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Sport in Nigeria is almost synonymous with football; however, the scope almost limitless in most developed societies. Games like Hockey, Ruby, Cricket, Tennis and Swimming are scarcely in commercial presence in Nigeria. The problem of Nigerian sports was aggravated by the neglect of active governmental projects or programmes in sports. Many Local Governments in Nigeria can hardly boost of any meaningful sport complex; while most State Governments are only concerned with the monthly ritual at the Aso Villa.
There is indeed no better time for Nigeria to divest from corruption and laziness; which has yielded little or nothing to our National coffers. The unemployment situation is so acute that most politicians prefer to travel abroad for a 3 day holiday; to traveling to their constituencies. One rich man in the midst of the impoverished multitude is also in acute poverty. In fear of being leeched by their own people, whom they have abandoned and left helpless over weeks, months and years – many political office holder opt for foreign trips.
The quickest way to such frivolous and careless trips is not dashing people money through parties; but planning for their own emancipation and security. In fact, the quick solution to the problem of kidnapping and armed robbery in the country is not fortifying the military or the other security apparatus with more sophistication; but empowerment of the common people to pursue their passion and purpose.
We all cannot become Lawyers, Doctors, Economists or Engineers; we were not all wired for all that! Some people have been made sporty by God and they can only find joy pursuing their sporting career. As there are born leaders, born lawyers, born teachers; there are born athletes, born cricket players, born chess players and born footballers. If the governments at all levels; including private investors can embrace investment in sports the same way they invest in solid minerals; we will be a different nation in 20 years time.
Nothing good comes easy; and every good thing is a product of good effort; Nigerian governments must not see sports as a way of helping the people; but as a way of making more money with the people. The kind of money spent on security could be drastically reduced with some attention on sport development. The youths have excess energy – no doubt; however, when such energy are deployed on productive ventures; they will be left as good citizens.
Security can be tackled by focusing more on sport development across the local councils in Nigeria; and the unemployment will become a forgone matter when more people are drawn to the huge net of sports. I rest my case!
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