A group under the umbrella of Civil Society Network for Good Governance has defended the media report that the Minister of Sport Development, Senator John Owan Enoh purchased a new car worth N150million.
The group in a statement signed by its President, Barrister Adefila Kamal, said the purchase of operational vehicles for key ministry officials was fully budgeted for in the ministry’s 2024 approved budget adding that due process was followed.
The statement read in part “First, it is important to clarify that the Ministry of Sports Development, under the leadership of Honourable Minister Senator John Owan Enoh, has been transparent in its operations and fully committed to the development of Nigerian sports.
“Contrary to the article’s claims of financial irresponsibility, the purchase of operational vehicles for key ministry officials was fully budgeted for in the ministry’s 2024 approved budget. Due process was followed at every step, with no involvement of the Honourable Minister in the bidding or procurement process.
“This purchase was necessary for the smooth functioning of the ministry, which, upon its separation from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in 2023, faced significant logistical challenges, including a lack of operational vehicles for key officers.
“Senator Enoh, for months, relied on an old, malfunctioning vehicle, while the Permanent Secretary used her personal car for official duties. The vehicles purchased are not luxury acquisitions, as the article falsely suggested, but essential tools for the ministry’s efficient functioning.
“It is crucial to acknowledge the Honourable Minister’s commitment to transparency, especially in light of Nigeria’s underperformance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Senator Enoh was the first to publicly admit the country’s failure, describing the Olympic outing as a “disaster” and pledging immediate reforms to avert future disappointments. Unlike those who seek to discredit the government, the minister faced the issue head-on, admitting that Nigeria’s Olympic performance was the result of systemic issues within the sports sector that could not be fixed overnight.
“The minister inherited a ministry that had not even begun preparations for the Olympics when he took office in August 2023, less than a year before the games. Despite the short time frame, he and his team worked to provide financial support and streamline resources to federations with the best chances of qualifying for the Olympics. However, the issues went deeper than just preparation, as the federations themselves had prioritized qualification over proper athlete development.
“Rather than shying away from the challenge, Senator Enoh has laid out a clear plan for reforming Nigerian sports. He has called for a thorough review of how individuals are selected to lead the sports federations, ensuring that only capable and committed individuals take charge. The upcoming federation elections are a critical opportunity to reset the leadership and bring in fresh energy to revitalize the country’s sports sector.”
