By Emma Jemegah
100 days after his assumption of office, the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh is pre-occupied with the development of the sector and maintenance of infrastructure.
Senator Enoh realises the absence or inadequacy of proper sports facilities stands as a formidable barrier, limiting access, stunting talent growth, and impeding the pursuit of athletic excellence.
The scarcity of proper infrastructure denies aspiring athletes the opportunity to train, compete, and excel, hampering their ability to reach their full potential. At its core, this issue is a disheartening reality for millions of Nigerians, especially in areas where dilapidated fields, outdated facilities, and a lack of resources converge to create a stark contrast to the vibrant and dynamic sporting environments seen elsewhere.
Since assumed office, the minister has identified a lack of maintained arenas and he has relentlessly dug into viable avenues to improve the sports infrastructure of Nigeria.
That explains his decision, 24 hours on resuming, and his inspection tour of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, where he postulated that the Ministry would be as systematic as possible, with the process of driving infrastructural growth. On his first trip as a minister was to Lagos, for another inspection tour to the National Stadium, Surulere, one could tell that his passion is contagious, his enthusiasm is infectious and his hard work is admirable.
He spoke about the process towards the concessioning of the National Stadium, Surulere and has been seen wooing private investors, while fostering greater relationship with investors such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Chief Adebutu Kessington.
By prioritising the development and maintenance of sports infrastructure, Senator Enoh is sowing the seeds for a more vibrant, equitable, and thriving future.