Udoma at NCC Tennis League reiterates government’s commitment to sports development

• Minister calls for private sector partnership

Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma has revealed that the Federal Government is committed to develop all areas of sports to engage talented Nigerians and also build a national brand.

Speaking before the kick off of the first match of the 2017 Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Tennis League in Abuja, Udoma observed that the present administration was creating an enabling environment to stimulate the private sector so that they could generate resources to support the sports sector.

The minister, who described the NCC Tennis League as a laudable initiative, called for more sponsorship from multinational companies in the country in order to take the league to greater heights.

He said, “Sports is very important for our youths and the national brand and we intend to develop all areas of the sector.  We would like Nigerians to participate in the US Open, the French Open and if possible win one of the Grand Slams… it will be very exciting for Nigeria.”

In his address, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta said the tennis league being sponsored by the Commission has made huge impact in the nation’s tennis circuit, adding that it has provided opportunity to engage the youths in a fruitful enterprise.

He noted that the tournament has generated a lot of excitement across the country, adding that the players have taken the competition very seriously and are training hard to improve their skills in order to attract more income to support their aspirations to rise to international standard.