World News Update

  _Says scheme expansion will make room to encompass other sport federations_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh has expressed delight with the management of AfriKing Homes for the successful completion and handover of the Abuja National Stadium training pitch to the Ministry of Sports Development under the Adopt-A-Facility Initiative. In a mini-ceremonial event held in Abuja on Thursday, the real estate company officially handed over the fully renovated pitch to the Ministry, with top ministry officials, led Senator John Enoh in attendance. Afriking Homes assumed the responsibility for rehabilitating the Moshood Abiola National Stadium training pitch earlier this year as part of the Adopt-A- Pitch initiative, initiated by former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Sunday Dare. During the occasion, Senator Enoh lauded the organization for its exceptional commitment and exemplary execution, citing it as a remarkable achievement. Senator Enoh ...

  In a dedicated effort to fortify and enhance the sports landscape in Nigeria, the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has revealed a comprehensive six-point agenda known as W.A.I.F.A.R to drive sports development in the nation. In a meeting with the Permanent Secretary and all directors of the Ministry to commemorate his 100 days in office, Enoh unveiled the strategic framework that will guide sports development from the new year. He said that the objective of the agenda is to rejuvenate and restore sports to its former glory, consolidating its significance within Nigeria's cultural and competitive landscape. "This agenda is meticulously designed to bolster growth and excellence within the country's sports sector," the Minister said.  "We must key into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope agenda and strive to propel the sports industry to newer heights. President Tinubu's genuine enthusiasm for sports underscores his unwavering ...

_Calls for renewed commitment towards producing quality athletes_  In a landmark move towards advancing training of coaches in Nigeria, the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has fostered a strategic partnership between the National Institute for Sports (NIS) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).  This action was prior to the Minister's meeting with the Sports Coaches Association of Nigeria on Tuesday, in Abuja.  Senator Enoh initiated and facilitated a meeting between the Director General of NIS, Professor Olawale Moronkola and the Executive Secretary, TETFUND, Arc. Sonny Echono. Both parties left the meeting with clear roadmaps on the intersectionality of their functions and pathways to a collaborative relationship. The collaboration will aim to elevate the standard of coaching training, foster extensive research initiatives, and bolster funding opportunities geared towards enhancing coaches' education across all sports federations. Facili...

  The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has commemorated a significant milestone—100 days in office—a period marked by notable strides and unwavering dedication to advancing sports development in Nigeria. Reflecting on this milestone, Senator Enoh emphasized the accomplishments achieved and the continuous pursuit of progress lying ahead. Thus far in his tenure, Senator Enoh has orchestrated several impactful initiatives aimed at fostering growth and excellence within Nigeria's sports sector. While the list is endless, some achievements within the first 100 days include: Fostering Grassroots Development: The Minister has promoted initiatives aimed at promoting grassroots development. He restructured the National Youth Games to stay true as a fit-for-purpose, enforcing age cap for the Games (U-15). Moreso, plans have been underway to revamp school sports in the country, so as to re-establish the system of talent manufacturing at school level. Establish...

In a bold stride toward reforming Nigeria's sports landscape, Senator Owan Enoh has proven his mettle and capability to handle the Ministry of Sports Development, a ministry that attracts the eyes and criticisms of millions of Nigerians, owing to their passion for sports. With 100 days passing since his appointment as Nigeria's Minister of Sports Development, Senator Enoh has taken the enormous responsibility with vigor, vision, and vitality. The subsector of grassroots development, is an area that has always needed attention in Nigerian sports. How has Enoh performed in this regard after 100 days? In a strategic move aimed at bolstering grassroots sports development in Nigeria, the Minister embarked on an ambitious agenda, swiftly garnering attention for its potential to transform the nation's sports landscape. From outlining strategic targets, to meeting stakeholders, to visiting grassroots locations, to wooing investors, to enacting action points, etc., Senator Enoh has ...

_Says Nigeria's sports talentpool makes its a hotbed for all forms of sports scouting activities_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has expressed his commitment to meticulously review a proposal aimed at regulating the scouting system within Nigeria's sports landscape. The proposal was submitted by a delegation led by the National President of Prestige Football Academy, Uchendu Stephen Nwabara, during a meeting with the Minister in Abuja, on Tuesday. Acknowledging the critical role of scouting in nurturing and harnessing the nation's sports potential, Senator John Owan Enoh stated that Nigeria's huge talentpool makes it a destination of choice for scouts from all around the world. The Minister said the Ministry is concerned about some of the general practices in the sports ecosystem, as it is working to ensure ethical standards are imbibed, and also provide equitable opportunities for aspiring young talents to excel in sport. "Mo...

 _… Says Sports to Contribute 7% to National GDP By 2027_  The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has praised the patriotism and contributions of Nigerians in diaspora to nation building.  Delivering his remarks titled, “Engaging with the Diaspora in Engineering Sports for National Development” during the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, organized by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister stated that Nigeria’s diaspora community has over the years made outstanding contributions to the country’s economy to an extent that they now hold such importance and relevance in Nigeria’s story of nation building. Senator Owan Enoh noted that sustained increase in diaspora inflows into Nigeria makes it one of the fastest growing aspects of the global economy.   Buttressing his postulation, he said that a breakdown of figures from the World Bank showed that, as of 2015 diaspor...

_Rallies Nigerians to stand behind the team_ In a fervent call to action, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has expressed concern and offered encouragement following the Super Eagles of Nigeria's recent game against the Crocodiles (Likuena) of Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Thursday, November 16, 2023. Senator Enoh joined sports-loving Nigerians to watch the match with high expectations of a resounding victory for the Nigerian National Team. However, the anticipated triumph fell short as the performance of the Super Eagles did not meet the anticipated standards. "The Government and football-loving people of Nigeria take the qualification for the 2026 World Cup very seriously and want the Super Eagles to qualify," Senator Enoh stated. "Having missed out on the 2022 world cup in Qatar ,qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is not negotiable." Expressing urgency in rectifying the team's performance,...

 _Ministry to provide support and boost social inclusiveness of the sport_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has stated his vision for the development of polo in Nigeria, following his meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Polo Federation (NPF). In his bid to rejuvenate and reinvigorate sports in the country, he has continued to meet different sports federations to drive a common vision. He identified polo as a sport which receives more attention, support and enthusiasm from the Northern part of the Nigeria. He added the sport has the potential to grow and enjoy national recognition. Given the multi-level focus on grassroot development, social inclusion and the economic development trajectory of his administration, the roundtable conversation with the NPF was held on Wednesday, November 15th, to discuss the development of polo. The Minister said that “we need to go to the North to encourage and develop the game of polo, given that the follow...

  _Charges Committee to ensure Nigeria surpasses previous performances at the Games_ As Team Nigeria gears up towards the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the Honorable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, on Wednesday, took a significant step towards ensuring the country's exceptional outing on the global stage, as he inaugurated the Ministerial Strategic Committee at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.  In an assertive move towards meticulous planning and strategic execution, the Committee will spearhead Nigeria's preparations for the upcoming Games. The inauguration of this Committee underscores the Minister's unwavering commitment to fostering excellence in sports and providing the necessary support to Nigeria's athletes.  Led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, the Committee comprises distinguished members renowned for their expertise and passion for sports development.  The Minister stated that the strateg...

_Says team should be inspired by Qatar 2022 qualifiers ordeal_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has urged the Super Eagles of Nigeria to start their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series on a very strong note.  The Minister's charge comes as the Super Eagles gear up for their opening match in the qualifying campaign. Senator Enoh, a fervent believer of the team, expressed confidence in the team's abilities and highlighted the immense pride the nation holds for the Super Eagles. He urged the technical crew and the players to put their best foot forward in these two games.  “The memory of losing out during the qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup is still fresh in the minds of Nigerians.” He said. “The team should avoid leaving their fate to permutations. We should bring out their best to pick the first six points in front of us.” "I have complete faith in our talented squad. The Super Eagles have a rich history of success, and we believe th...

 FEDERAL MINISTRY OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT, ABUJA  PRESS RELEASE- The Federal Government has commended the Enugu State Government under the stewardship of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubusi Mbah, for its commitment towards promoting sports development through  the innovative and comprehensive upgrade and rebranding of sporting facilities in the state. The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, gave the commendation today in Enugu, the Enugu State Capital, shortly after the inspection tour of sporting facilities in  the state. He stated that the Federal Government was impressed with the commitment of the State Government, especially in the areas of grassroots sports, talent identification,  infrastructure upgrade as well as in its vision for sports as a profitable business venture because it tallies with the Federal Government's vision for the sector. Senator Owan Enoh stated further that his visit to the state was to enable him have a one...

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh has expressed the Federal Governments desire desire to partner with the Enugu State Government to ensure the development of sports in the country not only at the grassroots level but also to unlock its economic potentials in line with global realities.   Senator John Owan Enoh disclosed this during a courtesy visit on the Executive Governor of Enugu State,  His Excellency Dr Peter  Ndubusi Mbah held at the Government House Enugu, the Enugu State Capital. Senator Owan Enoh stated that the new vision and thinking of the Federal Government was  to make sports a profitable venture by moving the sector away from mere recreation to a business.  He explained that his visit to the Executive Governor of Enugu State was to discuss on how both the  Federal and Enugu State Governments can partner together to explore ways to fully unlock the economic potentials of sports in Nigeria and in the process,...

The President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has appointed Oloye Titilọpẹ Gbadamosi, as Special Assistant on Youth Initiatives Delivery and Monitoring. The appointment of Oloye Titilọpẹ Gbadamosi was announced, at the afternoon hours of  Thursday 9th November, 2023. The newly appointed SA on Youth Initiatives, was the Deputy Director Support Group Directorate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (Southwest) during the electioneering proceedings that led to the emergence of  Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the duly elected President of Nigeria. Also, she is the Deputy National Chairman of the Youth Alliance for Tinubu (YAT); an alliance of youthful demography across all the states in Nigeria, that worked assiduously at the grassroot level, canvassed massive votes, in ensuring the victory of President Bọla Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Elections earlier this year. Oloye Titilọpẹ Gbadamosi, was Special Assistant on Co...

Sports lawyer and advocate, James Audu has expressed his admiration for the dedication and vision of the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, in spearheading grassroots development and early preparations for Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In a statement on Sunday, in Abuja, Audu commended Senator Enoh for his proactive strategies towards talent identification around the country and laying the groundwork for their transition to the elite stage. Senator Enoh, who assumed the position of Sports Minister a few months ago, has consistently demonstrated his commitment to enhancing Nigeria's sporting profile at both the national and international levels. Under his leadership, the Ministry of Sports has embarked on an array of initiatives aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent, as well as ensuring that Nigerian athletes are well-prepared for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Audu, who has extensive experience in sports law and advocacy, lauded the Minister's em...

_Says sports sector is on the brink of a transformative period_ The president of the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation, Dr. Demola Are has extended commendations to the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, for his strategic vision and pivotal contributions to the country's sports development. He stated that Nigeria's sports landscape is on the brink of a transformative period, under the leadership of Senator John Owan Enoh. With the Minister dusting up the 10-year football masterplan, his administration is set to implement comprehensive strategies aimed at revolutionizing sports. This blueprint promises to elevate the standard of the sport across all levels, from grassroots programs to elite competitions. Dr. Demola Are expressed profound appreciation for the Minister's far-sighted approach, stating, "Senator John Owan Enoh's commitment to the advancement of sports in Nigeria is commendable. The 10-year masterplan reflects a comprehen...

In the vibrant heart of Spanish football, where legends are both born and celebrated, Nigerian striker, Sadiq Umar has carved out a special place for himself in the hearts of San Sebastián and the passionate fans of the Estadio Anoeta. His journey has been one fueled by unwavering determination, tireless hard work, and an unrelenting desire to make a name for himself on the grandest stage of world football. Over the past five seasons, Sadiq Umar has consistently dazzled the footballing world with his exceptional talents. His story is one of sheer perseverance, unwavering dedication, and raw talent. From his early days at NAC Breda in 2018 to his time at Partizan in 2019, the young striker from Kaduna showcased his class, leaving no doubt as to why AS Roma had invested their faith in him at an early age. www.ckdmedia.ng highlights that Sadiq's path to the pinnacle of Spanish football was not without its share of loan spells, where he proved that he was ready for the big leagues. In ...

 _… Assures of Government’s readiness to incentivize critical areas of sports development_  Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has advised investors and major players in the private sector to take advantage of incentives put in place by the current administration to invest massively in the sports sector.  Delivering a lecture titled, “Sports Development as a Panacea for National Unity and Economic Development”, at the National Defence College in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister described sports in Nigeria as untapped goldmine for economic development said. He said that sports have the capacity to provide gainful employment to millions of youths and other unemployed Nigerians, if properly harnessed.  He said,” The new vision and thinking of government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu classifies sports as business. It is the right approach to jumpstart the desired transformation of sports in our country. I therefore invite the private sector, inves...