Enugu govt vows to revamp the sports sector for economic development

Enugu governor, Dr Peter Mbah says his administration is committed to revamping the sports sector in order to compete with its counterparts across the globe.

This was evident on Sunday when he played host, the minister of youth and sports, Senator John Owan Enoh at the government house, Enugu.

The governor, represented by the secretary to the state government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, who described sports as business, noted that Enugu had played a consequential role in the development of sporting activities in Nigeria.

While bidding the youth and sports minister welcome to the state, Dr Mbah urged the federal government to cede other sports facilities in Enugu to the state government as it did with the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, saying his administration plans to make the facilities become a hub for both leisure and economic activities in Nigeria.

The governor who described sports as a catalyst for peace, unity, security and dialogue, called on investors to leverage on the conducive business atmosphere in the state for sports development.

He said the state government has ensured maximum security of lives and property, making Enugu one of the safest states in the country.

Earlier, the federal minister of youth and sports, Senator John Owan Enoh while commending the governor for his interest in sports development, urged that the Rangers International football club continues bearing the same name as it has become a brand for the state in the sporting world.

While encouraging states to pay attention to sports, senator Enoh said his main job is to campaign for the development of sports in Nigeria, noting that sports is a five trillion dollars industry, hence has the power to change the world, inspire and give hope to the youths.

Expressing optimism that Enugu state will still regain its glory and begin to play the lead in sports, the minister urged the Enugu government to revive other sporting activities such as athletics, basketball, handball, among others.

He said the challenge is not to cede the sports facilities to the state but their development in the area of infrastructure as enshrined in the National sports industry policy which promotes sports as business, hence has the potential to contribute to the growth of the Gross Domestic Product, GDP, of any state.

The minister said the ministry was committed to security, job creation and social inclusion, stating that sporting activities have strengthened international relationships and other diplomatic missions.