By Comfort Olayinka
The House Committee on Sports has pledged to engage with key stakeholders to restore the industry to its former glory.
The chairman of the committee Hon Kabiru Amadu (Maipalace)disclosed this at the committee’s inaugural meeting on Thursday in the national Assembly Abuja.
Hon Kabir acknowledged the sector’s dismal state, citing the country’s poor performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Nigeria failed to win a single medal this disappointing outcome sparked widespread discontent among Nigerians, prompting the committee to take decisive action.
According to Amadu, sports have the potential to reduce crime and unemployment, generate significant foreign exchange, and promote national unity. However, the current state of sports infrastructure, particularly national stadiums, is decrepit and requires urgent attention through adequate budgetary allocation.
“However, it is appropriate to note that, Sports is a veritable instrument of reducing crime and unemployment if optimally pursued. It generates big foreign exchanges to Countries “
He disclosed the committee’s plans to address challenges and develop a sustainable development plan focusing on grassroots programs, training facilities, medical support systems, and strategic player rotation.
“It is on record that, out of the Forty [40] federation in Nigeria, only less than twenty [20] are functioning and out of the twenty [20], only about five [5] are funded’
He said ‘the The committee would engage the appropriate authorities and will thoroughly and painstakingly look into all the challenges contending with all the sports federations with a view of overcoming them, to the betterment of our vibrant and articulated youth and the issue of decaying Sporting infrastructure across the Country, especially the National Stadium should be urgently looked into and addressed through adequate budgetary”. He added
The committee’s plan also includes engaging with relevant authorities to overcome challenges facing sports federations and promoting football development and other sporting activities nationwide.
Kabir expressed gratitude to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Tajudeen Abass, and commended the dedication of his predecessor, Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams.
With this renewed commitment, Nigeria’s sports sector may finally experience the transformation it desperately needs. As the committee embarks on its mission to revitalize the industry, Nigerians eagerly await tangible results that will propel the country to sporting greatness.
