Former Nigerian Minister of Youths and Sports Bolaji Abdullahi has admonished A list elite athletes in the country to ensure they participate in international competitions even as he also called for a special funds to be made available to them to access in other to help their career.
The former minister noted that several Nigerian elite athletes will be aiming to represent the country at forthcoming competitions including the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo and the seasoned administrator believes that attending several competitions and meets will enable them know their opponents even before the tournament proper which by extension will help them reach their podium goals.
Abdullahi has also called on all well meaning corporate institutions to be part of sport development by investing in the future of the youths through different sports.
Despite calling for the attendance of more competition by A list athletes, Abdullahi also believes that the government must also make funds available for early preparations before tournaments.
Abdullahi also added that athletes should not always wait on the government to provide all needed facilities, equipments and motivation before they can deliver results stressing that for any athlete to fall short of investing in his or her career is zero.
