Sports

FG To Nurture Talents Discovered At The National Youth Games

Published

1 year ago

October 18, 2023

Joel Ajayi

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 the 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.

Share on Facebook

Sports

Speaker House Reps, Abbas, Others Thumbs NFF President Over NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and New Training Pitches

Published

7 hours ago

March 19, 2025

The Gleamer

…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.

Share on Facebook