FG Seeks Sports Collaboration with Spain for Socio-Economic Growth

The Federal Government has expressed its keen interest in collaborating with Spain and other nations worldwide in the field of sports. This collaboration aims to harness Nigeria’s substantial sporting potential for the country’s socio-economic development.

Senator John Owan Enoh, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, made this announcement during a meeting in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, where he welcomed the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Juan Ignacio Sell.

Minister Owan Enoh acknowledged Spain’s prominent position in the world of sports, particularly in its renowned football league, La Liga. He expressed the current administration’s determination to replicate such success in Nigeria.

Senator Owan Enoh emphasized the significance of sports diplomacy in global affairs, highlighting that President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration recognized Nigeria’s immense sporting potential. Consequently, the Ministry of Sports Development was established with a mandate to diligently tap into these potentials. The objective is not only to elevate Nigeria among the world’s leading sporting nations but also to create jobs, reduce poverty, enhance security, and promote inclusiveness through women’s participation in sports.

“The potentials of sports in Nigeria are immense; the present administration intends to turn this potential into achievements, surpassing the realm of potentiality to make Nigeria a renowned sporting nation,” he affirmed.

The Minister was presented with a copy of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the previous administration. He assured the Spanish Ambassador of the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with other nations in sports development. The MoU’s resolutions will be reviewed to identify mutually beneficial areas for both countries.

In his remarks, Ambassador Juan Ignacio Sell congratulated the Minister on his appointment and expressed his interest in furthering collaboration with Nigeria in sports. He recognized Nigeria’s vast sports potential and its potential to join the ranks of prominent sporting nations. The Spanish Ambassador affirmed his country’s willingness to collaborate with Nigeria to harness its sporting potential and turn it into achievements that benefit both nations.