Sports
Sports Minister Maps Strategy to Harness Nigeria’s Untapped Talents, Commits to School Sports Revival
Plans to resuscitate, rejuvenate grassroots sports
Joel Ajayi
The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has stated that Nigeria’s journey towards sporting excellence hinges on the strategic provision of essential sports infrastructure and nurturing talents at the grassroots level.
He stated this during a radio engagement with Nigerians on Brila Media’s Sports Fans Parliament. He said a critical first step towards this noble goal involves a rejuvenation of the school sports system.
Senator Enoh passionately asserted that revitalizing School Sports and returning it to its former glory is imperative. He acknowledged that this initiative necessitates not only the enhancement of existing programs but also an ambitious collaboration with stakeholders, most notably through a robust private-public partnership.
In his address, the Minister stated thus: “School sports would come back. The ministry is going to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Education, because they are going to be a necessary partner in this.”
“I’m aware that we have had different people sponsor different aspects of school sports, but this has also largely been limited and restricted to a state, a few states, or a zone. The school sports that the Ministry of Sports Development is going to resuscitate is going to have a national scope and therefore have every part of the country get involved.”
Beyond talent development, the School Sports system has also proven instrumental in curbing age cheating, fostering proper documentation, and nurturing aspiring athletes with exceptional skills and talents. This holistic approach ensures that promising athletes receive the support and mentorship they need to reach their full potential.
In light of Senator John Owan Enoh’s visionary blueprint, it is clear that the revitalization of School Sports will play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s sporting resurgence. By embracing a nationwide approach and engaging with diverse stakeholders, this initiative promises to bring back the glory days of School Sports, fostering a brighter future for Nigerian athletes and a more competitive and successful sporting landscape.
Historically, School Sports has been a catalyst for Nigeria’s rise to prominence in the global and national sporting arena. It served as a breeding ground for prodigious talents who later earned acclaim as athletes and coaches. Icons such as Stephen Keshi, Daniel Amokachi, Henry Nwosu, Mary Onyali-Omagbemi, Chioma Ajunwa, Ese Brume, etc., owe their success to the School Sports system.
Sports
Speaker House Reps, Abbas, Others Thumbs NFF President Over NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and New Training Pitches
…Says It Will Boost Nigeria’s Economy
By Joel Ajayi
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, for initiating the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches, describing it as a transformational project that will boost Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Speaker Abbas praised the initiative and pledged the National Assembly’s full support.
“This is a noble project, and the National Assembly will give it full support. I congratulate the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, and I thank FIFA for agreeing to fund this project,” he stated while cutting the ceremonial tape.
He also assured the House of Representatives’ support for the visionary leadership of Engineer Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the NFF in other key areas where assistance is required.
Leading the FIFA delegation, Gelson Fernandes (Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer/Regional Director, Africa) reiterated FIFA’s commitment to funding the project, emphasizing that infrastructure development has been a priority since the tenure of President Gianni Infantino began.
Expressing his excitement, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau stated that the hostel and training pitches will serve all Nigerian national teams, leagues, and academies.
“Indeed, my joy knows no bounds. From the day my Executive Committee and I were sworn into office in Benin City on Friday, 30th September 2022, I was determined to push this project forward as a legacy for Nigerian football.
“For sustained success, we must provide a conducive environment, infrastructure, equipment, and support systems that enable players and officials to perform at their best.
“Building a players’ hostel and having new training pitches will not only enhance team management but also reduce costs, allowing us to invest more in grassroots development programs.”
Several dignitaries present at the event applauded Gusau’s leadership, determination, and commitment to football development in Nigeria.
The event was well attended by local and international stakeholders, including sports enthusiasts, who witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and Training Pitches.
In addition to the hostel, the project includes:Two new training pitches (one synthetic and one natural grass). Reconstruction of the existing synthetic pitch.
Also, Spectators’ sitting terraces with 1,838 seats.Two dressing rooms for players, each accommodating 27 players.Two dressing rooms for officials.
The construction is expected to last 24 months and is fully funded by FIFA under its FIFA Forward 3.0 programme.
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