The Director-General of the
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku
Peterside, says sports has a big place in the country’s development equation,
as the spirit of fairness and unity, which sporting events evoke, is a vital
ingredient of nation-building, just as excellence in sports can project a
notion more.
and sundry, especially corporate Nigeria, was needed to tap the huge benefits
that abound in sports for the country’s greatness.
in Lagos while receiving members of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) on a
courtesy visit, adding that countries like Brazil, Argentina, Germany, England,
the United States and even Kenya are using part of the greatness through sports
for other benefits, including boosting their economy.
President, Habu Ahmed Gumel, commended the NIMASA management for its strategic
steps in support of the Next Level agenda of the President Muhammadu Buhari
government, by the changes that has been engineered in the maritime sector, and
sought the Agency’s support in bringing about the same spirit towards the
country’s participation at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, saying the NOC
aims for more gold medals.
enumerated many benefits Nigeria could reap from sports, to include amongst
others, huge job creation opportunities in millions that can absorb our teaming
youth, as it is in Europe and the Americas.
delegation alongside other members of the NIMASA management team, praised the
efforts of the committee to ensure Nigeria got gold medals at the upcoming
Olympic Games, in Tokyo Japan, 2020.
you for visiting the Agency and for your kind words in recognition of our
modest accomplishments as we endeavour to contribute our own quota to the
success of our President, Muhammadu Buhari’s Next Level agenda.
and that is why we have been able to accomplish the things we have done so far.
With different persons playing different roles and making sure we keep our eyes
on the ball, and in the spirit of sportsmanship, a huge atmosphere of success
is created. This atmosphere is a crucial ingredient of nation-building”.
economic role in our country. It enhances the reputation of the nation, and it
can create millions of jobs for our youth, if properly harnessed.
one of the biggest employers of labour in our country, like it is in America
and the United Kingdom. Sports is good for national image and national pride,
and it is also good for our own health as individuals. That is why every month
in NIMASA we have sporting activities for staff.”
committee needed funds to carry out its functions and realise the objectives,
calling on NIMASA’ and other Agencies of Government and the private sector in
particular to support this national objective for the collective good of the
country, as Government cannot go it alone if we are to continue to sustain our
greatness.
effective support, sports could be a huge employment and income creation avenue
for the country, providing millions of jobs for young Nigerians.
Dakuku-led management team for its landmark achievements, including the
provision of sea time for many Nigerian cadets under the Nigerian Seafarers
Development Programme (NSDP).
committee to include ensuring the representation of Nigeria by the best
available athletes at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and other
international and continental tournaments.