Sports

First National Council on Sports Meeting commences in Enugu

Published

1 year ago

May 20, 2024

Joel Ajayi

The vision of Senator John Owan Enoh,the Minister of Sports Development to revolutionize Nigerian sports development through the introduction and implementation of a raft of policies got underway in Enugu on Monday with the commencement of the 1st National Council on Sports, the first of its kind since the de-merger of Ministry of Youths and Sports.

The 3-Day Council Meeting taking place at the behest of the Ministry of Sports Development under the guidance and leadership of Senator John Owan Enoh with the Enugu State Government as the host state is expected to ratify progressive and enduring policies that will revolutionize sports administration and development in Nigeria.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Mrs. Tinuke Watti noted that the first National Council on Sports, coming after the de-merger of the Ministry of Youths and Sports reflects the importance of Sports in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.

According to the Permanent Secretary, the theme of the Council meeting, “Sports for National Unity and Socio-Economic Growth”, is of critical relevance as the country navigate the challenges and opportunities of our current evolution.
Identifying national unity as the critical goal of any nation, she underscored the important role sports can play in achieving it.She said,” Sports have been a cornerstone of our nation’s cultural fabric. They transcend the barriers of language, ethnicity, religion, uniting us under the common banner of competition, achievement and collective pride.”

Apart from fulfilling its core functions,she said that sports constitute a major industry with the capacity to generate employment, drive economic development and improve public health. The Permanent Secretary canvassed for the adoption of a holistic and inclusive approach to sports development to foster partnerships between the government, private sector and international bodies.

She expressed her implicit confidence in the ability of experts and consultants who will lead technical sessions during the meeting to come up with policies that would serve as a guide for improved decisions in the sports sector.

In his welcome address, the Governor of Enugu State Dr. Peter MBAH represented by the Deputy Governor, said that the state was honoured to host the Council meeting on Sports composed of sports administrators, Policymakers, technocrats and stakeholders who share a common vision of advancing sports in Nigeria.

“As we gather for the technical session of this esteemed council,we are not only participants in a meeting but also pioneers charting a new course for the future of sports in Nigeria.”

He advised the meeting to engage in open, constructive and forward thinking discussions and to leverage our collective expertise to address challenges facing the sports sector.

According to the governor, critical areas such as infrastructure development, athlete welfare,funding mechanism, coaching standards and grassroots sports programmes require the utmost attention and concerted effort of the Council meeting.

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Sports

Paul Salami Fires Hat-Trick as U23 Side Defeats 10-Man Melbourne Sharks

Published

1 day ago

June 3, 2025

The Gleamer

Jeph Akanji

Paul Salami’s Stunning Hat-Trick Sinks 10-Man Melbourne Sharks in U23 Showdown

Nigerian-born midfielder Paul Salami stole the show with a sensational hat-trick, leading his side to a dominant 3-0 victory over the Melbourne Sharks in Week 9 of the Australian U23 League.

The 21-year-old rising star opened the scoring in the 20th minute, calmly finishing off a swift counter-attack to put his team ahead. The momentum shifted further in their favor when Sharks defender Liam Mastos received a straight red card in the 40th minute for a reckless challenge, forcing the home side to play with 10 men.

Salami continued to exploit the numerical advantage with clinical precision. He netted his second goal in the 52nd minute, capping off a well-orchestrated team move, before sealing his hat-trick in the 75th minute with a composed finish that left the goalkeeper with no chance.

Operating with poise and creativity in midfield, Salami’s performance was a masterclass in attacking intelligence, control, and execution. His match-winning display not only earned him the match ball but also solidified his growing reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in the league.

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