Enugu Sports Ministry lists 2017 achievements

The Enugu State Ministry of Youths and Sports on Wednesday said that over 10,000 youths were currently being trained in its “One Youth, One Skill” programme.

The ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Dan Onwuegbuna, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu that the programme had also graduated more than 232 youths this year.

The “One Youth, One Skill’’ programme is the brain-child of the Enugu State Government aimed at ensuring that youths acquired at least a skill that could earn them a living.

“The One Youth, One Skill Programme of the state government is aimed at bringing the dividends of democracy closer to the people, especially the youths.

“Under this youth development programme, we have had lots of small-scale youth projects, and also sent some youth leaders to represent the state at national programmes and competitions.

“Presently, 10,000 youths are still acquiring skills in fields such as Cosmetology, Catering, Hotel Management and Agriculture at various local government councils in the state,’’ Onwuegbuna said.

The ministry’s spokesman said that apart from acquiring skills, youths were also being sensitised on HIV/AIDS prevention in collaboration with the Enugu State Agency for HIV/AIDS Control (ENSACA).

According to him, over 5,000 youths have been sensitised so far in the 17 local government areas of the state.

On sports development, Onwuegbuna said that the state had also performed exceptionally.

“We came third with four gold and four silver medals at the Open Boxing Championship that took place in Lagos from Feb. 12 to Feb. 26, 2017.

“In March, Enugu State athletes came second with four gold and five silver medals at the U-18 Patrick Estate Onyedum Athletic Championship held at Rojenny International Stadium, Oba in Anambra.

“Also from Sept. 7 to Sept 17, Enugu State participated in the National Youths Games in Ilorin, Kwara, and two tennis players and two athletes from the state’s team were invited for the Algiers African U-17 Games.’’

The spokesman said that between September and November, the ministry in collaboration with friends of the state governor organised the “Gburugburu Football Bash” for clubs in the state.

He said that Inter FC won the competition.

Onwuegbuna added that entertainment had also been organised for the youth in the year.

“On Nov. 19, the ministry hosted a Phyno Music Festival, which was attended by the governor, commissioner for youths and sports and other dignitaries in the state,’’ the ministry’s spokesman said.