FRED EDOREH
Nigeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, has given assurances on the commitment of the federal government and his ministry to the rejuvenation of the nation’s sports, stating that the ultimate objective is to build the sector into a viable industry.
The Minister revealed this in a series of messages on social media to usher in the new year on January 1, revealing the thrust of his development agenda and giving some specifics of ongoing and proposed programmes and projects to include renovation of existing facilities, construction of new infrastructure and a recharged of talent discovery and nurturing.
On the eve of the new year, Fred Edoreh, the publisher of Sportstalkafrica.com, had in an article titled “Are you the one to come or should we expect another?” called out the minister to come to terms with the deficiencies in Nigerian sports and focus on the fundamental substructures towards strengthening its foundations, and the minister’s statements addresses many of the issues raised.
“Earnest work is on to rejuvenate sports development in all ramifications in Nigeria. It’s not a dash but a long distance race and we have started, the minister began.
“We do not crave early applauds, rather we want to use this given opportunity to change the fundamentals of sports development. Our short term Sports Development Plan for the next 2 years gradually unfolds. It is focused on Infrastructure, Athletes Welfare, Grassroots Sports and Sports as a viable business.”
On the facilities sub sector, the minister assured on the revamp of the MKO Abiola National Stadium and an arrangement to bring the Lagos National Stadium back to live while also pointing to a plan for the provision of mini stadiums across the country to address mass access to sports facilities.
“Abuja Stadium is on its way back, National Stadium Lagos is set for concession, Ahmadu Bello Stadium will soon undergo renovation. Talks are ongoing concerning the renovation of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, formerly, Liberty Stadium with government and a few private individuals.
“Efforts are now ongoing to deliver 4 football pitches of FIFA standard soon, probably April/May 2020 with things running smoothly, by God’s Grace. The ministry will in 2020 monitor and ensure the completion of about 20 mini-stadiums across the country. The Imo-model of one mini-Stadium per local government by each state will be marketed.”
Alongside the development of facilities, the minister hinted that there will be a revival in schools sports to support talent discovery and youth development.
“Headmasters’ Cup for primary schools and Principals Cup (for Secondary Schools) coming back. A new Talent Hunt Program, THP, is being finalized, Adoption Initiative is birthed and the policy to turn sports into business are being pursued among other things.”
On the immediate concern of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the minister also assured that national athletes shall be given greater impetus to perform.
“We will do all within our powers to ensure that we make the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Japan count for Nigeria and Nigerians. Our athletes will be exposed to the best training, competitions and camping possible. The process is already ongoing and will be sustained