John Enoh, the Minister of Sports Development, has made a resolute commitment to ensuring Nigerian athletes receive timely financial support in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics Games. With the prestigious event scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11 in Paris, Enoh emphasized the critical importance of securing adequate funding to facilitate comprehensive preparations.
Speaking from Abuja, Enoh, through his Special Assistant on Media, Diana-Mary Nsan, underscored the ministry’s dedication to securing timely funds. He stressed the need for proactive measures to ensure athletes are fully prepared for the global sporting extravaganza.
Enoh further announced plans to engage private individuals and the corporate sector to bolster financial support for Nigerian athletes. Drawing inspiration from the successful model implemented during the African Games in Ghana, where all athletes were insured, Enoh pledged to build on this success to ensure comprehensive support for athletes.
Moreover, Enoh unveiled plans to introduce salaries for grade A athletes, aiming to provide ongoing support and motivation. This initiative seeks to alleviate financial constraints, enabling athletes to focus wholeheartedly on their training and performance in the lead-up to the Games.
Expressing confidence in Nigeria’s athletes, Enoh highlighted their potential to achieve remarkable success at the Paris Olympic Games. The Games, notably, will witness the debut of breaking (commonly known as breakdancing) as an Olympic event and will also feature an equal number of male and female athletes, signaling a significant milestone in Olympic history.
As Nigeria gears up for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Enoh’s assurance of timely funding and ongoing support reflects a commitment to nurturing and empowering the nation’s athletes on the global stage.