Thursday, 6th June 2013
I would like to thank all
of you for being here today, for the Presidential launch of the ‘Rhythm N’
Play Campaign’for Grassroots Sports Mobilisation.
2.
Today marks another historic day in our renewed sports development drive, which
has already started yielding visible results and national glory.
3.
You will all recall that late last year, we convened the Retreat on Sports
which not only analysed the challenges in the Sector but also came up with a
clear Roadmap for its development in the short, medium and long terms.
4.
Already, 2013 is turning out to be a success for the country in Sports. In
February, our gallant Super Eagles won the African Cup of Nations
(AFCON). Two weeks ago, I hosted a joint Reception for the Golden Eaglets
who represented the country at the African Under 17 Football Championship in
Morocco as well as our Athletics Team which emerged overall winners of the
maiden Under 18 African Athletics Championship in Warri. |
5.
They were honoured for their extra-ordinary feat and display of talent in their
chosen sports at the international arena. So far, we are doing well in
our effort to fly the Green-White-Green in the Football World Cup tournament in
Brazil next year. This is a great moment for sports in Nigeria.
6.
We must build on this momentum and trend. We must take every step to
ensure that our successes are sustained. We believe that grassroots
sports development and nurturing provide the way.
7.
Sport is an important vehicle for fostering cohesion and nation building. This
has been amply demonstrated in the greater attention Government has given to
sports development. In National competitions, it mirrors our pride, emotion,
unity and discipline. Aside from these obvious benefits that sporting glory
brings, it is also a major tool for youth development.
8.
Through sports, people imbibe self-discipline, perseverance, team spirit and
patriotism. Encouraging young people to take on sports, also helps to build a
generation that is healthier in body and mind and, therefore, able to
contribute more fully to national development.
9.
Government remains firmly committed to the development of our youth to ensure
they grow up as healthy, responsible and productive citizens with available
opportunities to make easier life choices. This is the spirit of our
Government of Transformation. We must collectively build a worthy nation
for the younger generation.
10. Considering
its long-term socio-economic benefits, this administration is irrevocably
committed to grassroots sports development. We believe that our young people
must be encouraged to have an early start in sporting activities.
11. 'Rhythm
N’ Play,' the programme that we are launching today, is aimed at
providing young Nigerians under the age of 17 years, with structured programmes
that combine sports and play as critical learning and development tools.
12.
As the biggest campaign for youth participation in sports ever launched in our
country, this initiative will revolutionize grassroots sports in our dear
nation. Our target is to introduce 2 million additional children to sports over
the next two years.
13. In
this regard, I have directed the National Sports Commission and the Federal
Ministry of Education, to work in concert towards achieving this target.
14. Through
this targeted effort, our administration intends to bring physical education
back to our schools, and make participation in sports activities compulsory for
all pupils and students.
15. We
are not unaware of the fundamental constraints facing this initiative, such as
inadequate sporting facilities and qualified coaches in the majority of our
educational institutions.
16. Nevertheless,
we are determined to reverse this situation. We will overcome existing
constraints by articulating cost efficient solutions to empower children and
facilitate greater interest and participation in sports.
17. As we
launch this campaign today, I call on all State Governments and all other
stakeholders, including the private sector, to give full support to the
realization of its objective. Partnering with you in developing sports
facilities in rural and urban areas, we are certain to significantly spur the
growth and development of grassroots sports.
18. Your
Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, let me emphasise, once again,
that we must all commit to building a new Nigeria for our children. It is
now my honour to formally launch the ‘Rhythm N’ Play Campaign’.
19.
I thank you.
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