Sports

Sen. Enoh Relentless in Pursuit to Rejuvenate Sports

Published

4 months ago

May 16, 2024

Joel Ajayi

Says Team Nigeria Will be Ready for Paris 2024 Olympic Games

In a resolute declaration, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to rejuvenate and reposition Nigerian sports. Under the guiding principles of the Renewed Hope mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Enoh emphasized the ministry’s determination to propel sports in Nigeria to new heights of excellence and glory.

Highlighting the significant strides made thus far during a chat with his media team, Senator Enoh underscored the ministry’s dedication to building upon past successes to drive transformative change within the sports sector. Despite facing challenges, the ministry remains steadfast in its mission to catalyze the advancement of sports across the nation.

“Sports in Nigeria is undergoing a significant transformation, and we are fully committed to leveraging this momentum to drive positive change and achieve unprecedented success,” stated Senator Enoh.

Following the Confederation of African Football’s exclusion of Nigerian match officials from its 2023 AFCON list, Senator Enoh took decisive action by convening stakeholders and declaring a state of emergency on officiating. Through collaborative efforts, a roadmap to rejuvenate officiating in Nigeria was established, leading to the inclusion of Nigerian match officials in the pool for international competitions by the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) for the year 2024.

Senator Enoh’s proactive leadership was instrumental in ensuring a successful and controversy-free African Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, culminating in the team’s historic final appearance after 11 years. Additionally, Nigerian footballer Victor Osimhen’s crowning as the African Player of the Year marked a significant milestone, ending a 24-year drought.

Further accolades were bestowed upon the Senior Women’s National Team of Nigeria, the Super Falcons, who were honored as the Team of the Year in Africa at the 2023 CAF Awards. Their impressive performance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand secured a top 10 global ranking for the team.

Nigeria’s dominance extended beyond football, with notable achievements at the African Games in Ghana, particularly in sports such as wrestling, boxing, and weightlifting, surpassing previous records and setting new benchmarks for excellence at the Games.

“Through collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for Nigerian sports. Our goal is not only to excel on the international stage but also to nurture a culture of sports excellence at all levels,” Senator Enoh remarked.

Enoh stated that the Ministry will continue to work hard to bring more private investors into sports, as this period represents the best time for injecting a new life into sports.

Looking ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Senator Enoh expressed confidence in Team Nigeria’s readiness, with athletes securing qualifications across various sports and events. Notably, Nigeria secured four additional Olympic tickets in athletics following a successful outing at the World Relays Championships in the Bahamas.

“For Team Nigeria, the journey to Paris 2024 represents an opportunity to shine and make our nation proud. We are fully committed to supporting our athletes and ensuring that they have everything they need to excel on the world stage,” Senator Enoh concluded.

Senator Enoh assured that Nigeria will showcase its prowess on the global stage, leaving no stone unturned to ensure the success and welfare of its athletes.

Share on Facebook

Sports

Ibadan Marathon Will Drive Business Growth, Foster Community Spirit, Spotlight Local Talents-Gov Makinde

Published

7 hours ago

September 18, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Oyo State Governor, His Excellency Seyi Makinde, has emphasized that the Ibadan Marathon will boost local businesses, create jobs, and strengthen community bonds.

He made this statement during a world press conference in Ibadan, where he was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wosilat Adegoke.

“This initiative not only promotes health and fitness but also supports our local economy while showcasing the beauty of our vibrant city,” he remarked. “The Ibadan Marathon is an opportunity for runners, families, and spectators to unite in celebration of sportsmanship and community spirit. Through this event, we demonstrate our commitment to public health, active lifestyles, and progress.”

The governor further highlighted the marathon’s role in promoting Ibadan’s cultural heritage, attracting visitors from across Nigeria and beyond, and spurring economic growth.

Savvy Events Limited CEO, Miss Arinola Idowu, and franchise owner of the Ibadan Marathon, shared that the 2024 event is designed to celebrate the city’s unity, strength, and rich history, with the theme ‘ERE IDARAYA.’ She emphasized that the event aims to support small businesses, engage youth, and elevate the city’s brand.

The Ibadan Marathon is a joint initiative between the Oyo State Government and Savvy Events to position Oyo State as a hub for sports, commerce, and entertainment, in line with the governor’s agenda for infrastructural development and youth empowerment.

This maiden edition will feature a 42.195km race and a 10km fun run. The routes have been certified by GRADE A measurer Norrie Williamson and World Athletics, offering an exciting journey through Ibadan’s iconic landmarks. Both races will conclude at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, on Saturday, November 2, starting at 7 am for the marathon and 10 am for the fun run.

Registration is now open at www.ibadanmarathon.com for both the 42.195km full marathon and the 10km fun run.

Share on Facebook