Debo Adeoye, Ibadan
Oyo State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria has sent a congratulatory message and advise to the representative of the state at the Federal Executives Council, the newly appointed Minister for the Youths and Sports Ministry, Mr. Sunday Dare.
In a letter signed by the state chairman of CAN, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu, Oyo CAN rejoiced with the new minister who they described as God’s representative in the Buhari’s administration.
The statement was made available to the journalists through Mr. Debo Adeoye, Personal Assistant to Pastor Akanmu on Media and Information, reads “On behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter and the entire Chiristians in Oyo State, I am pleased to congratulate you on your appointment as the Honourable Minister for Youths and Sports.”
Having acknowledged professional sagacity, good quality and competency of the new minister, Pastor Akanmu, advised the minister to face the new challenge with much caution and never allow it to stain or destroy reputation he has built over the years.
“Without any doubt, we are proud of your achievements, you are a professional per excellence. However, we should not fail to admit the sensitivity and delicacy of the Sports Ministry, considering atrocities and unending controversies which most of the federations and agencies under it are known for,” he clarified.
“We know and you also know that God has been kind and marvelous to you ever before your appointment as a Minister, my advise is for you to see this appointment as payback period. A period you will render to God acceptable service; service without defect, holy and worthy, a period you will take the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ to political office holders.”
“Salt and light are useful only when they are in the right place fulfilling their functions of giving taste, conserving, revealing, and giving direction. God is looking for people he can use as his vessels to reach out to the perishing world. He has called and assigned you for that purpose,”.
“There is no doubt that your being given the sports ministry has divine purpose, there is no other of your equals that can handle that position. Sports Ministry is one of the strategic areas of influence that God wants his children to bear Christ’s testimony, you are not there by accident but it has been predetermined by the God Almighty.”
In his words of persuation to the new minister Pastor Akanmu said “Our dear ‘Son’ always remember that political involvement can become an end in itself instead of a means to an end. People who are not well-grounded in Christ can easily fall when faced with temptation. Christian politicians become prime targets of the enemy because they are directly involved in an area that has been the devil’s domain. Note that, light coming into this sphere of darkness will be noticed and reacted against.”
“Politics demands a lot of work and may influence family relations. Evil companionship corrupts good manners. Be careful with whom you relate closely with. Daniel prayed three times a day. Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance. Politics is like a minefield. Prayer will give you the spiritual glasses and discernment needed to know where to step on.”
Meanwhile, Pastor Akanmu advised Christians all over Nigeria to appreciate, encourage, and support Christian politicians around them. He however warned them not to put unnecessary pressure on political appointees.
“Christians should see it as a responsibility to intercede for political appointees in their prayer, appreciate and encourage them. Do not exploit or take advantage of them for your own ends. Stop seeing politicians as your source of financial support, it is unethical,” Akanmu warned.
“We wish you ease in the new mission given you. We hope for a greater transformation of the sector. As we look forward to you to eventually become a role model, I pray that the Lord will continue to uplift you above your counterparts. We wish you endless success on your. Just be guaranteed that you have our fullest support,” Pastor stated.
Pastor Akanmu also stated economic benefits of sport to the nation, especially the teeming youths. “Findings confirmed that Sport offers an important avenue for creating employment opportunities for the youth. Available evidence further suggests that the knowledge, life skills, health, and physical abilities generally developed through appropriate sport experiences can benefit participants by improving their chances of finding employment, raising their level of income and making them more optimistic and willing to volunteer in the community.”
He also quoted UN Secretary General’s statement of fact on sports, “According to Mr Ban Ki Moon, United Nations Secretary-General, says of sports: “Sport has become a world language, a common denominator that breaks down all the walls, all the barriers. It is a worldwide industry whose practices can have widespread impact. Most of all, it is a powerful tool for progress and for development.”
Pastor Akanmu also charged the new minister to collaborate with the ministry of education to ensure proper youths development through sports. “Let me at this juncture also advise that you work on how your ministry will collaborate with the ministry of education to ensure that the youth are given the opportunity right from the basic education level because the quality and effectiveness of sport and physical education programmes are largely determined by the teachers and coaches involved.”
“The European Commission released its second study on the Economic impact of sport through sport satellite accounts. According to the conclusions of the study, the share of sport-related Gross Domestic Product within the EU is 2.12 % and amounts to € 279.7 bn. Furthermore, the share of sport-related employment amounts to 2.72 % of total EU employment, equivalent to 5,666,195 persons.”
“The researchers explain in the study that “Sport is an employment-intensive economic activity, therefore generating a greater sport share in employment than in GDP. In fact, an increase of GDP by 1% goes hand in hand with an additional 1.35 % of employment”. Furthermore, as regard to GDP, statistics show that education services and sport services (sport facility operations, sport clubs, fitness facilities, and other sport services) are the two main sport-related GDP contributors, respectively 0.39 % (€ 51,237million) and 0.33 % (€ 43,075 million) of the EU’s GDP.,” Pastor Akanmu Quoted
