The new Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh, says he is assuming office to tap into the economic value of sports so that he would be able to rejig Nigerian sports for it to be at par with its counterparts across the world.
The minister resumed office on Monday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inaugurated him and other ministers-designate early in the day.
Speaking with the staff of the ministry, John Enoh said that President Tinubu is passionate about the development of sports in the country and therefore in his wisdom appointed a minister to specifically lead the development of the sector.
Senator Enoh stated that cooperation has become a necessity, especially as sports is not only one of the most unifying factors for all Nigerians but also one of the key sectors contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development. This, he said, he would tap into for the country to get the full benefits.
According to him, today the country is challenging, despite the conflicts and the variety of sporting activities in the country, Nigerians are united.
Furthermore, he expressed his optimism that with the practical cooperation of all stakeholders, especially the positive media coverage of all sports activities, Nigeria will definitely register its name in the community of sports nations as a key partner in the development of sports.
The minister reiterated his commitment to ensure a full recovery of the sector in line with current government policies.
Senator Enoh then appealed to ministry officials and sports federations to use their vast experience and expertise to ensure the country is best represented in all competitions.
The Permanent Secretary overseeing the Federal Ministries of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, assured that the ministry will continue to create the conditions for the full implementation of the sports initiatives, policies and programs for the development of the sports industry in the country.
He assured that the ministry staff and officials will bring their rich experience and knowledge to implement sports development in Nigeria.
