Kano State branch of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, has decried the absence of quality sports policies and infrastructures that would propel genuine sports development in the state.
In a communiqué issued at the end of its Congress, held last Thursday at KSSC Conference Hall, the Kano SWAN bemoaned what it described as the current state of inadequate funding of the sports sector, stressing that the non-release of approved funds and untimely releases by the state government constitute an obstacle to sports promotion and development in the state.
Kano SWAN explained that sports activities are time bound, adding that the lackadaisical approach towards the releases of sports funds is the major bane of sports development in the state.
The body posit that the state government, if truly committed to repositioning sports, should proceed to enact policies that will attract potential investors and sponsors to invest in sports infrastructure, the state teams and competitions.
The communique said, “Congress decry the messy and unenviable state of sports facilities in the state, particularly the neglect been suffered by the renown Kofar Na’isa Sport Complex, the stoppage of construction works at KSSC premises and the dilapidated state of Kano Pillars stadium, Sabon Gari and Ado Bayero Square Sports complex.
“The state government should chart clear cut sports polices that will move the sector away from its present state of comatose due to lack of policy direction and disjointed implementation and structural arrangement.”
The statement further stated that “congress called on the state government to squarely address the issue of repositioning the sports sector.
“Congress called on relevant sports authorities and the state government to put a wedge on the activities of political infiltrators, who ambush sports administration, leading to the unwarranted skirmishes in the sector, which culminates into poor performances in all facets of Kano sports sector.
The group task the state government on the efficacy of professionalism noting that the state government should ensure that only qualified persons are entrusted and should ensure that only qualified persons are entrusted and appointed to superintend over sports duties.
