The ministry of sports development has signed an agreement with Yanga Games Technologies (YGT), a private sector company to help Nigerian sports raise N35 billion over the next four years to augment budgetary allocations from the federal government.
Minister of sports development, Senator John Owan Enoh stated this at the 1st National Council on Sports meeting in Enugu.
He said: “under his guidance and leadership, he said the ministry of sports development signed an agreement with Yanga Games Technologies (YGT), a private sector company to help Nigerian sports raise N35 billion over the next four years to augment budgetary allocations from the federal government.
He also said the ministry also struck an MoU with Effa Management Ltd to help create facility clusters in the six geopolitical zones and an agreement with GTI to reintroduce and revamp the competition formerly known as the Challenge Cup, now to be known as “The President Federation Cup” among others.
Harping on the impact of sports on the the socio-economic development of the country, Enoh noted that substantial investment in sports infrastructure, talent development and grassroots programmes will not only nurture athletic excellence but stimulate local economies, create employment opportunities and promote healthier lifestyles.
He called on the council to focus on some key priorities in the course of its deliberations in order to harness the potential of Sports for National Development.
The minister noted that the key priorities include leveraging sports to bridge divides and strengthen the bonds of unity among citizens, the empowerment of local communities through sports initiatives to identify and nurture talents, the enhancement of sports infrastructure nationwide, strategic investments in sports for significant Socio-Economic dividends,youth empowerment and development, international partnerships, Private-Public Partnerships and inclusivity and accessibility.
The minister thanked President Bola Tinubu for the support he has continued to provide for sports development in the country.
