Nigeria’s new Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, says he is prepared to tackle the issues bedevilling sports in the country, but calls for unity among all stakeholders.
Dare, who becomes Nigeria’s 35th sports minister, replacing Solomon Dalung, said he was aware of the numerous challenges, controversies and development in the ministry.
“As you can see, I’ve taken off my agbada. That means work starts now. So, let’s get ready, let’s roll up our sleeves and let’s work together as a team,” the 53-year old said in his address to sports ministry staff shortly after receiving his portfolio at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.
“Our mandate areas are very clear. We must broaden our horizon, we must deepen the work we do and the quality of work we bring to the table.
“I am not unaware of the challenges, controversies, and development within this ministry. The ministry that is dear to all Nigerians,” the Oyo-born politician said.
Dare, who was a former Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Nigeria Communications Commission, also highlighted his immediate and long term goal for the ministry.
“Beyond football, we have other sports. But at the heart of that work is also youth development, beyond sports. So, we will be thinking outside the box.
“We must find a way of taking sports out of the back pages to the front pages with positive news and that is possible. I have a massive media background and I know that the media is an integral part of youths and sports development.”
He also confirmed in his address that the Ministry have up till September ending to submit their budget proposal for next year, an Olympics year to the Presidency.