… lauds media cooperation
Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of Sports Development, stated on Friday that the Federal Government of Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed mandate, has approved the adoption and full execution of the National Sports Industry Bill (NSIP).
He stated this while receiving questions from journalists from Abuja City Journal in his Abuja office.
Senator Enoh emphasised the present administration’s commitment to bringing about constructive change in all areas, with sports playing an important role in this transformative agenda. The NSIP, which was first approved during the previous administration, is about to be implemented, which is a significant step in the right direction for improving sports development in the nation.
“The National Sports Industry Policy, endorsed by the previous administration, has received further affirmation from the current administration, led by our President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” stated Senator Enoh. He stressed that the core objective of this policy is to elevate sports into a viable business sector, moving beyond mere recreation.
As part of the policy’s progression, an inter-ministerial committee was established during the previous administration. This committee, comprising the Ministries of Sports, Finance, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service, was tasked with the responsibility of formulating a range of incentives aimed at promoting private sector investment and support for sports within the country.
Senator Enoh outlined the necessity of increasing private sector involvement in sports funding and investment, aligning Nigeria with international standards in this regard.
“One of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development’s key objectives is to facilitate the engagement of the private sector in sports. Our vision is to foster trust and confidence within the private sector so that competitions and ministry initiatives can gain the endorsement and support of private enterprises,” Senator Enoh explained.
He emphasized the importance of a return to the era when the private sector was a prominent contributor to sports development. This shift, he noted, is an essential component of the nation’s development agenda.
The Minister also applauded the contribution of the media in enhancing sports development in the country. He said the media needs to do more in promoting sports expecially at the grassroots.
