Two things gladdens my heart during the week and is expedient, I lend my voice to them with the hope that it will come to fruition.
First was the statement from the state Government through the Chief of Staff, who represented the Governor at a function that the government has restated its commitment to invest in sports infrastructure, training facilities and grassroots competitions.
The other one which was received with mixed feelings was the attempt by the House of Representative to conduct a probe into the activities of the Nigerian Football Federation [NFF] especially the funds received from world football body, FIFA from 2015 to date.
According to them, there is need to set up a special investigative committee to probe how the Nigerian Football Federation [NFF] and the Confederation of African Football [CAF] handled financial grants amounting to $25,000,000. My take is that I may not dwell much on this because such probe in the past has brought nothing but waste of time and tax payers money. On the other hand, some analysts are saying that it is an attempt to get their share of the cake. It is better therefore, to fold my hands and wait for whether anything good can come Nazareth. It is after their exercise that one can comfortably speak on the outcome.
The truth is that FIFA‘s recent revelation about mismanagement of funds released to Nigeria’s Football Federation for stadium development and youth talent growth is both sickening and shameful. It perfectly mirrors the broader decay in how our scarce national resources are handled I know very well that if this investigation is properly carried out, worse things would unfold than we currently know.
Already, people have pointed out similar project in Morocco and South Africa. A picture of the one in Kenya is trending compared to the one in Kebbi and Abigborodo, where nothing is on ground to show for it. The issue of Abigborodo is before the court of law between the contractor and the Nigerian Football Federation, so we wait for the outcome before we can pass judgement. Funny enough, Peter Obi came up with a story of how he was deceived into believing that such a project would come to Anambra which made him to donate lands for the purpose. It turned out to be the more you look, the less you see.
The irony of it is that those who perpetuated such acts and similar one receive accolades and awards in a country called Nigeria.
If the House of Representative proves us wrong by doing a good job, it will mark one of the most extensive parliamentary probes into Nigerian Football finances in recent years and it will change so many things that people cannot eat their cake and have it. Less, I forget, I had promise earlier on that I won’t dwell much on this issue.
Back to the issue of Delta State Government’s plan to sports development, I will to say that the statement was released at the right time and I will only make my view known because we have a Governor who listens and who is ready to work for the people.
A critical look at Sports facilities in the State implies that it will require more than such statement if the Government really wants to improve and do more for the people.
It is assumed that the Governor has five and half years to go and with 36 Sports scrambling for recognition and sponsorship, a large amount of the budget would have gone down the drain.
Apart from the maintenance of Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba and the construction of Warri City Stadium which is on-going, we have other 7 stadia begging for attention.
They are Ogwashi Uku, Kwale, Agbor, Oleh, Ughelli, Oghara and Sapele. That of Sapele is still under construction while the remaining stadia are crying in need of renovation. The Contractor who worked on the road by Ughelli Sadium has completely destroyed the environment and the route leading to the stadium.
With the level of decay, it will require billions of Naira to put these facilities to what will bring smiles to the faces of the people. The way out therefore, is for the State Government to set up a “Sports Development Trust Fund” reminiscent of the recently launched security trust fund.
A trust fund can help sports by providing long-term, stable funding for sports development, facilities and youth programmes, which reduces reliance on government budgets or inconsistent corporate sponsorships. By managing assets for specific purpose, trusts can improve transparency and ensure resources are used effectively to achieve specific goals. Trust can finance the renovation of the existing stadia and provide training centres which can also provide safe, modern venues for athletes and the community to use for years to come.
Funds generated from such innovation can be invested and returns will come in. it can also create endowment that provides continuous revenue stream for sports development. This long term strategy provides financial stability and is a standard approach in countries like the United States of America, Europe and some parts of Asia.
There are other things which a sports trust fund can help to do like providing equipment, kits, tools and also foster team spirit. It can also help establish relief funds to support athletes facing financial hardships. What of Scholarships and grants? The trust fund will go a long way in solving this critical aspect of sports development. This financial aid can cover training, education and access to elite sports programmes. By combining athletes and academic programmes, a trust can promote educational achievement and teach life skills like discipline and leadership.
Furthermore, the trust could be established through a public-private partnership. The trust raises fund and manage funds from both private and public entities for sports development.
Finally, it is my candid opinion that the only way to really sustain the sports development and make Delta State, not just a leading sports state but a role model which other states and the federal government can emulate.
