By Daniel
Oghenemaro
This is definitely not the best of time for Sports Federations in Nigeria as they are not getting the needed attentions especially for their tournaments.
Recently, the Canoeing Federation had its competition but the Sports Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh was nowhere to be found at the venue.
Also, the recently-concluded Cadet, Junior and Senior Karate Championship; 2023 UFAK African Western Region 2 which took place at the Velodrome of the Package A of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, also witnessed the absence of the Sports Minister.
Recall also that the Minister who managed to attend a junior Volleyball event at the Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja only spent less than 10 minutes before he took off with his entourage.
While the Karate West African competition involving the host, Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo and Burkina-Faso were slugging it out in Abuja, the Minister was holding JOE Tennis Tournament at the Calabar Sports Club, Cross River State with the final set to take place on Tuesday, December 26, 2023.
JOE (John Owan Enoh) Tennis Tournament, is a flagship initiative of Senator John Owan Enoh. The tourney features U15 category, doubles, women’s and men’s singles, and pro exhibition games.
An aggrieved fan of Karate who simply gave his name as Isaac said he is disappointed with the Minister’s attitude towards other sports. “If it were to be football that is taking place now, even if it is a local game as long as NFF is involved, you will see him here. Probably, he is a football minister because another person also complained about his absence at the recently-concluded volleyball event at Package B stadium.”
Meanwhile, President of the Karate Federation, Mr. Silas Agara said he was happy that the tournament live up to their expectations as some of their referees and coaches were certified while they look forward to attaining greater heights in the new year.
The closing ceremony of the Karate ended with funfare and glamour. The participating teams were seen celebrating with each other.
Recalled that the closing ceremony took place on Saturday with Burkina-Faso coming first while Nigeria and Benin Republic came second and third respectively.
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