- The Special Adviser to Imo State Governor on Diaspora, Europe and Middle East says government has no business managing sports
FROM = EVEREST EZIHE, Owerri
Considering the rot in the nation’s sports facilities and administration, and the need to adopt global best practices, Elder Aloysius Nnawugo, is canvassing for franchising of sporting activities as the panacea to the nation’s vision for sports development, transformation and advancement.
Nwawugo, Â who is Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State on Diaspora, Europe and Middle East disclosed this on Tuesday when Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State chapter led by Mr Everest Ezihe, paid him a courtesy visit in his Owerri residence.
He assured that given the private sector the latitude to franchise sports will give financial autonomy to sports, enhance professionalism and accelerate socio economic activities as done in Europe and other advanced countries of the world.
“Government has no business managing sports. It’s financial burden is enormous. The private sector should drive it to achieve the required objectives while the duty of government is to provide the enabling environments. That’s how it is been done abroad’ he said.
The Special Adviser who described Governor Uzodimma as sports friendly, also expressed gratitude to the Governor, for entrusting him with the enormous responsibility of been an ambassador of the state in Europe and Middle East.
He also unveiled his plans to reach Imo sons and daughters doing exploits in sporting activities in Europe and Middle East through personal contacts and town hall meetings and advised them on the need to think home.
Nwawugo who further x-rayed the importance of sports, in terms of wealth creation and good health, lamented on the socio economic devastation occasioned by the Covid- 19 pandemic and advised all tiers of government on the need to invest in Agriculture as a strategic means of enhancing the economy.
Earlier ,. Mr Ezihe in his remarks said that the essence of the visit is to appreciate him for his love and investments in sports and the association’s commitment to build a mutual but beneficial partnership with his office.
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