The South-South representative on the board of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Honourable Famous Daunemigha, has condemned the exclusion of some prominent sports from the forthcoming National Sports Festival in Enugu State.
The astute sports administrator made the remarks during a world press conference held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Saturday, May 9.
Hon. Daunemigha described the exclusion of volleyball from the list of compulsory sports as a poor decision by the sports authorities.
He noted that individuals and corporate bodies have invested heavily in the sport over the years, adding that volleyball has brought glory to the country.
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Hon. Daunemigha said: “The exclusion of volleyball from the National Sports Festival is a huge joke and a slap on the face of investors in the sport across the country.
“Here in the South-South, we have invested massively in the development of volleyball over the years and have produced players who have made the country proud.
“Volleyball is the second most popular sport in the country, which is why it is played in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) after football.
“In the last eight years, volleyball has remained the only sport aside from football that has consistently featured Premier League, Division One and Two competitions, as well as grassroots tournaments.
“Last year, Nigeria hosted the African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship, which even attracted the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON.”
The sports philanthropist further stressed that handball and traditional sports also deserve to be reinstated due to their massive followership in Nigeria and across Africa.
The sports administrator also questioned the pedigree of the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, regarding his impact on sports development since his appointment.
Hon. Daunemigha said: “President Bola Tinubu, in his wisdom, meant well for sports to flourish in its entirety, but it appears that the leadership of the National Sports Commission is not aligned with the Renewed Hope vision of Mr President.”
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