Sports now an economic force, instrument of unity, national integration – Akpabio

By ABIRHIRE THOMAS

The President of the Senate, God’swill Akpabio, has said that sports is no longer a part-time but an economic force and instrument of national integration.

Akpabio stated this on Thursday May 29, 2025, in his address at the closing ceremony of the 22nd Edition of National Sports Festival 2025 in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

According to Akpabio, “sports is no longer a pastime; it is an economic force, an instrument of unity and national integration. As of 2023, the global sports industry was valued at approximately $484.9 billion, with projections of growth to $507.69 billion by 2025. It now accounts for around 2% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“This underscores its profound role as a driver of economic activity, job creation, tourism, health, and national pride. Yet, in Africa, the contribution of sports to GDP stands at a modest 0.5%. This reveals a growth gap—and an opportunity. It is a call to action for governments, schools, private investors, and corporate organizations to recognize sports not as leisure, but as leverage for national development.”

He stated further that he was at the event to formally declare it closed not “merely as a formality but as a celebration of strength, spirit and the sublime of beauty of competition.”

Speaking further, Akpabio said, “I have come to celebrate those who won medals, those who won hearts, and those who may not have won today, but are already on the path to winning tomorrow.

“Let me say this without reservation: every single participant in this festival is a winner—because you first won in your state, and you earned your right to stand on this national platform”.

He thanked the National Sports Commission for organizing such a vibrant and flawless festival, saying, “your commitment to the future of Nigerian sports is evident in every stride, every sprint, and every cheer that echoed across this event.

“To the host state, I offer gratitude and admiration. You provided an ambient environment—secure, welcoming, and inspiring—for this great convergence of talent. Your hospitality has been the backdrop to greatness”.

Going down memory lane when he was the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akpaɓio said, “my faith in sports is not mere rhetoric; it is a matter of record. As the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, I conceived and built the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium—a structure that has been hailed globally as a model of sports architecture and ambition. That edifice was not just concrete and steel—it was a statement of belief in what sports can do for a people and a nation”.

He charged those in position of authority at different levels of our education system to, “let us ensure that every school, from primary to tertiary, integrates sports into its culture—with facilities and structured programs. Let us offer athletic scholarships to outstanding talents, just as is done in other advanced societies. Let our corporate institutions invest in clubs, leagues, academies, and tournaments—not as charity, but as strategic partnerships”.

“To our sportsmen and women, I say this: sports is not just a game—it is a window to greatness. A path paved with discipline, dedication, and the power to inspire generations.

“Let me share a story that captures this truth. Once upon a time in Rosario, Argentina, there was a young boy —small, shy, and brimming with raw footballing genius. But at age 10, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. His local club adored his talent but could not afford his treatment.

“His family began seeking help from abroad. In 2000, they found their way to FC Barcelona, where a youth coach saw something rare in the boy. The decision to sign him met with hesitation—he was too small, too foreign, too risky. But one man, Coach Carles Rexach, believed in him. So determined was he that he offered him a contract—not on official letterhead—but on a humble paper napkin.

“And that’s how one of the greatest footballers of our time was signed. Today, Lionel Messi is a World Cup champion, winner of 8 Ballon d’Ors, and a global icon. But before the glory came a fragile boy who believed in himself… and someone who believed in him. Messi had the gift, but he needed someone to believe in him—someone to look past his size and see his soul. Never underestimate the power of vision, persistence, and a single act of faith—whether it’s a paper napkin or a lifetime of dreams.”

Akpabio noted that, “the moral of the story is that talent is universal—but opportunity is not. We must create the opportunities for our talents. No Messi should be allowed to wallow and die in insignificance. We need more sports fiestas. As we close this chapter of the National Sports Festival, I urge you all—athletes, coaches, administrators, investors, and policy makers—to be that one person who believes, who builds, who backs a dream.

“Because somewhere out there is Nigeria’s own Messi, waiting to be discovered. To the champions—congratulations.To the hopeful—keep training. To Nigeria—your greatness is only beginning. I hereby declare the 22nd Edition of the National Sports Festival officially closed.
Thank you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.