Tag: John Owan-Enoh

…Fitness is a sports component which incorporates everyone, and when you are fit you function optimally. The Civil Service needs more fit people

The Honorable Minister of Sports Development called on Public Servants in the country to imbibe and cultivate the culture of physical fitness and health consciousness towards ensuring a productive and healthy nation.

Senator John Owan Enoh gave the charge today when he flagged off  the October Edition of the monthly keep-fit aerobics in preparation for the 2023 Federal Public Service Games (FEPSGA) which  held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

He stated that the Ministry of Sports Development was ready to collaborate and partner with any organisation or body to develop programmes and initiatives that will not only encourage sports development in the country especially in such areas as promotion of physical activity, raise awareness about the importance of fitness, and disseminate valuable health education information to all segments of the  society with a view to improving their health status for optimal service delivery, but also, to provide our teeming youth with job  opportunities so as to alleviate poverty amongst them with a view to  having a safe and peaceful environment for Nigerians.

He observed that “a healthy nation is a productive nation, and by enhancing fitness and health consciousness amongst the Public Servants we can contribute to the overall well-being of the citizens. Through effective collaboration between the Ministry and FEPSGA, we can come up with initiatives that target both the male and female adults in the Public Service that will encourage them to cultivate a culture of physical fitness and health consciousness”, he said.

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He added that physical fitness and health education are integral  components of a thriving and prosperous nation, and therefore, FEPSGA as a coordinating body in this area should play a leading role in promoting it.

The Minister explained that one of the vital elements that Nigerians as a people continually miss in the sports sector is the physical fitness component, which he said “is one element that is an aspect that we ignore. It incorporates the generality of people into the sports ecosystem”.

The Minister informed that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration is interested in this, which is why he added that the President out of his wisdom created a Ministry of Sports Development to holistically drive this aspect of human development in line with the International standards.

Senator Enoh noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) some years ago focused on the benefits of fitness and physical activity in its guide to all nations. Its benefits to healthy living are enormous. One of the tasks of FEPSGA therefore, is to come out with advocacy towards encouraging the entire Federal Government workforce to imbibe the culture of physical activity, health consciousness and ideas with a view to adding value to the lives of an average Nigerian by ensuring efficient service delivery in line with the policy thrust of the present administration,” he stressed.

While commending the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation under the stewardship of Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan and FEPSGA  for initiating and sustaining the programmes even in the face of the current economic  challenges, Senator Owan Enoh called on the workers to take advantage of the programme to be mentally and physically fit for optimal  performance in their respective offices and ease stress as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO)

Senator Owan Enoh, who was decorated as the Captain of the 2023 FEPSGA aerobics exercise added that, in 2002, WHO declared the need to imbibe the culture of  physical and mental fitness and called on policy and programme makers across the world to encourage physical fitness in the policy programmes of government.

While pledging to flag off the  opening ceremony of 2023 FEPSGA Games, the Minister informed that  physical fitness will not only increase the physical and mental state of an individual at the optimal, but also the  productive capacity of the Federal Public Service in Nigeria in line with global realities.

In her remarks during the exercise, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, thanked the Honourable Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh for accepting and coming out to flag off the October Edition of the monthly keep fit Aerobics Exercise in preparation for the 2023 Federal Public Service Games.

Represented by the Director Occupational Hazard and Safety Department in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Dr Mrs Comfort Adeosun, Dr Yemi-Esan assured the workers that this year’s pillar which is number six, aims at improving the proposition and well being of the Federal Public Servants in the country.

She stated that an able workforce will be a productive workforce, adding that “if you are not healthy, your performance will be low, thus affecting efficient service delivery to the citizenry”, Yemi-Esan said.

Also, the former Minister of Youth and Sports Development Barrister Solomon Dalung while addressing the workers during the exercise advised them to be resolute and not to loose hope in the present administration  but continue to provide unflinching support to the new leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in its resolve to  move the country forward.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health Ms Daju
Kachollom also assured that the Ministry of Health is committed to the realization of a healthy workforce that will efficiently drive the policies, programmes and initiatives of the Federal Government for the betterment of Nigerians

Earlier in his opening remarks,
President Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA) Mr. Aloku Amebi stated that the monthly keep-fit aerobics exercise is one of the cardinal programmes of FEPSGA aimed at improving physical fitness and general well-being of all cadres in the Public Service.

He stated further that this month’s edition marks the end of the keep-fit aerobics exercise for the year in view of the preparation for the 2023 Annual Public Service Games which is billed to hold in December 2023.

…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.

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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.

…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.

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“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.

…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.

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“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.

_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.”

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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.