‘Declare State of Emergency in Sports Development’ – Stakeholders Urge Kogi Government

At the 2024 Kogi Sports Summit held in Lokoja, stakeholders called on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to declare a state of emergency in sports development across the state. The summit, organized by the Kogi Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, highlighted the urgent need for the revitalization of sporting facilities and infrastructure, which have suffered from years of neglect.

Bayo Ilori, Acting Director of Sports at Federal University Lokoja (FUL), expressed concern over the dilapidated state of Kogi’s sports infrastructure and urged the governor to make sports development a priority. Ilori emphasized that Governor Ododo, known for his passion for sports, should take decisive action to address the situation and develop grassroots sports.

In a keynote address, Musa Ahmed Hamza, a lecturer from the FCT College of Education, Zuba, noted the critical role sports play in fostering national unity, identity, and state legitimacy. He urged both the government and the private sector to invest in grassroots sports, stressing that such efforts could foster young talent and increase Nigeria’s presence in international competitions.

Hamza also advocated for the promotion of inter-community and inter-state competitions, which could build bridges across ethnic and regional divides. Other speakers, including Alhaji Majeed Dahiru and Barrister Ibn Abbas, emphasized the need for inclusive sports policies to ensure that marginalized areas in Nigeria receive equal access to sports facilities and programs.

Dr. Folashade Ayoade, Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, assured attendees of the state’s commitment to grassroots sports development. Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the SSG office, Ayoade highlighted the potential of sports to reduce youth involvement in social vices.

Kogi’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Anyebe, noted that the summit was a platform to explore how sports could drive social and economic transformation. He praised Governor Ododo for his dedication to reviving sports and reiterated the administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that emerge from the summit.

The summit concluded with interactive sessions and the presentation of awards to dignitaries who have contributed to sports development in Kogi State.