FCT Sports will Do Better In 2025 – Director

By: Gyang Dakwo

FCT Director of Sports, Luka Istifanus has stated that “the right atmosphere has been provided and all hands are on deck” to ensure that the FCT surpasses its previous sports achievements in the year 2025.

Istifanus said this in an exclusive interview with Abuja Digest on a review of the year’s performance and plans for the new year.

This Istifanus said is largely due to the motivation by the Barr. Wike led FCT administration which has given approval for rewards to be given to athletes who represented the FCT at the 2022 National Sports festival in Asaba Delta State and National Youth Games in 2023 and 2024.

Already he said, the athletes and technical crew are in high spirits in anticipation of the awards ceremony adding that they are charged by the gesture to go out and do more exploits that will bring sports glory to the FCT.

Istifanus commended the FCT Administration for being responsive to the needs of the sports management at all times.

“We must appreciate the FCT administration for its support through the provision of sporting infrastructure, facilities and funding of our local, zonal and international programs. This is an affirmation of the FCT administration’s continued passion for providing opportunities for our teeming youths to showcase their God-given talents.”

Looking back at the year in review, the Director expressed satisfaction with the performance of the FCT in all the competitions it participated in within the year like the National Youth Games, zonal competitions and invitational tournaments. He added that what is left is to build on the success recorded so far by creating the right atmosphere for the athletes to thrive.

“2024 has been quite eventful and good for us,” he said. We were able to achieve some success in sports. I must say I am satisfied with the outcome. What is paramount to us is the general wellbeing of the athletes who are like the engine that powers sports- that you must take care of. We are also using the experiences of the past year as a learning board to make plans and necessary adjustments for next year.”

On plans for the incoming year, the Director expressed optimism that 2025 will be better for the FCT sports family. He disclosed that wider consultations with major stakeholders are on to widen the scope of participation and thus brighten chances of a better performance in the year. He revealed that the FCT sports department has since commenced training in all disciplines so that Team FCT can be in top form at all times.

“We hope to begin early enough, starting from now so that we can have time to make necessary adjustments,” he said. “Presently preparations for the the 22nd National Sports Festival “Gateway Games” scheduled for January next year have commenced and the athletes, technical teams and sports associations are busy working round to clock to ensure that we compete at the highest levels in all competitions. We are also working with the Area Councils sports departments to enable us get more talents from the grassroots to replace our out of form and ageing sports men and women. These I believe will put us in a better position to do better next year.”