FG reiterates support for sports development

For the umpteenth time,the Federal Government in Nigeria has declared its unflinching commitment to the development of sports throughout the country,demonstratively with the introduction of 100 percent tax rebate for corporate organisations that patronise sports either by donation of cash and materials or sponsorship of competitions. Vice-President Alhaji Abubakar Atiku made this known Saturday at the inaugural Governors' Conference on Sports which held at the conference hall of the NICON Hilton Hotel in Abuja,venue of the 14th edition of the National Sports Festival. The confence,according to the organisers was conceived as a forum to share information and knowledge with State Governors,for them to have more access toinformation that could aid decisions about sports development. Atiku told the audience which comprised of Governors.representatives of chief executives of other states,some members of the National Assembly,former Head of State Ernest Shonekan and captain of industries that the Federal Government recognises the importance of sports to the growth of of a nation in all ramifications. Said Atiku:"Government has approved a hundered percent tax exemption for contribution to sports development.In addition, the Federal Ministry of Sports and the Federal Inland Revenue Service are currently working out modalities on how to encourage local manufacturers of sporting equipment. "We would be prepared to consider more if the private sector can come out with more suport.The private sector should take advantage of these incentives and encourage their foreign partners to come here and set up sports equiopment manufacturing companies. "In this way sports equipment will be available to our teeming youths at affordable price.We must all resolve here now and commit ourselves wholeheartedly to promoting sportsing activities in this country. "In this regard, we endeavour to implement of the resolutions reached at the National Council of Sports meetings.We must take advantage of the opportunities created by the success of Team Nigeria as well as Enyimba Football Club and build on these successes." Two papers were presented at the conference.Te first one titled '31 Years of The National Sports Festival and Its Sustenance was presented by former minister of sports Comdr.Emeka Omeruah[rtd],while the other titled 'Sports development As a Tool of Youthy Empowerment ,Job Creation' was presented by Professor Buba Mshelia,Dean of the Faculty of the University of Maiduguri.
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