Pillar of Sports, Ejidike makes case for sports development

Just as the National Executive Council of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), under the leadership of its National President, Alhaji Seidu Abubakar, in their full council meeting in Ilorin officially unveiled Chief Donatus Agu-Ejidike as the Nigeria Pillar of Sports; the sports philanthropist has reiterated his commitment to sports promotion and development in Nigeria.
Chairman, Office of the Nigeria Pillar of Sports, Prince Olayioye Ajide, told Extra Time, that the well-attended investiture program demonstrated validity of the honour and appointment of Chief Ejidike as Nigeria’s Pillar of Sports.
Ejidike who applauded SWAN for considering him for the exalted position charged the body to take the lead in the formulation, implementation and appraisal of sports policies in the nation.
He noted in his speech that, “Nigerians are sports-loving people with very high appetite for winning. The introduction of the National Sports Festival in 1973 as a means of fostering unity and cultural integration was a fantastic decision. Sports, therefore has contributed to the oneness of the geographical entity called Nigeria. In sports, Nigerians are detribalized.”
The Pillar of Sports, however, added with a tinge of regret how the decay of infrastructure, administrative overkill and lack of sponsorship of sports has affected results and performance of Nigeria athletes in international competitions.
“I promise to closely work with SWAN to champion the course of sports development in Nigeria. You have appointed me; so, note that you don’t burn the tree which bears the fruit. Together, we shall reposition sports in Nigeria,” he stated.
Ejidike who signed insurance MOU to insure all sports writers in Nigeria equally donated 18-seater bus to SWAN to enhance their activities.
Earlier SWAN president, Seidu Abubakar disclosed that Chief Ejidike was appointed based on his contribution and consistency in sports philanthropic gestures.
Abubakar charged him to do more and justify his appointment as Nigeria Pillar of Sports.
Former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the federation, Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN) and Chief Executive Officer, E. Ekeson Motors Limited, Chief Eugene Ojukwu in their goodwill messages praised SWAN for appointing Ejidike as Nigeria’s Pillar of Sports.
The occasion was attended by all the national officers of SWAN and states’ chairmen and secretaries.