​FEDERAL MINISTRY OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT,  ABUJA 

PRESS RELEASE 

SPORTS MINISTER VISITS SOUTH EAST ZONAL HEADQUARTERS

...commends Enugu State Government for
promoting sports development 

In line with his avowed determination towards ensuring the development of sports from the grassroots, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has visited the Headquarters of the South East Zonal Office of the Ministry to ascertain its level of preparedness for the promotion of sporting activities in the Zone

During the visit which held today in Enugu, the Minister informed that the Ministry under his watch will utilize 
the Zonal Offices across the country with a view to decentralising sports so as to make room for easy discovery of talents, monitoring as well as grooming for the purpose of moving them to the elite stage

Earlier on a courtesy call on the Governor of Enugu State, HE Dr Peter Ndubusi Mbah, Senator Owan Enoh, who also inspected facilities in the State in the company of the Honourable 
Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Lloyd Ekweremadu and some  Management Staff of his Ministry, commended the Enugu State Government under his stewardship for its commitment to promoting sports through  the innovative and comprehensive upgrade and rebranding of facilities in the State.

He stated that the Federal Government was impressed with the commitment of the State Government, especially in the areas of grassroots sports, talent identification, 
infrastructure upgrade as well as in its vision for sports as a profitable business venture because it tallies with the Federal Government's vision for the sector.

The Minister informed that he was in the State to visit the Heaquarters of the South East Zonal Office, inspect its sporting facilities as well as have a one-on-one discussion with His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah on how to unlock the economic potentials of sports.

He added that the visit would also avail him the opportunity of having a first-hand knowledge of Enugu State's current status in the sports echo system in order to take definitive action on them.

The Minister noted that Enugu State deserves  commendation from all sports loving Nigerians, especially in their 
contributions to sports development, adding that 
the State has a rich history with an international brand like the Rangers football club.

While expressing the Ministry's desire to collaborate with Enugu State Government to ensure that the sector wears a new face where interested businessmen and women can invest their money and make profits, Senator Owan Enoh added that the vision of government at the Federal level is to also see sports as a sector that can create jobs, alleviate poverty in the society and contribute to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

 This further underscores the importance of our visit to the Zonal Office Headquarters located in the State. We are charging our Zonal Coordinators to brace up and begin to work closely and assiduously with their State host and also ensure that sports activities are organised and well packaged right at the grassroots in order to attract private sector sponsorships he said.

Speaking earlier, the Honourable Commissioner  for Youth and Sports in the State, Lloyd Ekweremadu commended the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration for endorsing the National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) approved by the immediate past administration which classified sports as a business and not just a mere recreation, a vision he said, is in line with the focus of the Governor Mbah-led administration.

Mr Ekweremadu observed that sports is a critical business sector that if well thought out and properly harnessed, can translate the passion and energies in our youth, provide jobs for them, increase our GDP and enable for a safe and peaceful environment for Nigerians as well as boost the economy of our nation.

In her remarks, the Zonal Coordinator, South East Zone, Ayi Roseline Chidiebere assured the Minister that the Zone will work assiduously towards the successful realisation of the policy objectives of the present administration.
 
She expressed optimism that with Senator Owan Enoh leading the new Ministry of Sports Development, Nigeria is sure to witness a systemic transformation of the sports industry in line with global realities.

The inspection tour by the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh covered, the South East Zonal Headquarters of the Ministry, indoor sports hall, hostels under construction, the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Rangers International Stadium, Rangers Administration offices as well as their football training field.

The South East Zonal Headquarters comprises Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra and Imo States.

Signed
Mohammed Manga, FCAI
Director, Press and Public Relations 
November 11, 2023

The Nigeria Rowing, Canoeing and Sailing Federation, (NRCSF), has assured that the forthcoming 9th African Canoe Sprint Championship will be a huge success.

The championship which is a Continental Olympic Qualification series is billed to take place from November 20-27, 2023 at Jabi Lake, Abuja.

Speaking in an interview after a visit to the office of the minister of Sports Development, President of Nigeria Rowing, Canoeing and Sailing Federation Rear Admiral Festus Pobeni assured that the federation will continue to work with the sports ministry so as to host a befitting championship.

According to Admiral Pobeni, the meeting with the honorable minister of sports development is yielding positive results.

“I just briefed the honorable minister about the event coming up, the Africa canoeing Olympic qualification series, and we are expecting about 20 countries here in Nigeria and I can tell you that the meeting was positive”.

“We will continue to work the sports ministry so as to stage a befitting championship. The ministry is the mother of the federations and the minister has assured us that he will support our program”. 

The NRCSF President further highlighted that Nigerian athletes will benefit hugely from the tournament since the African Canoe Sprint Championship is taking place in the Nigeria.

“It is very important to host the championship in Nigeria because our athletes will benefit from the hosting. We are prepared and I can tell you that 17 athletes will represent Nigeria in the championship”.
“Our athletes don’t need visas to travel because it is done here and what we just need to do is to select best athletes that can give us good representation”.

Nigeria alongside other 20 African countries will take part in the one week African Canoe Sprint Championship.

. Charges the Committee To Deliver a Successful Games

Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh on Tuesday inaugurated the Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the 22nd National Sports Festival slated to take place in Ogun State next year. 
Inaugurating the committee at the media center inside the MKO Abiola Stadium, National Stadium Complex Abuja, the minister charged members of the committee to work hard to deliver a seamless and successful games next year. 

The minister who noted that delivering a successful games requires hardwork however noted that with the commitment of Ogun state government and the caliber of members of the committee, he was optimistic that the committee would surmount all the challenges to deliver a successful games.


Senator John Owan Enoh observed that the normal practice was for the funding of the games to be shared between the Ministry of Sports and the state hosting the games. He stated that with the National Sports Industry Policy kicking in, sports should be seen as not only recreation but business.

He observed that after 22 years, the National Sports Games has become a brand capable of attracting corporate  sponsorship. The minister therefore encouraged the committee to package the games in such a way to make it attractive for the private sector to sponsor. He described sports as a multi billion business adding that if private sector driven sports industry could work in other climes, there is no reason it should not work in Nigeria.

Senator Owan Enoh appealed to the private sector and corporate organizations to support sports development in the country. 

Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated committee, Ismaila Abubakar,the Permanent Secretary of the ministry and Chairman of the Organizing Committee informed the Minister that members of the committee were fully aware that the responsibility of organizing successful games rest on them.
He assured him that the committee would mobilise both human and material resources to ensure that the games is hosted without hitches. 
Earlier, Wasiu Isiaka,the Ogun state Commissioner of Sports assured the Minister that the state was fully prepared to deliver a successful games.

The Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the National Sports Festival comprises Ismaila Abubakar, Permanent Secretary of Sports Development as Chairman and Bukola Olapade, (Chairman LOC) as Vice Chairman. Other members of the committee are Dr. Paul Onyeudo, Olufehinti Olusegun, Mohammed Manga, Gregory Zi, Ms Fadeke Fadeyibi, Engr. Abolore Alanamu, Patrick Okeke, Mrs. Amaka Ashiofu, Prof. Olawale Moronkola, Engr. Habu Gumel, Sunday Odebode, Emmanuel Utobo, Bamiduro Olumide and Brendan Ndifon.


The Media Office of the Honourable Minister of Sports Development.

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT, ABUJA 

PRESS RELEASE 


The Federal Government has called on the National Sports Federations to look inward and ensure they develop programmes and initiatives that will attract private sector investors in the  development of sports in the country

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh gave the charge in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja during the joint meeting with the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and Presidents of National Sports Federations.

He stated that sports has now moved from mere recreation to a business and thus, it behoves on the leadership of all the federations to now begin to  explore ways to attract private sector investors both international and local so as to help effectively  drive their sports and not exclusively depending on government for funding, this he said, is the practice the world over.

Senator Owan Enoh stated further that there are many private sector organisations that are willing to invest in sports in Nigeria but that the federations needs to step up rewarding activities that will attract them. He stressed that government can no longer fund the sector alone and that is why the present administration in its wisdom, recently endosed the National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) approved by the immediate past administration in the renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration to provide opportunities for the private sector participation in the  development of sports in Nigeria.

The Minister informed that the policy outlines some insensitive that can attract private sector investors such as tax exemption and rebate for a period of 5 years for investors in the value chain of sports; land provision and waiver for certain fees on lands meant for sports; single digit loan interest rates for corporate organisations and private individuals investing in the sports value chain as well as independent Government Grant through the establishment of an Independent Athletes Welfare Fund (AWF) from which athletes representing the country can draw support for education and trainings amongst others.

Senator Owan Enoh explained that government is not shielding its responsibility of funding the Federations but that it is determined to open up the sector to allow for private sector participation in order to provide opportunities for job creation, poverty alleviation as well as enhance the unity of the nation.

While reminding them of the role of sports in the promotion of social cohesion, unity,  peace and  understanding between the diverse ethnic groups, religions and culture across the country, the Minister  assured that the Ministry of Sports Development under his watch is working towards acquiring appropriations to support the federations for the effective discharge of their duties in line with the policy thrust of the government.

He therefore called on them to step up important and relevant programmes that will woo in the corporate and private organizations to join hands and compliment the efforts of the Federal  Government in the development of sports in line with global best practices.

He expressed optimism that if the steps are well taken by the federations, Nigeria will  witness rapid transformation in the sector. 

"I believe that we have enough private sector people who have shown interest in sports. We have enough private sector companies that are willing to invest in sports. Even at the international arena, we have such companies waiting to invest in Nigeria sports. What needs to be done to get these resources will be defined by the content of the programme that we have as presidents of various Federations in Nigeria. For example, what kind of scheduled engagement of activities have you put in place that can attract investment in your federation. Let me assure you that my
office is open and willing to take suggestions on what needs to be done and collaborate with different Federations so as to ensure the development of sports in Nigeria. 
Sports is business. So, we need to see how much business we can make out of it. Different private sector organisations, if they find out that, if you put X,Y and Z, they can get A,B and C, they will come and invest. Therefore, while we are looking up to the government, let us also task ourselves in this regard." Enoh concluded.

Speaking ealier unbehalf of the federations, the President, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Engr Habu Ahmed Gumel commended the Honourable Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh for the crucial meeting with the key stakeholders in the industry and also on keeping his doors open to their requests even though he had recently met with the Presidents of the National Sports Federations

While congratulating the Honourable Minister on his  appointment by  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and subsequent confirmation by the National Assembly, as the Captain of Nigerian sports, Engr Gumel informed that their request to meet with the Minister was to enabled them jointly brainstorm and look at some of the critical and imminent issues facing the Federations with a view to finding solutions for them.

He enumerated the issues to include among others, the forthcoming multi-sports Games – the Winter Youth Olympic Games, scheduled to take place from 19th January to 1st February, 2024, the 13th African Games that will be holding in Accra, Ghana from 8th to 23rd March, 2024 and  the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which will take place from 26th July to 11th August, 2024.

The NOC President  informed that the National Federations are the pivots upon which our national sports system stands.   They represent the basic constituencies for the discovery, nurturing and showcasing of our sporting talents to the elite levels. This is because only one National Federation can be recognized by the International Federation or African Confederation as the governing body in charge of the respective sports in their countries he said.

Engr Gumel, who observed the need for the meeting to take it as a  collective responsibility to ensure proper funding of our National Federations at all times, called on the bodies to collaborate with the Federal Government and reciprocate by exhibiting high levels of responsibility and integrity in their administration.  
That, I believe, is a clear way of setting our sport on the right pedestal of sustainable development.  And Honourable Minister, we all pledge to support you and your administration in this collective task of nation building through sport Gumel said 

Signed 
Mohammed Manga FCAI
Director, Press and Public Relations 
October 25, 2023

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT, ABUJA 

PRESS RELEASE 

The Federal Government has expressed its willingness to partner with the National Association for Physical and Health Education, Recreation and Dance (NAPHER-SD) to drive physical consciousness towards ensuring a productive and healthy nation.

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh gave the assurance in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja whe he received in audience members of the Association of NAPHER-SD led by its President, Professor Florence Bola Adeyanju. 

Senator Owan Enoh stated that the Ministry of Sports Development was ready to collaborate with NAPHER-SD to  develop programmes and initiatives that will encourage physical activity, raise awareness about the importance of fitness, and disseminate valuable health education information to all segments of the  society with a view to improving their health status, productivity, job  creation and poverty reduction amongst them.

He observed that 
a healthy nation is a productive nation, and by enhancing fitness and health education, we can contribute to the overall well-being of the citizens. Through effective collaboration between the Ministry and NAPHER-SD, they can jointly design initiatives that target both the youth and adults to cultivate a culture of physical fitness and health consciousness, he said 

He added that physical fitness and health education are integral  components of a thriving and prosperous nation and therefore NAPHER-SD should  play a leading role in promoting it.

The Minister explained that one of the vital elements that Nigerians as a people continually miss in the sports sector is the  physical fitness component, which he said is one element that is an aspect that we ignore. It incorporates the generality of people into the sports ecosystem 

He informed that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration is interested in this, which is why he added that the President out of his wisdom created a Ministry of Sports Development to holistically drive this aspect of human development in line  with the International standards.

The Minister noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) some years ago focused on the benefits of fitness and physical activity in its guide to all nations. Its benefits to healthy living are enormous. One of the tasks of NAPHER-SD is to come out with advocacy towards physical activity and ideas on regulating the sector, he stressed.

Senator Owan Enoh who commended NAPHER-SD for their longstanding commitment to physical education, sports, and related activities called on all Nigerians male and females to imbibe  the culture of physical fitness so as to improve their health status in line with the policy thrust of the government.

Speaking earlier,  the President of NAPHER-SD, Professor Adeyanju, stated that the Association was not only ready to support and deplore its professional expertise towards the successful realisation of the policy objectives of the government but also ensure cooperation and partnership with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration in order to contribute to the overall development of sports in the country.

 She added that the Association will ensure it works in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports Development to develop advocacy initiatives that will not only sensitize and regulate this important sector but also bring about positive changes that will contribute towards the development of a healthy nation.

Signed 
Mohammed Manga FCAI
Director, Press and Public Relations 

October 25, 2023

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT, ABUJA 

PRESS RELEASE 

The Federal Government has called on the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) to upscale its preparations ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games scheduled to take place in Paris, France

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh gave the charge today in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja when the Executive Members of the Nigeria Olympic Committee led by its President Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel visited him.

Senator Owan Enoh stated that early preparations for the Games will not only provide the athletes ampled opportunities in their  various sporting fields but will also  enable the country to record podium finishes at the international competitions

The Minister stated further that the desire of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration is to ensure the development of sports not only as a mere recreation but as a business with a view to providing job opportunities for our teeming youth, alleviate poverty in the society as well as to enhance peace and unity in the country.

This, he added, was demonstrated through the creation of a Ministry of Sports Development and in his appointment as the Minister to drive this important policy thrust of government.

He explained that sports remained the most unifying factor in Nigeria and  that the government was determined to develop the sector so as to strengthen the unity of this country for the betterment of all.

Senator Owan Enoh assured that under his watch,  the Ministry of Sports Development will not only recognise key stakeholders in the industry but was ready to partner and collaborate with them for the development of the industry.

He informed that the renewed Hope Agenda of the Government also provides an opportunity for inclusiveness in sports by both male and females as well as for private sector participation.  That was why he added that the National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) approved by the immediate past administration was recently endosed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration in its renewed Hope Agenda

He advised the executive members of NOC to look into the document to  see the areas that it can explore towards attracting private sector partnerships to help in the development of athletes so as to prepare them to  compete favourably with their  counterparts globally.

He  said that time has now come for all stakeholders in the industry to join hands with the Federal  Government to ensure the development of sports in the country, especially in the area of infrastructure upgrades, Grassroots Sports Development,  training of our athletes, Scholarships as well as in the area of  capacity building of the officials as government cannot do it alone.

In addition, the Minister reminded the Committee to ensure clean participation of the nation's athletes during the competition, stating that the government will not condore any cases of doping during the competitions.

Speaking earlier, the President of  Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Engr Habu Ahmed Gumel said that their visit was to congratulate the Honourable Minister on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and subsequent confirmation as the Captain of Nigerian Sports  as well as to brief him on the activities of the Committee.

Engr Gumel who commended the Honourable Minister on the proactive and progressive steps he had taken within the first month in office, which he  said, are clear pointers that his tenure is poised to chart a new course for Nigerian Sports assured that the Nigeria Olympic Committee, as co-partner with the Ministry of Sports Development is committed to the delivery of values to the stakeholders, especially in the area of capacity building to support National Federation Administrative and Technical Structures with a view to ensuring that the country joins the Committee of Sporting Nations.

He stated that the committee's core objective is providing international and local training scholarships for Nigerian elite and upcoming athletes as well as support grants to team sports. This we do  in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA and the Commonwealth  Games  Federation (CGF), so as to assist our athletes in preparation for qualification tournaments and participation in the Olympic Games, Commonwealth and African Games.  By so doing,  the NOC is able to augment what the Government is doing to prepare our athletes for these Games' he said.

The NOC President who enumerated other areas of the body's  contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh that the Committee will not only do everything humanly possible  to ensure that the country qualify for participation clean in the forth coming Olympic Games,  but also will bring  in their wealth of experience to bear in ensuring that Nigeria  records podium finishes at the international competitions.

Signed 
Mohammed Manga FCAI
Director Press and Public Relations 

October 24, 2024

FEDERAL  MINISTRY OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT, ABUJA 

PRESS RELEASE 

The Federal Government has expressed its determination to ensure the development of athletes discovered from the recently concluded 7th Edition of the National Youth Games held in Asaba, the Delta State Capital.

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh disclosed this today in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja during an interactive session with the Federal Directors of Sports 

He stated that nurturing the young talents discovered during the games to the elite stage was one of the primary objectives of government in establishing the Competition.

Senator Owan Enoh explained that the Games was designed not only to enhance and elevate sports globally and regionally,  but also to establish a standard for athletes' succession from one generation to another and also enable for their participation in community development as well as reinvigorate national unity and collaboration amongst them.

He informed that strategic and deliberate efforts will soon be unfolded by the Ministry to drive the implementation of the programme.

The Minister assured that under his watch, the Ministry will ensure the grooming of these talents for a seamless transition to elite stage so as to enable for growth path of new champions that will represent the country both at local and international competitions 

Senator Owan Enoh stated that when young talents are discovered during national competitions, it becomes imperative that a timely and strategic arrangement must be immediately put in place to ensure their exposure to more coaching as well as facilities and infrastructure that will equip them for more podium appearances.

The Minister noted that if given the needed training and encouragement, Nigerian athletes were capable of being counted among one of the best globally because of their potentials in the field of sports.

He stated further that these budding athletes should not left to themselves but rather groomed into professionalism in their various field of sports.

*If we are able to show what we have been able to do with these discovered talents before the next National Youths Games, it will inspire confidence and buy-in by Nigerians and relevant stakeholders,” the Minister said. 

He therefore charged the Directors to bring their wealth of experience to bear in ensuring the realization of this policy objective

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary Overseeing the Ministries of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, assured that the Ministry will ensure the full implementation of the initiatives, policies and programmes of government, especially those that will drive the development of our athletes' right from the grassroots.

Signed
Mohammed Manga, FCAI 
Director, Press and Public Relations 
October 17, 2023

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT, ABUJA

PRESS RELEASE

In the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration, the Federal Government has assured that it will implement the National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) approved by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration to provide opportunity for corporate and  private sector participation in the development of sports in the country. 

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, stated this today in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja while answering questions from newsmen.

He stated that the present administration has endorsed the National Sports Industry Policy as both corporate and private sector play critical roles in sports sponsorships and infrastructure upgrade, adding that the policy has also provided an opportunity for moving sports away from mere recreation to business

Besides, the Minister added that one of the key policy objectives of the present administration is that sports can be used as a source of unity, peace and stability of the country, job creation as well as providing an opportunity for inclusivity in participation in sports by both male and female

He explained that government intends to set up machinery for interface with the newly discovered talents from the just concluded National Youth Games (NYG) with a view to securing scholarships for their nurture to elite stage, and also for sighting of facilities and infrastructure across the country at grassroots to provide early exposure and grooming for budding talents

Senator Owan Enoh informed that the investment and funding in sports comes largely from both the corporate private sector the world over because it is a huge and vast area adding that there was a time in this country when the private sector was much more involved in funding sports and providing scholarships

That, he said,  may have reduced quite substantially but that one of the major focus of the Ministry now is to see how we can get back and sell ourselves to the private sector, to see how much we can build trust and confidence so that competitions and initiatives of the Ministry can have the endorsement and huge support of the private sector

The Minister who recognised the critical role welfare plays in the overall performance of athletes, assured  that the Ministry under his watch will not only set up a well planned welfare scheme to cater for non active and active sportsmen and  women, but also ensure that the country shows them recognition for their contributions through provision of various  honours, among others for their sacrifices.

According to him, Anybody who has had cause to fly the National Flag high, represent the country, we should be able to show them gratitude and recognition because it is a no mean feat

He assured further the Ministry will continue to work assidiously with various sports federations with a view to ensuring early preparations and participation of our athletes in both national and international competitions for podium finishes.

In addition, the Minister assured that the administration will give support and strength to the existing Anti- Doping Committee to ensure the clean participation of our athletes  in these competitions

Signed
Mohammed Manga, FCAI
Director, Press and Public Relations 
October 13, 2023

​FEDERAL MINISTRY OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT, ABUJA


In its avowed determination to ensure the development of sports in the country,  the Federal Government has met with key stakeholders in the industry, to brainstorm on the way forward for the development of the round leather game. 

During the meeting which held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja, today, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh stated that the engagement 
with the Leadership of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Nigeria Premier Football League ( NPFL),   Club Owners' Association, as well as the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) was imperative as there was urgent need to take intentional and strategic actions, especially on the operations of clubs and match officials so as to ensure the development and growth of the round leather game in the country to an appreciable level of professional admiration.

He stated further that government has been working assidously with the key stakeholders in the industry with a view to ensuring the development of football in the country through the introduction of viable initiatives, policies and programmes.

The Minister who expressed dismay on the omission of Nigerian referees from participation in the AFCON 2023 competition, called on the leadership of the bodies to ensure  they synergize, look inward and reorganize the state of football for the benefit of the nation.

He noted that football in Nigeria cannot be said to be developing if our referees are excluded from international tournaments year in, year out; stressing that the Ministry is concerned about this we are concerned because this does not spell well for the reputation of our nation, he said. 

Senator Owan Enoh explained that the bitter experience from CAF, which is the exclusion of Nigerian officials for AFCON, should be treated as a lesson to improve the conduct and operations of the management of our round leather game to ensure the development of our league. We are in this sorry state  because of what had happened in the past, but it is incumbent on us to take action points from our deliberations and define the future of our game. We must put our house in order internally before we focus on the external determinants of our reputation. he said.

While reminding  them of their key role as critical stakeholders in the development of football in the country, the Minister assured that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration was determined to move sports away from mere recreation to the level of job creation so as to alleviate poverty and also ensure inclusiveness of women in sports with a view to contributing meaningully to the promotion of unity and safety in the country.

Senator Owan Enoh informed that clubs have a responsibility to scale up their operation to a professional level, where the welfare and insurance of players, club licensing compliance, security, infrastructure, contract matters and others are treated in accordance with international best practices.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary overseeing the Federal Ministries of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar stated that the meeting was conveyed as a follow-up to the Minister's earlier engagement with the stakeholders to further provide the wider opportunity to brainstorm on issues surrounding the development of the round  leather game in the country.

He called on the leadership of all the bodies to put the interest of the nation above their personal interests and ensure they provide the meeting with relevant contributions  that will help in driving the development of football in line with the policy thrust of the present administration.

Alhaji Ismaila assured that the Ministry will continue to provide the necessary administrative support to ensure the development of all sports in Nigeria for the benefit of our teeming youth as well as for the socio-economic growth of the nation.

Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau stated that the Federation has taken some initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency of the country's referees as it has brought in younger generation to take up officiating roles.

The President stated further that NFF has the vision to ensure that those who will earn FIFA refereeing badge in the country henceforth  should be relevant on the international stage for a long time.

Signed
Mohammed Manga FCAI 
Director, Press & Public Relations
October 6, 2020

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT, ABUJA 

PRESS RELEASE 

As the 2023 National Youth Games kicks off, the Federal Government has called on participants in the country to ensure they compete fairly in the spirit of Unity of the nation.

The President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave the charge today when he declared open the 7th edition of the National Youth Games holding in Asaba, the Delta State Capital. 

The President stated that the aim of the games which was conceived in 2013 was to reposition sports at the grassroots level and to facilitate the discovery of budding talents in the country.

Represented by the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh,  the President stated further that National Youth Games serves as an effective platform for talent identification and development as well as a level playing ground for young athletes to achieve excellence in sports and not necessarily to compete for the purpose of winning medals alone.

He explained that the Games was designed not only to enhance and elevate sports globally and regionally,  but also to establish a standard for athletes' succession from one generation to another and enable for athletes participation in their community development as well as reinvigorate national unity and  collaboration amongst them.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu informed that his administration is committed to the development of sports in the country and that was why he specifically created the Ministry of Sports Development and assigned a colossus administrator,  Senator John Owan Enoh to drive its affairs, in line with the policy thrust of government.

The aim he added, is to ensure that sports move from mere recreation to job creation, thereby providing opportunities for poverty reduction amongst our youth, both male and female through government's agenda of inclusiveness thus, improving on the security of our dear nation.

The President who congratulated Delta State Government for hosting the games urged officials and athletes to compete with the spirit of fairness and togetherness, while putting the interest of the nation ahead

He wished the athletes a fruitful competition.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Governor of Delta State Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori stated that since inception, the National Youth Games  has proven to be a cost effective and reliable tool to promote national unity, advance development and  peace at both national and sub-national levels.

He observed that if this is effectively harnessed, sports has the power to positively impact on the economic and social wellbeing of any society.

Sports, he noted, plays a great role in the realization of development and peace, in its promotion of tolerance and respect, and the contributions it makes to the empowerment of women and of young people, individuals and communities, not to mention its health, education and social inclusiveness objectives.

The Governor noted further that the belief of the Deltans on these ideals was unshakeable and that is why he said, the Government of Delta State has continued to make its resources available to host national and international sporting competitions

In 2018, he added, the state hosted the African Senior Athletics Championship, and in November 2022, the 21st National Sports Festival. 

Gov. Oborevwori reiterated that the Stephen Keshi Stadium has become a venue of choice for hosting national football championships, as Delta is becoming the beehive of sports in Nigeria.

He assured all participants of a peaceful and exciting games as security personnel, protocol officers, traffic management teams, and volunteers are on ground to ensure a
peaceful, safe and secure environment for free and fair competition.

Signed
Mohammed Manga, FCAI 
Director, Press and Public Relations 
September 23, 2023