Minister Sues For Greater Utilisation Of Sports For Social Cohesion

Sports development minister, Senator John Enoh, has advocated for the use of sports as a tool for behavioural change, rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals associated with crime in assisting them to lead a better lives

He made the call at the two-day workshop on sports-based intervention in prison settings, organised by the United Nations tagged ‘Drug and Crime for Nigerian Correctional Service inmates and the public’.

Enoh, who was presented by one of the deputy directors at the Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Bamiduro Olumide, Enoh, noted that without doubt, the workshop provided an avenue for deliberations on ways to strengthen and enhance the delivery capacity of the Nigerian Correctional Service and the population it serves.

According to him, sports remains one of the major tools for social engagement, especially amongst youths – irrespective of sex, religion and tribe, sayings sports-based programmes and activities are now modern and effective empowerment tool globally.

“It has the power to unite and foster togetherness, and progress amongst youths,” Enoh declared.

While commending the German government for partnering with the United Nations to organize the programme, Senator Enoh assured them of the federal government’s interest in welcoming ideas and innovations that will further enhance both nations’ bilateral relationship.

“I am particularly delighted to associate with this event. It has the capacity to give a platform to potential sports persons. Moreso, sports is a major tool for peace and conflict resolution.”

The former director-general of the defunct National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Yakmut Alhassan, was one of the resource persons that present a paper at the workshop.

Some of the important papers delivered by presenters includes crime prevention and criminal justice and prison and penal reforms (UNODC office, Nigeria).