Paradise News

Tag: Abuja

  • Sports Minister meets Sports Performance Reward Fund (SPRF) Board, says sector is open to private investors

    Sports Minister meets Sports Performance Reward Fund (SPRF) Board, says sector is open to private investors

    …Take this sector out of Government to the private sector

    The Honourable Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh has started that sports development in Nigeria is now open to corporate and private investor participation.

    Senator Owan Enoh disclosed this today in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja when the Board Members of  Sports Performance Reward Fund (SPRF) led by its President Engr Musa Kida visited him.

    He informed  that the Ministry under his watch will remain open to collaboration with the corporate and private organisations in its resolve to ensure the development of  sports in the country especially in such areas as grassroots sports development, scholarships for our athletes and infrastructure upgrades amongst others.

    “This is important, especially in this era of dwindling scarce resources. The Ministry is ready to collaborate and partner with the private and corporate organizations 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 organizations” he said.

    Read Also: Commercial bus drivers protest alleged impoundment of vehicles in Calabar 

    The Minister stated that the present administration under the Leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is conscious of this reality which is why in its wisdom, created the Ministry of Sports Development, and assigned him to saddle its affairs.

    Senator Owan Enoh stated further that “government in its renewed Hope Agenda has also endosed 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”

    Senator Owan Enoh expressed optimism that with the calibre of the people  that constitute  membership of the Board of Sports Performance Reward Fund (BSPTF) which includes amongst others, the former Minister of State for Petroleum and later Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency, Henry Odein Ajumogobia, Professor Wale Sulaiman a world renowned Neurosurgeon as well as other distinguished personalities, if the potential of the initiative to Reward Nigerian podium finish athletes at international competitions is galvanised and rev-up, the development of youth sports within the country from the grassroots all the way to the Olympic heights will soon be achieved.

    He therefore called on the Board Members of SPRF and indeed the private sector organizations to come out en mass, join hands with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration to ensure the development of sports in Nigeria in line with global best practices.

    Earlier in his remarks, the President Sports Performance Reward Fund Engr Musa Kida thanked the Honourable Minister for the support and encouragement he has given the SPRF since his assumption of office and receiving them in spite of his busy schedule.

    He explained that, the reason why men and women of proven integrity who have been outstandingly successful in their various fields of endeavour have come together to birth and drive the Sports Performance Reward Fund was  to establish a guaranteed and sure reward for generations of Nigeria’s sporting youth, make sports an oasis of excellence in Nigeria by complementing government efforts,  and also to drive, motivate Nigerian Youth with sporting talent to put in the hard work and sacrifice required to be the best in the world.

    Engr Kida expressed confidence that with the support of the Honourable Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration, “we can collectively make Nigeria a sustainable Global Superpower in all sports in not-too-distant future”.

  • Paris 2024 Olympics: Sports Minister Challenges NOC to Break New Grounds

    Paris 2024 Olympics: Sports Minister Challenges NOC to Break New Grounds

    …Calls for adequate preparation towards success in Paris

    In a bid to elevate Nigeria’s presence and performance at the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has issued a compelling call to the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) to push the boundaries of their preparations.

    The Minister made the call during a meeting with the executive board of the NOC, led by its president, Engr. Habu Gumel at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

    Senator Owan Enoh emphasized that early, robust preparations are not just essential but pivotal to the success of the nation’s athletes in their respective sporting disciplines. Furthermore, he underscored that such meticulous preparation could significantly enhance Nigeria’s chances of clinching medals at international competitions.

    “I want to challenge you to do more, and go farther than you have gone,” the Minister said. Beyond the grants,and training programmes, let our performances in the various sporting events be glamorous.”

    Read Also: CBN amendment bill scales second reading in Senate

    “I want to charge the NOC to spare no effort in terms of Team Nigeria’s preparations, to assure the country of a better performance. I am glad that the NOC executive board is made up of executives of the various sporting federations. While the Olympic Qualifiers are still running, I look forward to the completion of the phase, so we can have a briefing with the different sports and the number of athletes we are taking to Paris.”

    He added that participation at the Olympics Games should not just be for the fun of it, but should be a means to an end (performances and results).

    “Gone are the days where we are told the fun is in the participation,” the Minister said. “Sports has become a major weapon in the international diplomacy of countries. There is a sense of pride that comes with making podium appearances at international competitions.”

    Reflecting on the Government’s commitment to the development of sports, the Minister conveyed the desire of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration to reshape sports from a recreational activity into a thriving industry. This transformation aims to make sports a contributor of the nation’s GDP, create employment opportunities for Nigeria’s burgeoning youth population, alleviate poverty, and foster peace and unity throughout the nation.

    Highlighting the unifying power of sports in Nigeria, Senator Owan Enoh reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to developing the sector to strengthen national unity and enhance the overall well-being of the nation.

    Senator Owan Enoh concluded by reminding the Committee of the necessity for clean participation by Nigeria’s athletes during the competition, reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance policy regarding doping cases during the Games and beyond.

    In his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, appreciated the Minister for being proactive and progressive in his first few months in office, which he described as clear pointers that this administration will chart a new course for Nigerian sports.

    Engr. Gumel lauded the Minister’s proactive and progressive steps taken within his first few months in office , expressing confidence that these steps are indicative of a tenure poised to steer Nigerian sports in a new and promising direction.

    He assured that the NOC, as a partner with the Ministry of Sports Development, is steadfast in its commitment to delivering value, particularly in terms of capacity building to support sports federation’s administrative and technical structures, aiming to elevate Nigeria to a prominent position among sporting nations.

    The 2024 Olympic Games will take place in Paris between July 26 – August 11 2024, while the Paralympic Games will be held from August 28  September 8, 2024.

  • Sports Minister Maps Strategy to Harness Nigeria’s Untapped Talents, Commits to School Sports Revival

    Sports Minister Maps Strategy to Harness Nigeria’s Untapped Talents, Commits to School Sports Revival

    …Plans to resuscitate, rejuvenate grassroots sports

    The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has stated that Nigeria’s journey towards sporting excellence hinges on the strategic provision of essential sports infrastructure and nurturing talents at the grassroots level.

    He stated this during a radio engagement with Nigerians on Brila Media’s Sports Fans Parliament. He said a critical first step towards this noble goal involves a rejuvenation of the school sports system.

    Senator Enoh passionately asserted that revitalizing School Sports and returning it to its former glory is imperative. He acknowledged that this initiative necessitates not only the enhancement of existing programs but also an ambitious collaboration with stakeholders, most notably through a robust private-public partnership.

    In his address, the Minister stated thus: “School sports would come back. The ministry is going to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Education, because they are going to be a necessary partner in this.”

    Read Also: One dies, four injured and ‘seven’ reportedly missing in Edo boat mishap

    “I’m aware that we have had different people sponsor different aspects of school sports, but this has also largely been limited and restricted to a state, a few states, or a zone. The school sports that the Ministry of Sports Development is going to resuscitate is going to have a national scope and therefore have every part of the country get involved.”

    Beyond talent development, the School Sports system has also proven instrumental in curbing age cheating, fostering proper documentation, and nurturing aspiring athletes with exceptional skills and talents. This holistic approach ensures that promising athletes receive the support and mentorship they need to reach their full potential.

    In light of Senator John Owan Enoh’s visionary blueprint, it is clear that the revitalization of School Sports will play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s sporting resurgence. By embracing a nationwide approach and engaging with diverse stakeholders, this initiative promises to bring back the glory days of School Sports, fostering a brighter future for Nigerian athletes and a more competitive and successful sporting landscape.

    Historically, School Sports has been a catalyst for Nigeria’s rise to prominence in the global and national sporting arena. It served as a breeding ground for prodigious talents who later earned acclaim as athletes and coaches. Icons such as Stephen Keshi, Daniel Amokachi, Henry Nwosu, Mary Onyali-Omagbemi, Chioma Ajunwa, Ese Brume, etc., owe their success to the School Sports system.

  • Sports Minister tasks senior ministry officials on development plan for discovered talents

    Sports Minister tasks senior ministry officials on development plan for discovered talents

    …Says it cannot be business as usual

    Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, on Tuesday charged Heads of Department of the Ministry to come up with strategic plans that will define the growth path of talents discovered at the recently concluded National Youth Games in Asaba, the capital of Delta State.

    Senator Enoh who chaired an interactive meeting with senior officials of the ministry alongside Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry stated that such strategic plan should be able to keep talented athletes under the radar of the Ministry and also define a clear path for them to climb to the top of the various sports where they have excelled.

    He said that it was important to sustain the interest of these talented athletes in their various sports, since they could easily lose interest if no plan is put in place to harness their talents.

    Beyond the just concluded National Youth Games, Senator Enoh stated that what the Ministry does with these discovered talents was more important than the emphasis on medals table and states that achieved the highest medals haul.

    Read Also: Tinubu-Led Nigerian Government Submits Application For Fresh $1.5bilion, $80million Loans From World Bank, AfDB

    The Minister sued for greater synergy amongst the different departments to achieve this objective. He stressed that it was important show Nigerians the growth trajectory of these talented athletes before the next National Youth Games.

    “If we are able to show what we have been able to do with these discovered talents before the next National Youths Games, it will inspire confidence and buy-in by Nigerians and relevant stakeholders,” the Minister said. “It should not be business as usual.”

    He stressed that under his leadership, failure to take decisive action on this issue is not an option.

    He warned that if the Ministry failed to come up with with implementable plans on the way forward, sports loving Nigerians will soon put them to the sword.

    In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ismaila Abubaker said that the essence of the meeting was for the Ministry to evaluate their performance at the Games and come up with suggestions and ways the Ministry can improve in subsequent games. He called for unfettered exchange of ideas among the senior officials of the Ministry present at the meeting.

    The interactive session witnessed a frank exchange of ideas by various officials of the ministry. These inputs will form part of a strategic plan setting out a path to the top for the discovered talented athletes being hammered out by a team assembled by the Minister.

  • Early preparations, athletes welfare are top priorities for Summer Olympics and All-Africa Games – Sports Minister, John Enoh

    Early preparations, athletes welfare are top priorities for Summer Olympics and All-Africa Games – Sports Minister, John Enoh

    …Ministry will secure training camps within and outside Nigeria for athletes

    The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has stated that the Ministry will prioritize welfare, early camping and preparations for athletes, as Team Nigeria counts down to the All-Africa Games and Summer Olympic Games, to be held next year in Accra and Paris respectively.

    The Minister made this known during a chat with his media team, in Abuja, as he reiterated the importance of starting preparations early enough. He added that providing training tours for athletes early enough will not only put them in proper shape, but under the right conditions, it will also help them acclimatize to anticipated weather experience.

    “In the build-up to the World Athletics Championships, the Jamaican track team spent about a month in Budapest,” the Minister narrated. “You can not compare the performance of athletes that had this kind of exposure before a tournament, to athletes that didn’t have the same.”

    “One of the things that the Ministry is going to do, will be to ensure that it secures training camps within or outside Nigeria (as necessary) early enough for athletes to prepare properly, acclimatize and get exposure to facilities before championships.

    Read Also: Finance Minister, Edun, gives further clarification on $1.5bn World Bank loan

    With some elite Nigerian athletes plying their trade abroad, it holds a two-faced reality for the nation. While this means some athletes are exposed to world class working environments, it could also lead to scheduling conflicts for pre-championship training camps. Senator Enoh concluded that the Ministry will continually work with athletes and Federations to ensure plans are executed smoothly without jeopardy.

    The All-African Games is scheduled to be held in Accra, Ghana between March 8 – 23, 2024. Also, the Summer Olympic Games will take place in Paris, France between July 24 – 11 August, 2024.

  • UAE, other global initiatives partners support strategy to reduce multi-dimensional poverty in Nigeria

    UAE, other global initiatives partners support strategy to reduce multi-dimensional poverty in Nigeria

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed readiness to partner with the federal government in tackling humanitarian and poverty challenges in Nigeria. It commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s efforts so far in that direction.

    UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al Shamsi, made this known when he led a team from the embassy and Noor Dubai Foundation to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Abuja.

    The Envoy who described the relationship between his country and Nigeria as symbiotic, said; “Nigeria remains a strong ally of UAE and we would continue to partner with Nigeria in key areas like humanitarian aid, job creation, Nutrition, health care development, and poverty alleviation.”

    Responding, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, applauded the government and people of the United Arab Emirates for their timely interventions in critical sectors in Nigeria. The Minister specifically thanked the Ambassador and his team for taking steps to support Nigeria in many ways. She noted that the President has a great plan to eradicate Poverty under his 8-point agenda and has begun full implementation as such it is important that they identify areas to collaborate for the good of Nigerians.

    Read Also: Tinubu approves creation of Civil Service Commission for FCT

    Also Speaking, the CEO of Noor Dubai Foundation, Dr. Manal Taryam, said the Foundation has been on humanitarian-related interventions including an eye treatment program which commenced with Katsina State while Lagos and Abuja will soon be launched. She said the Dubai Foundation has several areas, that directly link to the ministry’s mandate and will be happy to support.

    Present at the meeting was the SSA to the President on Community Engagement SW Hon. Moremi Ojodu and the SSA on School Feeding Hon. Yetunde, among others.

  • President Tinubu includes veterans, families of fallen heroes in Conditional Cash Transfer, other social intervention programmes

    President Tinubu includes veterans, families of fallen heroes in Conditional Cash Transfer, other social intervention programmes

    Federal Government Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has included vulnerable ex-servicemen, widows, and dependants of fallen heroes in the National Social Register (NSR) to benefit from the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) and other Social Intervention programmes.

    The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu disclosed this during an official visit to the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Edu said the Federal Government has expanded the welfare scheme to accommodate ex-servicemen, their widows, and dependants in fulfillment of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to Nigerians.

    The Minister said the innovation became necessary to include those who paid the supreme price for the sustenance of the peace of the country and their dependants to serve as a morale booster for those currently securing the country.

    Read Also: Number Of SANs To Hit 813 As Femi Falana’s Wife, 57 Others Elevated

    She sought for the accurate data of the affected ex-servicemen and their dependants to enable them to be captured in the ongoing National Social Register verification exercise.

    ”This scheme is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and am here to inform you that the program has been expanded to accommodate retired personnel of the Ministry of Defence mostly families of those who lost their lives in the course of defending our Country.

    “Their wives can use this to start small businesses that can help their children stay in School provide Basic Health Care and even sustain their families.

    The Minister said the Federal Government has created the Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme (GEEP) which is geared towards helping Small Scale Businesses and boosting the welfare of Nigeria market women and farmers which the ex-servicemen and widows can key into.

    Dr Edu equally called on the Ministry of Defence to collaborate with the Humanitarian Ministry to ensure that President Bola Ahmed succeeds in the eradication of poverty in Nigeria.

    She reiterated her Ministry’s readiness to ensure that those who served the Country meritoriously and died in active service are not left behind in the scheme. The Minister also requested the Defence Minister to provide adequate security cover for Humanitarian workers while carrying out their national assignment in all of the States that are prone to insecurity.

    In his response, the Hon. Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, said the visit was timely and thanked Dr. Edu for including the retirees in the welfare scheme which he said, will go a long way to Renew the Hopes of retired officers and their families and will also motivate the working officers to secure the Nigeria territorial integrity.

    The Defence Minister who was accompanied at the event with his Minister for State, Bello Mattawale, assured that the Defence Ministry will collaborate with its  Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation counterpart to ensure proper coordination of the scheme.

    “We want you to send our sincere appreciation to Mr. President for doing the exceptional by considering us, we thank him for giving you this opportunity to help the nation, and we also thank God for allowing you to be very innovative on the job that you’re doing. When you met the Chief of Defence Staff, words got to us that you are supporting the military, all our team became delighted,” he said.

    On his part, the Chairman of Nigeria Legion, Maj. General Abdulmalik Jubril (RTD), thanked President Bola Tinubu and Dr Edu, for the innovation saying, “This has never happened before.”

    He said the Nigeria Legion is the last hope for retired officers who keep increasing in number.

    The legion, he added will need health care, welfare, and a means of livelihood for its members.

    “These arms of the Military (Army, Airforce, and Navy) retirees need government support as gestures like this have not been given to us before including the wives and families of our fallen heroes.”

  • Sports Minister Holds Strategic Meeting with NFF Executive Board on State of Nigerian Football

    Sports Minister Holds Strategic Meeting with NFF Executive Board on State of Nigerian Football

    …Meeting with NFF part of development-centered engagements with all sports federations

    The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, on Wednesday, held a strategic meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Football Federation at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as part of his series of engagements with all sports federations in the nation.

    The engagements with leadership of all sports federations are part of the Minister’s efforts to appraise the state of sports in the country, so as to drive a common vision of development, resuscitate, rejuvenate and reinvigorate areas that are not in tandem with its mission.

    The Minister said that the Ministry will not run football or any other sports on the behalf of the federations, but instead it has a responsibility to play oversight functions and ensure the best interest of the nation is represented in the operations and activities of federations.

    He added that the followership, interest, popularity and excitement that football generates around the country, necessitates why careful and intentional actions must be taken for the growth of the game.

    Read Also: President Tinubu Needs To Urgently Tell Nigerians His True Name, Academic Records And Save Nigeria From Global Embarrassment – Peter Obi

    “We must be open to dissecting some of the burning issues in our football,” Senator Enoh said. “This is what this meeting is about. Where are we as a footballing nation? What are our prospects? What are the plans? This sector is one where everyone is interested and wants to know what is going on.  We should address topical and trending issues such as the 10 year football master plan implementation, membership of the executive board of the NFF, the image of our league, amongst other issues. We must look at global best practices obtainable in thriving nations.

    Senator remarked that all hands must be on deck for development to be fostered. He sued for all facets of NFF’s operations to thrive, including but not limited to coaches and players’ education, referees’ development, league management, national teams’ success governance statutes, etc.

    “What is the development plan for the League, the players and referees? There are discussions surrounding the legislation under which the NFF operates. What needs to be done to that law to create the right consonance? What are the timelines for the implementation of the masterplan? Our overarching goal is that after these engagements, we will draw out action points that are contributive to the growth of Nigerian football,” he noted.

    The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Abubakar, present at the meeting called for sporting resolutions to conflict. He noted that development can only occur where there is peace and stability, with all hands united towards progress.

    Speaking at the meeting, President of the NFF, Alh. Ibrahim Gusau appreciated the Minister for his passion to develop sports in the country. On the statutes of the NFF, he said the NFF’s legal department will synergize on the document, before an appraisal meeting on the document is held. He added that the NFF has plans on the development of players based in the League with Coach Jose Peseiro set to handle the CHAN Eagles going forward.

    Also, General Secretary of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi noted that the NFF has adopted transparency and accountability measures, especially with its finances.

    The NFF delegation also included the 1st Vice President, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Head, NFF Technical Committee, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, NFF Chairman of chairmen, Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, Head, Match Commissioners Appointment Committee, Babagana Kali, ace broadcaster and women’s football expert, Aisha Falode, former Deputy Governor of Nassarawa State and now chairman of Nigeria Nationwide League, Hon. Silas Agara.

    Other board members present include Timothy Henwan, and chairman, Nigeria National League, Mr. George Aluo.

  • Sports Minister Welcomes Deaf Eagles, Congratulates Team on Nigeria’s First Appearance at World Deaf Football Championships

    Sports Minister Welcomes Deaf Eagles, Congratulates Team on Nigeria’s First Appearance at World Deaf Football Championships

    …Ministry to begin work on making deaf sports mandatory at National Sports Festivals and Youth Games

    The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, today welcomed back Nigeria’s Men’s Deaf football team, also called the “Deaf Eagles”, in Abuja, after their participation at the 4th edition of the World Deaf Football Championships that took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    The Minister hailed the team for their outing as they made Nigeria proud. Nigeria was a first time participant at the Championships, making its debut after three previous editions of the Games.

    “I congratulate you all for representing Nigeria at the World Championships, as we made our first appearance since 2008 when this tournament started,” the Minister said. “In three previous editions, Nigeria was not represented, but for the first time ever, the Nigerian flag was hoisted at the Games courtesy of your hard work. This deserves that we appreciate and commend you.”

    Senator Enoh added that sports remains the greatest tool for social inclusion, with its ability to engender diversity, equity and inclusion in the society.

    Read Also: NMDPRA Meets Oil Marketers To Resolve Petroleum Products Distribution Challenges

    “There is no greater demonstration of the social inclusiveness of sports than having a deaf team travel to represent Nigeria,” he noted. “It is in sports that you find that there is no discrimination whatsoever. By finishing 11th at the world championships, this team has placed Nigeria on the world map. As a country, on the behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we celebrate your uncommon love and sacrifice for our nation.”

    To foster the development of deaf sports, the Minister stated that he will work with relevant administrators to ensure deaf sports gets an assured place in the National Sports Festival. He added that his administration will also open the door for the addition of deaf sports to the list of events at the National Youth Games.

    The President of the Deaf Sports Federation, Alhaji Sulieman Saka Dagbo thanked the Minister for receiving the team, as it was the first time of being accorded such honour in spite of their past achievements at the continental and global level.

    “We did not expect that a Minister would show up to receive us honourably, that has never happened before,” he said. “With this honour, we will ensure that we perform even better in subsequent competitions.”

    Dagbo made a special request for the minister to provide accommodation, and allowances for the team, which was expeditely approved by the Minister.

    Coach of the team Kamaldeen Banjo noted that in spite of the team travelling with 13 players and two coaches, they gave their best shot in Kuala Lumpur. He thanked the Minister for the support provided while the team was away on international soil.

    “We want to appreciate the Honourable Minister for giving us the opportunity to participate in this tournament, else Nigeria would not have made the position it got.”

    Nigeria ranked 11th out of 25 countries at the Games, after surpassing the group stages. The deaf Eagles exited the Championship gallantly after losing 2-0 to Ukraine in the Round of 16.

  • Sports Minister Meets NFF, Club Owners, Referees Association, on Strategies to Improve League

    Sports Minister Meets NFF, Club Owners, Referees Association, on Strategies to Improve League

    _Sues for recommitment to responsibilities from all stakeholders for tangible progress

    The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, on Friday met with the leadership of the Nigerian Football Federation, NPFL Club Owners’ Association, as well as the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) to deliberate on key issues necessary for the development of the the NPFL and football in the country.

    The meeting held in Abuja, as a follow-up to the minister’s earlier engagement with key football stakeholder groups in the nation some weeks ago, to chart a way forward for the development of the round leather game. He described the engagement as expedient due to the need to take intentional and strategic actions, especially on the operations of clubs and match officials, to ensure the football grows to an appreciable level of professional admiration. He decried the omission of Nigerian referees for AFCON 2023 duties as a sad reality and thus the need to look inwardly, and reorganize the state of football in the country.

    “Officiating as an integral part of football that could either make or mar the development of the round leather game,” the Minister said. “Our football cannot be said to be developing, if our referees are excluded from international tournaments year in, year out. As a ministry we are concerned because this does not spell well for the reputation of the nation.”

    “This new season, the bitter experience from CAF (exclusion of Nigerian officials for AFCON) should be treated as a lesson to improve our conduct and operations,” he added. “Corruption and kickbacks must not be tolerated. We are likely in this sorry state more because of what had happened in the past, but it is incumbent on us to take action points from our deliberations and define the future of our game. We must put our house in order internally, before we focus on the external determinants of our reputation.”

    Read Also: APC To Atiku: We Sympathise With You For Spending Lifetime Chasing Unrealised Dream Of Becoming President

    In his address to the NPFL Club Owners Association, Senator Enoh stated that clubs have a responsibility to scale up their operation to a professional level, where the welfare and insurance of players, club licensing compliance, security, infrastructure, contract matters and others are treated in accordance to best practices.

    “Club owners must also rally their supporters, and provide security to ensure the protection of referees. Most of the time, they feel threatened and work in danger,” he added.

    Speaking at the meeting, the President of the NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau stated that the Federation has made changes to enhance the performance of referees in the country and younger individuals are now being supported to take up officiating roles. He added that the NFF is developing a project in conjunction with CAF and FIFA, to enhance both the physical and education aspects of match officials in the country.

    “We have the vision to ensure that those that will earn FIFA refereeing badge in the country are young and can be relevant on the international stage for a long time. There are trainings we organize in conjunction with FIFA and also with CAF, with respect to the educational and physical trainings of match officials. We tell them what our problems are and our vision as a federation” Gusau said.

    Senator Enoh was in the company of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar at the meeting. The NFF team included President, Alh. Ibrahim Gusau, 1st Vice President, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, and General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi. The NPFL board was represented by chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, and ex international,Daniel Amokachi.

    President, Nigeria Referees Association, Zubairu Sani, and Chairperson, NFF Referees Committee, Faith Irabor were also in attendance. NPFL Club Owners were represented by Association Chairman, Dr. Okey Kpalukwu and General Secretary, Godwin Enakhena.