The Minister of Sports Development, John Owan Enoh, has urged the Secretaries General of National Sports Federations to prioritize diligence and enhance productivity within their respective organizations.
He made the call during a meeting with the secretaries at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Emphasizing their role as representatives of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Enoh reminded the scribes that they are civil servants first and foremost.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that the activities of the Federations align with the ministry’s goals and serve the nation’s best interests.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) he stated “The Secretaries General must ensure that the activities of the Federations are in the best interest of both the Ministry and the nation.”
The minister highlighted the need to maximize the productivity of the various teams under the federations’ watch, cautioning against requests for funding that do not align with national objectives.
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“Some of the requests we’ve received for competition funding, while well-intentioned, don’t necessarily align with the Ministry’s vision. It is the duty of the Secretaries General to advise the Ministry on which competitions are critical for national development,” he said.
Enoh added that proper guidance from the scribes is crucial to ensure that funds are directed towards competitions that build momentum for the country in the global sports arena.
He further encouraged the secretaries to regularly update his office with memos that not only outline challenges they face but also offer solutions for improvement.
This call for accountability comes in the aftermath of a disappointing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where Nigeria failed to secure any medals despite significant government investment.
Though the minister did not disclose the exact amount spent, reports suggest about N12 billion was allocated. Enoh had previously noted that the Federal Government met all financial requests made for both the Olympics and Paralympics.
“Before the Games, the President approved the full budget submitted for the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Enoh revealed. “We have no excuse for failure, as every financial request was met. It’s now up to us and the athletes to justify this support.”
While Team Nigeria returned empty-handed from the Olympics, the country’s Paralympians claimed two gold, three silver, and two bronze medals.
