FG  Task  Private sector for sports dev.

The Federal Government has been urged to partner with private organisations to bridge the funding gap in grassroots sports development, particularly football, across the country.

Speaking at the finals of the Honourable Rasheed Super Cup held last Thursday, June 12, the organiser, Rasheed Alao emphasised the untapped football talent across Nigeria, saying inadequate financing remains a major setback to nurturing local talents.

He stressed that while government involvement is essential, the private sector must also play a key role.

“I realised that we have a lot of talent in this country, but there’s still a huge gap. This field wasn’t like this before. I commend the authorities for their efforts so far, but more still needs to be done, especially in terms of financing.”

“It’s not necessary for the government to handle all the financing directly. Around the world, where football thrives, you will find the hands of technocrats and private organisations involved. If we continue to sideline them, government alone cannot shoulder the burden.”

According to him, partnerships between the public and private sectors will not only advance sports development but also shift public mentality away from overreliance on government.

In a broader message, Alao noted that the event was also held in commemoration of June 12, a day he described as significant in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

He said young people, especially in Lagos, were awakened to the responsibilities of preserving national history and identity.

“We all know today is an important day in Nigeria’s history,” he stated. “As youths of the Lagos chapter, we are awake because we are part of both the old and the new Nigeria. We see the gap and miscommunication between the elite, middle, and lower classes, and we are working to bridge that gap by raising awareness.”