Assessment of Stakeholder Participation in the Management of Sports Development Programs in Akwa Ibom State

This study was designed to investigate the role, level of participation, challenges and ways forward for enhancing stakeholders participation in sports development. The study sought to answer five research questions and two hypotheses regarding: the extent to which stakeholders are involved, the roles that they play in the process, how managers make decisions, barriers that prevent this from becoming a greater reality as well as what solutions can be leveraged. Method: Using a descriptive survey design, data was collected through the use of a structured questionnaire from 200 participants selected using simple random sampling techniques for the government officials, sports associations, private sector and community leaders. Descriptive statistics like mean, percentage, standard deviation and z test were used to analyze the data. The findings showed that the stakeholders had a moderate involvement in sports development with large contributions from government and sports associations. Nonetheless, challenges such as lack of good funding, improper training and conflicting property claims are obstacles to effective participation. Moreover, the study identified stakeholder participation to be dependent on clarity of roles and improved coordination. The conclusion also suggested that a more participatory based approach is necessary to consider stakeholder views and involvement in decision and project implementation. Given that stakeholder participation in sports development programs is a step to attaining the benefits of management which have been illustrated. The study recommended that regular training, the creation of a centralized coordinating body and improved transparency in decision-making process would significantly enhance the state’s involvement of stakeholders within its managed sports development programs.