We want to create viable career pathways for young Nigerian talents — Sports Minister
By Dave Okpogadie, Asaba
The Federal Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has stated that beyond laurels and glory at competitions, his administration is focused on ensuring teeming youths with talents in the country forge viable career pathways as athletes.
The minister, who made the statement while briefing journalists at the ongoing National Youth Sports in Asaba, reiterated the unwavering commitment of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, to continually pay utmost attention to every facet of sports development in the country.
“I can assure you that the present leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, shall pay undivided attention to the development of the abundant talents we have all around the nation,” John Enoh said.
“We do this not just with an eye on podium performances, but to also create career pathways for our youth and millions of job opportunities in the sports value chain,” he added.
Senator Enoh also stated that the ministry will collaborate with industry stakeholders to strengthen the fight against age-cheating in sports, as well as forestall the violation of doping rules, especially amongst young athletes.
“The issue of age cheating in sports is an area in which the Ministry requires the support and collaboration of all stakeholders. On our part, one of the innovations at this year’s edition of the Games is the introduction of the National Identity Number (NIN) as part of the verification process for athletes.
“Working with other stakeholders, we shall keep improving the process as we move along until we reduce this menace to the barest minimum. We have to get this right as a nation if we hope to achieve sports excellence,” Senator Enoh said.
“Do your best in your respective sports disciplines and compete cleanly without the use of performance-enhancing substances that will eventually ruin your career in sports. I also encourage you to utilize the opportunities provided by the Games to develop enduring friendships and career paths for yourself,” he advised.
Medals have started rolling in for States, with Delta, Lagos, Cross River, Abia, Rivers and Bayelsa States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory winning laurels in different categories of weightlifting events.
