The federal government has restated its determination to use the National Identification Number (NIN) rather than facial screening of athletes, for the ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, with a view to ensure speedy elimination of age cheating in the Games
The minister of sports development, Senator John Owan Enoh, stated this during an interactive session with journalists in Asaba.
He said his directive to the officials of the Games on the mandatory presentation of NIN during the screening of athletes was irreversible as government was determined to get it right from the grassroots.
While clarifying the issue on facial screening that NIN must be used to resolve it, and athletes must insist on it, he added that the system may not be perfect for the moment but it must ensure that we improve on the process for the purpose of sports development in the country.
He informed that age cheat in the Games meant for the discovery and development of budding talents for the country at the grassroots has become a cankerworm, which if not completely eliminated, was capable of crippling government’s efforts at developing grassroots sports.
“The issue of age cheat in sports is an area in which the Ministry requires the support and collaboration of all stakeholders, including the media. On our part, one of the innovations at this year’s edition of the Games is the introduction of the National Identity Number (NIN) as part of the verification process for athletes. Working with other stakeholders, we shall keep improving the process as we move along until we reduce to the barest minimum, the issue of age cheat in sports. We have to get this right as a nation if we hope to achieve sports excellence. I have directed that NIN presentation is a compulsory requirement for screening and the directive has not been reversed,” he declared.
The Minister explained that his focus on sports development was grassroots and elite sports, adding that government will continue to support grassroots sports through the provision of infrastructure upgrade using the National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) provisions when it fully becomes operational.
He noted that this year’s edition of the Youth Games provides a unique opportunity for the country to rewrite the story of our sports as it is coming at a time when there is new President, who is interested in uplifting the sports sector to the next level with the creation of a Ministry solely responsible for sports.
“I can assure you that the present leadership of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu shall pay undivided attention to the development of the abundant talents in the nation. We do this not just with an eye on podium performances but for creating a career pathway for our youth and millions of job opportunities in the sports value chain, reduce poverty amongst our youth and encourage inclusiveness of women participation in sports with a view to improving security,” he added.
He assured further that government will continue to ensure early exposure of athletes to necessary infrastructure that will equip them not only to exhibit their sporting talents but also to afford them the opportunity to equip themselves for transition to the elite stage.