World News Update

_Congratulates Striker on Ballon D'or position, Backs him for CAF Award_  The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, extends his heartfelt congratulations to illustrious Nigerian football sensation, Victor Osimhen for his exceptional achievement in securing 8th place in the prestigious Ballon d'Or awards. Victor Osimhen's extraordinary talents and hard work have made him the pride of Nigeria and a source of inspiration to aspiring footballers across the nation. Senator John Enoh stated that Victor Osimhen's outstanding performance in the period under review and final Ballon d'Or awards position was a moment of pride for Nigeria. His journey from local grassroots to international stardom showcases the potential of Nigerian athletes. He added that Victor's achievement will serve as an inspiration to Nigerian youth and a reminder that with talent, hard work, and determination, they can excel on the world stage "The Ballon d'Or, ...

_Applauds Enoh's dual focus on sports for development and development of sports_  Nigeria's former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung, has praised Senator John Owan Enoh for kickstarting his tenure as the Minister of Sports Development with a promising and resolute approach. Senator John Owan Enoh, who was assigned to the Federal Ministry of Sports Development by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assumed the helm of one of Nigeria's most pivotal ministries, with a crystal-clear vision and an unwavering commitment to enhancing the nation's sports landscape. Dalung, who once occupied the same prestigious post, lauded Senator Enoh for his dedication and devotion to this vital role. Dalung enthusiastically commended Senator Enoh for his early initiatives, which clearly reflect his dedication to the development of sports in Nigeria. These initiatives encompass a broad spectrum of efforts that are poised to redefine the nation's ...

 _It has been very revealing what's going on in our various sports communities,all targeted at growing grassroot sports and encouraging private sector involvement_  The  Honourable Minister of Sports Development,Senator John Owan Enoh was present at the Pitstop Lagos Criterium  , a monthly cycling  race organized by the Pitstop community to promote grassroots cycling , athleticism and Adopt a Youth  initiative which seeks  to shape  responsible, dedicated, and exemplary youths through academic sponsorship, cycling, employment and mentorship by senior members of the cycling community. The Minister stated clearly the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda for Sports Development in the country, paying apt attention to the various sports and their Federations for proper development from the grassroot through to advanced levels. "The race is highly appreciated ,and we should be encouraged by Governments presence " he said. Givi...

 _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 heal...

 Press Statement: The immediate past Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Chief Sunday Akin Dare, CON, has extended his heartfelt felicitations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his Presidential Election Petition triumph. “THE MANDATE NIGERIANS GAVE YOU STANDS” - DARE I, Chief Sunday Akin Dare, wish to extend my warmest congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my revered mentor, and esteemed leader, on his resounding victory in the Presidential Elections Appeal held at the Supreme Court in Abuja, today. The verdict delivered by the apex court stands as a remarkable testament to the unwavering strength of President Tinubu's character and the undeniable mandate bestowed upon him by the Nigerian electorate. Your mandate stands.  This judgment reaffirms the Rule of Law, which is the cornerstone of our democracy, and reflects the collective will of the people as expressed in the February 25th election, where a significant majority of our citizens cast their votes in fav...

_Calls for adequate preparation towards success in Paris_  In a bid to elevate Nigeria's presence and performance at the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has issued a compelling call to the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) to push the boundaries of their preparations. The Minister made the call during a meeting with the executive board of the NOC, led by its president, Engr. Habu Gumel at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. Senator Owan Enoh emphasized that early, robust preparations are not just essential but pivotal to the success of the nation's athletes in their respective sporting disciplines. Furthermore, he underscored that such meticulous preparation could significantly enhance Nigeria's chances of clinching medals at international competitions. "I want to challenge you to do more, and go farther than you have gone," the Minister said. Beyond the grants,and training ...

_Says physical fitness and health education are integral components of a thriving and prosperous nation_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh has charged the National Association for Physical and Health Education, Recreation and Dance (NAPHER-SD) to play a more leading role in promoting fitness and health education across the country. The Minister gave the charge during the courtesy visit of NAPHER-SD, led by its president, Professor Florence Bola Adeyanju, He emphasized the crucial role that NAPHER-SD can play in advancing the nation's fitness and health awareness. He stated that physical fitness and health education are integral components of a thriving and prosperous society. "When we look at the sports sector, one element that we have continually missed is the fitness component," the Minister said. "It is an aspect that we ignore. it incorporates the generality of people into the sports ecosystem." "The World Health Organizat...

_Says the "Goals father" will forever remain in the hearts of millions of Nigerians_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, yesterday joined the nation and the global football community in commemorating the 60th posthumous birthday of legendary Nigerian footballer, Rashidi Yekini.  Yekini, born on October 23, 1963, in Kaduna, left an indelible mark on the world of football during his prolific career. As an Eagle, Yekini's contributions to Nigerian football are immeasurable. He became an inspiration to countless young athletes in Nigeria and beyond, setting a high standard for excellence on the field. "Rashidi Yekini's name resonates with passion, dedication, and outstanding talent," the Minister said. His unforgettable moments on the football field, including his historic goal during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, have left an indelible mark on the history of Nigerian football. Yekini's records, achievements, and charisma contin...

_Plans to resuscitate, rejuvenate grassroots sports_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has stated that Nigeria's journey towards sporting excellence hinges on the strategic provision of essential sports infrastructure and nurturing talents at the grassroots level.   He stated this during a radio engagement with Nigerians on Brila Media's Sports Fans Parliament. He said a critical first step towards this noble goal involves a rejuvenation of the school sports system. Senator Enoh passionately asserted that revitalizing School Sports and returning it to its former glory is imperative. He acknowledged that this initiative necessitates not only the enhancement of existing programs but also an ambitious collaboration with stakeholders, most notably through a robust private-public partnership. In his address, the Minister stated thus: “School sports would come back. The ministry is going to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Education, becau...

  * Mínister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan-Enoh Visits Maracana Ajegunle Lagos State: *

Mínister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan-Enoh on The Nigeria's Women Basketball League Finals:

_Says private sector can play a leading role in sports development_ In a move aimed at bolstering Nigeria's sporting industry and ensuring the continued growth of various sports, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, paid a working visit to Nigerian Breweries Plc headquarters in Lagos on Friday, to discuss potential sports investment opportunities. The visit marks a significant step towards fostering collaboration between the government and the private sector to advance the nation's sports landscape. The Minister was warmly received by top executives at Nigerian Breweries, including the Managing Director, Mrs. Hans Essaadi. Senator Enoh stated that the potential of sports in the country is enormous and the country needs to tap into the potential to upscale achievements and find more consistency in these achievements.  "This visit is to restore confidence, and to state that more than before, the Nigerian sports industry needs the private sec...

_Congratulates Champions, MFM Basketball on winning title_  The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has commended  the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), led by Engr. Musa Kida, for their organization of the Women's Basketball League Final Four, held in Lagos from October 17th to 19th, 2023. The Minister was present at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, where he witnessed a thrilling match between MFM Basketball and Nigerian Customs. MFM Basketball clinched the victory with a 64-60 score, to claim the league title. Senator Enoh showered encomiums on the Lagos-based team for their tenacity, determination, and resilience displayed on their path to securing the championship. He expressed his enthusiasm about the quality of the games and the wealth of talent available for potential national team selections. "In this Final Four, the level of competition we've seen unequivocally demonstrates the significant progress women's basketball h...

_Promises to strengthen operations of National Anti-Doping Committee_ In a bold commitment to bolster the fight against doping in sports, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has declared an unwavering commitment to expedite the submission of the National Anti-Doping Commission Establishment Bill to the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly for ratification in the coming weeks. He made the statement during a recent chat with his media team in Abuja. He emphasized the paramount importance of legislation to the National Anti-Doping Committee, identifying it as a crucial step towards overcoming the challenges it faces in achieving its objectives.  "Our hope is that in the next couple of weeks, we will be able to get the bill ready," the Minister said. "We will go through the necessary processes, leading up to introducing it to the National Assembly, as an Executive Bill. We will get it across to the Federal Ministry of Justice,...

Abuja based Football Academy, CKD Academy will be playing a friendly match against Nasarawa United today, Thursday 19th October, 2023 by 3pm, at the goal project pitch of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. It would be recalled that Nasarawa United got relegated to the second tier league, last season. So, in preparation of the new season, Nasarawa United will be playing against CKD Academy in a friendly match, in order to build up the fitness level of their players. CKD Academy will be parading young and promising players, who can represent Nigeria outside the shores of the country in the nearest future. The Academy participated in the last three scouting programs in Abuja, and will be giving Nasarawa United a run for their money.

Chief Sunday Dare CON FNIS, will be honored with 'NUJ Lifetime Achievement Award', on Thursday 19th October 2023. The award will be presented to the immediate past Minister of Sports and Youth Development, at the NUJ  Family/Veterans' Day Event to be held  at Dapo Aderogba Hall, Press Centre Iyaganku Ibadan. This is part of the activities scheduled to mark the 2023 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, from 15th through to 27th October 2023. As a veteran journalist, Chief Dare has almost 3 decades of journalism experience both nationally and internationally.  The NUJ Council, in a statement released on Wednesday 18th October 2023, stated that;  "It is the most significant day in the Union, because of the involvement of Leaders, Veterans and Senior Journalists. It is called Family/Veterans’ Day',  The Chairman of the occasion is Ambassador Yemi Farounbi, while other special guests include Chief Sunday Dare; Prof Deolu Akande; Ambassador Debo Akande among...

 _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 do...