Reconstitution of FCT sports associations ordered

From Evelyn Dadu, Abuja
Minister of State for
the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, yesterday directed the Social Development Secretariat (SDS) to reconstitute all the boards of sports associations in the FCT by December this year.
The minister gave the directive at a meeting with the Mandate Secretary of the SDS, Mrs. Blessing Onuh; Director of Sports Department in the SDS, Alhaji Musa Alim Mohammed and the executives of FCT Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
The sports associations are Basketball, Handball, Karate, Volleyball, Judo, Boxing, Taekwondo, Hockey, Golf, Badminton, Kick- Boxing, Special Sports, Traditional Sports, Wrestling, Weight- lifting, Swimming, Gymnastics, Tennis, Table Tennis, Shooting and Squash.
Akinjide said, “We need committed persons to serve on the boards of these sports associations. People should apply and due diligence should be undertaken on them. All the associations will be inaugurated by December 2012.”
She noted that the restructuring of sports in the country had become necessary due to the dismal performance at this year’s Olympics in London.
“Our performance at the Olympics was abysmal as we won no medal. But our athletes at the Paralympics made the nation proud and were deservedly rewarded by Mr. President. We need to take our sports to the next level to enable us effectively compete at domestic and international events,” she said.
The minister urged the SDS to organise an annual marathon race in the FCT where international athletes would be invited to participate.
The SDS secretary stated that the secretariat would build community stadium at some Area Councils — Kuje and Bwari — as part of measures to encourage the growth of sports in the FCT.
The Chairman of FCT Chapter of SWAN, Mr. Kayode Adeniyi, had stated that the FCT had what it takes to compete favourable with Lagos, Delta, Edo and Rivers states in the provision of sports facilities and winning laurels.
“There is need for adequate provision of sporting facilities and recreation centres in the neighbourhoods such as Maitama, Asokoro, Lugbe, Nyanya, Gwagwalada, Kubwa, Bwari, Kuje and Abaji,” he noted.

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