Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-04-06 03:30:39
Sports have long been recognized as a powerful tool for achieving various socio-economic goals in countries, organizations, and groups. In many nations, sports serve as a nation-building tool, promoting national unity and peaceful co-existence while also providing significant employment opportunities. The United Nations has acknowledged the power of sport by designating April 6 as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
One of the most iconic moments in Nigeria’s history involving sports occurred during the Civil War in 1969. Brazilian football legend Pele, often referred to as the king of football, played a crucial role in achieving a temporary ceasefire during the war, which had already claimed over a million lives. Pele’s visit to Nigeria with Santos, the Brazilian football club, led to a three-day truce that allowed for football matches to take place amidst the conflict, highlighting the extraordinary power of sports to bring people together.
The United Nations has recognized the positive impact of sports and physical activity on communities and individuals worldwide. Sport has been increasingly used as a low-cost and high-impact tool in humanitarian, development, and peace-building efforts. The UN has highlighted the positive roles that sports play in promoting peaceful and inclusive societies and advancing human rights, social development, and economic progress.
In its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the UN emphasized the importance of sports as an enabler of sustainable development, contributing to the realization of development and peace, promoting tolerance, respect, empowerment, health, education, and social inclusion. The United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace plays a crucial role in bringing together the international sporting community to drive positive social change and contribute to global efforts towards sustainable development and peace.
Despite the recognized potential of sports to promote unity and development, many African countries, including Nigeria, continue to face challenges in leveraging the power of sports effectively. Former national tennis captain Professor Sadiq Abubakar Abdullahi emphasized the need for partnerships and collaborations at all levels – governmental, educational, and business – to maximize the benefits of sports as a business and drive positive societal change.
Edema Fuludu, the National Coordinator of CSED Initiative, highlighted the importance of sports in promoting youth engagement, health, unity, and social inclusiveness. He emphasized the need for government and corporate sector involvement in promoting sports as more than just entertainment, but as a tool for economic and social development.
Isaac Danladi, the Permanent Secretary of Nasarawa State’s Ministry of Sports, reiterated the power of sports in building national cohesion and unity. He pointed out the significant economic potential of sports and the need for proper policy formulation, funding, talent nurturing, and infrastructure development to realize the full benefits of sports for socio-economic growth.
As Nigeria navigates its sports development journey, there is a growing recognition of the need for a holistic approach that goes beyond traditional focus areas like football. Adegoke Adelabu emphasized the importance of developing sports as an industry, creating job opportunities, and nurturing talent from grassroots to professional levels. He called for greater accountability and professionalism in sports administration to drive growth and development.
Seigha Porbeni, a former Nigerian athlete, highlighted the need to expand the focus of sports beyond football and promote sporting activities in various regions across the country. He stressed the importance of utilizing sports as a tool for promoting peace, unity, and social inclusiveness at all levels of society.
In conclusion, the power of sports as a driver of development, peace, and unity cannot be underestimated. By harnessing the full potential of sports and prioritizing investment in sports infrastructure, talent development, and administration, Nigeria can unlock the transformative power of sports to contribute to national development and social cohesion.
