Sports and Nation Building

The development of any nation lies it the potentials and development of its human capital. The workforce of any country are the major players and catalyst in the achievement of the goals and stated objectives it embarks upon and executes. Nigeria as a country is not different with a work force of more than 50 million people it is quite evident that something is needed to keep that population busy and add to the bottomline. In a country facing Micro and Macro Economic meltdown in respect to inflation, unemployment, low per capital income, high rate of crime and other vices, there is the need to develop quickly a rapid solution to solve these pressing difficulties with their impending problems and SPORTS remains the veritable tool in achieving this. Sports has remained the only factor that has helped to unite the country over the years.Right from the grassroots level, individuals with potentials are identified and groomed and with proper training and a good transition program, they are given the opportunity to be independent. In developed countries of the world sports is used to contribute to the Gross Domestic Product of the country and that shows how serious sports is taken. Sports and Hospitality business goes hand-in-hand and no wonder countries like Brazil have turned their beaches and hotels to a tourist site for Football, Volleyball and other sports encouraging their youths to get involved. The United States,United kingdom, France Germany, Cuba and other nations have all embarked upon developmental program that gives individuals and students the opportunity to get scholarships based on sports. Individuals and Corporate organizations have sponsored and established foundation or endowment funds all geared towards raising the standard of living of their people and the community where they resides. Nigeria has failed to build a SPORTS POLICY in every facet of our youths wellbeing and the result is the rush of our young men and women to represent other countries were their potentials will be seen and well rewarded. In the same light our schools are being neglected and not inculcated to any master plan the government might have for sports development. We have many sports administrators but their impacts are not felt. The questions we need to ask is Why have we failed to make much impacts in competitions such as the Olympics, Commonwealth, All African Games and other competitions we engage in? what is the benefits for our sports men and women? Do we have any Insurance Cover or Mutual Fund policy our sports personalities could fall back on after retirement? What happen to our sports men and women that did not achieve greatness?What has happened to the few sports personalities we have achieved over the years? When was the last time sports added to our GDP and GNP? have we any master plan for sports development for our youths?Do we use sports to promote our tourist attractions scattered all over the country? Do we have the capacity to manage the few success in sports? What does the future hold for our youths ? these are some of the questions I hope solutions will be found soon as it relates to our sports development. Nigeria needs to develop and our youths remain the tonic we need to achieve this. Don't you think it is high time sports is given its proper place in the country?