SWAN Patron Wants Sports Sector Overhauled

A patron of Sports

Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Rivers State Chapter, Chief Ernest Elochukwu, has called on the federal government to take steps to deregulate all spheres of sports in order for the country to attain its potential in the sector.

Chief Elochukwu, who bared his mind in a chat with sports journalists in his office in Port Harcourt said that for Nigeria to attain success in sports, there should be no sentiments in giving positions to sports administrators but to ensure that round pegs were put in round holes.

According to him, there was nothing to write home about in sports last year, therefore time has come for all to go back to the drawing board, take a bold step to overhaul all sports and start from the grassroots.

He said that Nigeria, with the abundant talents at her disposal as a country should be reckoned with in terms of sports, but regretted that politics and favouritism have cost the nation a lot in the sector. He stated that all those that do not have the interest of the nation, that are still occupying one office or the other should be relieved of their position and new blood injected into the system.

Chief Elochukwu noted that the flashes of success in the past were achieved through systemic build-up and encouragement at the grassroots, where aggressive talent hunt and grooming were given priority.

He stressed that a lot of things have to be deregulated in sports because some government appointees do not have the passion for sports development rather, they are interested in what they would gain personally.

“Let us reposition our sports and plan to achieve with seasoned and qualified sports administrators, our country Nigeria must surely regain its past glory,” he noted.

He added that success in sports is planned for, so we have to take stock and start talent hunt from the grassroots in all spheres of sports.

On the Super Eagles coach, the sports philanthropist said that we should not expect miracles but give them the encouragement and incentives with improved facilities.

Collions Barasemieye