For every leader, there are things that endear him to
the governed. While some people may be singing the praises of such a leader,
there are those who do the opposite. Whichever way it goes, it is natural. A
leader must be able to lead members of any given society despite their
diversities.
Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, FCT Minister is a leader
that comes to my mind on this issue. I am not close to him but I can see, feel
and hear some of the things he is doing. From a distance, I perceive that if
you are a lazy person, you cannot work with him. I also think that if you are
not patient, you may find it difficult to go along with him. I believe that if
you are not knowledgeable or articulate in your reasoning and presentation,
don't attempt to approach him for something that may look agitative. Please, if
you think you are very knowledgeable, endeavour to be wise and strategic in
your narratives. Please forgive me if I am wrong. I am speaking from the
position of a Spectator.
The scorecard of the FCT Minister can hardly be
faulted in terms of provision of infrastructure. We have seen the exhibition of
his nickname as "Mr Projects". Obviously, the projects in FCT are
either completed, on going while new ones are being flagged off in addition to
commissioning of completed projects. One would without equivocation commend the
giants strides of the current Minister of FCT, the Minister of State and the
other functionaries of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
Despite the monumental achievement, it also expedient
to look at areas that have been given less or no attention for now. While
Spectator is aware that the FCTA is working towards giving sports attention, it
is important to mention that the Minister's approach to sports is slow. Why is
it slow? The FCT doesn't have a fully completed standard sports facility. How?
Please, note that the Moshood Abiola Stadium is a National Monument and managed
by the National Sports Commission (NSC).
The Bwari Township Stadium looks completed but
requires more facilities such as a practice pitch(s) and lodging provisions for
athletes. The Old Parade Ground would have been a very befitting sports
facility but for its multipurpose usage which sometimes overwhelms sports. The
Stadia in the six Area Councils have not received visible attention. More
importantly, the Area Three Stadium remains as a Football Pitch with no sitting
arrangements, no conveniences, no lodging facilities, no offices, etc. Abuja
Investment and Property Development Company has shown presence at Area Three to
the extent that they halted the utilization of a space being prepared to
accommodate the large number of players waiting for opportunity to have their
training. What value is this government Agency coming to add to sports
development. I can't see any for now. I think that there is the need to
accelerate the establishment of the FCT Sports Commission (FCTSC) so that they
can handle development of Sports infrastructure and general sports
administration and development in FCT.
Training pitches are very few in the city centre. This
development could be a disservice to the youths who deserve the necessary
attention as we nurture them for the future. This is an issue that calls for
immediate action.
We, the stakeholders in Sports will continue to call
on the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to, as a matter of necessity
and urgency, expend equal energies into sports development as he is doing with
other projects.
This is my sincere appeal to Mr Projects.
I am Spectator.
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