OVER 2,000 PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE TO BENEFIT FROM SPORTS EQUIPMENT WORTH $3.7M FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT/NTLF GOOD CAUSES PROJECT
The Federal Government of Nigeria has concluded arrangements under the 2014 Good cause projects of National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), to procure sports equipment worth $3.7 million for about 1,000 Primary Schools nation-wide, with at least 9 Primary Schools in each senatorial district across the six geopolitical zones in the country benefiting.
The Executive Secretary, National Lottery Trust Fund, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, OON, disclosed this on the occasion of signing of contract agreement between the Government of Nigeria and Offshore Sports Equipment Manufacturers and Suppliers from China and Turkey.
According to Engr. Gumel, the contracts involved supply of various branded sports equipment covering nine types of sports designed for Primary Schools namely; athletics. Volleyball, football, handball, badminton, table tennis, basketball, judo and taekwondo, noting that this would encourage inter-sport development and enhance the nations capacity to grow and expand talent-base, by children of primary school age in sporting activities.
Engr. Gumel also said that the intervention programme was expected to improve Nigeria’s future performance in sports at all levels by harnessing the potentials of young talents and nurturing their transition to world-class athletes, sports men and women.
Engr. Gumel, who doubles as President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, said the two foreign companies; Messrs China Sports International Co. Ltd and Messrs CAAN Sport Organizations LTd of Turkey were noted for professionalism, Competence and integrity, and have been endorsed by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to carry out the projects.
On his part, the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs. Tanimu Turaki, remarked that the administration under the leadership of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. GCFR is determined to ensure enhanced performance, transparency and accountability in governance, hence signing of the agreements presents a clear evidence of the Administration’s commitment to promoting due process in the award of government contracts.
The historic occasion also attracted other dignitaries among whom were; the Representative of the Honorable Minister of Sports and Chairman. NSC. Permanent Secretary. Special Duties and inter-Governmental Affairs, Mr.Taiye Haruna, The Chairman. National Lottery Regulatory Committee (NLRC) Governing Board, Damian D. Dodo SAN, the Director General, NLRC Adolphus Joe Ekpe. Representative of the DG NSC and Presidents of the Sports Federations.
