The Minister of Youths and Sports development, Hon. Sunday Dare has reinstated his commitment to the cause of a restructured and productive sports industry.
The Minister in a series of tweets on his official twitter handle explained policies and initiative that would be enlivened in the coming year in the bid to reposition the ministry to achieve its inception message.
Determined to keep his eyes at the tip of the spear, Hon. Sunday Dare revealed in his new year message blueprints of the short terms sports development plan for the next two years.
According to the minister, he noted that the plan as it is gradually unfolding is focused on Infrastructure, Athletes
Welfare, Grassroot Sports and Sports as a viable business.
On Olympics, the Minister assured a proactive and concerted effort from the ministry for pre and during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Japan for all participating athletes.
“We will do all within our powers to ensure that we make the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Japan count for Nigeria and Nigerians. Our athletes will be exposed to the best training, competitions and camping possible. The process is already ongoing and will be sustained”.
The Minister acknowledged the ongoing rejuvenation of the sports development in all ramifications adding that early applauds will not be craved into.
Hon. Sunday Dare further continues that the new year will be a turning point for some of the National Stadia which are not in their best state restating his priority to deliver about 4 FIFA Standard Stadia before the first quarter of 2020.
“Talks are ongoing concerning the renovation of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, formerly, Liberty Stadium with government and a few private individuals. Our goal is to deliver four FIFA standard pitches by the first quarter of 2020 by God’s Grace”.
As part of the initiative to increase grass root development, Minister hinted he will champion the gospel of one-mini stadium per local government idea with many project of it’s kind ongoing.
“The ministry will in 2020 monitor and ensure the completion of about 20 mini-stadiums across the country. The Imo-model of one mini-Stadium per Local government by each state will be marketed”.
He lastly explained some initiative that will be encouraged in the new year as part of the short term sports development plan with Headmaster and Principal Cup for Primary and secondary school forming the heart of the new policy.
“Headmasters’ Cup for primary Schools and Principals Cup coming back, a new Talent Hunt Program, THP, is being finalized, Adoption Initiative is birthed and the policy to turn sports into business are being pursued among other things”, he concluded
Yemi Sodeeq.
