Cross River State Governor, Governor Bassey Otu has said his administration would continue to provide a level playing ground for private sector partnership in the development of sports in the state.
He made this statement on Wednesday in Calabar while meeting with a group of investors who wanted to work with the government to build a 50-room sport housing complex at the U. J. Esuene sports complex that would be developed in accordance with international standards.
The governor pointed out that sports all over the world have developed from being a mere leisure activity to a money-spinning venture and that Cross River state was following in that same direction.
He said: “The dynamics of time and cost content have made it crucial for the private sector to join and partner in the financing for sports to thrive and meet global standards.
“Today’s football and other sports require significant financial investment to be successful. To advance the sports industry, the state will welcome profitable collaborations with the business sector.
“I have a special interest in talent hunting. Our goal is to collaborate with appropriate organizations to find gifted individuals, develop them, and introduce them to the sports industry. Cross River State is brimming with gifted athletes that have the potential to dominate the sports world.
In response, the investment partner and chief executive officer of SRHD Sports Management, Mr Daniel Daramola, lauded the governor for his visionary leadership and receptive disposition towards partnership for the development of the state.
Daramola said the partnership between the two parties would go a long way to impacting the state through sports, adding that the housing facility, when completed, would contribute to the state’s economy through revenue generation and employment.
The event climaxed with a slight show and detailed analysis of the prospects of the facility, by the project consultant and Team Lead, Edulumen Nigeria Limited, Dr. Samjeh Oscar.
Oscar added that the project, when completed and put to use, would serve dual purposes of housing athletes and generate revenue for sports development in the state.
