The Federal Government has called on the various National Sports Federations to evolve strategies that will enable the country to record podium performances during the forthcoming African, Olympic/Paralympic Games and other international competitions.

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh gave the charge today during a technical meeting with the Leadership of the  Federations held in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Senator John Owan Enoh 
stated that the engagement aims at providing the Ministry and the various stakeholders within the nation’s sports ecosystem the opportunity to brainstorm towards changing the narrative of the sports sector and  consolidate on the gains achieved after the December 2023 retreat organised by the Ministry.

He expressed  hope that the stakeholders' discussion will be inclusive, participatory and productive assuring that the Ministry under his watch was determined to  explore all available options including holding periodic meetings with stakeholders and encouraging processes that will lead to amendments of relevant laws to ensure that sports receives the desired injection that it needs for better performance during all competitions.

The Minister, who identified funding as the greatest challenge facing sports in the country for the past 30 years, assured that the
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration was determined to explore every possible means to reverse the trend for the betterment of our teeming youth as well as the economy of the nation.

He therefore called on the Leadership of the Sports Federations to shape the trajectory of their domains and leave lasting impact via service to the nation
 
Senator John Owan Enoh commended the Ministerial Podium Performance Advisory Team led by Professor Ken Anugweje and the Presidents of the various Sports Federations for the work they are doing in the various federations especially, towards ensuring Nigeria records podium finishes during all international competitions.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary overseeing the Ministries of Sports and Youth Development Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar stated that the technical meeting was convened by the Ministry to provide the various stakeholders in the industry with the opportunity to brainstorm with a view to ensuring that Nigeria achieve success at the African, Olympic/Paralympic Games and other sports competitions.  

He called on the Federations to join hands with the Ministry and support the Honourable Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh in his resolve to ensure that the country joins the committee of sporting nations.