The focus of the federal government’s sports development initiative is to give youth a better future to excel, Shehu Dikko, chairman of the National Sports Commission, has said.
“The focus of sports in Nigeria at the moment is youth development and grassroots sports. This is why the president appointed a special committee on grassroot sports, because of the vision and the mindset that grassroots sport is the future, ” Dikko said.
Speaking at the closing ceremony at the MTN Champs season three grand finale in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, he said the commission was working with the federal ministry of education to create centres of excellence around schools in the country.
“We’re trying to work with the federal ministry of education to create centres of excellence around schools, because schools are the basis of the grassroots sports development.
” So, for each part of the country, we intend to have one university as a centre of excellence.
“For each state, we intend to have one secondary school as a centre of excellence for sports.
“For each local government, there is one primary school as a center of excellence for sports, so the kids here have a path to grow to the best they can be in their own chosen career of sports.”
He also revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the upcoming National Sports Festival under the sponsorship of the federal government, composed of invited junior athletes.
He commended MTN specially for what it is doing to deepen sports development in the country saying, ” it’s quite brilliant. This is in alignment with the vision of the president, to give the youth the opportunity for a better future tomorrow, and this is why we had to be here,” he said.
In her remarks, Modupe Kadiri, Chief Financial Officer of the company, said. MTN Champs was more than just a competition; it was described as a platform for dreams.
“It is an investment in the future of Nigerian athletics, providing opportunities for young talents to discover their potential and strive for excellence.
“The memories created here, the lessons learned, and the friendships forged will last a lifetime.
As we look forward with immense anticipation to the journeys that lie ahead for these
young athletes, we are confident that many of you will go on to represent Nigeria with pride on the global stage, carrying the torch of excellence ignited here at the MTN Champs season 3.
She commended Akwa Ibom State governor Umo Eno for his invaluable support and for welcoming them so warmly “to this remarkable state..”
All the athletes who won in the tournament were decorated with medals at the closing ceremony attended by Enobong Uwah, Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State government who represented Governor Umo Eno.
