By Emma Njoku
President of Veteran Wrestlers Association of Nigeria, Morris Atula, has stressed the need for Nigerians to be truly united using sports as a major driving force.
The former Commonwealth and World Wrestling Champion said the successful and flamboyant opening ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway 2024, on Sunday, was a testament that Nigerians can achieve a lot more through sports.
While applauding the government and people of Ogun State for massively improving the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, Atula noted the resolve by stakeholders to get the best from the sports fiesta.
The chairman of the Edo Wrestling Association charged all the state governments to provide adequate sports facilities in their respective states to support the efforts of the Federal Government towards building a more united and prosperous nation.
“Kudos to the Ogun State government and the National Sports Commission. Besides my humble self, millions of Nigerians were overwhelmed by the spectacular opening ceremony. The facilities and performances were world class, hence we must take it to the next level. We have quality athletes who simply need such regular facilities, support and the ambiance to be among the best in the world.
We are a sports loving people, hence sports should be fully revived to check restiveness and insecurity”, said Atula who advocated construction and adequate maintenance of camping sites and regular competitions for athletes in all parts of the country.
Atula said the Pa JB Atula Descendants Foundation would inspire budding sports talents and other stakeholders to access quality medical attention. He also revealed that a top delegation of the Veteran Wrestlers Association would visit the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah soon, ahead of the South East Junior Zonal Championship at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
Atula said it’s veterans’ way of honouring and appreciating the governor for his consistent grassroots sports development besides sponsoring the international marathon, Enugu Rangers International, youth empowerment and other great programmes.