NAN-S-24
Equipment
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, Dec. 14, 2016 (NAN)The National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) on Wednesday in Ibadan handed over sports equipment worth several millions of Naira to 38 public primary schools in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the handing-over ceremony took place at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex in Ibadan.
NAN reports that the sports equipment covers several sporting events, among whom are volleyball, basketball, football, handball, badminton, table tennis, judo and taekwondo.
Habu Gumel, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NLTF, said the intervention was part of government’s efforts to boost grassroots sports development.
He said also that the event was to reaffirm President Muhammadu Buhari’s strong passion and commitment to grassroots sports development.
“The initiative is also part of the efforts of the agency to contribute to the development of grassroots sports in the country.
“This is in continuation of the grand plan to equip 2,000 targeted schools across the country with modern sports facilities to promote sports development, especially among the average children,” Gumel said.
The NLTF CEO called on lottery operators, licensees and all business promoters involved in any form of promotional lottery to keep to their obligations.
He said they have the obligation of remitting 20 per cent of all lottery proceeds to the Trust Fund.
“Government will no longer tolerate sharp practices which undermine the growth and development of lottery good causes in the country,’’ Gumel said.
He noted that the Act establishing the agency empowered it to utilise proceeds generated from all national lottery operations for execution of good cause projects across the country.
“These good cause projects must be for the benefit and well-being of the Nigerian people.’’
Gumel was optimistic that the intervention programme would lead to the discovery of new sports talents which are in abundance in the community.
“The fact that this event is taking place here in this historic city of Ibadan is enough testament to our resolve to ensure that these sports equipment reach all the benefitting primary schools in the country.
“This is in accordance with Federal Government directives.
“We are poised to ensure that the specific objectives of this current intervention is to primarily enhance the nation’s capacity to grow.
“We will also ensure we expand its talent-base by securing the interest and involvement of our children of primary school age in sporting activities,” he said.
Amina Shamaki, representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said the essence of the intervention was to promote grassroots sports development in the country.
“It has the specific objectives of enhancing the capacity of the nation to grow and expand her talent-base by securing the interest and involvement of the children of primary schools in sporting activities,’’ she said.
Shamaki assured that the agency was determined to see to the successful implementation of the intervention programme through a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system.
She added that the programme was expected to improve the nation’s future performance in sports at all levels by harnessing the potentials of young talents and nurture their transition.
In his speech, Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State appreciated the donor agency.
He said the effort would go a long way in helping government concentrate its little resources on other meaningful aspect of development in the state.
Ajimobi, who was represented by Abayomi Oke, the state’s Commissioner for Youths and Sports, said the intervention was timely.
He noted that it was coming at a time the state government just appointed coaches for public schools across the state.
“The facilities will be well monitored and put to best use in the interest of the children and society at large.’’
NAN reports that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, were represented at the occasion by Oba Adebisi Layede and Sharafadeen Ali respectively.
The monarchs, in their separate remarks, also lauded NLTF for the donation, calling on the beneficiaries to make the best use of the equipment.(NAN)
TAA/OLAL
==========
(Edited by Olawale Alabi)