Nigerian sports not well-funded

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Nigerian sports not well-funded

Written by Ganiyu Salman Wednesday, 11 July 2012

CHAIRMAN, House Committee on Sports and Social Development in the House of Representatives, Hon. Godfrey Ali Gaiya, has acknowledged that inadequate funding has remained one of the problems militating against the growth of sports in the country.

Gaiya, while speaking in Lagos, noted that Nigeria was blessed with many talents in sports, which he said could rule the world with proper motivation.

"I am aware that one of the problems of sports in this country is inadequate funding, we have the talents and on our own part as legislators, we would work towards ensuring better funding of sports. Really, we don't have to wait for the Olympics year before we canvass for more funds to the sports sector," Gaiya said.

He noted that the nation's participation at any global and major championships always reflect on the psyche of many Nigerians and the state of the nation, saying that sports remains the greatest instrument of unity among Nigerians regardless of ethnic backgrounds.

"When Nigeria is doing well in sports, there is this sense of emotional satisfaction on every Nigerian and the country is always at peace," Gaiya said.

He charged Team Nigeria to the London 2012 Olympics to live up to expectations at the quadrennial Games scheduled to begin on July 27.

"I believe you will not only participate at the Olympics but also do Nigeria proud. It is beyond participation, I mean when you are going to the Olympics, you must develop a winning mentality. So, you should all go there and aim at the best result.

"In spite of our limitations, Nigeria has invested so much in you (athletes) and much is expected of you too. I believe you will come back with medals that will popularise your sports and give Nigerians cause not miss the absence of our football team at the London 2012 Olympics.

"In fact, I told my colleagues (in the House of Representatives) that they should expect three gold medals, with silver and bronze medals, at least eight medals," said Gaiya, who also lauded the performance of the Nigerian team, which won the just-concluded 18th African Senior Athletics Championships in Port Novo, Benin Republic .