By Isyaku Ibrahim
Chairman of Gombe State Athletics Association Alhaji Ahmed Shu’aibu Gara Gombe has drew the attention of members of the National Assembly on the need to pass a Law that would make the holding of biennial National Sports Festival and National Youth Games a permanent business at Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja
He said this would definitely save the lives of Athletes travelling from remote areas to the venues of the games
going by the chaotic condition of our roads
He however called for life insurance for such participants in view of the dangers they are facing on their way
The former Adviser on Sports to ex Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’ during his second tenure said if this would not be possible they should be given flight tickets to the venues of the games
He threatened to lead a total boycott of the game if the call was not adhered to
He moreover regretted the lack of genuine sports policy in the country hence the somersault in running the affairs since we attained nationhood
Alhaji Ahmed Shu’aibu Gara Gombe described it as itching how over twenty billion Naira was squandered during the recent Olympic Games in Paris but the country’s delegation returned home empty handed
The Chairman of the Athletics Association who stressed the need for total overhaul of the Sports sub sector, queried how it is being managed by people of corruptible character some of whom where before EFCC answering charges over financial embezzlement
Alhaji Ahmed Shu’aibu Gara Gombe was addressing fellow journalists while on a condolence visit to the state over the perished of twenty two members of the state team to recently concluded National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta Ogun at Dakatsalle in Bebeji Local Government Area last week
He described the incident which occurred just a shouting distance to the state capital as a monumental loss that caused jittery and apprehension across the wider population
The Stakeholder who spoke in a voice touched by grief, described what happened as highly tragic , pathetic and sorrowful
He pointed out that being a former Sports Adviser in Kano he personally knew eight of the deceased lamenting how they passed on at youthful age
Alhaji Ahmed Shu’aibu Gara Gombe who lauded the effort of the state sports commission in ensuring the entourage returned home safely,said there is nothing they can do as the time of the deceased was due and nobody could change his predestination
He however prayed to God to erase their pitfalls lighten their graves and soften the series of questions awaiting them
He expressed the mark of solidarity being exhibited by the larger environment since the incident happened as a Wellcome development hoping it will not stop at that as according to him the bereaved family are highly in of assistance of any kind in view of the loss of their daily bread winners
While speaking a onetime Chairman of Nigeria Referees Association Mr Alex Mana, described Alhaji Ahmed Shu’aibu Gara Gombe as a resolute, fearless , serious minded and dogged fighter who he said always stands by his words
He further described him as a type of people Nigeria needs to improve the sports industry going by how the sector has been polluted by selfish or rather egocentric individuals
