By Goodluck Ikiebe
In his renewed commitment to the development of sports in Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, has appealed for collaboration with Stakeholders during an interactive session on repositioning the sector, in line with global realities.
At the meeting which was held in Lagos, the Minister stated that the interaction was imperative, especially, considering the fact that Sports has remained the most unifying factor in Nigeria.
Senator Enoh stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is passionate about the development of sports in the country, not only as recreation but also to provide opportunity for economic empowerment, job creation, security and poverty alleviation, among others
The Minister, who described the meeting as a family one, called on stakeholders in the industry, sports loving Nigerians and the media in particular, to partner with the present Administration in order to develop the sector.
Enoh said, this can be achieved through objective, balanced and positive reportage by the media.
He added that the present administration recognised the media as key to achieving growth and development of Sports in Nigeria as Sports is featured daily in the news.
Senator Enoh informed that he would continue to consult and collaborate with stakeholders in the Sports industry, private and corporate organizations towards the realization of government’s objective of repositioning the sector for economic growth and development of the nation.
The Sports Minister explained that his tour of sporting facilities across the country is to enable him to have a first hand knowledge of the State of these facilities and the steps that are best to be taken in order to bring them back to glory.
He noted that his focus, in addition, is to ensure the development of Sports, right from grassroot because, according to him, *the talents are right in there*
Senator Enoh, who explained further that he has an open heart for the sector, assured that he will live no stone unturned in ensuring the development of Sports in the country, and as such would also meet with the Presidents and Secretaries of all the sporting federations in the country.
*We need to sit down, commit and agree on what we want to achieve with the various federations, and the best way to achieve these targets*
Enoh added that he will give attention to all Sports and not only a selected few, as he would work towards achieving all targets of the administration.
*Due to my strong passion to succeed, it will do no good for me to take sides. I am approaching this job with an open mind and at all times, I will support the best. The interest of the nation must always come first*
*I am Minister of Sports and not Minister of football or cricket or basketball*, he noted.
Speaking earlier, the Group Sports Editor, Vanguard Newspaper, Mr. Tony Ubani, assured that the media will continue to partner with government with a view to ensuring the development of Sports in the country.
According to him, this will be done through objective and balanced reportage of all sporting activities.
