Private Sector Engagement with Honourable Minister of Sports Development: A Fireside Chat
Posted on Fri, Aug 2, 2024 5:03 AM
Sport Nigeria LTD/GTE, under the esteemed leadership of Chairman Mr. Babatunde Folawiyo, on the 19th of November 2023, hosted a dinner event featuring a fireside chat with Senator John Owan Enoh, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development. This gathering, titled "The Private Sector Meets with the Honourable Minister of Sports Development," took place in Lagos and successfully convened key players from the organized private sector, development agencies, and the Ministry of Sports Development.
The event underscored Sport Nigeria's commitment to serving as a facilitator and bridge between public, private, and social enterprise sectors, promoting collaboration and dialogue to advance Nigeria's sports industry.
Key Objectives and Rationale
Strengthening Sport Nigeria's Role
This event aimed to affirm and solidify Sport Nigeria's pivotal role as a catalyst for private-sector investment in the sports industry, highlighting our dedication to fostering growth and innovation.
Creating a Collaborative Platform
We established a platform for representatives from the private and social impact sectors and sports practitioners to engage in meaningful discussions with the Ministry of Sports Development, setting the stage for future collaborations that will drive the sports industry forward.
Aligned with the Minister's commitment to the National Sports Industry Policy, this event facilitated a collaborative environment to expedite the achievement of the policy's objectives. The occasion was a testament to the shared vision of driving tangible action and progress within Nigeria's sports sector.
Key Discussion Topics
Sports for Development
Exploring opportunities across the sports industry value chain, this topic delved into how sports can drive societal growth and development, emphasizing Sport Nigeria's role in spearheading these initiatives.
Production and Delivery in Ancillary Sectors
Discussions centered around enhancing the production and delivery of goods and services in sectors related to sports, fostering a comprehensive ecosystem that supports the industry's growth.
Partnerships with Sub-National Governments
The dialogue emphasized forging strategic partnerships with sub-national governments to develop comprehensive athletes' development programs, ensuring the nurturing of talent from grassroots to elite levels.
Development of Sports Infrastructure
Participants discussed the importance of developing and deploying critical sports infrastructure to drive demand for sports goods and services, aligning with the sports industrialization agenda to boost economic growth.
Support for Government Initiatives
The event highlighted support for government initiatives and incentives to stimulate economic growth and job creation in the sports industry, underscoring the private sector's role in national development.
Conclusion
The event was a resounding success, bringing together corporate leaders, heads of development agencies, financial institutions, corporate organizations, and thought leaders to explore multifaceted investment opportunities within Nigeria's sports industry. It was a significant step toward realizing the vision of a thriving sports ecosystem driven by collaboration and innovation.
Sport Nigeria remains committed to its role as a facilitator and catalyst for growth, ensuring that the sports industry contributes significantly to Nigeria's economic and social development.