Sports in Nigeria – Going Round in Circles’ launch, stakeholders proffer solution to sector’s ills

• Spor ts Performance Reward Fund gets first donation

IT was a gathering of some of the major stakeholders in Nigerian sports at the weekend when the book, Sports in Nigeria – Going Round in Circles, written by former tennis star, Godwin Kienka, was presented to the public at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

Among dignitaries at the launch of the 404- page book, which was described as a ‘ masterpiece coming at the right time,’ by the lead reviewer, Group Managing Director of Daar Communications, Tony Akiotu, were captains of industry, top government officials, academics and sports personalities.

Akiotu, an accomplished sports journalist, who has travelled to major competitions all over the world, said the book “is a collector’s item which chronicles the wok of major commissions, committees and government white papers on them, identifies the problems and proffers solutions.

“The book is well written, easy to read and free flowing,” Akiotu said.

Also speaking at the launch, Director- General of the Governor’s Forum, A. B. Okauru, who reviewed the book from the business perspective, said it is “an excellent and outstanding work” that gives sports men and women a pathway to wealth.

Addressing athletes, who attended the launch, Okauru said, “This book should open your eyes to the fact that if you apply your talent, you will be richer and more famous than presidents and governors.

“Anthony Joshua, who is Nigerian, Blessing Okagbare, Jay Jay Okocha are more famous than presidents, governors and senators in and outside Nigeria.”

A cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. Onye Achilihu, who decried the penchant for Nigerian youths and sports administrators to promote foreign clubs and funding them by buying their jerseys,

was the chief launcher.