FRIDAY COLUMN – SYLVESTER IKUEJAMOYE DANAGOGO, KINDLY GO AHEAD Last week, l wrote a piece, titled ‘The Exit Of Bolaji Abdullahi’. In it, l alluded to the fact as demonstrated by the overwhelming reactions that greeted the unexpected removal of the former Minister of Sports/Chairman, National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi. I had also in that piece attested to some of the new programmes being introduced by the former Minister, particularly, the catch them young initiative culminating in the institutionalization of age-grade Championships. The National Sports Commission under Bolaji Abdullahi also introduced what can be called “Account of Progress Report” which was inform of interactive session with the various Boards. As a Board Member, Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, l have had the privilege of attending one of such sessions. It is a known fact that most good initiatives and programmes in Nigeria suffered as a result of lack of continuity. It has been a situation whereby public officers/officials in most cases would rather prefer to personalize what is clearly a public issue or simply a public service. This, often than not, lead to policy somersault with avoidable bottlenecks. Get me right, it is not out of place for a new man to introduce a new but better approach to compliment the one met on ground. After all, it will be to his credit that he/she succeeded while in office. The Yorubas will say ‘Ogbon Ologbon, Ko je ka pe agba ni were’. Meaning, the wisdom of others, enriches the elderly. Needless to say that ‘a tree cannot make a forest. It is in the realization of this that, the New Sports minister, Danagogo, should Go-Ahead with the good platform already on ground as set by the immediate past Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi. Fortunately, the new Sports Minister, Tamuno Danagogo has a good companion in the person of the Director-General, of the NSC, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye. I have seen Hon. Elegbeleye in action when he was the Vice Chairman, Committee on Sports, House of Representatives some years ago and l can say that he has not disappointed me. The vigour and fire in him is still burning. I do also know that his passion for Sports is unquestionable. His commitment for Sport development is not in doubt. All these can be of immense advantage for the new Sports Minister. What is required is the spirit of Team Plus Hard work. The Template is there, the Platform is there, then with spirit of Team Plus Hard work, one can safely say once again……Danagogo, go ahead and l wish you well. NOT TOO SWEET, HON. GODFREY ALI GAIYA, I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU I met Hon. Gaiya on Sunday as we often meet by chance, each time we met, sports certainly, the centre of our discussion. Lately, there were issues related to the NFF sponsorship deal which Gaiya was quoted to have objected to. The news was everywhere. It was an opportunity for me and Gaiya to discuss this frankly, openly and objectively. He said his reservation about the whole thing is hinged on National interest. In his opinion, the 350,000,000 (Three Hundred And Fifty Million Naira) sponsorship deal was far too cheap for the NFF while the colour of the jersey do not represent our national colour as expected. He said no matter the level of black mail, the truth-remains -the truth. “I still stand on what l said”, he retorted point blank. However, what l have discovered in the whole lot is the bad blood at play over the entire episode. Gaiya narrated to me how Mike Itemuagbor openly insulted him at the recently held Glo Award ceremony in Lagos. He said he had walked up to him (Mike) to exchange pleasantries, only to be snubbed and ignored with derogatory words, “excuse me, let me greet better people”. He said, he thought Mike was joking but that he did not come back again to at least reciprocate his (Gaiya) friendly disposition. Pointedly, l told Hon. Gaiya that, it can’t be true and that l don’t believe him. My reason here is that Sports is all about friendship and fair play. The issue of Sponsorship can be amicably resolved without hatred or bad blood. Certainly, not among major stake holders in the sports sector. Our collective interest here is NIGERIA, no matter the level of individual interest. It is also not out of place to have robust argument on issues like this. What is important is to be fair and patriotic about it. This must not be allowed to snow ball into hatred and malice. Sports is an instrument of peace and unity and not for division and hatred. In the house of sports, let there be Fair observation, Fair comment and Fair play. Until next week Friday, stay out of trouble and God bless Nigeria. Email: mopheys13@gmail or +234 805 407 1194 (SMS) only.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 16:11:58 +0000
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