The newly appointed Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Akindare has resumed work fully after his appointment was confirmed by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday.
Speaking in an address to ministry staffers at the Ministry Office shortly after receiving his portfolio at the State House in Abuja, Dare enjoined them to get to work immediately and work together as a team.
“As you can see, I’ve taken off my Agbada. That means work starts now. So, let’s get ready, let’s roll up our sleeves and let’s work together as a team,” said the 53-year old.
“I also know that September is now the deadline for us to submit our budget. So, beginning from Friday, we will start looking at our budget.
“Our mandate areas are very clear. We must broaden our horizon, we must deepen the work we do and the quality of work we bring to the table. I am not unaware of the challenges, controversies, and development within this Ministry. The Ministry that is dear to all Nigerians” added the Oyo State-born technocrat.
The Ogbomoso born IT expert, who was a former Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) also highlighted his immediate and long term goal for the ministry.
“Beyond soccer, we have other sports. But at the heart of that work is also youths development, beyond sports. So, we will be thinking outside the box.
“We must find a way of taking sports out of the back pages to the front pages with positive news and that is possible. I have a massive media background and I know that the media is an integral part of youths and sports development,” he said.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
