Sports minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung has charged officials and administrators of various sporting bodies across the country to ensure they maintain adequate welfare packages for their athletes.
Dalung reasoned that athletes would only be able to give their best when they are motivated, hence his pledge that the federal government will continue to prioritize welfare packages for sports in the country.
Sports247.ng reports that Dalung stated as much during an unveiling ceremony for the mascot and logo of International Para-Powerlifting Championships, billed for January 2019 in Lagos.
Dalung urged sports administrators to consider the welfare of athletes as the most important factor to drive sports development, while adding that sports stars need energy, support and funding for good results.
The minister also charged Nigerian athletes to remain steadfast and good ambassadors of the country when competing, but stressed that one of the factors affecting sports results is poor athletes’ welfare.
Dalung espoused: “The athletes are the main actors in sports and should be treated as such.
“Since we came on board, we have prioritized the welfare of athletes and we ensure that the large chunk of every budgetary allocation goes to the welfare of the athletes.”
