Sports

Bunmi Haruna calls for SWAN inclusion on NSC board

Published

4 years ago

July 9, 2021

….As sports thumbs return of Sports Commission, sports University

Bunmi Haruna, chairman of Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN) FCT chapter, has called for the inclusion of the body on the National Sports Commission (NSC) board.

Also, critical sports stakeholders expressed their supports for the establishment of Federal Sports University of Nigeria and the return of National Sports Commission (NSC)

The newly elected chairman stated this in his presentation at the Senate Committee on Sports public hearing on the bill seeking to establish the National Sports Commission and the Federal Sports University, Nkalagu Ebonyi state

“Those who should have a say in sports should be part of the National Sports Commission, NSC. Hence, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) should be included in the board,” Haruna said.

“The importance of the NSC is such that we cannot resort to not include the body that acts as a bridge between the sportsmen, administrators, the people and invariably the private sector in it. Sports is business and SWAN is the vehicle on which it is sold, so neglecting SWAN in the composition of the NSC is omitting an important part of the commission.

He also believes it is of great importance to smoothen the relationship between the director general of the commission and minister of Sports to foster better working atmosphere between both parties.

“We also observe that the power tussle between the Minister and the Director General, NSC was largely responsible for the scraping of the commission the last time.

“So there is great need for a clear demarcation of the duties of these principal officers in the new look NSC.”

He also applauded the bills initiative muted by the National Assembly on the establishment of the NSC and a sports university in Ebonyi state.

“The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, would like to thank the National Assembly for coming up with these bills, this shows in a great deal that we have forward-thinking legislators that are not only interested in moving the country forward but also create more opportunities for the youths.

“SWAN supports the establishment of the NSC because it is a model that has worked for Nigeria in the past and it is the trend in the developed countries where sports is real business. In the US, it is called the National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC), in Australia, it is called Sport Australia, formally the Australian Sports Commission, the Australian Government agency responsible for supporting and investing in sport in Australia, In Canada, it is called Sports Canada, in South Africa, the South Africa Sports Commission, in Japan, it is called sports commission of Japan, etc.

While responding, chairman Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Obinna Ogba, praised SWAN for their fantastic presentation and acknowledged that points raised were genuine and will be considered.

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Sports

Speaker House Reps, Abbas, Others Thumbs NFF President Over NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and New Training Pitches

Published

11 hours ago

March 19, 2025

The Gleamer

…Says It Will Boost Nigeria’s Economy

By Joel Ajayi

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, for initiating the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches, describing it as a transformational project that will boost Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Speaker Abbas praised the initiative and pledged the National Assembly’s full support.

“This is a noble project, and the National Assembly will give it full support. I congratulate the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, and I thank FIFA for agreeing to fund this project,” he stated while cutting the ceremonial tape.

He also assured the House of Representatives’ support for the visionary leadership of Engineer Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the NFF in other key areas where assistance is required.

Leading the FIFA delegation, Gelson Fernandes (Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer/Regional Director, Africa) reiterated FIFA’s commitment to funding the project, emphasizing that infrastructure development has been a priority since the tenure of President Gianni Infantino began.

Expressing his excitement, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau stated that the hostel and training pitches will serve all Nigerian national teams, leagues, and academies.

“Indeed, my joy knows no bounds. From the day my Executive Committee and I were sworn into office in Benin City on Friday, 30th September 2022, I was determined to push this project forward as a legacy for Nigerian football.
“For sustained success, we must provide a conducive environment, infrastructure, equipment, and support systems that enable players and officials to perform at their best.

“Building a players’ hostel and having new training pitches will not only enhance team management but also reduce costs, allowing us to invest more in grassroots development programs.”
Several dignitaries present at the event applauded Gusau’s leadership, determination, and commitment to football development in Nigeria.

The event was well attended by local and international stakeholders, including sports enthusiasts, who witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and Training Pitches.

In addition to the hostel, the project includes:Two new training pitches (one synthetic and one natural grass). Reconstruction of the existing synthetic pitch.

Also, Spectators’ sitting terraces with 1,838 seats.Two dressing rooms for players, each accommodating 27 players.Two dressing rooms for officials.

The construction is expected to last 24 months and is fully funded by FIFA under its FIFA Forward 3.0 programme.

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