Sports development took centre stage at the 2025 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Cross River Media Week Conference, with stakeholders calling for the domestication of the National Sports Policy to harness talent, boost youth engagement, and drive economic growth through sports.
Held at the Tent in Calabar Municipality, the conference, themed “Journalism, Good Governance, and the Quest for Sports Development: The Cross River State Perspective,” brought together government officials, private sector leaders, and sports experts to chart a sustainable path for sports advancement in the state.
The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Pastor Fred Abuo, commended the NUJ for prioritising sports in public discourse. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with the media and private sector to promote sports as a tool for youth empowerment and economic growth.
“The media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and ensuring accountability. We urge journalists to uphold responsible reporting while supporting initiatives that drive development,” he stated.
Four major presentations dissected different aspects of sports development: Institutional Framework & Governance, presented by Dr. Bong Duke, Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission, emphasised the need for structural reforms, including establishing a Cross River State Sports Development Council to coordinate grassroots talent development and attract private investment.
Private Sector Participation presented by Mr. David Etim, Chairman of the Organised Private Sector in Calabar, highlighted opportunities in sports betting, sponsorship, and club ownership, urging policies that guarantee returns on investment.
Another presentation on Grassroots Sports Development by Representative of the Nigeria Table Tennis Association (NTTA), Bishop Usen Umoh stressed the importance of community-based sports programs tied to schools and traditional institutions for early talent discovery.
Also, Policy Integration & Media Advocacy, presented by Dr. Macfarlane Ejah, Chairman of the Cricket Association, called for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in sports infrastructure and enhanced media coverage of local tournaments to inspire young athletes.
Stakeholders unanimously agreed that Cross River State must adopt and localise the National Sports Policy to revive school sports, upgrade facilities, and create a sustainable sports economy. The Commissioner for Sports, represented by Permanent Secretary Comrade Sam Egbala, assured that the state government was already working to revitalise the sector after years of neglect.
NUJ Cross River Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, urged journalists to spotlight grassroots sports, saying: “Beyond elite athletes, we must tell the stories of young talents in villages and schools. Sports can curb crime and unemployment if given the right attention.”
The conference ended with a resolve to push for legislative backing, private sector involvement, and community participation in sports development.
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