Former Nigerian, Commonwealth and World Wrestling Champion,
Morris Atula has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to reviving support the Nigerian sports sector.
The former wrestler gave the commendation during an interview on Eagle Seven 103.7FM at the weekend.
Atula said President Tinubu’s new ideas of setting up the National Sports Commission and giving them the mandate to reposition the sports sector would assist in bringing out the best Nigerian sports men and women. He added that the call from President Tinubu for collaboration from relevant stakeholders to build a robust economy aimed at transforming sports into a sustainable economy geared to get Nigerian sports winning in international sports is the right step in the right direction.
The former top wrestler further stated that the appointment of Mallam Shehu Dikko as the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Bukola Olapade as the Director General by the President would bring about institutional changes in the Nigerian sports sector as well as get Nigerian sports to win at international competitions again.
He said that in order to achieve the President’s mandate, the coaching team of all sports Federations must have excellent skills, a positive attitude, be goal-oriented, good leadership and adequate training preparation in advance before any major competition.
Atula also noted that embarking on grassroots competition in schools, local government areas and state festivals will enable the sports sector to discover new talents to fill up vacuums as well as create value in the sector.
He also appreciated President Tinubu for introducing the Nigeria Sports Development Fund, the National Sports Infrastructure Board and funds for exceptional athletes, explaining that it will provide a solid and infrastructural foundation to support sports development across the country.
“President Tinubu apparently mean to revive Nigerian sports beginning with the excellent appointments of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olapade as National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman and Director General. He also did well to have approved the Adopt – A – Talent program beside approval of direct payment of grants to deserving Nigerian Athletes. These are very good initiatives that will boost Nigerian sports if the right administrators and coaches are continuously engaged.
Atula spoke further: “As for me I will suggest 3R’s of research, refocus and re-launch of Nigerian sports towards beating the rest of the world. I hope proper planning by administrators and sufficient training time for athlete would be adhered to”, said Atula who was also known as Golden Warrior in his hey days.
The former world champion who is now Edo State Wrestling Association Chairman said Tinubu’s vision that should be amplified by more seasoned administrators need the support of all Nigerians who want the best for the country. Atula a pioneer of Nigerian Golden Years of wrestling under late Coach Mike Bamidele who is being projected by Veteran Wrestlers Association of Nigeria as the next President of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation said that good training, motivation of athletes and technocrats would see Nigeria occupy the enviable wrestling position of yore in the nearest future.
