Magnus Aluma
The Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee on Youth and Sports has commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for reviving the state’s Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, which had been moribund for 17 years.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon Victor Nwoke made the observation on Thursday, when he led members of the Committee on a familiarisation visit to the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Chidi Onyia, in Abakaliki.
Hon. Nwoke, who represents Abakaliki North State Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, observed that Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to sports development has led to a complete revitalisation of the Ministry, and the establishment of Abakaliki Football Club as a platform for youth engagement and talent discovery.
A release issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Sylvester Egede, quotes the lawmaker as saying Governor Nwifuru has demonstrated uncommon passion for youth and sports by reviving the Sports Ministry after 17 years; while also establishing the Abakaliki Football Club.
Hon. Nwoke said, “Sports remains a vital tool for the promotion of physical fitness, discipline, and teamwork. It is also a viable source of professional and gainful employment for Ebonyi youths.
“So, Governor Nwifuru has proved to the people of Ebonyi State that his People’s Charter of Needs mantra is youth-inclusive.”
The Committee Chairman further commended the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Chidi Onyia, for bringing innovation, experience and fresh. ideas to the Ministry.
He noted that his Committee was in the Ministry, to get firsthand knowledge of its activities, as part of the oversight functions of the Committee, and assured the Ministry of the full support of his Committee, adding that he has sponsored a Bill for the establishment of an Annual Sports Festival in the state.
In their separate remarks, the member representing Onicha East State Constituency, Hon. Celestine Ogba, Hon. Aloysius Nwodo who represents Ebonyi North-West, and Goodluck Mbam who represents Izzi East Constituency, extolled the efforts of the
Commissioner in providing a robust framework that involves the young people in every facet of the development process of Ebonyi State.
In his response, the Commissioner, Hon. Chidi Onyia, listed the achievements of the Ministry under Governor Nwifuru to include; Prompt payment of monthly allowances to National Youth Corps members, Payment of monthly subvention to the (NYSC) office in the state, Proposed Annual School Sports Festival, adding that the Ministry has also concluded plans to establish the Ebonyi Youth Volunteers Force for drug abuse control and attitudinal change.
The commissioner thanked the Committee for its commitment to the progress of the Ministry, and pledged greater dedication to youth development. He, however, appealed to the Committee to assist his Ministry to revitalise the Ebonyi State Sports Council.
Highlight of the visit was the presentation of a book titled “Enhancing Youth Development and Participation in the Context of Sustainable Development: A Blueprint of the Activities of the Ministry to the Committee”by the Commissioner.
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