NAN-S-7
Employment
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos, March 22, 2017 (NAN) An Olympian, Jeremiah Okorodudu, on Wednesday canvassed the employment of athletes of national and international reputes by various state sports’ councils as coaches and trainers for the up-and-coming ones.
Okorodudu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that employing such athletes that had represented Nigeria in international competitions would serve as role models and motivators to such athletes.
“I think the various state sports’ councils should, as a matter of importance, offer employment opportunities to athletes with national and international exposures by their states of origin.
“While such popular athletes will be using their participations in sporting activities as employment opportunities, they will also serve as motivations to the younger ones.
“ It will also show that the athletes are appreciated by their respectively state governments,’’ he said.
The former African boxing champion said that this would also serve as long-lasting reward to them instead of mere cash gifts to them.
“All athletes that have had international appearances emerged from one state or another; and therefore, their states governments should accord them recognition by employing them as trainers and coaches.
“It is a way to honour them and give them a sense of belonging after a job well-done not only to their states of origin but also to the nation.
“Cash rewards or gift items are also good, but cannot be compared to employment opportunities which are long-lasting.
“This can also motivate up-and-coming athletes to attain excellence in sport,’’ he said.
The 1984 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist in boxing said that the Mid-West and Bendel States under the administration of late Dr. Samuel Ogbemodia adopted this method to make the state the hub of sports’ development in the country.
“Is unfortunate that Efe Ajagba, a Delta-State born boxing champion who represented country at the 2016 Rio Olympics, has not been employed by the Delta State Sports Council.
“When the late Ogbemudia was the governor of defunct Mid-West state between 1976 and 1975, and the executive governor of the defunct Bendel state between October 1983 and December 1983, many athletes were employed by the state sports’ council.
“Ogbemudia also allowed athletes to further their academics by offering them scholarships.
“Those of them that are not too brilliant academically were given opportunities to attend technical school and the College of Physical Education in Afuze.
“This was to encourage them and add value to their lives.
“I also benefited from the employment policy and scholarship,’’ he said.
According to him, the policy made the defunct Bendel State to flourish in major national and international sports’ competitions. (NAN)
MIL/DEB/PAD
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Edited by Debo Oshundun/Peter Dada