OMU-ARAN – Ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, a sports philanthropist, Mr Yemi Aransiola, has called on security agencies to provide adequate security at football viewing centres in order to check terrorist attack.
Aransiola told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran on Tuesday that viewing centres could be potential targets for insurgents.
The philanthropist, who is also the director of Oyeyemi Sports Academy in Omu-Aran, said it was also necessary for owners of viewing centres to make adequate security arrangement.
He urged Nigerians, especially football fans, to always be security conscious and to assist law enforcement agencies in their effort to curb terrorism and other vices.
“In view of the security situation in the country presently, there is a need for law enforcement agencies to focus more on football viewing centres as the World Cup approaches.
“You can trust Nigerians; most of the centres are going be jam-packed with football supporters, hence the need for adequate patrol and surveillance to prevent attacks.
“Football supporters should also make it a point of duty to be conscious of their surroundings and not be totally carried away by the euphoria and excitement of matches,” Aransiola said.
The sport administrator suggested proper registration of football viewing centres across the country by the relevant government agency to ensure effective regulation of their activities.
“Football viewing centres are springing up every day in the nooks and crannies of the country and they need proper regulation and monitoring by government.
“Most of these centres are also markets where all sorts of alcoholic drinks and other stimulants are sold.
“ This deserves adequate attention in compliance with laid down rules and regulations,” he added. (NAN