“We are committed to hosting as many international tournaments as possible. We already have the budgetary support and clear roadmap for upgrading our facilities and plan to put them to optimum use by hosting these international tournaments.”
With these words, National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko welcomed a delegation led by Vice-President of the World Karate Federation (WKF) and Inspection Delegate, Bechir Cherif and President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria, H.E Silas Agara who were at the Commission to intimate him on the outcome of inspection of facilities ahead of the African Karate Championships billed for Abuja from July 25 to 27.
Mallam Dikko pointed out that the issue of upgrading the nation’s sporting facilities and hosting as many international tournaments as possible is non-negotiable.
His words, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has mandated us to harness and advance the sports economy potentials of Nigeria. To execute this, he has also ordered that the nation’s sporting facilities should be upscaled to conform to global standards and ultimately hosting international tournaments across the various sports. So this is a command and we will execute it to the letter. It is not just the international tournaments but domestic tournaments as well.
“When we host these tournaments, we keep our youths meaningfully engaged and create sports jobs. Upscaling these facilities and hosting international tournaments will help our sports economy drive and the sustainable development of our domestic sports. We are targeting for sports to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s GDP and we are very open to these tournaments. As many as possible, bring them on! Hosting these international tournaments was paramount in my engagements with global stakeholders at the just concluded ANOCA General Assembly in Algiers.
“We just hosted the ECOWAS Traditional Wrestling Tournament; we will soon host the African Women Volleyball Championship and now African Karate Championship is on the line. We are planning for Nigeria to be among the sporting headquarters of the globe. After this, we can even go for the World Karate Championship. Why not? This is not all about Abuja. We want to develop our facilities across the country, such that these tournaments can be hosted anywhere in Nigeria.”
He gave the inspection delegate Cherif assurance that Nigeria will host a memorable event come July.
“I’m happy you (Cherif) were here in 2003 so you are a member of the family. We assure you that just like the ECOWAS Traditional Wrestling Tournament, we will be good hosts of the African Karate Championship. By the time you come in July, you will see even more development on the facilities”, he added.
Earlier, HE Agara thanked NSC Chairman for the Commission’s support towards the hosting of the Championship.
“When I came here the last time, we were not sure of getting this hosting right, but about three weeks ago, we got a letter from the world body informing us of this inspection. I must thank the Chairman and the Commission for your support so far. With your support, I have no doubt that the future of karate in Nigeria is so bright”, he said.
Cherif was so enthusiastic of a successful championship in Abuja.
“We have gone round the facilities and hotels and I am so sure that this will be a good championship. In July, Abuja will be the capital of world karate”, he enthused.
The delegation included former Deputy Governor of Imo State, H.E. Prince Eze Madumere, former Deputy Governor of Niger State H.E Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, former Director of Sports FCT, Chief (Dr) Dili Onyedinma and Hajia Zainab Saleh.
