Imo SWAN demand probe of over N50m NDSF fund
By Athan Agbakwuru, Owerri
Following the dismal performance of the Imo State contingent at the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival, NDSF, held in Uyo the Akwa Ibom State Capital, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Imo State Chapter has urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to conduct a thorough probe of the disbursement and usage of the fund released to the state for the concluded games.
In a communique issued after its April Congress, held Tuesday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, SWAN noted with utter dismay that the state athletes took 8th position out of 9 participating states in the overall result because athletes were denied needed incentives on the excuse of lack of funds.
The document signed by Tony Ahize, as Chairman, Athan Agbakwuru, Secretary and Tunde Liadi as member of the communique drafting committee condemned, in strong terms, the claim of lack of funds noting that Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, released over N50 million to each of the nine participating states of the region, through their respective Ministries of Sports.
Imo SWAN observed with serious concern the disappointing performance:of Team Imo at the NDSF, despite the alleged early disbursement of over N50 million to each state by the NDDC, and an additional N10 million to every State Sports Commissioner.
The group further noted that late arrival, poor kitting, funding challenges for basketball and other games, denial of training opportunity at the Okigwe Township Stadium among others affected Team Imo’s performance at the NDSF despite being adequately mobilized by the organisers, insisting that the listed challenges significantly lowered athletes’ morale and contributed to the team’s underperformance.
The Communique pointed out that refusal by the Imo Sports Commissioner, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha to approve the athletes’ training at the Okigwe Township Stadium, despite the facility having tartan tracks, due to lame excuses of lack of funds is deeply troubling despite efforts made by the NDDC to mobilize all participating states financially for them to prepare their sportsmen and women.
Ahize and others also identified inadequate media coverage of Imo contingent at the NDSF, despite the availability of funds, as major shortfall on the side of the state sports administrators saying, “This neglect failed to give the team and the state proper exposure and undermined the value of sports as a media-driven event.”
Imo SWAN expressed serious apprehension about the state’s readiness for the upcoming National Sports Festival (NSF) scheduled to take place in Ogun State next month.
The text read, “Governor Hope Uzodimma is urged to initiate a thorough investigation into the disbursement and utilization of the funds released by the NDDC for the NDSF. The government should seize the opportunity provided by the NDSF participation to release funds early to ensure that athletes prepare early for the NSF, to avoid a repeat of the poor showing witnessed in Uyo.
“Urgent attention should be given to the rehabilitation of dilapidated sports facilities across the state. This includes the repair of the Grasshopper Handball Stadium, the tartan track, and the re-roofing of the Dan Anyiam Stadium main bowl.
“There is an evident lack of adequate preparation of athletes representing the state at national events. The government must move beyond rhetorics and commit to the sustained development and training of its athletes to restore the state’s competitive edge.
“It is regrettable that Imo State did not facilitate the participation of its SWAN members at the NDSF, unlike other states. The government should recognize the crucial role of sports journalism in promoting and documenting sporting achievements and ensure proper media representation at future events.
Imo SWAN commended the NDDC, the sole sponsor of the NDSF, for the laudable and visionary initiative aimed at fostering grassroots sports development in the Niger Delta region
