NSSF Wants Directive On Sports Ground Documented

The Nigeria Schools Sports Federation (NSSF) has said that President Goodluck Jonathan’s directive that all schools in the country must have sports grounds should go beyond lip service.

The NSSF’s President, Ibrahim Mohammed told newsmen in Lagos that the directive need to be documented and implemented.

The Presidential Retreat of the Sports Sector themed “Harnessing the Potentials of Nigeria Sports Sector from Playground to  Podium’’ was convened to chart a new roadmap for sports development early in the week.

Mohammed wondered why the NSSF was not invited to the Presidential Sports Retreat, and described their omission as questionable.

He, however, commended the president’s directive, but added that it would be easier said than done.

“The directive is a good step in the right direction, but I choose not to believe until the directive is documented and effected, because often times we pay lips service to directives made.

“When you are talking about school sports development and you choose not to involve the custodians of these children, it raises some questions like how genuine are we about grassroots sports development.

“We have had meetings with the sports minister, on how grassroots sports can be developed and for us not to be involved is questionable,’’ he said.

The NSSF president said the federation had always advocated for the alliance of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Sports, for the development of sports at the grassroots.

“I have always talked about the need for synergy between the two ministries, there is need for them to promulgate policies that would improve school sports in all ramifications,’’ Mohammed said.