Nigeria and Turkiye Deepen Sports Diplomacy In Abuja
Nigeria and Turkiye have moved another step deeper in existing diplomatic ties between both power houses. This was at a meeting at the instance of Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Nigeria Rowing Canoe and Sailing Federation and Turkish Medical Experts in Abuja led by Professor Ibrahim Yanmis who is an orthopedic surgeon arthroscopy sports injury and joint disease specialist .
The strategic partnership is coming ahead of assurances on country’s mandate to host 2024 Paris Olympics qualifiers for Canoe in Abuja.
Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development Ismaila ABUBAKAR represented at the event by Amaka Ashiofu commended the initiative by Turkish experts-promoting medical tourism in Nigeria-to offer more medical and technical support to the championship in November saying it is in line with Federal Government’s drive to have more private public partnerships in sports development.
Nigeria Rowing Canoe and Sailing Federation President Admiral Festus Porbeni describes the strategic partnership as new dawn in sports and medical diplomacy. The former Minister of Transportation maintained that facilities provided by government of Turkiye through foreign direct investment in Nigeria’s economy will change the narrative in the sports sector . He applauded existing military, social-economic, cultural, education relations and anticipates newer frontiers of mutual benefits
Nigeria was awarded the hosting rights by international Canoe Federation at the first African Admiral Porbeni Boat championship in Abuja which was attended by World Canoe President Thomas Konietzko and Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Executives at Jabi boat club Abuja.
