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President Olusegun Obasanjo, Monday, in Abuja, expressed optimism that Nigeria would be able to successfully host the Commonwealth Games in 2014.....
President Olusegun Obasanjo, Monday, in Abuja, expressed optimism that Nigeria would be able to successfully host the Commonwealth Games in 2014, if her bid succeeded.
In an audience with Chairman of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Bid Committee, Mr. Ronald Walker, the president noted that considering the facilities on ground and what we are preparing, Nigeria would be able to host the over 75 countries expected to participate in the 2014 Games.
While thanking Mr. Walker for agreeing to support Nigeria's bid, he said the country would greatly benefit from Australia's experience in hosting the Games, by depending mainly on private sector finance, and making profit.
President Obasanjo, who noted that 2014 was significant to Nigeria as it would commemorate the Centenary anniversary of the country's amalgamation, expressed Federal Government's determination to do everything possible to win the hosting bid and become the first African country to host the Commonwealth Games.
The President also indicated Nigeria's desire to replicate Australia's National Sports Institute, where sportsmen and women successfully combine academic and sports training all-year round.
Mr. Walker, who congratulated President Obasanjo for making a powerful speech during the 2005 Malta Commonwealth Summit in favour of Nigeria's bid, said that the Games in which one-third of the world's population are represented, always provided the host country with the opportunity to present itself to the entire world.
He stressed the crucial roles of private sector funds, and making a good bid presentation, while pledging Australia's support for Nigeria's bid.
The Chairman, Nigeria 2014 Commonwealth Games Bid Committee, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd) led members of the committee to the audience, which was also attended by the Minister of Sports, Eng. Bala Ka'oje, and the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Tanko.
Gen. Gowon said Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources yearning for those with sincere desire to serve, 'and God is interested in the affairs of the country and will appoint people who will take-over from Obasanjo.
'Power belongs to God, let God choose whom he desires to be next president of this country. So, lets play the game according to the rules, and whoever God appoints to rule will be supported by all," he assures.