Obi discusses accountability in funds management, using alleged N30billion federal hardship support to each state, and the D’Tigers basketball team.
“…it is pertinent, for the interest of good governance and transparency, that the details of the disbursement of such support be explained further, so that the public, the masses for whom the support is meant, can follow through and ensure that it is utilized appropriately to the benefit of the people.”
Peter Gregory Obi
Recently, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio announced that a staggering financial support of N1.1 trillion, amounting to a sum of N30 billion each was doled out to the State Governors to help ameliorate the present hardship in the country.
While the Federal Government is to be commended for offering such a huge support, considering the difficult times people are going through, it is pertinent, for the interest of good governance and transparency, that the details of the disbursement of such support be explained further, so that the public, the masses for whom the support is meant, can follow through and ensure that it is utilized appropriately to the benefit of the people.
While waiting for such details, I appeal that concerted efforts should be made to ensure that the resources are genuinely and transparently invested in productive ventures to alleviate present hardship and help the future growth of the country.
We must stop this unproductive habit of throwing scarce and borrowed money at immediate problems, and consumption, but rather through an articulated plan, invest aggressively in production, in a clear, visible, and transparent manner, in which people can see the future benefits.
Now more than ever, our nation needs a clear and urgent move from consumption to production by prioritizing and investing in human development which will go towards providing a sure and lasting solution to many of our challenges of today.
That is the surest way to put us on a path of developmental growth. This is the spirit of the New Nigeria we are clamouring for.
Funding Sports
Sports has become one of the productive sectors of economic development and growth of nations. It therefore remains an integral part of moving the nation from consumption to production. Instead of sponsoring political thugs who contribute to the breakdown of law and order in society, such funds should be channeled toward helping our youths discover and nourish their sporting skills.
Peter Gregory Obi
I read, with dismay, the reports of the withdrawal of Nigeria’s senior men’s national basketball team, D’Tigers, from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Afrobasket 2025 Qualifiers due to lack of funds.
Unfortunately, such distressing reports can be emanating from our country at this time. Presently many countries are investing in sports as a means of gainful employment for their youths, a source of revenue for their government, and foreign exchange repatriation into their countries from those who are playing overseas.
Nigeria should be striving for a similar situation. Sports has become one of the productive sectors of economic development and growth of nations. It therefore remains an integral part of moving the nation from consumption to production. Instead of sponsoring political thugs who contribute to the breakdown of law and order in society, such funds should be channeled toward helping our youths discover and nourish their sporting skills.
In a very diverse nation like Nigeria, where sports has not only remained a critical part of our unity but is also a huge source of youth empowerment, investment in sports remains critical. Therefore, attention should be paid to the needs of all sporting endeavours. I urge the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry Of Youth And Sports Development, and other relevant agencies to expedite actions and urgently resolve this issue to enable our national basketball team, D’Tigers, to participate in the competition and be motivated to bring us victory.
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