In his efforts to promote
the youths and involve them in the activities of the state, His Excellency the
Governor of Taraba State Dr. Agbu Kefas
has prioritize the involvement of young persons
to handle the affairs of the state and one of such persons is the current commissioner
of Youths and Sports, a vibrant individual who has vast experience in sport and
youth development. In this interview with the Honorable
Commissioner of Youth and Sport of Taraba State, Ambassador Joseph Joshua,
shares his plans to promote the development of youth sports in the state, his
thoughts on the role of sports in youth development, and some of the challenges
he faces in his role. He also discusses his hopes for the future of youth
development and sports in the country, and has a message for the youths in the
state.
Good Day Sir, It Is A Privilege To Have You On This Interview As The Honorable
Commissioner Of Youth And Sport, Before We Go Further Into The Interview, Can You
Please Tell Us More About Yourself, And I Guess A Lot Of People Want To Know
About You.
My
name is Ambassador Joseph Joshua, before my commencement as the Commissioner for
Youths and Sports Development. I am the Nigeria National Team Coordinator for
the U20 and U23, also the former Sport Director of National Youth Council of
Nigeria (NYCN), President of the Grassroots Football Association of Nigeria
(GFAN) and a FIFA License Agent. I'm a lover of Sports.
Wow,
That Was A Brilliant Introduction, So As The New Commissioner Of Youths And
Sports What Are Your Plans To Promote The Development Of Youth Sports In The
State?
There
has been loads of plan on ground to promote Youth Sports across the State and
not just only the Sports but everything that has to do with the Youth
Development across the State. We have outlined some plans that will see to the
development of Youths from the grassroots level such as rebuilding of Taraba
United, Taraba Queens. We’ve already signed a Sports development partnership
with 3 Giant Turkish clubs, Serbia College of Sports and discussion is still
going on with Westbrown in the UK and many more. There are also ongoing plans
for the renovation of our Stadium and other Sports Facilities which will
encourage series of international Youths development programs. Also there are
ongoing plans to develop our Youth Skills in Technologies in Partnership with
our Foreign Partners and lots more plans are on ground.
What
Are Your Thoughts On The Role Of Sports In Youth Development?
Sports
are a fun way to increase a youth’s physical activity level and develop
lifelong habits for good health, to develop self-control, persistence, and
accountability. It helps the youth reach his or her fitness goals and maintain
a healthy weight. However, they also encourage healthy decision making such as
not smoking and not drinking. It also has health benefits such as lowering the
chance of osteoporosis or breast cancer later in life.
The
benefits of sports are numerous and can impact lives in profound ways. Sports
participation promotes health and wellbeing, builds confidence, and can help
maintain mental health. But often youths don’t engage in sport, probably
because most youth think they are not good enough for the sport that they
engage themselves in. Nevertheless, sports can provide many benefits for
youths, because positive experiences that sports bring play an important role in
a young person’s life.
What Are Some Of The Most Successful Youth Sports Programs In The Country, And How Can We Replicate Their Success In Other Communities In The State?
Football
is number one most successful Sport in Nigeria; we still have other sports such
as Boxing, Basketball and lot more. To replicate their success in our
communities here, we've put in lots of changes that will see new structures and
strategies which will involve all ages of Youths from the grassroots level to
the Professional level. If others state can do it. Why not Taraba too, we can
do it much better and that is why we will be working with expertise in the
field to be able achieve the best result we projected.
Mr.
Commissioner, How Can Sports Be Made Accessible And Inclusive For All Young
People, Regardless Of Their Background Or Ability In Taraba??
Sport
is for everyone regardless of their background, we are going to make sports
available for everyone that's why I said earlier that we will be involving all age’s
categories in their best chosen interest of sports series of Programs have been
outline that will be aired soon.
What
Are Some Of The Challenges You Face In Your Role As Commissioner Of Youth And Sports
In The State?
So
many challenges, there have been little attention given to the area of Youths
and Sports but I want to say a very big thank you to my Governor Dr. AGBU KEFAS
for giving his primary attention to the youths. Another challenge is the aspect
of getting the right financial support to carry out some of the outline
programs. We need to understand that Sports is an Industry that if given the
right attention to, it will spring forth massive income for the government and
bring about rapid growth to the state at large.
Entertainment
Is Part Of Life And Remains An Integral Part Of It, What Are Your Plans For The
Music Industry Of The State?
Music
Industry is a massive powerful tool that also contributes powerfully to the
Youths development in which if with the right people with the same visions so
many things can be achieve.
What
Are Some Of The Most Innovative And Promising New Programs And Initiatives In
The Field Of Youth Development And Sports?
Some
many programs have been outline and will be aired soon as I have mentioned
earlier.
What
Are Your Hopes For The Future Of Youth Development And Sports In The Country?
My
hopes is for a greater tomorrow where Youths are giving a genuine chances to
lead the vision of The country and bring lots of accolades globally for the
country.
Lastly,
What Do You Have To Say To The Youths In The State?
We Taraba Youths are achievers full of dreams and aspiration;
I will indulge us not to rush things up. Remember Situations are not
destination but Situations are preparing us towards our destination. With the
right patient, hard work, Sincerity and God fearing heart we shall all get to
our destinations. To be able to achieve a lot and help the development of the youths
support and enthusiasm will really go a long way. Together we can build Taraba.
In conclusion,
the Honorable Commissioner of Youth and Sport of Taraba State, Ambassador
Joseph Joshua, has a number of ambitious plans to promote the development of
youth sports in the state. He believes that sports can play a vital role in
youth development, and he is committed to making sports accessible and
inclusive for all young people, regardless of their background or ability.
The Commissioner faces a number of challenges in his role,
including a lack of attention to the youth and sports sector in the past and a
shortage of financial resources. However, he is optimistic about the future and
believes that with the support of the government and the people of Taraba, he
can achieve his goals.
The Commissioner's message to the youths of Taraba is to be patient,
hardworking, sincere, and God-fearing. He believes that with these qualities,
they can achieve their dreams and aspirations. Together, he believes that they
can build Taraba.
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