By Emma Njoku
Former World Wrestling Champion, Morris Atula, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his vision in the sports sector of the country.
The former wrestler gave the commendation during an interview on Eagle Seven 103.7FM at the weekend.
Atula hailed President Tinubu for initiating new ideas in the sports commission, stating that it would assist in bringing out the best in the nation’s sports industry. He said the president’s call for collaboration by relevant stakeholders to build a robust economy would transform sports into a sustainable economy which would get Nigerian back to reckoning in the international sporting arena.
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 propel Nigerian athletes to podium finish at international competitions once again.
Atula said in order to achieve the president’s mandate, the coaching team of all sports pederations must have excellent skills, positive attitudes, good leadership and adequate training in advance before any major competition.
He 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 lauded President Tinubu for introducing the Nigeria Sports Development Fund, the National Sports Infrastructure Board and funds for exceptional athletes, explaining that it would provide a solid and infrastructural foundation to support sports development across the country.
“President Tinubu apparently means 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 programme beside the approval of direct payment of grants to deserving Nigerian athletes.
“These are very good initiatives that would boost Nigerian sports if the right administrators and coaches are continuously engaged. I 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 athletes would be adhered to”, said Atula who was also known as Golden Warrior in his hey day.
The former world champion, who is currently the Edo State Wrestling Association chairman, said Tinubu’s vision should be amplified by more seasoned administrators and supported by Nigerians who desire the best for the country. Atula, a pioneer of Nigeria’s golden years in wrestling, who is being projected by the Veteran Wrestlers Association of Nigeria as the next president of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation, noted that good training, motivation of athletes and technocrats would see Nigeria reoccupy the enviable position in the sport in the nearest future.