Abuja -The Federal Ministry of Sports on Monday called for presidential intervention in order to facilitate the securing of financial support from Nigeria Lottery Trust Funds’ for grassroots sports development.
The Director-General, National Sports Commission, Alhassan Yakmut, made the call while answering questions from State House Correspondents in Abuja, after briefing President Muhammadu Buhari on the activities of his ministry.
He said the call had become imperative, in view of the fact that the Act establishing the Nigeria Lottery Trust Fund, indicated that a good percentage of the resources available to the Fund be channelled toward sports development.
According to him, funds in the Lottery Trust Fund are supposed to be disbursed to sports and some other courses.
“But, we have yet to see that in good percentage in order to encourage grassroots sports.’’
He commended the Federal Government for being the highest financier of sports in the country.
Yakmut, however, said there was need for the president to persuade the private sector to support sports as part of their corporate social responsibility.
The D-G, said President Buhari had charged the commission to leave no stones unturned toward topping the medals table at the upcoming 11th All Africa Games, to be hosted by Congo Brazzaville.
“We briefed Mr President on sports development in Nigeria and all its accompanying social economic values.
“Mr President was impressed with our presentation but raised observations on the need for us to rekindle the exploitation of the medals available in swimming, in order to make Nigeria to top medals table in future Games.
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“This is actually a presidential observation that we shall have to take technical interest in ensuring its implementation to the letter,’’ he said. (NAN)
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