Sports

Arewa Group Berates Sports Minister’s Gutter Tactics, Says Senator Enoh Response to Hon.Adams An Assault

Published

1 year ago

May 25, 2024

Joel Ajayi

Arewa Youth Sports Forum on Saturday berated Sports Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh for employing gutter tactics, by attempting to discredit and deflect the issues as advanced by the House Committee Chairman, Hon. Ekene Adams.

A statement signed by the Coordinator of the group, Comrade Yohanna Pam described the Sports Minister’s response as disappointing and a blatant attempt to divert attention from the substantive issues raised by the Honorable Member.

The statement reads,”It is concerning to observe the recent Press Release issued by the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, specifically targeting Hon. Ekene Adams and questioning his credibility and sincerity. While the Ministry attempts to defend the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, it is imperative to address certain points raised in the Press Release.

“First and foremost, it is disappointing to note the Ministry’s attempt to discredit Hon. Ekene Adams based on his health issues. Implying that his health condition renders him incompetent and out of touch with reality is not only insensitive but a blatant attempt to divert attention from the substantive issues raised by the Honorable Member. It is crucial to remember that personal attacks have no place in constructive discourse, especially within the realm of public service.

“Furthermore, the Ministry’s assertion and attempt to belittle the office of that Hon. Adams, reflects a lack of understanding of the principles of democracy and the importance of upholding the dignity of elected representatives. Every individual elected, regardless of their office is higher than a political appointee.Hence,lawmakers deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.The lack of transparency and accountability in Senator Enoh’s approach to sports administration has raised concerns among stakeholders, including Hon. Adams, who has highlighted the need for a more responsible and competent leadership in the sector.” Pam statement reads.

The statement asked the Sports Minister to stop blaming the CBN for the failure of foreign athletes to receive their payments, noting that his actions is bringing the government President Tinubu to disrepute.

“While defending the Honourable Minister of Sports Development is understandable, it is essential to address the concerns raised by Hon. Adams in a transparent and respectful manner. Constructive dialogue and open communication are key to fostering trust and accountability in governance.Rather than addressing pressing issues such as the delayed payments to foreign athletes who excelled at the African Games in Ghana, as questioned by Hon.Adams, the Minister and Ministry resulted to assault on the lawmaker.We know before now, Senator Enoh has resorted to deflecting blame onto the Central Bank, despite its proven efficiency under the leadership of Olayemi Cardoso, and by extension bringing the Government of President Tinubu to disrepute.

“It is evident that Senator Enoh’s tenure as sports minister has been characterized by self-glorification and a disregard for the hard work and dedication of athletes and federation presidents who strive for excellence in sports. His failure to address the challenges facing the sports sector, has only served to exacerbate the existing issues. In contrast, the call for cooperation and collaboration with Hon. Adams, a respected figure in sports with a rich history as both an athlete and administrator, presents an opportunity for Senator Enoh to embrace a more inclusive and effective approach to sports administration in Nigeria.Knowing fully well that the Sports Minister knows nothing in sports administration.”The statement reads.

Concluding the statement, Comrade Pam warned the Sports Minister to be careful and trade gently as Mr.President has zero tolerance for corruption

“In conclusion, it is imperative for the minister to know that his present office is at mercy of Mr.President, a man with zero tolerance for corruption.Maybe, the Sports Minister has forgotten how the Tinubu’s government is handling Beta Edu’s case; coincidentally, they both hail from Cross River state.” Comrade Pam concluded his statement.

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Sports

A Triumphant Close to the 22nd National Sports Festival

Published

4 days ago

May 29, 2025

The Gleamer

…As organisers promise another spectacle at closing ceremony on Thursday

Joel Ajayi

After 11 days of a true showcase of sporting competition in multiple Sports by some of the country’s top and even promising athletes, the curtain will finally be drawn on what many have described as one of the best ever organised National Sports festivals, when the closing ceremony is held on Thursday at the MKO Sports Arena in Abeokuta.

Whilst the quality of the Games’ opening ceremony is still getting tongues wagging, the entire sporting family and beyond is now anxiously looking forward to what the closing ceremony will look like.

The last 11 days have showcased Ogun state as a true Sporting hub with potential to even do more, with the quality of the facilities built for the games and the enthusiasm of the people who made the various venues their second home in the last few days.

A big testament to this was the history-making crowd that attended the male football final between Ogun state and Kwara State, which the host won by 4-1.

The MKO stadium was filled to full capacity while the crowd outside watching from the big screen reminds one of how much Sports is truly the soul of our togetherness as a country.

From the Alake Sports centre in Ijeja and the Baptist boys high school, to the Obafemi Awolowo square and the Remo stadium both in Ikenne, to the NYSC orientation camp in Shagamu, and the Ilisan town hall in Ilisan, the festival never lacked spectatorship throughout the games.

The Games actually lived up to the pre-tournament hype as both the National Sports Commission, NSC and the Ogun state Government pulled out every administrative capacity to ensure both athletes, officials and the media have an unforgettable experience.

The Gateway Games 2024 had been full of exciting drama and intrigues amongst the states and athletes which led to different new records being set and some old records being shattered.

The festival has also produced for the country some new exciting young talents especially with the shocking performance of the 38th state, the Invited Junior Athletes ( IJA), where they ended up winning some surprised medals to justify the Commission’s establishment of the initiative.

As the Closing ceremony holds on Thursday, the leadership of the National Sports commission, NSC, expresses its profound gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Ogun State Government for making sure millions of Nigerian youths see a renewed brighter future in the country through the National Sports Festival.
The NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dilko said ” our overwhelming gratitude goes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,GCFR, for his personal commitment to the development of Nigerian Sports by giving us every support financially and otherwise for the success of this festival”.

” And the Ogun state Governor, Dapo Abiodun also deserves a huge praise for the feat we all recorded with these games. I can’t thank him enough and posterity will surely remember him for good “.

The NSC Director General who is also the Chairman of the Main organising committee of the games, Hon Bukola Olopade also extended his gratitude to all the technocrats behind the scene that are responsible for the successful organisation of the games.

” From all the members of the Main organising committee to the various sub committees, to members of the local organising committees and all our technical officials in the various sports to the media and our athletes, every success that everyone is talking about concerning these Games belongs to you all”.

” Yes it was not a perfect festival because we acknowledged we had also some challenges but let me assure everyone that some of the challenges are already being worked upon ahead of the next Games holding in Enugu state next year”, he concluded.

The Closing ceremony is expected to bring together top Government functionaries to captain of industries while there will also be the rich cultural display of the state as Ogun state will officially pass the barton of hosting to Enugu state for the 23rd edition of the Games come September 2026.

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