. Kehinde Ajayi, in a statement, quoted the Perm Sec as noting that sports have long been a cornerstone of our nation’s cultural fabric that transcends the barriers of language, ethnicity, and religion, uniting us under the common banner of competition, achievement, and collective pride.
“In every corner of our country, from the cities to the towns and villages, sports bring us together, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.” She said.
The Permanent Secretary, described sports as not just a game but a major industry with the capacity to generate employment, drive economic development and improve public health and when rightly positioned, will help to take the youth off crime as successful athletes serve as role models, inspiring younger generations to aspire to greatness and engage in productive activities.
“Sports are not just games; they are a major industry with the capacity to generate employment, drive economic development, and improve public health.
Investments in sports infrastructure and programs can help boost the economy of our Nation”, The Permanent Secretary noted.
She further encouraged the delegates to actively participate and come up with policies that would serve as guide for better and improved decisions in the Sports Sector in Nigeria, as well work out strategies to achieve the deliverables, as set out for the Sector in the Presidential Priorities.
In his opening address remarks at the opening ceremony of the council meeting with the theme “Sports for National Unity and Socio-Economic Growth”, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, described the meeting as the highest policy-making organ where stakeholders in the Sports Sector gather to deliberate, discuss and share a common vision of advancing sports in the country with a view to proffering sustainable solutions and also noted that the theme for this year’s Council is timely.
He reiterated that the technical session is a critical component of this council meeting, as it provides a platform for robust discussions, knowledge sharing, and the formulation of strategies that will shape the future of Sports in the country.
He pointed that the technical session of this esteemed council, is not for the participants to just sit and watch but are pioneers charting a new course for the future of sports in Nigeria, as their discussions, decisions, and collaborations in this forum will lay the groundwork for transformative policies and innovative programs that will impact on youths, and the nation’s standing in the global sports arena.
The Deputy Governor urged the participants present to rise to the occasion and to engage in open, constructive and forward-thinking discussions and come up with recommendations worthy of consideration by the Council.
He tasks them to ensure that their policies are inclusive, providing equal opportunities and to create an environment where every young person can dream, excel and achieve greatness through sports.
“As you embark on these technical sessions, I urge us all to engage open, Constructive, and forward-thinking discussions.
“Let us leverage our collective expertise to address the challenges facing our sports sector and explore innovative solutions that will propel us to greater heights in key areas such as infrastructure development, athlete welfare, funding mechanism, coaching standards and grassroots Sports programs require your utmost attention and concerted efforts.”
In attendance at the opening ceremony were critical stakeholders in the Sports sector from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Directors of the Federal Ministry of Sports, Sports Federations Presidents and representatives of the Private Sectors.