The Sports Ambassadors International Network for Tinubu (SAINT) has said Federal Government interventions in the sports sector over the past three years have significantly strengthened its development and administration.
The group stated this on Thursday in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Mr Qoozeem Oladapo, and National Secretary and Legal Adviser, Joel Duku, in Maiduguri.
SAINT identified the restoration of the National Sports Commission (NSC) as the country’s apex sports development body as one of the major institutional reforms undertaken by the administration.
According to the group, the restructuring is intended to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, strengthen professionalism and accountability, and position sports as an important contributor to youth development and economic growth.
It also commended the government’s efforts to develop sports as an economic sector through investment, public-private partnerships, talent development and job creation.
The group highlighted the Athlete-First policy, support for elite athletes, grassroots and school sports development, infrastructure investment and the introduction of Invited Junior Athletes at the National Sports Festival among initiatives it said could strengthen the sector.
SAINT also praised the government’s support for Nigerian national teams and athletes, including the Super Falcons, D’Tigress and Super Eagles, through national honours, financial rewards and welfare packages.
The statement further cited increased attention to sports funding, governance reforms and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE) as measures capable of supporting sustainable development.
It recalled that the Federal Government had in August directed comprehensive reforms in Nigerian football, covering governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability.
The group, however, called for sustained investment, improved accountability, stronger athlete welfare and long-term planning to consolidate the gains recorded in the sector.
It said effective sports development could create jobs, empower young Nigerians, promote national unity, strengthen diplomacy and contribute to economic growth.
SAINT pledged to continue documenting developments in Nigerian sports while recognising the contributions of athletes, coaches, administrators, sports journalists and other stakeholders.
