Minister Berates Performance Of Nigeria’s Sports Administrators

The Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, on Monday
complained about the performance of sports administrators in Nigeria.

The minister made the criticism while commenting on
Nigeria’s dismal performance at just the concluded London Olympics during his
chat with Nigerian journalists in London.

“We (Government) have not hidden our failure at the just
concluded Olympics; part of the reality is that the management of sports has
never been the best,’’ he said.

Maku stressed that the poor outing at the Olympics was not
good for the country’s image, adding that it had also induced a presidential
directive for a total overhaul of the sports sector.

“We can re-invent ourselves at Rio 2016 Olympics but we need
long-term training for our athletes.

“We need to focus on specific sports, we also require better
funding, while giving opportunities to professionals to perform,’’ he said.

Maku, who also spoke on the perceived negative image of
Nigeria, stressed that it was the collective responsibility of Nigerian
citizens at home and abroad to project the country’s image positively.

“My first charge is that every Nigerian, no matter where he
or she resides, must behave well; we must show that we are serious, trustworthy
and competent people,’’ he said.

“For those living abroad, you are our image and
spokespersons, when you do things well, it rubs off on us,’’ he added.

Maku, who also attributed Nigeria’s external image problems
to the governance deficit at home, saying: “We are fixing those things
affecting proper governance and implementing reforms.’’