Sports Minister mourns Akiga Col. Mohammed who led a team of top functionaries of the Ministry of Sports and Social development to the NNPC Quarters home of the late minister described the death of Akiga as a “monumental loss; a rude shock to the sporting community and the nation at large. ” Mohammed told nigeriasports.com that the late minister “would be remembered for his immerse contribution to national development, especially in the Sports ministry and Police Affairs where he served.” Akiga is best remembered for his principled stance on the issue of international ‘age-grade’ competitions where Nigeria once incurred the wrath of World soccer governing body, FIFA for fielding over-aged-players in an age-grade competition. Akiga insisted the NFA must stop the use of “matured players in age-grade competitions, even if it means the country would lose.” At the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games, Akiga also made sure athletes were paid their allowance without delays and was widely applauded for his ‘transparency’ in his handling of athletes welfare. He personally supervised the payment of their allowances at the M2002 Games which was also devoid of ‘ill-tempers’ usually associated with Nigerian teams at international meets. Staff of the Sports Ministry were seen discussing in ‘groups’ mourning his demise Tuesday morning when nigeriasports.com visited for an on the spot assessment. Some of them approached politely turned down media interviews, telling this reporter to “come back when the mood would be better.” By Jo Benson 0
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