Following the move by the National Sports Commission, (NSC), to ban states which failed to compete at the National Para Games from completing in Para Sports at the forthcoming National Sports Festival has received strong backing from top sports administrators across the Country.
In a decisive move aimed at restoring discipline and credibility, the Commission invoked Article 13(V) of the Games’ regulations, slamming the door on negligent and defaulting states that refused to compete at the Games.
Leading the cast of strong backers of the NSC’s Decision is the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Rivers State, Barrister Christopher Green.
Barrister Green stated that the law is the law and enforcement shouldn’t be taken lightly, applauding the the Commission’s zero tolerance for negligence.
Only 24 states and the FCT showed up for the nine-day Para Games, a damning statistic on its own, with states like oil-rich Delta and Ogun State the industrial hub of Nigeria, snubbing the national sports feast.
Worse still, several of those who attended arrived with depleted contingents, poorly equipped teams, and embarrassingly inadequate kits, with states like Lagos standing in at medal presentations for states like Enugu.
Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission, Mrs. Sabina Chikere, also joined the long list of notable sports officials who have voiced our their support for the Commission, describing the stand as a striking demonstration of commitment to sports development in Nigeria.
The seasoned sports administrator showered praises on the National Sports Commission led by Dr. Mallam Shehu Dikko and Honourable Chief Bukola Olopade, stating that this will serve as an example and a stern warning to other states of the federation.
For Mrs. Chikere it’s the right step in the right direction, a move she strongly believes will mitigate negligence, tokenism and lack of regard for special athletes.
Adding her voice in support of the NSC’s stand is the Technical Advisor to Governor Abiodun Oyebanji on Sports Development, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, who tagged the move as a major milestone for sports inclusion in Nigeria.
Seeing as many delegations came without top officials to give direction and support to the Para athletes as if they were not deserving of the same institutional backing given to their able-bodied counterparts, Dr. Osetoba stated that she felt pained.
Dr. Osetoba commended the leadership of the NSC stating that Para athletes deserve to be recognised, celebrated and honoured.
“Despite their physical constraints, they put in much effort, made sacrifices just to compete at the games, and then you deprive them of all they have worked for, it’s sad and heartbreaking,” she emphasized.
It’s imperative to state that, a Sports Commissioner from the South West Zone reportedly had no knowledge of the Games, despite widespread publicity and a visible countdown to the event.
For others, preparations were non-existent. Days to the competition, there were no teams, no funding plans, and no urgency.
Yet, these same states will spare no expense during the National Sports Festival, splashing millions to recruit, poach, and incentivize athletes in a desperate bid for medals and prestige.
The contrast is not just stark, it is shameful.
“The funds are available so, why will these states treat Para athletes consistently as an afterthought? A second grade” she asked.
The face of Sports Journalism in Nigeria, that is the President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, (SWAN), Benjamin Isaiah, tagged the move by the National Sports Commission as a giant stride in the development of sports in the country, stressing that with this law in place, special athletes will be treated with more respect.
