The Enugu State Deputy governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, has charged sports administrators in Nigeria to create enabling environment for young Nigerians to excel in sports.
Ossai gave the advice on Monday in an address at the ongoing First National Council on Sports with the theme, ‘Sports For National Unity and Socio+Economic Growth.’
Ossia, represented by the Commissioner for Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu, urged sports administrators to ensure that sports policies are inclusive to provide equal opportunities for all regardless of gender.
He said efforts should be made to see that aspiration of the youth is achieved for greatness in sports.
“We must ensure that our policies are inclusive, providing equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender, background, or ability. Let us strive to create an environment where every young person can dream, excel, and achieve greatness through sports,” he charges.
The deputy governor pointed out that challenges confronting sports development in Nigeria should be addressed to propel greater heights in sports such as infrastructure development, athletes welfare, funding mechanism among others.
“”Let us leverage our collective expertise to address the challenges facing sports sector and explore innovative solutions that will propel us to greater heights. Key areas such as infrastructure development, athlete welfare, funding mechanism, coaching standards and grassroots sports programmes require utmost attention and concerted effort,” he states.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Mrs Tinuke Watti said that sports bring about national unity and cohesion because, “it transcends the barriers of language, ethnicity and religion, uniting us under the common banner of competition, achievement, and collective pride.”
Watti said that sports are capable of creating a platform for Nigeria’s cultural diversity and unity.
“We agree that national unity is a critical goal for any nation, especially one as diverse as ours. However, in a world that often emphasises our differences, sports provide a platform for where we can celebrate our diversity and find strenght in our unity,” she said.
Watti also said that sports have the potential of socio-economic growth which is in line with the theme of the conference, “Sports for National Unity and Socio-economic Growth.”
“Sports are not just games; they are a major industry with the capacity to generate employment, drive economic development and improve public health. Investments in sports infrastructure and programmes can help boost the economy of the nation,” she declared.
