Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo has called on the Private Sector to key into the federal government’s national sports policy by sponsoring more sporting activities in the country.
He made this call today in Kaduna at the finals of the National Hockey Super League competition organized by the Nigeria Hockey Federation.
The Vice President, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan at the event, described sports as both a recreational activity and a tool for business all over the world as small and large businesses sponsor sporting activities to promote their products and services.
He added that the federal government has made sports a priority area in its transformation agenda. “We have recognized that sports, apart from its health benefit and recreational value, is key to social mobilization and youth empowerment. it reinforces national unity, promote peace and peaceful coexistence as well as breeds love and understanding.
Arc Namadi Sambo congratulated the Nigeria Hockey Federation for promoting the game of hockey in the country, which he described as challenging, exciting and popular. “as one of the ten most popular games in the world, hockey is played at both local and international levels with outstanding clubs and world class players who make a living as professionals in the game.
While expressing his gratitude for the league which was organized in honour of President Goodluck Jonathan whom he described as a sports loving person, the Vice President urged Nigeria’s sports men and women to always exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship at all times and to remain steadfast. “You make our nation proud as our good ambassadors wherever you find yourselves” He said.
In his address, the President Nigeria Hockey Federation Senator Abdul Ningi described sports as a serious national endeavor employed as a tool for national cohesion, international public relations and diplomacy.
“It is an aspect of our national life that mirrors our pride, emotion and credibility. Hence, government sees it as more than a means of recreation or entertainment.” He said adding “it is on this note that the board of the Nigeria Hockey, Federation is working round-the-clock to bring back the lost glory of our dear game of hockey in Nigeria.”
Senator Ningi described the concept of the league as a great landmark that would guarantee a leap beyond where we were and where we hoped to be in the nearest future as it relates to the developing the game of hockey and winning laurels for the country at the international arena.
The competition tagged “Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan National Hockey Super League” kicked-off on the 22d of the month at the Murtala Mohammed Square Hockey field in Kaduna with participating clubs drawn from across the federation. The Police Machine and the Union Bank clubs qualified to the finals where the Union Bank club clinched the cup by defeating the police team by a lone goal.
In another development, the Vice President also attended the Wedding Fatiha (ceremony) of Muhammad Sadiq, son of former Military Governor of Kaduna State Col Dangiwa Umar (rtd) and his bride Sumayya at the Bride’s family’s compound in Malali G.R.A.
Arc Mohammed Namadi Sambo has also called at the house of Hajiya Hauwa Kida, a member of the PDP Board of Trustee in Kaduna, where paid his condolence over the demise of her mother Hajiya Aishat
