By Ogenyi Emeka
Paul Bassey, Commissioner for Sports in Akwa Ibom has urged public servants to sports as a tool for youth empowerment, economic growth, social cohesion, and international recognition.
Bassey said this in his opening remarks 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 of 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 therefore 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,” Bassey said.
Bassey commended Gov. Umo Eno for creating the ministry of sports separately to enhance the development of sports in the State.
In her remarks while declaring the workshop open, the Head of the Civil Service, Mrs Elsie Peters, said the human capacity building workshop was a sacrifice from government to staff of the ministry.
Peters charged the participants to take training workshop very serious, as they would learn new things to improve in 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 sports industries around the world had so lucrative for investment.
Patrick said the capacity training workshop was to equip staff, athletes to tap from the potentials in the industry.
He said that training was necessary for better performance to improve on the staff service delivery.
