Olympics: Sacks Looming In Sports Sector As Jonathan Orders Overhaul

ABUJA, August 15, (THEWILL) – Indications emerged on Wednesday that the Presidency may soon fire certain high-ranking officials in the country’s sports sector, after President Goodluck Jonathan directed an overhaul of the sector following a dismal performance at the Olympics where the Nigerian contingent returned home empty-handed. The president Jonathan called for a national retreat where the federal government, state governments and the private sector would discuss ways of strengthening the country’s sporting sector for productive performance. Briefing State House Correspondents after Wednesday’s meeting of the Federal Executive Council, minister of information, Labaran Maku conveyed Jonathan’s disappointment with Tem Nigeria, despite releasing N2.2 billion two months before the London Olympics, where supposedly lowly countries like Uganda, Gabon and Botswana featured in Africa’s medal haul. He indicated that certain sport administrators will be affected by the proposed changes. And although no name was mentioned, speculations are already gathering that no such change can occur without affecting director0general of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Patrick Ekeji. There could also be deeper meaning to the absence of minister of sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, who traditionally ought to have been present at the briefing. “President Goodluck Jonathan ordered for total and comprehensive reorganisation of the sporting sector, following the disappointing performance of the Nigerian contingent to the London 2012 Olympics,” Maku said. “The president, accordingly, directed for a national retreat to reorder priorities in the Nigerian sporting sector, which will involve state governments as well as the private sector. He said what took place in London must be the beginning of a new momentum to place Nigerian sports to a level that will enable it return to the glory it is known for. Continuing, Maku said, “President Jonathan believes [that] for us to change the present scenario, we need to specialise, we need to plan, and we need to fund sports in a way that this country will continue to make impact. “He believes that the next Commonwealth Games and the 2016 Olympics in Brazil must enable Nigeria set specific targets and realise them in order to promote our sports development. “He also called for a new direction in sports management, funding and planning. He believes that what this nation needs at the moment is to take a sober look at what has happened and indeed change the scenario by working hard on all that we need to do to return the sporting sector to glory. “Mr. President emphasised the need for early planning, better administration of sports as well as funding, which he believes can no longer be left to government alone but must involve the private sector. “So, in the next couple of weeks, you are going to see action in this area, as we prepare to work and ensure that Nigeria, in subsequent continental and global events, takes it proper place in sporting competitions.” This is the third time that Nigeria will post such dismal performance at the Olympics, the first being the 1980 Moscow Games; and the second, the Seoul Games in 1988.