FG to spend N314m on ANOCA building—Dalung

The federal government will spend N314 million on building of a-state-of-the-art headquarters of Association of National Olympics Committees in Africa (ANOCA) in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

Disclosing this on Tuesday to Extra Time at the opening ceremony of ANOCA Executive Committee 52nd Ordinary Session in Abuja, Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Abdulrazak Salawu, said the federal government has already released N50 million to the contractor handling the project.

He said further that when the building is completed, the federal government would also need funds to furnish it and added that this administration is committed to giving ANOCA all the necessary support to ensure a smooth operation of its programmes.

While welcoming and congratulating the new Exco of ANOCA, he said, “may I use this opportunity to welcome the entire Executive Committee members of this body and particularly congratulate the newly elected President. I want to use this forum to call on the Executive members to use their vast experience while holding forth to their exalted positions to ensure that the interest of our continent is adequately and professionally protected.”

Earlier, the newly elected President, General Lassana Palemfo expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for showing much commitment and support to ANOCA and its programmes, adding that the body will utilise every opportunity to place Africa where she should be in the world of sports.

Gen. Palenfo disclosed that African countries have found it very difficult to host the All Africa Games due to several challenges but noted that ANOCA will be meeting with African Union (AU) on the way forward.

Meanwhile, the Treasurer General, Engr. Habu Gumel who doubles as the President Nigeria Olympic Committee expressed gladness over the project of the body’s headquarters building which will on completion ease the secretarial work of the body.