FG Seeks Renewed Private Sector Partnership In Sports Development

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh has called for renewed private sector partnership to fast track the development of sports in Nigeria.

The minister made the call on Thursday in Abuja when the board members of  Sports Performance Reward Fund (SPRF) led by its President, Musa Kida paid him a courtesy visit.

He said the Ministry under his watch will remain open to collaboration with the corporate and private sector in its resolve to ensure the development of  sports in the country.

“This is important, especially in this era of dwindling scarce resources. The ministry is ready to collaborate and partner with the private and corporate sector organisations.

“We are ready to provide them with the opportunity to compliment Government efforts  towards the engagement and empowerment of our teeming youth.

” So as to create jobs for them, alleviate poverty amongst them and position them for success  in their fields of endeavour.

“This will also make our society better and safer for further investments by both the public, private and corporate organisations* he said.

The minister said that the Bola Tinubu-led administration is committed to transforming sports from recreation to real business and a money earner for the country.

 “The government in its renewed Hope Agenda has also endorsed the National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) approved by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration.

“A Policy Document that spelt out the benefits of the public private partnership as well as private sector involvement in the development of sports in Nigeria.

“The  Document promotes such initiatives that help nurture the relationship that is private sector driven,” he said.

Enoh called on the SPRF and indeed the private sector to join the Federal Government in its bid to ensure holistic development of sports in Nigeria, in line with global best practices.

Earlier, the President SPRF, Musa Kida commended the minister for his ‘out of the box’ strategy in developing sports in Nigeria.

He said the SPRF was out  to establish a guaranteed and sure reward system for generations of Nigeria’s sporting youth.

“The goal is to make sports an oasis of excellence in Nigeria by complementing government efforts,  and also to drive and motivate Nigerian Youth with sporting talent to put in the hard work and sacrifice required to be the best in the world,” he said.

Kida expressed optimism that, with all hands on deck, Nigeria will soon re-launch as a sustainable global superpower in sports.

NAN reports the SPRF delegation was comprised of members of the board, including Henry Ajumogobia, former Minister of state for Petroleum Resources and Foreign Affairs, Olympian Chioma Ajunwa, among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

MUYI/SH

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza