Dikko assures on retired athletes’ welfare after meeting with Olympians
The National Sports Commission (NSC) says it will prioritize the welfare of retired athletes and Olympians who had excelled in the national colours.
NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko gave this assurance while hosting the Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA) led by its President Olumide Oyedeji.
In Dikko’s opinion, one way to encourage the current athletes is by ensuring that the retired ones are not disregarded.
His words, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not toying with the welfare of our athletes generally, but particularly our ex-internationals. It is his mandate, and we have keyed into it. There is a budget line for the welfare of retired athletes.
‘It may not be much but that’s a good starting point. It means that every year, something will be mapped out for the upkeep of our retired athletes. That money will be judiciously used.
‘But we have to be specific. Not just any retired athlete, we are referring to athletes who wore these green and white colours and we can vouch for them. We want you to feel that Nigeria cares for you.”
There is also good news for athletes with unfulfilled past promises from the government.
“There is also a budget line to fulfill past promises government made to athletes. We know that there had been situations in the past when athletes excelled, they were made financial promises and even some have passed on without those promises being fulfilled.
‘We have a catalogue of those promises and Mr. President has graciously approved a budget line for that purpose. With this development, we will be redeeming those promises gradually. Every year there should be a block funding to sort that out.”
