NIN Must Screen Athletes For National Youth Games, Federal Government Insists

• The federal government is determined to use National Identification Numbers (NIN) for athlete screening at the National Youth Games to combat age cheating.
• The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, emphasized the importance of using NIN during an interactive session with journalists in Asaba, Delta State.
• The government is committed to improving the process of age verification in sports and views NIN presentation as a mandatory requirement for screening.

The federal government has reiterated its commitment to employ National Identification Numbers (NIN) rather than facial screening for age verification of athletes participating in the ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.

This measure is aimed at swiftly addressing age-related cheating in sports.

Senator John Owan Enoh, the Minister of Sports Development, conveyed this decision during an interactive session with journalists in Asaba.

He emphasized that his directive to officials of the Games regarding mandatory NIN presentation during athlete screening is non-negotiable, as the government is resolute in addressing age cheating at the grassroots level.

In addressing concerns about the effectiveness of NIN-based verification, Senator Enoh acknowledged that the system may not be flawless at the moment. However, he stressed the necessity of continuous improvement in the process to advance sports development in the country.

Age cheating in sports, particularly in grassroots talent discovery and development, poses a significant challenge that could hinder the government’s efforts to promote grassroots sports. The Ministry seeks support and collaboration from all stakeholders, including the media, to combat this issue effectively.

To address age-related discrepancies in sports, one of the innovations introduced in this year’s Games is the incorporation of the National Identity Number (NIN) as part of the athlete verification process.

The Ministry, in partnership with other stakeholders, is committed to refining this process until age cheating is minimized.

Senator Enoh’s sports development focus encompasses both grassroots and elite sports. The government will continue to support grassroots sports by upgrading infrastructure in alignment with the National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) provisions once fully operational.

The current edition of the Youth Games presents a unique opportunity for the country to reshape its sports narrative. This coincides with the presence of a new President who is keen on elevating the sports sector to a higher level through the establishment of a dedicated Ministry for sports.

The government’s commitment goes beyond podium performances; it aims to create career pathways for youth, generate job opportunities in the sports value chain, reduce youth poverty, and promote women’s participation in sports to enhance security.

Additionally, the government will ensure that athletes receive early exposure to essential infrastructure, enabling them to showcase their talents and prepare for the transition to elite sports…[CONTINUE READING HERE]>>