The Government at all levels and private sector have been urged to develop political will to deliberately invest massively in grassroots’ sports development.
The call was made by stakeholders on Friday in Lokoja, at the Kogi Sports Summit 2024, with the theme: “The Evolution of Sports Towards State Building”, organised by Kogi Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
In his Paper presentation, a Resource person, Musa Ahmed Hamza, said sports played a crucial role in fostering national identity, unity, and state legitimacy in Nigeria.
Hamza, a Lecturer, Department of Physical and Health Education, FCT College of Education, Zuba-Abuja, urged government at all levels and private sector to invest more in grassroots sports development.
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.
He further called for promotion of inter-community and inter-state sports competitions to help build bridges between different ethnic and regional groups.
According to him, such events will encourage interaction and cooperation, fostering mutual understanding and national cohesion.
On their part, 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 stressed the need to give special attention to marginalized areas to ensure equitable access to sports facilities and programs.
According to Dahiru, inclusivity will help bridge regional divides and promote unity through shared sports experiences.
The resource persons jointly advised the government to continue to utilise sports for diplomatic engagement.
This, they said would enhance the country’s image and foster international goodwill and cooperation, contributing to the state’s legitimacy on the global stage.
They advocated for a collaborative approach between the government and private sector is essential for the sustainable development of sports.
They stressed that public-private partnerships could provide the necessary funding, expertise, and infrastructure needed to elevate Nigerian sports to higher levels.
The stakeholders, however hailed Gov.Ahmed Ododo for his political will to reviving sports in the state, while commending the Youth and Sports Commissioner, Hon. Monday Anyebe, for the initiative.
In his remarks, Dr Folashade Ayoade, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), who was the Special guest of honour, promised the State Government’s commitment to sports development at the grassroots.
Ayoade, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Administration, SSG office, stressed that engaging the youth meaningfully in sports would drastically reduce social vices in the state.
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.
“Sports have always been more than just competition, they are a platform for community development, national identity, and a powerful mechanism for state growth.
“Our presence here today demonstrates a shared commitment towards achieving this vision.
“I am particularly encouraged by the array of professionals, government representatives, sports directors, and stakeholders who are willing to contribute their expertise and resources to this dialogue.
“Together, we can formulate strategies that will uplift sports at all levels, from grassroots to professional, while aligning with the broader goals of education, health, and youth empowerment.
“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.
“By investing in infrastructure, enhancing coaching capacities, and ensuring adequate support for athletes, Kogi State can unlock the full potential of sports to drive development in education, tourism, and even international partnerships,”Anyebe said.
The commissioner stressed that Gov. Ododo’s administration remained committed to supporting the initiatives and recommendations that will emerge from the summit.
He added: “We believe sports are central to the holistic development of our youth and the progress of our great state.
“I look forward to the robust conversations and productive outcomes that will emerge from this gathering, and I am confident that together, we will set a new course for the future of sports in Kogi State,”
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.
He stressed that criminals could be converted through their adequate engagement in sports rather than indulging in social vices.
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.
Ilori, therefore urged the governor who is a sport-loving administrator, to declare a State of Emergency in Sports Development in the state.
The highlights of the summit was the interactive session and Award presentation to some dignitaries who had made their various impacts in sports development.