Senator representing Delta North and the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, has underscored the pivotal role of sports in Nigeria's national development, he stated this during 5Stars Premier League 2024 finale in Abuja on Saturday.
Senator Nwoko highlighted the need for all Nigerians to engage in sports at every age and stage of life, advocating for a shift in perspective, urging citizens and policymakers alike to view sports not just as a recreational activity but as a viable professional field that requires consistent investment from the grassroots to the national level.
Addressing the audience and responding to questions, Senator Nwoko, a strong proponent of sports development, identified significant challenges in Nigeria's sports sector. He pointed to the country's difficulties in scouting and nurturing sports talent, lamenting the reactive, last-minute preparations typically seen before international competitions such as the Olympics.
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Senator Ned Nwoko at 5Stars Premier League 2024 finale in Abuja[/caption]
"As a nation, we must make conscious efforts to invest in sports," Nwoko asserted. "While identifying talent is essential, the greater challenge lies in nurturing, funding, and adequately preparing our athletes. Waiting until two months before major competitions like the Olympics to extend support is a losing strategy. Other nations invest years in training camps for their athletes—how can we expect to compete with such meticulous preparation?" he asked.
Senator Nwoko's remarks highlight the urgency of prioritizing sports funding and long-term planning to enable Nigeria to perform competitively on the global stage.
