FG tasks NOC on early preparations ahead of 2024 Olympics

Posted : 26 October 2023

The Federal Government has called on the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) to enhance its preparations for the 2024 Olympic Games scheduled to take place in Paris, France.

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, issued this call in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, when the Executive Members of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, led by its President, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, visited him.

Senator Owan Enoh emphasized that early preparations for the Games would not only provide athletes with ample opportunities in their respective sports but would also enable the country to achieve podium finishes in international competitions.

Furthermore, the Minister stated that the administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aims to develop sports as more than just recreation but as a business to create job opportunities for young people, alleviate poverty, and enhance peace and unity in the country. He highlighted the creation of the Ministry of Sports Development and his appointment as Minister to drive this significant government policy.

Senator Owan Enoh underlined that sports serve as a unifying factor in Nigeria, and the government is committed to strengthening the sector for the betterment of all. He assured that the Ministry of Sports Development, under his leadership, will collaborate with key industry stakeholders for industry development.

He mentioned that the government's renewed Hope Agenda allows for inclusiveness in sports for both men and women and encourages private sector participation. He also highlighted the endorsement of the National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) in the renewed Hope Agenda.

The Minister advised the NOC executive members to explore areas in the document that can attract private sector partnerships to aid athlete development, ensuring they can compete globally.

He stressed the need for all industry stakeholders to work with the Federal Government to develop sports, especially in infrastructure upgrades, grassroots sports development, athlete training, scholarships, and capacity building for officials since the government cannot achieve this alone.

Additionally, the Minister reminded the Committee to ensure the clean participation of the nation's athletes during the competition, emphasizing that the government will not tolerate any cases of doping.

Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), expressed their visit's purpose to congratulate the Honourable Minister on his appointment and to brief him on the Committee's activities. He commended the Minister's proactive and progressive steps in his first month in office, which indicate a new direction for Nigerian sports.

Engr. Gumel assured that the Nigeria Olympic Committee, as a partner of the Ministry of Sports Development, is committed to delivering value to stakeholders, especially in capacity building to support National Federation Administrative and Technical Structures, with the goal of positioning Nigeria among the world's sporting nations.

He explained that the Committee's core objective includes providing international and local training scholarships for Nigerian elite and upcoming athletes, as well as offering support grants to team sports. This is done in collaboration with international organizations like the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), and the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to prepare Nigerian athletes for qualification tournaments and participation in the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and African Games.

Engr. Gumel assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, that the Committee would do everything possible to ensure clean qualification for the upcoming Olympic Games and help Nigeria achieve podium finishes in international competitions.

FG tasks NOC on early preparations ahead of 2024 Olympics

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