NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Sports

Tennis: Enoh pledges continued support for sports in Cross River

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By Isaiah Eka

The Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Owan Enoh, has pledged to continue to support sports development in Cross River.

The minister stated this on Saturday at the grand finale of the second edition of the Renewed Hope and People First National Tennis Open in Calabar.

The tournament sponsored by Enoh, the immediate past Minister of Sports Development drew top players from across Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highly entertaining final took place at the hard court of the Calabar Sports Club 1898.

John Nubari and Rebecca Ekpenyong stole the show at the hotly contested  finals in the men’s and women’s category respectively.

Nubari pipped Maxwell Timiprie, while Ekpenyong defeated Aliyah Precious to smile home with cash prizes, gifts and trophies.

The highly enthusiastic crowd had a lot to cheer as the hard hitting dueling players displayed their mastery of the game with powerful drives and wonderful backhand strokes executed with utmost precision.

The pulsating games tested the technical depth  and calculations of the players who spoke with their rackets in a bid to outwit their stubborn opponents.

NAN reports that the tournament is  staged annually to promote the growth and development of tennis in Cross River and Nigeria as a whole .

The focus is for players in the state to have the needed exposure to excell in the sports of tennis while fostering the spirit of unity and sportsmanship amongst Nigerians and sports lovers.

Enoh said that the tournament not only celebrates excellence, but reinforces the importance of industry, tourism, and sports as catalysts for socioeconomic development.

He said although he was no longer Minister of  Sports, he will continue to support the growth and development of Tennis and sports in Cross River his home state.

‘I will continue to give young Cross Riverians who show excellence and hard work, the platform to excel right to the Zenith  of tennis and football,” Enoh said.

The minister restated his commitment to increasing the prize money in subsequent editions of the tournament.

He also used the opportunity to announce plans for a football talent hunt across Cross River in early 2025, in order to ‘catch them young’.

” This is a clarion call to Cross Riverians ,that there is an opportunity and early support for those who show seriousness to excell in tennis and football.

“I am ready and willing to give the needed support”, he added.

Enoh appreciated the efforts of Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River for his passion towards sports development in the state and incorporating the tennis tournament into the grand annual Calabar Festival.

Earlier, Gov. Bassey Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Sports, Agnes Atsu lauded the initiative and committed to working with the talents from the tournament to elevate the state in tennis.

NAN reports that the second edition of the tennis tournament saw an array of ranked tennis players in Nigeria, including, female Nigeria no.7 Rebecca Ekpenyong, no. 11, Timiprie Maxwell and Amarachi Odoh ,Nigeria no. 24.

The high point of the tournament was the presentation of cash prizes, gifts and trophies to players and coaches.

The overall male and female winners smiled home with N350,000 each, while first runner up male and female got N250, 000 each

Semi finalists in the male and female categories got N150,000 each, while quarter finalists earned N100,000 each, with first round participants getting N50,000 each.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

John Owan-Enoh, the Minister of Sports Development
Economy/Business

Enoh pledges commitment to Industrial development 

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By Lucy Ogalue
Sen. John Enoh, the new Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, has expressed his commitment to driving Nigeria’s economic growth through industrial development.
Enoh made the commitment at his assumption to duty on Tuesday in Abuja, and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he received upon his arrival.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Enoh’s appointment follows a cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Tinubu on Oct. 23.
Enoh while emphasising the importance of his new role, said he had previously been confirmed as a minister and was now ready to focus on his responsibilities without needing Senate approval.
The minister pledged to be actively present at the ministry, as his permanent office would be at the ministry.
He, however, said he would presently be operating from the Bank of Industry (BOI), until the office at the ministry was fully functional.
He stressed the critical role of industrialisation in national economic development and restated the need for strategic leadership and policy direction to boost the industry sector.
Enoh called for collaboration among the staff, saying that there was the need to review existing industrial plans and policies to better align with contemporary challenges.
He then expressed enthusiasm about harnessing the ministry’s energy and commitment to making a tangible impact on the industrial landscape.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Amb. Nura Rimi welcomed the new Minister of state and expressed the willingness of the ministry’s staff to working with him.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his wisdom in appointing a minister that had accomplished so much to come and champion industrial revitalisation in Nigeria.
” I must tell you that if anybody can do it, we have the person that can do it.
“It is not by accident that the president brought the minister here, having achieved so much in the Ministry of Sport to come and arrest the precarious situation that we find ourselves in,” he said.
He urged members of staff to join hands and be part of the industrial revitalisation which the minister promised to ensure. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams
Sports

U-17 WWC: Enoh hails Flamingos’ qualification for knockout stage

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s National Football Team, the Flamingos, for trouncing Ecuador at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Dominican Republic.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Flamingos on Saturday thrashed Ecuador 4-0 in their second group game of the tournament to advance to the quarter-finals.
For the second consecutive match, Nigeria scored four goals, after also defeating New Zealand 4-1 in their opening match.
An elated Enoh on Sunday in Abuja praised the players for their exceptional skills, teamwork, and determination throughout the match.
“This impressive win not only showcases the talent and resilience of the team but also solidifies their position at the top of Group A with a total of 6 points.
“The Flamingos have shown remarkable talent and commitment, and their victory is a testament to their preparation and teamwork,” he said.
The minister said   such performance reflects the hard work and dedication of the athletes, coaching staff, and everyone involved in the development of women’s football in Nigeria.
He  acknowledged the importance of the achievement in inspiring young girls across Nigeria to pursue a career in football and sports generally.
“As we celebrate this victory, let us remember that these young athletes are paving the way for future generations. They embody the spirit of perseverance and excellence.
“Their performance in the tournament is not just a source of pride for the nation but  a significant step forward in promoting women’s football in Nigeria,’ he added.
Enoh  reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting female athletes, and ensuring that they receive the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive in their sporting endeavors.
He called on all Nigerians to rally behind the team and show their unwavering support, as the team progresses in the global tournament.
 “Let us unite as a nation to cheer on our Flamingos as they continue to make us proud on the world stage,” he said.

NAN reports that the Flamingos who are top of group A with six points, will return to action on Tuesday in their final group game against hosts the Dominican Republic.

 

The 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup which which began on Oct. 16 will end on Nov. 3.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

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