The Sports Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh, is championing the implementation of a 10-year football development masterplan created in 2022, emphasizing its role in both sports for development and the development of sports components.
During a meeting with the NFF executive board, Senator Enoh passionately urged stakeholders to take deliberate actions, focusing on various aspects such as the domestic league, infrastructure, coaches’ education, and referees’ development.
Senator Enoh expressed the government’s dedication to cultivating a national football culture that adheres to international standards, aiming to establish a robust framework for domestic football.
The Ministry’s goal is to create a value chain that enhances the overall sports ecosystem. Emphasizing the importance of the 10-year plan, the Minister urged the NFF to take conscious and deliberate steps towards its implementation.
He highlighted key areas for attention, including treating football as a business, promoting grassroots development, fostering infrastructural growth, attracting increased investments, and providing incentives for investors.
The Minister believes that this approach will not only elevate the sports value chain but also contribute to improved governance structure, standardization, and the welfare and education of players.
Senator Enoh concluded by underlining the importance of establishing sustainable and strategic youth development programs, enhancing club administration, and fostering positive development among stakeholders.
This inclusive approach encompasses referees, players’ unions, coaches associations, supporters, investors, and both local and international partnerships and collaborations.