BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – A Writer and media expert, Magnus Oku says President Muhammadu Buhari has missed a golden opportunity to purposefully drive his administration’s Next Level Agenda for sports development in Nigeria by leaving Barrister Solomon Dalung out of the new Ministerial list.
Oku said going by his antecedent of successfully engineering landmark transformation of the nation’s sports sector, Dalung deserved another opportunity to deliver and concretise on the reforms mandate
He maintained that reappointing the immediate past Minister of Sports and Youths Development would have been a major boost for the Buhari administration with Dalung pulling strings for effective execution of the road map initiated for grassroot sports development in the country
Noting that the achievements recorded by Dalung cannot be wished away, the Author said Nigerians can still recollect with nostalgic feelings that the country brought home numerous medals from the international scene while certain sports hitherto in limbo got a new lease of life.
According to him, despite mounting opposition from some quarters, Dalung stepped on some powerful toes by democratizing the sports sector and ensuring a level playing field for everyone.
He also credited the ex-Sports Minister with ensuring funds were prudently managed and spent, even as prompt payment of match bonuses to players and athletes became the new order compared to events of past years.
Oku insisted that Dalung promoted robust engagement among Stakeholders, leading to the growth, development and successes witnessed in the country’s sports industry.
He however described as pure mischief insinuations that Dalung was desperate for renomination as a Cabinet member, saying the former Minister only acknowledged the fact that nothing can stop the will of God in the life of a man if God has so destined.
While wishing Barr Dalung greater heights in his future political endeavours, the media expert noted that God has greater rewards for his prudent and diligent service to Nigeria.
