Tag: John Owan-Enoh

The Honorable Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh on Thursday canvased for improved areas of cooperation and collaboration between Nigeria and Turkey in the areas of sports promotion and development for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Receiving Hidayet Bayraktar, the Turkish ambassador to Nigeria and Imdat Karakoc the Deputy Head of Mission in audience during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja, the minister observed that Nigeria and Turkey have enjoyed cordial bilateral relations spanning several years. He stressed that both countries share a lot of things in common especially in the area of football and looked forward to greater collaborations between both countries in this regard.

Senator John Enoh stated that both countries should explore and expand more frontiers in order to create opportunities for the teaming youth for self development.

Earlier in his remarks, the Turkish  ambassador who lauded the new energy injected into the Nigerian sports ecosystem by Senator John Owan Enoh, formally invited the minister to attend the 6th Ethno Sports Forum slated to take place in Turkey next month.

Read Also: BREAKING: Supreme Court Affirms Kefas As Taraba Governor

Hidayet BayRaktar stated that Nigeria and Turkey have a shared interest in ethno sports especially in archery and other ethno sports, adding that there are several sports that both countries can collaborate in for mutual benefits.

The ambassador noted that Nigerian internationals Emmanuel Emenike, Joseph Yobo and Austin J.J.Okocha made their marks in Turkey. He expressed the hope that the sports  ministry under the leadership of Senator Owan Enoh will usher in a new era of unprecedented cooperation between both countries.

The Honorable Minister of Sports referenced the notable presence of Nigerian athletes at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon South Korea, where Nigeria emerged as the only African Nation to qualify and participate, which is an indication of Nigerian athletes breaking new grounds in sports and a show of other great possibilities in the future.

…Says Ministry remains open to partnerships to create sustainable pathways for aspiring athletes

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has stated that the Ministry is dedicated to fostering grassroots sports development to guarantee the future of sports in the country.

He made the statement during the visit of the Southampton Powered Community Hub delegation to his office on Wednesday. The Hub is affiliated with Southampton FC of England.

Senator Enoh emphasized the pivotal role grassroots development plays in shaping the future of Nigerian football. He expressed the Ministry’s dedication to working collaboratively with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to propel local-level development initiatives.

The UK-based Southampton Powered Community Hub delegation, comprised of distinguished members including Ed Kilby, Southampton FC Football Development Coordinator; Ben Sharp, Football and Sports Coach; and David Doherty, CEO, TNUK. They presented their collaborative vision for advancing grassroots sports in Nigeria.

Read Also: Tinubu’s Trip To France Is For Medical Leave, President To See His Doctors, Sources Say

Eng. Zuofa, Folarin Adebule, and Leon Osahon, integral members of the  team directly responsible in coordinating Sports Edu which is for training young players, referees and coaches,were also present during the meeting.
The training affords Nigerians in these various hubs on site and virtual training sessions, capacity building and employment within the hub and making them sports exports.

Senator Enoh lauded the expertise and commitment demonstrated by the Southampton team, recognizing the contribution they can bring to the development of football at the grassroots level in Nigeria.

In his statement, Senator Enoh said, “The Ministry of Sports Development is resolute in its pursuit of grassroots development as the cornerstone of Nigerian football’s growth. We welcome collaborations with esteemed partners like Southampton Powered Community Hub, whose dedication aligns with our vision for fostering talent at the local level.”

The Southampton delegation shared insights into their successful grassroots development models currently in Abuja and Lagos.
They expressed their eagerness to start two more hubs in Port Harcourt and Calabar for the advancement of football in Nigeria.

Enoh added that the Ministry of Sports Development will remain open to partnerships with relevant stakeholders, in a bid to create sustainable pathways for aspiring athletes and enhance the overall sports landscape in Nigeria.

Southampton FC is currently the parent club of two Nigerians: Joseph Ayodele Aribo and Paul Ebere Onuachu (Paul is on loan at Trabzonspor), who are both competing with Nigeria at the AFCON in Ivory Coast.

…As Nigeria pledges support to the values of Olympic movement

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) president, Thomas Bach, has praised the visionary leadership of Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, during a high-level meeting in Gangwon, South Korea, host city of the Winter Youth Games. The meeting took place as Nigeria is participating in the Youth Winter Olympic Games.

The discussions between President Thomas Bach and Minister John Owan Enoh also bordered on strategic preparations for the upcoming 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. President Bach specifically commended Minister Enoh for his dedication and commitment to sports development in Nigeria.

Senator Enoh’s presence at the Winter Youth Games is seen as a demonstration of his hands-on approach and personal commitment to fostering the growth of sports in Nigeria. President Bach acknowledged the Minister’s efforts in promoting sports at the international level and recognized his tireless commitment to creating opportunities for young athletes.

In response, Minister John Owan Enoh expressed gratitude to President Bach for his leadership in orchestrating preparations for the 2024 Olympics. The Minister highlighted the importance of collaboration and global cooperation in ensuring the success of major sporting events and emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to contributing actively to the Olympic movement.

Read Also: Rivers NSCDC destroys four illegal oil refining sites

As Nigeria looks ahead to the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Senator John Owan Enoh assured President Bach of the country’s dedication to sports development. The Minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to promoting the values of the Olympic movement and fostering the development of sports on both national and international platforms.

Over the weekend, Nigeria became the first African country to participate at the curling event at the Youth Winter Olympics. The Games which started January 19 which continue till February 1, 2024.

…Says feat represents a motivation for women in sports

The Honourable Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Elizabeth Oshoba for becoming the first Nigerian female boxer to clinch a world title.

The historic feat took place during the World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver Female featherweight bout, where Oshoba secured victory in the 10th round against Italy’s Michela Braga.

Senator Enoh expressed his admiration for Oshoba’s dedication, skill, and determination.

He stated, “Elizabeth Oshoba’s victory is a testament to the resilience and talent that our Nigerian athletes possess and the never-say-die spirit that we embody. She has not only made history for herself but has also brought immense pride to our nation. This achievement is a shining example for aspiring athletes across the country.”

Read Also: ” We will do our best to win ” – Osimhen speaks ahead of Guinea Bissau AFCON clash

The Minister further emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women in sports. “Elizabeth Oshoba’s success sends a powerful message about the strength and capabilities of our female athletes. It is crucial that we continue to support and encourage women in sports, providing them with the platforms and opportunities they deserve,” he added.

Oshoba’s journey to the top has been nothing short of inspiring. With an unblemished professional record of 7-0, she has not only claimed the World Champion title in the women’s featherweight category but has also etched her name in the annals of Nigerian sports history.

He appreciated Oshoba’s coaches, family members and everyone who has helped her ascend to the top echelons of her sport. As Nigeria revels in the glory of Elizabeth Oshoba’s triumph, Senator Enoh stated that the Sports Ministry remains committed to fostering a conducive environment for the growth and development of sports talent in the country.

…Urges Sports Federation leaders to shape the trajectory of their domains and leave lasting impact via service to nation

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has charged Presidents of different National Sports Federations to partner with the Ministry of Sports Development to ensure a vast improvement in the general performance during the forthcoming African, Olympic/Paralympic Games 2024.

Speaking during a technical meeting
With presidents of the various sports federations, Senator John Owan Enoh outlined the focus of the meeting to be: Each Federations roadmap, medals projection, challenges and the way forward towards podium performances at the games.

The Minister who described the meeting as important, stressed that coming after the retreat with different Sports Federations in December last year, his expectation was that this technical meeting affords the ministry and the various stakeholders within the nation’s sports ecosystem the opportunity to change the narrative of the sports sector and  consolidate on the gains achieved at the retreat. He expressed the hope that the meeting will be inclusive, participatory and productive adding that ultimately the meeting is all about the country’s sports and its performance.

Read Also: C’River Internal Revenue Reports 47% Surge in Tax Revenue

Senator Enoh reiterated his commitment and determination to take the nation’s sports to greater heights and sued for the cooperation of the various stakeholders. Building on this commitment, Senator Enoh expressed his preparedness 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.

He said, “looking at where we are coming from, there is no reason why we should not hold periodic meetings between the Ministry and the various sports federations. On our part, the Ministry is fully committed to ensure that these meetings take place on a periodic basis because we have a shared responsibility with the sports federations”.

The Minister who identified funding as the greatest challenge facing sports in the country for the past 30 years, said that he would do everything within his power to surmount the problem.  He also stated that his engagement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the issue of adequate funding of sports strengthened his resolve and commitment to solve this problem.

The Minister 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.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Development, Ismaila Abubakar, said that the meeting was convened by the minister to enable the various stakeholders to brainstorm and evolve strategies for the nation to achieve success at the African, Olympic/Paralympic Games and other sports competitions.

The technical meeting which took place at the media center of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium was well attended by the various presidents of national sports federations, their general secretaries and the evaluation team.