The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has pledged to work with military and para-military institutions to develop world-class athletes who can win international accolades for the country.
Senator Enoh made this commitment while delivering a speech at the first edition of the Military and Para-Military Judo Championship in Abuja on the 14th of February.
He expressed his regret that the fertile grounds which military and para-military institutions once provided for producing sports talents have been eroded over the years.
Therefore, he called for the resuscitation of this practice. The minister commended the Nigeria Judo Federation for initiating the Military and Para Military Judo Championship.
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He also encouraged other sports federations to follow in their footsteps and initiate partnerships with the military and para-military institutions to improve the chances of the country for podium appearances.
The Minister promised to continue supporting the growth of various sports in the country, and if under his leadership, Judo returns to its pre-eminent position as Category A sports, he would have succeeded in his job as minister.
In his speech, the President of the Nigerian Judo Federation, Dr. Musa Oshodi, expressed his gratitude to the Minister for honoring their invitation, which he said was an indication of his passion for sports development in the country.
He further emphasised that the aim of the partnership between the federation and the military was to ensure that judo regains its pride of place in Nigeria.