House Sports Committee chair Amadu vows to revitalize Nigeria’s sports sector

In a determined effort to revitalise Nigeria’s sports sector, the House Committee on Sports has pledged to engage with all relevant stakeholders to address the challenges facing the industry and elevate it to a higher standard.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the newly constituted committee, its Chairman, Honourable Kabiru Amadu, acknowledged the current dismal state of sports in the country but vowed to bring about a transformative change.

“There is no doubt that we have a huge task ahead to reposition this committee for optimum performance,” Amadu said. “But we are committed to doing things differently this time around to achieve measurable improvements.”

He highlighted the critical role of sports in reducing crime, combating unemployment, and generating foreign exchange for countries globally. However, he expressed disappointment that, out of over 40 sports federations in Nigeria, fewer than 20 are operational, and only about five are adequately funded.

The committee is committed to engaging the relevant authorities and meticulously addressing the challenges that hinder the success of sports federations in Nigeria.

“We will thoroughly examine the issues affecting the federations and work to resolve them for the benefit of our vibrant youth and Nigerians at large,” he added.

Amadu also referenced the recent disappointment of Nigeria failing to secure any medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, sparking outrage among citizens. He stressed that such failures, along with other ongoing issues, would be tackled with sincerity and urgency.

Addressing the State of Sports Facilities

The chairman also lamented the poor condition of sports facilities across the country, particularly the national stadia, which he called “decaying” and in urgent need of attention. He promised that the committee would advocate for adequate budgetary allocation to address these infrastructural deficiencies.

“We envision a sustainable development plan that includes grassroots programs, training facilities, a comprehensive medical support system, and strategic player rotation to foster football and other sports activities throughout the nation,” Amadu concluded.

He thanked the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, and the leadership of the House for entrusting him with the role of Chairman of the House Committee on Sports. Amadu also praised the late Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams for his dedication and successful leadership of the committee in the past.

As the committee sets out to tackle these pressing issues, sports enthusiasts and stakeholders across Nigeria are hopeful that this new leadership will deliver on its promises and usher in a new era for sports development in the country.