By Goodluck Ikiebe in Abuja.
The Federal Government has pledged to work towards addressing some general practices in the sector to ensure that ethical standards are imbibed.
It also to provide equal opportunities for young talents to excel in their various sporting endeavours,all in order to ensure fairness in the Sports ecosystem,
The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan-Enoh, gave the assurance in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, when a delegation from the Prestige Football Academy, led by its President, Mr. Uchendu Stephen, paid him a courtesy visit.
The Minister, who was responding to the delegation’s proposal submitted to him, stated that government was committed to fostering a conducive environment for the growth and development of Sports in the country.
He said the Ministry, under his watch, would review the proposal aimed at regulating the scouting system within Nigeria’s Sports landscape.
Senator Owan-Enoh stated that Nigeria’s sports talent pool makes it a hotbed for all forms of Sports scouting activities, adding that scouting plays a critical role in nurturing and harnessing the nation’s sports potential which makes it a destination of choice for scouts from all around the world.
On the scouting process of young men and women for sporting activities,he observed that “when our Sports men and women go out of the shores of Nigeria, and breakforth, the support they send to their families and the laurels they win are of benefit to the country”.
He,however, added that the manner in which some of our Sports men and women displaced must leave much to be addressed.
Senator Owan-Enoh assured that the Ministry would continue to create an enabling environment for the development of Sports in the country,
He noted that in line with the policy thrust of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration,scouting formed the bedrock of identifying and nurturing future Sports stars.
The minister,therefore,stressed the need for the stakeholders in the industry to recognize the value of an organized scouting system that fosters fairness, transparency, and professionalism.
The minister promised that the Ministry would review the appropriateness of the proposal, assuring that “it remains resolute in its dedication to uplifting the ethics of scouting.”
According to him, “Sports is a universal matter which is promoted globally, and as such Nigeria will ensure its commitment to enhancing Football Scouting Regulations in line with global best practices”.
“Nigeria will work to facilitate a process that integrates fair play, integrity, professionalism and equal opportunities for all sports talents, especially footballers”
Speaking earlier, the President, Prestige Football Academy, Mr Uchendu Stephen, thanked the Minister for granting them audience in spite his busy schedules.
He expressed optimism that if the proposal submitted to government was adopted, after a thorough review, the reforms would remain pivotal in transforming the scouting landscape as well as ensure that deserving talents receive the attention and opportunities they merit.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
