NAN-S-23
Equipment
By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Feb. 9, 2017 (NAN) The National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) on Thursday in Abakaliki presented sports equipment to Ebonyi Government for distribution to public primary schools in the state to encourage sports development.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the equipment included footballs, rackets, boots, tennis bats, goalposts and nets, sports wears, tennis boards, tutorial materials, among others.
The NLTF Executive Secretary, Habu Gumel, while presenting the equipment, said the equipment would be presented to 40 selected public primary schools across the state.
“They are world-class equipment in nine different sports, namely athletics, volleyball, basketball, football, handball, badminton, table tennis, judo and taekwondo.’’
He recalled that Acting President Yemi Osinbajo officially flagged off the distribution of the sports equipment to 2,000 public primary schools nationwide in Abuja on May 20.
“The NLTF decided to extend the exercise to all the 36 states of the federation and this ceremony demonstrates our resolve to ensure that the equipment reach befitting primary schools in accordance with Federal Government’s directives.
“I urge the school administrators not to sell the equipment, while the pupils should always demand to use them as they are meant for them,” Gumel said.
Speaking also, Babachir Lawal, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said the equipment were purchased from the fund NLTF generated through lottery activities in the country.
“The money the NLTF spent on the equipment was 20 per cent of the fund from lottery,’’ Lawal who was represented by Amina Shamaki, Permanent Secretary, Special Duties in the SGF’s office, said.
He said lottery was a potential wealth generator used to transform societies.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi frowned at the non-qualification of Nigeria’s Super Eagles for the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Gabon.
The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Kelechi Igwe, blamed the non-qualification of Nigeria on poor preparations and the nation’s inability to discover and harness budding talents.
“Opportunities such as the presentation of sporting equipment to these pupils create the avenue of discovering talents at their tender and resourceful ages.
“This will enable the country produce young and energetic players and athletes who will effectively take over from ageing ones and represent it equitably in continental and international competitions,” he said.
The governor regretted also that no Nigerian has won the FIFA Footballer of the Year award since its inception.
He noted that the search for such brilliant athlets who can win world laurels start from programmes such as the equipment presentation.
“Ebonyi government places much emphasis on talent-discovery and effective combination of sports and education to ensure total development of the youths.
“I therefore charge the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the equipment, while school managers should ensure that they are adequately maintained and secured,” Umahi said.
Miss Uchendu Utobo, a teacher from one of the benefiting schools, thanked the NLTF for the donation and pledged that the schools would judiciously utilise the equipment.(NAN)
RCO/NNO/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)