President Tinubu mulls more private investments in Sports

Posted : 23 May 2024

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President Bola Tinubu has called for more involvement of the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and international partners in sports development in the country.

The President made the call at the opening of the 1st National Council on Sports Technical Meeting in Enugu on Wednesday.

Tinubu, who was represented by Mr. Zephania Jisalo, Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, stressed the importance of developing sports infrastructure.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration to advance the development of sports in the country.

“The government cannot do this alone but needs the active involvement of the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and partners.

“Together, we can build a robust ecosystem that supports our athletes and promotes healthy living among our citizens,” he said.

“In line with our Renewed Hope Agenda, we must invest in modern facilities and ensure their maintenance and accessibility.

“Our athletes deserve the best training environment to compete at the highest levels and to bring glory to our nation,” he said.

“We also need to invest in sports development right from primary school,” he said.

The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh, described sports as a platform to bridge and strengthen the bond of unity among the citizens.

Enoh said that since his assumption of office nine months ago, the ministry under his watch had signed agreements with some private sector companies, including Yanga Games Technology (YGT).

According to him, this would help Nigeria raise N35 million to augment contributions by the Federal Government.

“This is a corporate social responsibility contribution by this company to sports development in Nigeria and indeed the first of its kind,” the minister said.

He thanked Tinubu for supporting the ministry, adding that the President had taken a special interest in sports development in the country.

“I would like to thank President Bola Tinubu for the support he has continued to provide for sports development in the country and particularly his interest in the welfare of our athletes,” Enoh said.

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State said that his state hosting the meeting underscored the importance his administration attached to sports development.

He said that the state had produced notable national and international athletes, including the legendary Christian Chukwu, Jay-Jay Okocha, the Ezinwa brothers, and the late Michael Okpara, aka Power Mike.

“All these athletes started here, and I cannot forget our darling Rangers International of Enugu,” he said.

He thanked Mr. President and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development for offering Enugu State the opportunity to host the event.

The three-day event, which began on Monday, ends today (Wednesday).

President Tinubu mulls more private investments in Sports

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