Qualitative Assessment of Issues and Prospects of Physical Activity and Sports Participation for Quality Living in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

In Nigeria, there are significant factors affecting the increase and decrease in the number of people taking part in sports. This study focused on the issues and prospects that surrounded sports participation for healthy living in Kano, North-Western Nigeria. Five focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with exercise specialists, health education practitioners, educational administrators, school heads, and other members of the community. Results from the FGDs raised eight major issues hindering physical activity and sports in Northern Nigeria; with awareness about the benefits of physical activity, economic, and other competing pressures and facilities’ availability given high priority by all the groups. Based on the results, the authors recommend that government at all levels should shoulder their responsibilities outlined by the National Sports Commission which included proper budgeting and provision of sports facilities. Public and private sectors should be encouraged to invest in physical activity and sport industry in Northern Nigeria to join the silent multi-billion Naira industry globally