The Nigerian Ministry of Sports Development and Effa management has signed a partnership to formalise a comprehensive memorandum of understanding aimed at revolutionising the landscape of sports development and promotion in Nigeria.
The agreement, signed by representatives from both entities, outlines a strategic partnership to drive significant progress in various facets of sports management and promotion over the next decade.
The agreement, with three critical outcomes: Sports development pipeline masterplan, revenue generation through national sports betting and lottery aggregator and sports marketing initiatives.
The signing event marked the official commencement of this transformative partnership, which holds the promise of ushering in a new era of prosperity and excellence for Nigerian sports.
In his remark, the minister of sports development, Senator John Owan Enoh, expressed optimism about the far-reaching impact of the agreement, stating, “This collaboration signifies a significant milestone in our collective efforts to elevate Nigerian sports to unprecedented heights. Together with Effa management, we are committed to realising our shared vision of a vibrant and inclusive sports ecosystem that nurtures talent, fosters innovation, and inspires generations to come.”
The minister lauded Effa management’s dedication to the development of sports in Nigeria and further highlighted how this is directly in line with the intended legacy of the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
When asked about how this signing will account for the youth, the Minister further explained how the pipeline will be able to recruit talent through regional, school and interstate competitions at the secondary school level and reviving national competitions like the Governor’s and President’s Cup that would be a foundational cornerstone of identifying and developing talent at a youth stage.
The head of product and business at Effa Management, Mr Hertz Fauzan echoed these sentiments, saying, “We are honoured to partner with the Nigerian Ministry of Sports Development in this transformative endeavour. Through our combined expertise and dedication, we are poised to unlock the full potential of Nigerian sports, creating opportunities for athletes, enthusiasts, and stakeholders alike.” He delivered a presentation that highlighted the outcomes of this agreement and made a promise for transparent accountability and deep connections to grassroots outreaches.
He also promised to have the roadmap culminate into a national display of the facility pilot and proof of concept within the first 180 days of the signing of the agreement.
The CEO of Effa Management, Mr. Kunle Fakeye, a seasoned sportsman and sports broadcasting magnet further promised a fully inclusive non-zoned sports development. He promised a gender, religious and tribally inclusive pipeline that ensures that the best talent from each region is equally represented.