By Isaiah Eka
Paul Bassey, the Commissioner for Sports in Akwa Ibom, has urged public servants to use sport as a tool for youth empowerment, economic growth, social cohesion, and international recognition.
Bassey stated this at the ongoing 3-Day human capacity-building workshop organised for staff of the Ministry of Sports at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Wednesday.
He said that the capacity-building workshop was organised to equip staff of the ministry with the requisite knowledge on modern techniques in sports development.
The commissioner urged staff and participants at the workshop to take the training seriously, as it would help them develop their skills.
“This workshop has been designed to equip our staff with modern skills, practical knowledge, and the right mindset required to meet the evolving demands of administration and development.
“Sports today, is no longer just about competition and recreation. It is a powerful tool for youth empowerment, economic growth, social cohesion, and international recognition.
“As a Ministry, we are entrusted with the responsibility of harnessing this potential for the benefit of our people.
“To do this effectively, we must embrace innovation, best practices, accountability, and teamwork, values that this training seeks to reinforce,” he said.
Bassey commended Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom for creating the ministry of sports separately to enhance the development of sports in the State.
In her remarks, the Head of the Civil Service, Mrs Elsie Peters, said the human capacity building workshop was a sacrifice from the government to the staff of the ministry.
Peters charged the participants to take the training workshop very seriously, as they would learn new things to improve their service delivery.
“There are things you are going to learn in this workshop that will stand you out and make you shine anywhere you go,” Peters said.
In his goodwill message, Mfon Patrick, Media Officer, Akwa United Football Club, said the sports industries around the world had been so lucrative for investment.
Patrick said the training workshop was to equip staff and athletes to tap into the potential in the industry.
He said that training was necessary to improve staff service delivery.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants were drawn from the Ministry of Sports, its management and staff, and coaches and athletes in the state. NAN
