By Onwe Wisdom
The Senator Committee Chairman on Sport, Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi has called for harmonious relationship between the Sports Commission and the legislature especially the sport committee of the Senate to further provide legislative instrument for sport development.
The senator’s call which he gave during the committee first sitting after he took over the leadership of the committee emphasizes the need for collaboration to drive the country’s sports sector forward as a veritable tool national development.
The National Sports Commission, responsible for formulating and implementing policies that promote sports development and physical fitness, has been working tirelessly to establish a thriving sports industry in Nigeria. the commission’s efforts are geared towards creating a sustainable sports ecosystem.
However, Senator Ningi’s call highlights the importance of legislative support in achieving these goals. A collaborative relationship between the Sports Commission and the legislative arm would facilitate the creation of enabling laws and policies that promote sports development.
The senator’s call comes at a critical time, as Nigeria’s sports sector faces numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a lack of effective policies. By fostering a harmonious relationship between the Sports Commission and the legislative arm, Nigeria can unlock its vast sports potential and become a dominant force in global sports.
“I want the agency to relate with us as close as it can, so we can work harmoniously. Though, we can have disagreement but perspective on how to achieve a particular goal as a family.
“If there are issues, you don’t even need to wait for us to call before you come and put the card on the table.”
However, Sen. Ningi enjoins the Sport Commission to provides the committee with details of the commission’s budget performance to aide the committee for further legislative actions.
Earlier, the chairman of the National Sport Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko details the committee on the vision and mission of the commission, enumerated the achievements, and challenges of the commission as well as the agency under the commission.
Mallam Shehu Dikko commend to effort of president Tinubu for increasing the commission’s budget to about 400%. A gesture considered as a testament to the demonstrated commitment of the Renewed Hope Agenda federal led government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
Dikko who emphasizes the important of sport as a national asset says the focus of his leadership in the commission is to shift attention to development of sport and changing the narrative from seeing sport as just a recreational activities for fitness into national asset for national growth and development as well as a pool for revenue generation.
As the country moves forward, it is essential to recognize the importance of collaborative governance in driving sports development. Senator Ningi’s call serves as a reminder that, together, Nigeria can achieve greatness in the world of sports.
