Promotion
By Dorcas Jonah
Abuja, Aug. 14, 2018 (NAN) A former Director-General of the defunct National Sports Commission (NSC), Alhassan Yakmut, on Tuesday in Abuja called for enduring policies and laws which would promote the modernisation of the sports sector.
Yakmut made the call while presenting a paper titled “Major Challenges of Sports Development in Nigeria’’ at a one-day National Sports Stakeholders Summit organised by the House Committee on Sports.
He said for sports to develop in Nigeria, a deliberate effort must be made by all stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
“Within the public sector, enduring policies and laws which will promote the modernisation of the sports sector through the creation of enduring atmosphere will provide the needed motivation for participation and investment, which must be guaranteed.
“On the other hand, the private sector should review its corporate social responsibility and marketing policies to adequately exploit business opportunities in the sports sector,’’ the former NSC D-G said.
Ebenezer Morakinyo, while presenting a paper titled “Funding and Investments as a Panacea to Ailing Sports Development in Nigeria’’, called for proper implementation of all policies at all levels.
“The image of the country needs to be guarded at all costs with appropriate sanctions put in place to curb the rate of corruption in all areas of the country.
“A more critical review of the 2009 National Policy on Sports needs to be made to put in place proper checks and balances and eliminate all possible loopholes,’’ he said.
Morakinyo called for partnership with more corporate organisations while ensuring that dividends on investments would be given alongside other benefits of partnership.
He also called for the provision of adequate sports facilities and equipment in all local government areas (LGAs) of the federation.
“This will help to improve the level of participation and aid good performance,’’ Morakinyo said.
Speaking on “Grassroots Talent Identification, Growing and Development’’, Oluwaseun Omotayo said there was the need to build and equip modern sports facilities in all the recognised LGAs in the country.
He said the provision of these facilities across the LGAs would enable a national standard and achievement of the much-needed inclusiveness in sports participation across Nigeria.
“This should be backed up with a quality coaching education programme and provision of an environment that is conducive for the Physical Education teachers, sports scientists and coaches to work.
“In view of the strategic role and importance of the National Institute of Sports (NIS) in this process, the institution should be repositioned to play a more remarkable role in the scientific approach to sports talents identification growth and development.’’(NAN)
DE/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)