In his first year as the Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Enugu State, Barr. Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu Jr. has reflected on a transformative journey marked by substantial achievements and unwavering dedication. With a mission to rejuvenate youth opportunities and elevate sports excellence, Ekweremadu's tenure has seen the Enugu Rangers FC return to their home ground, winning the NPFL 2023/2024 title, and positioning Enugu as a prime sports tourism destination. Key milestones include hosting the historic 1st Council on Sports meeting and enacting a pivotal Sports Development Law. Ekweremadu also highlighted significant youth development initiatives and expressed deep gratitude for the support from Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and the people of Enugu State.
Statement read...
As I reflect on my first year as the Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Enugu State, I am both humbled and inspired by the progress we've made together. It has been a year of relentless effort, guided by a vision to transform our state into a beacon of youth empowerment and sports excellence.
From day one, I embarked on this journey with a clear mandate: to rejuvenate the fortunes of our youth and elevate sports in Enugu State. Despite the challenges, we've made significant strides, and I am proud to share some of our key accomplishments.
One of my first strategic priorities was to return the Enugu Rangers International FC to playing their home matches at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium after 2 years of being away from the State. With the immense support of His Excellency Governor Peter Mbah, we succeeded, and Rangers were returned on the 28th of December 2023. This effort has seen Rangers go unbeaten at home to date and culminated in Rangers winning the NPFL 2023/2024 title, securing their place in the CAF Champions League. This achievement, eight years in the making, is a testament to our collective dedication and the unwavering support of our visionary Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
Hosting the 1st Council on Sports: In May 2024, Enugu State proudly hosted the 1st Council on Sports meeting since the demerger of the Federal Ministry, a historic event that brought together President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh, Commissioners of Sports of the 36 States and the FCT and other sports stakeholders from across Nigeria. This event underscored our commitment to shaping the future of sports development in our country.
National Sports Festival Bid:
We are currently laying the groundwork to bid for the 2026 National Sports Festival, an opportunity that will not only enhance our sports infrastructure but also boost sports tourism in Enugu State.
Sports Development Law:
A significant milestone this year was the enactment of the Sports Development Law, signed by Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. This law is started life as an executive bill designed to generate funds and encourage private sector involvement in sports, ensuring a sustainable future for sports development in Enugu State.
Partnerships and Sponsorships:
We've forged unprecedented partnerships with the private sector, resulting Enugu being positioned as a premier destination for sports tourism. We have hosted numerous regional and national sports competitions, including the 2023 South-East Boxing Championship, which Enugu won by virtue of winning the most medals in the various weight classes; Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Secondary School Football Cup, 2023; The 2024 Zenith Bank Enugu City Marathon; Mega Cage Fight (Mixed Martial Arts); NPFL Youth Teams South-East Elimination, and many more. These events have not only showcased our local talent but also put Enugu State on the map as a sports powerhouse.
Youth Development Initiatives:
Beyond sports, youth development remains at the heart of our mission. We have trained over 1,700 youths in various sectors, from agro-processing to digital technology and manufacturing.
In just one year, we've seen a fundamental overhaul of the youth and sports sectors in Enugu State, resulting in verifiable and positive results. This progress would not have been possible without the support of our dedicated team, the backing of our Governor, and the enthusiasm of the people of Enugu State.
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to our visionary Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for the trust and support he has shown me over the past year. His leadership and commitment to our state's development have been the driving force behind our successes, and I am truly honoured to serve under his administration.
As we move forward, I remain committed to building on these achievements and continuing our work to make Enugu State a model of youth empowerment and sports excellence.
Thank you for your unwavering support!
—Barr. Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu Jr.
Hon. Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Enugu State
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