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Sports Ministry Signs MoU With NESG on Sports Funding

Published

5 years ago

December 18, 2019

Sports Ministry Signs MoU With NESG on Sports Funding

Joel Ajayi

As a fallout of the Inter Ministerial Technical Committee Session convened by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in collaboration with the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), the Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the NESG with a view to breaching the magnitude of the funding gap that has held back sports in the country.

Speaking at the signing in Lagos on Tuesday, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare said with the reality of government’s dwindling resources as a problem, it equally presents an opportunity for private sector participation and ownership of the business associated with sports.

He said, “It is an opportunity that is demanding attention in the face of shrinking resources. It demands a review of the current situation where government views and treats sports as a social service when in reality it is a multi-billion-naira industry”.

Speaking on the NESG, he said, “The NESG is an important stakeholder in the economic development of Nigeria. Always providing strategic inputs to policy and helping to reshape the thinking in Government, it has transformed itself into a formidable think-tank that no Government should ignore. We are happy to be associated with you. Your unique insight in identifying sports development in Nigeria as a major problem that requires business models as solution has played a key and defining role in bringing us to this epoch-making point in our sports development history”, he said.

He added that the Inter-Ministerial Technical Session on Sports Industry Development report noted that a ‘private sector driven sports industry would ensure the commitment to the required investment to deliver on the potentials of the sports industry to add value to the Nigerian economy, whilst also assisting the Government in its core objectives of social integration, economic empowerment and youth engagement.

The Minister who has always maintained that sports remains a largely untapped sector said, “One of the challenges has always been how to engage the interest of the private sector from a business point of view whilst also tapping into the business side to perform a social development function that is geared towards developing the potentials of the youth of the country. Well, we are on track to resolving this now. And I’m glad we are partners in this discovery”.

Mr. Dare added that with over 200 Million citizens made of a predominantly young population, sport offers a prospect for the Nigerian society to be galvanised. “It is the only national endeavor which every Nigerian supports without thought to tribal, ethnic, regional or political sentiments.”

The Minister further added that the intent was to move from concept to action with the signing the MOU. “It is one of the key pillars upon which everything else rests” he assured.

Mr. Dare highlighted what the MoU hopes to achieve to include; the establishment of the Nigeria Sports Industry Policy, which will eventually culminate in an Act of the National Assembly that will spell the rules and regulation on the playing field.

“As a Government, we believe that when we have and implement the right policies to drive social engagement and inclusion as well as economic development, the sports industry in Nigeria is capable of harnessing the economic power of the youth through engagement in sports”, he said.

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Happy Birthday to President Tinubu, A leader of leaders, Visioneer- Sunday Dare:

Published

3 days ago

March 29, 2025

The Gleamer

Salutes The “General Overseer of Nigeria’s Democracy” at 73.

The Special Adviser to the President (Media and Public Communications), Chief Sunday Dare CON FNIS, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, describing him as a purposeful leader who rescued Nigeria from the brink.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, Chief Dare said, “Born on March 29, 1952, President Bola Tinubu’s unfolding story is a tapestry of struggles, intrigues, battles, and, ultimately, victories. His political journey has been bold and courageous, a spectacle admired by many.
“The last four decades of President Tinubu’s life culminated in his presidency, an inspiring journey driven by a profound sense of purpose.

His audacity led him into the tumultuous waters of political life, distinguishing him as a leader with a compelling political story. Across Nigeria, he continues to build bridges, fostering relationships and advocating for a national outlook in his politics.

“Where others succumbed to dread, President Tinubu’s bravery in initiating much-needed reforms has turned the country’s economy around, with Nigeria’s prospects now on an unprecedented positive trajectory. These reforms have positively impacted the nation, with economic indicators reflecting significant transformation under his watch.

“Nigeria has found in Bola Tinubu a leader who prioritizes the nation’s welfare over flamboyance. His purposeful leadership stands as a testament to his commitment to Nigeria’s progress and resilience. As Sunday Dare aptly stated, “History has found its man. A leader leading with purpose.

“Happy Birthday to My President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. A leader of leaders. A Visioneer. The General Overseer of Nigeria’s Democracy. A man Leading with Purpose. Renewing the Hope of Nigeria. Rekindling the spirit of Nigerians. Taking the road less travelled to get Nigeria to the desired destination of self-reliance and global relevance.

“On your 73rd birthday my prayers are for more years, more vision, more courage, more wisdom and God’s protection,” the Presidential Spokesperson concluded.SD for Sustainable Development

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