The House of Representatives, on Thursday, underscored the need to ensure adequate funding of sports, which he described as a veritable instrument for reducing crime and unemployment.
Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Hon Kabiru Amadu expressed the concern during the inauguration of the Committee in Abuja and averred that sports has become a potential source of generating foreign exchange to countries all over the world.
While pledging his resolve towards repositioning the Committee for optimum performance, he solicited for the cooperation of all the stakeholders’ dedication and time, in the bid to “forge ahead and advance the cause of sports in Nigeria to an enviable status.
“The Committee’s work plan is before you for consideration and input. However, it is apposite to note that, Sports is a veritable instrument of reducing crime and unemployment if optimally pursued. It generates big foreign exchange to Countries all over the World.
“It is on record that, out of the over 40 federation in Nigeria, only less than 20 are functioning and out of the 20 only about five are funded.
“The Committee would engage the appropriate authorities and will thoroughly and painstakingly look into all the challenges contending with all the sports federations with a view of overcoming them, to the betterment of our vibrant and articulated youth and Nigerians at large.
“The issue of decaying Sporting infrastructure across the country, especially the National Stadia should be urgently looked into and addressed through adequate budgetary allocation.
“It is on record that during the Paris 2024 Olympics, Nigeria couldn’t win a single medal and this sparked a wide-spread displeasure from well-meaning citizens.
“This and many other embedded issues surrounding and affecting sports in Nigeria, will be addressed passionately and will all sincerity of purpose.
“There is need for timely and adequate preparation for the forthcoming Olympics scheduled to take place in Los Angeles in 2028 in order not to avoid the dismal performance of the Paris Olympic.
“The Committee envisages sustainable development plan, detailing grassroots programs, training facilities, comprehensive medical support system, strategic players’ rotation, designed to promote Football Development and other sporting activities across the nation, through the Federal Ministry of Sports Development.
“The Committee expects Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to be proactive, sort out the problems bedeviling football administration across board.
“It is the hope of the committee that, the Super Eagle will qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations slated for Morocco in 2025. It is also the opinion of the committee that, the National Institute of Sports (NIS) should brace up and provide the prerequisite manpower, training needed to make the nation excel in sports.
“The Committee would ensure that, the agencies under its purview perform their statutory mandates to the benefit of the greatest majority of Nigerians by periodic engagement and conduct of oversight.
“The Committee is not only poised to ensure positive improvement in the sports sector timely but also put in place mechanism to realize our goals.
“In conclusion, the committee wishes our Super Eagle success in the forthcoming matches against Libya, tomorrow, Friday 11th of October 2024 and the return match on the 13th of October in Benina, Libya.”
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