The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) have agreed to work together for the continuous development of sports training facilities in the country.
The duo welcomed the development during a visit of the National Executives of the Institute to the Ministry, led by the National President of the Institute, Alderton Ewa Ewa, in Abuja, at the weekend.
Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh, who is very optimistic about the victory of the Super Eagles in the final of the 2023 AFCON, said the expertise of the NIOB in construction and maintenance matters should be deployed to serve the nation’s interest in sports development.
The Minister stated: “I am aware that the NIOB desires to work with us in the development of sports facilities. The ministry is committed to doing what needs to be done. This includes expanding its existing sporting facilities while building new ones,” adding that the involvement of NIOB in the realization of the set goals is imperative.
The minister described the performance of the Super Eagles in the AFCON games as impressive, adding that by collaborating with NIOB, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development would provide the impetus needed to sustain victory in the 2023 AFCON and subsequent regional and global sports competitions.
He made the point that the development of sports begins with the development of sporting facilities and infrastructures, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was committed to ensuring that Nigerian youths are provided with the best facilities needed to ensure excellence in sports.
He said the collaboration will place Nigerian athletes in a position to favourably compete with their peers from around the world.
Earlier, the President of NIOB sought the cooperation of the ministry in the realization of set goals saying: “There are opportunities for collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the NIOB,” adding that the celebration of the 2024 edition of the annual Builders Day is a strategic opportunity.”
He explained that Builders Day is a day set apart by the Institute to remember challenges of the past and celebrate the triumph of the building profession over challenges such as building collapse and war against substandard products.
“We also want your ministry to work with us in the execution of the annual Mandatory Continuous Professional Development (MCPD) Workshop of the Institute,” he said, adding that the NIOB Builders Conference and Annual General Meeting is another platform for the Ministry to progressively engage the Institute in the interest of ensuring best practices in the country’s building construction industry.
He further called on the Minister to work with the NIOB in its ongoing NIOB Skill Acquisition Center at Lugbe, adding that the Centre, when completed and put to use, will serve as a training ground for artisans who will deliver top-quality services.
