In a communique released after the National Council on Sports meeting at the Old
Government Lodge, Abakaliki Road, Enugu State, the Minister of Sports
Development, Sen. John Enoh, commended
the Ogun State Government for its commitment to the successful hosting
of the festival.
Sen. Enoh noted that the National Sports Festival plays a
vital role in national unity, while also increasing socio-economic growth for
the sustainable development of the state and the country in general, calling on
the Federal and state governments to bid and host national and international
sports competitions, to fast-track the development of sports in the country.
While urging all key stakeholders to play active roles
towards the successful hosting of the Gateway Games, the Sports Minister said
that the Council of Sports was in support of the establishment of Sports
Development and Investment Fund (NSIDF) for its attendant benefits in driving
sports development in Nigeria.
Fielding questions from journalists shortly after meeting,
Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development,
Wasiu Isiaka, expressed the state government’s readiness to host the
Festival.
He noted that the NSF embodies capacity to bring people
together, foster teamwork, cooperation, instill values of discipline and
perseverance, encouraging youths to embrace sports for socio-economic
development of the state, adding that targeted funding and incentives were
crucial for driving grassroots sports engagements and ensuring the
sustainability of sports programmes.
“Through the power of sports, we have the opportunity to
come together, forge connections and celebrate our shared humanity. We are
leveraging on the “Building Our Future Together” agenda of the Governor, to
leverage on sports development at the grassroots”, he said.