NSC Restates Commitment To Grassroots Sports

The National Sports Commission (NSC), has reiterated its commitment towards the development and upliftment of grassroots sports in the country.

Mr. Stanley Okebugwu, the South East zone 1 Coordinator of the commission, who stated this at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, during an interactive session with executive committee members of Enugu state chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria SWAN, recently, said the Director General of NSC, Dr. Patrick Ekeji has vowed not to rest on his oars until the nation’s present dwindling sports situation especially at the grassroots levels is properly addressed.

According to him, it is against the backdrop of getting things right in the sports sector, as well as restoring the lost glory of grassroots sports in the nation, that the NSC boss, decided to initiate the formation 12 zonal structures arrangement in the country, with a view to addressing the issue squarely.

Okebugwu, who assumed office in the zone not too long ago however, called on all major stakeholders in sports especially sports Writers from the three states of Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu that make up zone 1 to join hands with his office in realizing the commission’s dream of taking every sports to the next level.

He further explained that because of the importance and seriousness Dr. Ekeji, attaches to the rival of grassroots sports in the country, that he decided to deplore senior officers, ranging from Assistant Directors, to man the zonal offices for effective performance.

While stressing the need for a symbiotic relationship between sports journalists, sports managers, and administrators at all times, the zone 1 helmsman, also used the forum to appeal to SWAN members both at the state and national levels to always ensure accurate and objective reportage both in the electronic and print media, saying it is only when a media organization is known for objectivity that members of the public could have confidence in such outfit.

“As partners in progress, my office is always open for good ideas that would assist us in bettering our sports, especially when such idea is coming from stakeholders such as SWAN”

Earlier in a brief remarks, chairman, Enugu SWAN, Norbert Okolie, had assured the zonal coordinator of his members and the association’s readiness to partner with them, describing both bodies as partners in progress hence, the need for an enduring cordial relationship among them.