Leadership (Abuja)
Philip Nyam
14 May 2008
Abuja — The federal government has budgeted a total of N1.7 billion for the forthcoming Olympics in Beijing, China even as the House of Representatives expressed dissatisfaction with the county's level of preparation towards the event.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Abdulrahman Gimba disclosed this yesterday at interactive forum with members of the House of Representatives, committee on sports development.
He said the ministry of finance had assured that the money will be released to the commission before the close of work yesterday.
According to the minister, the delay in the release of funds has hampered the proper preparation for athletes but assured that the ministry was doing its best to ensure that Nigeria excels at the Beijing Olympics.
Mr. Gimba told the committee that two corporate organisations; Oceanic Bank and Globacom have indicated interest to partner with government to support the nation's participation at the Olympics.
"As i speak to you, the assurance I got from the honourable minister of finance is that by the end of work today I should be able to access the money and if this happens I will have no problem with athletes' allowances.
Earlier, chairman of the committee, Hon. Mohammed Suleiman told the minister and his team comprising the director general of the NSC, Dr. Amos Adamu and director of sports development, Patrick Ekeji that the National Assembly was concerned with the shoddy preparation for the august event.
He said Nigeria has not fared well in sports in recent past and that had adverse effect on the nation's image.
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