NAN-S-16
Sports
Abeokuta, March 9, 2017 (NAN) Bukola Olopade, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nigeria National League (NNL), on Thursday in Abeokuta appealed to Gov Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun to expend more money on sports development.
Olopade who made the plea at the monthly forum of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Ogun chapter said this would help to revolutionise the sports sector in the state.
The former Commissioner for Sports in Ogun argued that the sports sector could generate more revenue into the state coffers in the nearest future than infrastructural development.
“I appeal to the governor to please give sports a priority and pump more money into sports. The capacity building that sports can bring to the state is more than the capacity roads can bring,” he said.
Olopade commended the state government for laying the ITF-recommended Mundo tracks at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.
While criticising the construction of some roads in the state, Olopade however admitted that some of the roads could be used for marathon races in the future.
He also advised the state government to reactivate grassroots sports competitions so as to put to use some of the facilities that are “gradually” wasting away.
The former sports commissioner said by so doing athletes who could represent the state and the country at international competitions could be discovered.
“Activate more competitions for those facilities that have not been in use to be used and empower more athletes,” he said.(NAN)
YAF/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)