The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh has said that the support of the private sector for sports cannot be underestimated while calling for more corporate bodies to identify with the sports sector to curb youth restiveness across the country.
The minister who was the cynosure of eyes at the weekend as he received the esteemed Africa Sustainability Man of the Year award in a colourful event during the 17th Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility Awards (SERAS) held in Lagos.
He particularly emphasised the key roles that the private sector can play in rejuvenating the dwindling fortunes of sports in the country, saying, “Without the support of the private sector, sports cannot thrive in this country and that is why we recognise the important role the private sector in our sports, and we are appealing to corporate bodies and individuals to support sports,” he said.
“This government recognises and appreciates the big power of sports which is why what we have before now was the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development but this government deem it necessary to create a separate Ministry of Sports Development and three months plus as a minister of sports development.”
I have been concerned and come face-to-face with the realization that there’s no sector in our country; there is no sector of our national economy that is as empowering as engaging our youth as much as the sports sector. With the country that has about 120 million people and counting, with a youthful population of more than 65% and counting, I think that sports is a way to go. With Sports, you will find so many of the attractions that are going to continually boost the sustainable development goals for our people.” the minister said.
Under Enoh’s leadership, the sports ministry is undergoing a remarkable turnaround, marked by clear policy directions and an extraordinary passion to rejuvenate all facets of Nigeria’s sports ecosystem for the greater good of the nation.
The minister was recognised as a visionary leader, and outstanding achiever whose ability to steer the sports ministry towards positive transformation, has been felt within the short time of taking over.
Enoh joins the ranks of distinguished personalities who have previously received the award, including Tony Elumelu (Tony Elumelu Foundation), Aliko Dangote (Aliko Dangote Foundation), and Lieutenant General Sir Seretse Khama (Former President of the Republic of Botswana).