The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved the composition and inauguration of viable sports associations and the reversal of its sports administrative structure, from a department to a council.
Minister of State for FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide, announced this on Tuesday during a meeting with the FCT Chapter of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA).
According to the minister, sports activities cannot develop properly with the sports sector being just a department in the FCT.
“There is more to sports than we see. Sports can be seen as tourism, a boost to the country’s economy and much more.
“By next week, we will have our sports associations published and inaugurated,’’ she assured.
Akinjide said the FCTA had directed its sports secretariat to get an updated list of sports and recreational facilities in the FCT.
She said the move was to ensure such facilities were not encroached upon and used by some other sectors for other businesses.
“When we get the data of all sports and recreational lands in the FCT, we will partner with the private sector interested in sports development.
“We are aware of some private sectors which have plans to develop sports as part of their Corporate Social Responsibilities,” the minister said.
Akinjide recalled that the FCT Administration had approved the construction of six stadia in the territory, one for each of the six area councils.
The minister pledged the continuous support of the FCTA to sporting activities, adding that the other issues raised by the association would be addressed.
