By Engr. Abubakar Momoh, FNSE
I was pleased to attend the prestigious Okpekpe International Road Race, a world-class sporting event that continues to showcase the immense potential of sports as a driver of development, youth empowerment, and national unity.
The event once again demonstrated that sports goes beyond competition. It creates economic opportunities, promotes tourism, engages young people positively, and brings communities together in a spirit of peace and healthy competition.
As Honourable Minister of Regional Development, I strongly believe that sports has a critical role to play in community and regional development. It complements efforts aimed at empowering young people, fostering social inclusion, and creating opportunities for economic growth across our regions.
This is why the Ministry of Regional Development remains supportive of initiatives that promote youth engagement, talent discovery, community participation, and social cohesion through sports and other developmental platforms.
I commend the organizers of the Okpekpe Road Race for sustaining an event that has placed Nigeria on the global sporting map while contributing meaningfully to local economic activity and community development.
The success of events such as this reminds us that investing in sports is also an investment in our people, our communities, and our collective future.
*Engr. Abubakar Momoh, FNSE
Honourable Minister of Regional Development
