Meet John Enoh: The farmer-turned-Sports Minister who took over reins from Sunday Dare

John Enoh, better known by his initials JOE, has succeeded Sunday Dare as Nigeria’s sports minister of the federation.

This dynamic transition from the agrarian fields to the realm of sports administration positions Enoh as a beacon of change, as he sets his sights on a transformative journey to elevate Nigerian sports, with a spotlight on football.

Enoh’s appointment as the 36th custodian of Nigerian sports, since the days of Chief Joseph Modupe Johnson (JMJ) in 1960, reflects a new chapter in his illustrious career.

Prior to his current role, Enoh served as a distinguished senator representing the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State during the 8th assembly from 2015 to 2019.

His remarkable political journey, marked by a switch from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in May 2017, has now seamlessly transitioned him into the realm of sports leadership.

Beyond his political forays, Enoh’s roots delve deep into the agricultural heartlands of Cross River State. An embodiment of versatility, he has nurtured an impressive portfolio of numerous farms dedicated to arable and livestock production.

Over the years, Enoh’s visionary farming venture, initiated in the year 2000, has flourished, cultivating approximately 2000 hectares of fertile lands by 2021.

Enoh’s farm, a testament to his commitment and determination, spans across diverse regions of Cross River State. Noteworthy is his establishment of 150 hectares of planted palms in his native Agbokim Waterfalls, an agricultural haven intertwined with his personal history.

Furthermore, Enoh’s footprint expands to the flourishing expanse of around 100 hectares of planted palms at Etara-Ekuri, enriching the fabric of communities within Etung Local Government Area (LGA) where his roots are firmly anchored.

In a striking showcase of his dedication to community empowerment, Enoh pioneers an innovative “out-grower scheme.”

This philanthropic endeavour stands as a beacon of corporate social responsibility, empowering local small-scale farmers with the resources to cultivate arable and livestock production.

This scheme then seamlessly integrates them into a market platform, nurturing both growth and economic sustainability.

As Enoh steps into his role as Sports Minister, Nigerian football enthusiasts anticipate a fresh wind of transformation sweeping through the national sport.

With his diverse experiences spanning politics and agriculture, Enoh is expected to bring a distinctive perspective that could reshape the landscape of Nigerian football.

His visionary approach, honed through years of agricultural innovation, offers a unique lens to foster grassroots talent, create developmental pathways, and elevate the nation’s football standard.

The Nigerian football community is watching with deep interest as JOE begins this exciting new chapter with the hope of ushering in a new age marked by innovation, diversity, and quality.