The Governor of Kwara State, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, has called on stakeholders in the sports to evolve and implement a strong policy framework for sports development so that the country will always excel at international meets.

His plea came just as the Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, promised that the National Council on Sports meeting in Ilorin was part of the strategy to reposition sports in the country.

According to Governor Ahmed, with a new thinking in sports, Nigeria would not only win laurels but also derive socio-economic advantages.

He said, “Properly managed, the potential economic, social and political benefits of sports to our nation are vast. It is my view that sports development must transcend the primary motive of leisure and entertainment to serve as a powerful tool for national mobilisation and crucially, economic prosperity in view of the compelling need to diversify our resource base as a nation.”

Ahmed, who noted that sports bring fame and fortune to focused nations and individuals, called for the sharpening of grass-root scouting strategies in order to discover raw talent in the country.

The governor pledged the commitment of his administration to the utilisation of sport as a platform for mobilising youths for greater self-development and prosperity.