26th May, 2017
Patrick Atusu, the Director of Sports in Sokoto State Sports Council, has urged wealthy individuals and corporate organisations in the state to help government in funding sports activities.
Atusu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto on Friday that this would help to support government efforts in organising sports activities in the state.
“Government has now been left alone in Sokoto to shoulder the responsibilities of all sports activities.
‘“This ugly situation only exists in Sokoto state, because this has not been so with other states who have developed more in the sector.
“Therefore, even though some few individuals assist, but much is still needed from the side of the rest of the people to develop sports in Sokoto state, because government has been doing a lot to achieve success,’’ he said.
Atusu pointed out also that it was important that people were reminded that government alone cannot shoulder all the responsibilities of a state.
READ: Lagos state committed to sports development – Deji Tinubu
“We should remember that there is the need for individuals’ contributions and commitment to achieve success in all activities,’’ he said.
The Director of Sports further said the state had however recorded tremendous development in the sports sector in spite of the current situation.
“There are so many development in sports, in spite of the challenges of lack of facilities.
“Basically, we are supposed to have a mini-stadium at least in each of the 23 local government headquarters of the state. But we have only one standard stadium in the state capital.
“This is why the state government has since approved the renovation of the Ginginya Memorial Stadium in Sokoto, as well as the construction of additional stadiums across the state,’’ he said.