INTERVIEW: "I Have Bigger Plans For Youths And Sport Development In Taraba State" - Joseph Joshua, Commissioner Of Youths & Sports Development

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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