On Wednesday, the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, outlined a series of reforms and the challenges facing sports development in the country.
Speaking at the inaugural National Council on Sports meeting in Enugu, he highlighted the various issues he encountered upon his appointment and the steps he has taken to address them.
Senator Owan Enoh emphasized that despite numerous obstacles, he has implemented a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at revitalizing sports. Central to his efforts is the WAIFAR 6-Point Agenda, designed to prioritize athlete welfare, promote sports as a business, encourage early-age sports participation, and restructure the Sports Federations for greater impact.
The minister shared his vision: "Over the past months, I have traveled across Nigeria, listening to stakeholders. We have initiated reforms to elevate Nigerian sports on the global stage, restoring our former glory and ensuring our athletes know they are valued by their nation."
Among the ongoing initiatives, Senator Owan Enoh announced partnerships with Yanga Games Technologies (YGT) to raise N35 billion over the next four years, a memorandum of understanding with Effa Management Ltd to create sports facility clusters in the six geopolitical zones, and an agreement with GTI to revamp the President Federation Cup, formerly known as the Challenge Cup.
He stressed that significant investments in sports infrastructure, talent development, and grassroots programs are crucial. These efforts, he noted, will not only foster athletic excellence but also boost local economies, create jobs, and promote healthier lifestyles.
The minister urged the Council to prioritize key issues during their discussions to unlock the full potential of sports for national development.
Senator Owan Enoh also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a N12 billion intervention fund for football, which facilitated participation in AFCON, and for his continued support for sports development in the country.
