Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for the setting up of sports fund to cater for the welfare of sports men and women when they are no longer in active service.
The former president made the call on Monday, February 17, 2025 while performing the official groundbreaking ceremony of an iconic stadium at Igbogene, a suburb of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
The groundbreaking ceremony was part of activities marking the 5th year anniversary celebration of the Prosperity Administration led by Senator Douye Diri.
Jonathan called on both the state and federal governments to set up a sports fund to cater for sportsmen and women after sacrificing their productive years for country, stressing that this will encourage younger ones to be involved in sports.
According to Jonathan, “As a country, we must have a fund to care for sportsmen. The federal and state governments can think about it so that the younger generation will be interested in sports".
Noting that the fund should be managed by persons of integrity, Jonathan said people who have donned the national colours; people who have promoted the name of Nigeria; people who gave their all in their youthful days, should not be allowed to suffer in their old age.
This call on both the federal and state governments to set up a trust fund is coming on the heels of several cases of sports men and women living in abject penury and neglect after their active days, with some even dying under very pitiable conditions.
Some of such footballers who have died include Dean of Defence, Yisa Sofoluwe, Keeper Joe Erico, prolific striker Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Ebiede and coach Sebastian Brodrick-Imasuen while Wilson Oruma, Monday Odiaka and Friday Ekpo, who are alive, are a shadow of their old selves.
In his remarks, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri said the project was in line with the Assured Prosperity mantra of his administration, which prioritises urbanisation, sports and youth development as the cornerstones of development.
Diri noted that the project would add value to the sports sector, adding that the stadium will also generate economic opportunities, provide jobs, and stimulate local businesses.
The state’s helmsman said that while the government recognised the cost implication of the project, it is determined to make it a reality and urged young people in the state to seize the opportunity and strive for excellence, aiming for new heights.
He called on oil multinationals operating in the state, as well as other government and private agencies, to support the project in line with global practice where big business brands support sports.
In their separate remarks, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau and former NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, all commended the governor for his initiative and pledged support for the project.
In his address of welcome, the state Commissioner for Sports, Dr Daniel Igali said the stadium, when completed, will make Bayelsa a dominant force in sports in the country.
The contract for the stadium project is being handled by Mutual Commitment Company (MCC).
