Richard Elesho
Kogi State has organised a Sports Summit with stakeholders calling on governments at all levels and the private sector to develop the political will to invest massively in grassroots sports development.
The Summit which took place in Lokoja, the state capital had the theme: “The Evolution of Sports Towards State Building.” It was organised by the state’s Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
A resource person who lectures at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT College of Education, Zuba, Musa Ahmed Hamza, said sports played a crucial role in fostering national identity, unity, and state legitimacy in Nigeria.
He stressed that through various sporting events, both at national and international levels, sports have served as a unifying factor that transcends ethnic, religious, and regional differences.
He, therefore, emphasised the need to invest more by providing adequate facilities, training programs, and competitions at the local level to nurture young talent.
“By doing so, a larger pool of athletes can be developed, enhancing the country’s representation in international competitions and fostering a sense of national pride from an early age,” Hamza said.
Alh. Mojeed Dahiru, and Barr. Ibn Abbas, in their separate paper presentations, said the National Sports Policies should be inclusive and designed to ensure that sports development reaches all regions and communities within Nigeria.
They advised the government to continue to utilise sports for diplomatic engagement. They said that would enhance the country’s image and foster international goodwill and cooperation, contributing to the state’s legitimacy on the global stage.
The stakeholders, however, hailed Gov.Ahmed Ododo for his political will to revive sports in the state, while commending the Youth and Sports Commissioner, Hon. Monday Anyebe, for the initiative. Earlier, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Anyebe, said the summit would enable participants to collectively explore how sports could evolve into a powerful tool for social and economic transformation in Kogi State.
“The Summit plays a pivotal event in the state’s drive towards strengthening the sports sector and utilizing its immense potential for state building.
“As a state rich in talent and athletic potential, we have an opportunity to shape the future of our sports ecosystem in a way that not only celebrates our athletes but also fosters unity, creates jobs, and builds a solid foundation for youth development.
“In Kogi, we are blessed with young talents in various sporting disciplines, and our leader, Governor Ahmed Ododo is committed to creating enabling environments where these talents can thrive.
The commissioner stressed that Gov. Ododo’s administration remained committed to supporting the initiatives and recommendations that will emerge from the summit.
On his part, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, who was represented by SP Dominic Iyorshe, urged the government and stakeholders to revive sports in the state.
Also speaking, Mr Bayo Ilori, the Ag. Director of Sports, Federal University Lokoja, FUL, lamented the dilapidated condition of sporting facilities in Kogi, due to negligence by the successive administrations.
The highlight of the summit was the interactive session and award presentation to some dignitaries who had made various impacts on sports development.