The Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Esq, has called on non-state actors, including civil society organizations (CSOs), to integrate sports into their advocacy initiatives. Dr. Abdulai made this appeal during the NSA’s FY 2025 budget presentation held at the Ministry of Finance’s conference hall on Friday, August 30, 2024.
Highlighting the positive impact of sports on youth and society, Dr. Abdulai emphasized the sector’s role in crime reduction and job creation. “The sports sector is doing well. We engage young people in different sporting activities every day. Through this, we are reducing the crime rate and creating jobs,” he stated.
Dr. Abdulai noted that over the years, CSOs and the NSA have successfully monitored, advocated, and collaborated with various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). He encouraged these organizations to expand their focus to include sports, recognizing its potential beyond mere entertainment.
“Sports is not only about entertainment; it is a multi-billion dollar industry. We can also use this sector for peace-building,” Dr. Abdulai added, urging non-state actors to recognize and leverage the broader societal benefits of sports.
In response, Foday Dada, representing non-state actors at the budget presentation, commended the Ministry of Sports and the NSA for their transparency and accountability, particularly in recent times. “The Ministry of Sports and NSA have been transparent to the people of this country, especially in recent times. This is good for public trust and confidence,” Dada remarked.
Dada also expressed appreciation for Dr. Abdulai’s initiative to involve sports in advocacy efforts, assuring that the matter would be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
The National Sports Authority, established by an Act of Parliament, is tasked with promoting, encouraging, developing, and supervising all sports and sporting activities in Sierra Leone, as well as addressing related matters.
This call to action underscores the growing recognition of sports as a vital tool for social development and peace-building in the country.