SPORTS MINISTRY TO HONOUR HISTORIC 1996 OLYMPIC TEAM. ..... As FG Signs Partnership With Homeland Films

Minister of Sport Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh flanked by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Tinuke Watti and Mrs Mary Ephraim Egbas, (l) President of Homelands Films, during the signing of memorandum of understanding on proposed documentation of Nigeria 1996 Atlanta Olympic gold medal between the Ministry of Sports  Dev and Homelands films industry

“Nigerians forgot their different tribes, tongues, creed, and political differences that tend to polarize them. They reveled and danced well into the dawn of the next day. This poignant moment underscored the unifying power of sports. This unity, is what we must imbibe today.” Senator Enoh

In a renewed initiative to celebrate Nigeria’s Dream Team’s 1996 Olympic Gold Medal win held in Atlanta, USA, the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, under the able leadership of Honourable Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Homeland Films.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) took place at the Media Centre, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja recently.

At the event, Senator Enoch disclosed that while celebrating one of the nation’s greatest sports achievements, the Ministry will use the power of storytelling to inspire the younger generation fostering a sense of pride, dedication and patriotism, in their different fields of sports achievements.

The Minister highlighted the unifying power of sports, its transformative capacity, and its importance today, in line with the renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to steer the country to greater prosperity.

“Nigerians forgot their different tribes, tongues, creed, and political differences that tend to polarize them. They reveled and danced well into the dawn of the next day. This poignant moment underscored the unifying power of sports. This unity, is what we must imbibe today.”

The Minister emphasized that what is needed is a world-class film that tells the story of the heroics of 1996 in a manner that is enriching, and inspiring a sense of nationalism and patriotism especially at this time the Olympics opening ceremony starts within the week.

Senator Enoh applauded the organisation for coming up with such a laudable project which he said will tell the Nigerian story to the world especially at this time when the country is going through a trying moment. 

"At a moment of this nature in the country, a thing like this is necessary; what contribution are you making from your sector. The Ministry is going to use the platform in collaborating with Homeland Films as a way of making its own contribution towards the economic development of the country". 

Earlier in her address, the President of Homeland Films, Mrs. Mary Ephraim Egbas, expressed her excitement about the project. She noted that by bringing this story to the big screen, it aims at honoring the legacy of our athletes and ignite a renewed sense of pride and passion for Nigerian sports.

"The significance extends beyond entertainment. It is poised to revolutionize the industry in Nigeria and Africa. It would have a profound impact on the sports industry.”

Mrs. Egbas stated that the collaboration between the Ministry and Homeland Film will mark the beginning of an extraordinary journey to bring to life a story that is deeply embedded in the heart of Nigerians and sports enthusiasts world wide.

She added that the project will be a way of paying tribute and eulogising the sports heroes of this country, their dedication and extraordinary achievements and, to inspire future generations to pursue excellence  in sports.

Hon. Minister of Sport Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh flanked to his right by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Tinuke Watti, to his left by the President of Homelands films industry, Mary Ephraim Egbas and others dignitaries during the signing of memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Sport and homeland films industry on the proposed documentation of 1996 Nigeria gold medal at the Olympics in Atlanta

Mrs Egbas commended the Minister for his visionary role to reposition sports in the country, adding that the collaboration will go a long way to change the narrative in the sports sector.

In his remark, Emmanuel Babayaro who was among the 1996 Dream Team, pointed out the resilience of the Team which he said cumulated in their victory at the games that have impacted many lives till today.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports Development, Tinuke Watti, the Director General, Nigeria Film and Video Censors Board, Mr. Shuaibu Useni, the Secretary, Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Sanusi Mohammed and other top sports stakeholders and the Directors of the Ministry were present to witness the epoch making event.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Kehinde Ajayi (Mrs), Director Information and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Abuja.