Nigerian parliament calls for proper sports funding

Abuja (Nigeria), Feb 14 (IANS): The Nigerian House of Representatives called on the government to provide adequate funding for football and sports in general.

The lower chamber Wednesday urged the government and the private sector to encourage the development of local talents in sports and other national endeavours.

The house advised the federal government to name streets in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the state capitals of the players after them in addition to the honours bestowed on them.

It also urged members of the National Assembly to design and sponsor sporting activities in their respective constituencies to complement government’s efforts.

The house asked private and corporate organisations to invest in sports sponsorship and development, as part of their social responsibility to the country.

In November 2012, at a presidential retreat for sports, President Goodluck Jonathan promised adequate funding for the sector.