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
PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Splashes Big Prize Money Ahead Of 14 November 2026 Race
Top Three Elite Finishers To Earn $8,000, $6,000 And $5,000 Respectively
The organisers of the highly anticipated PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon have announced an attractive prize package for athletes across every category ahead of the race on 14 November 2026 in Abuja.
The prize announcement has been welcomed by athletes and coaches, as the event continues to establish itself as one of the leading road races in Nigeria. The race offers local athletes the chance to compete against international runners in front of a home crowd, while also earning meaningful rewards.
In the elite category, first place earns $8,000, second place takes $6,000, third place gets $5,000, fourth place receives $4,000, fifth place goes home with $3,000, sixth place earns $2,000, seventh place takes $1,000, and eighth place gets $500.
In the Nigerian category, first place earns ₦2,000,000, second place takes ₦1,500,000, third place gets ₦1,000,000, fourth place receives ₦500,000, fifth place goes home with ₦300,000, sixth place earns ₦200,000, seventh place takes ₦100,000, and eighth place gets ₦50,000.
According to the organisers, the prize structure reflects the commitment of PremiumTrust Bank to the growth of athletics in Nigeria and to the encouragement of home based athletes. The separate Nigerian category ensures that local runners are properly recognised and rewarded for their performance.
The half marathon, which covers 21 kilometres, remains an important event for long distance runners. It serves as a test of endurance and preparation, and it provides a competitive platform for athletes building towards major national and international competitions.
The race is expected to draw elite athletes, club runners, corporate teams, fitness enthusiasts and supporters from across Nigeria and beyond. The turnout is expected to be high, given the interest already shown since registration opened.
Organisers have advised interested runners to register early through the official registration portal of the race to secure their participation, as arrangements are being put in place for timing, security, medical support and traffic management on race day.
The prize money is now confirmed, attention will shift to the athletes as they complete their final weeks of training and preparations ahead of the race day.
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