Challenges and Aspirations in Sports Development – Insights from Shaibu D. Mohammed
In a forthright disclosure, Shaibu D. Mohammed, a fervent advocate for sports development, identifies “lack of trust” and the dearth of “reliable support” as the primary factors hindering adequate sponsorship in the domain of sports development.
Addressing the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Kogi Chapter, at the NIWA Sports Complex in Lokoja during the Shaibu D. Mohammed Maiden Table Tennis Championship, Shaibu underscores that past disappointments have dissuaded numerous potential sponsors from engaging in sports sponsorship.
Reflecting on his youthful tennis days, Shaibu expresses a profound motivation to contribute significantly to society through the sport.
During the launch of the Shaibu D. Mohammed Championship, he accentuates the tournament’s overarching mission: to discover latent talents and offer them a platform for international exposure.
Shaibu emphasizes that this initiative is a testament to his commitment to nurturing the next generation of tennis stars.
Amidst the discourse, Shaibu praises the Kogi State Tennis Association as a paragon of reliability and trustworthiness in organizing the championship. He underscores the pivotal role dependable entities play in the success of sports events and development initiatives.
Looking ahead, Shaibu reveals ambitious plans for the championship, envisioning it as an annual event. However, he acknowledges the crucial role of partnerships, especially in sponsorship, to sustain and elevate the tournament’s impact.
The call for collaboration resonates as a broader appeal for collective efforts in fostering sports development, transcending individual initiatives to create a lasting and impactful legacy in the world of tennis.
Encouraging athletes and coaches to embody the spirit of sportsmanship and professionalism, Shaibu urges all participating players to showcase their best and demonstrate their unique skills.
The teams participating in the North Central States include Benue, FCT, Abuja, Plateau, Nassarawa, Kwara, Niger, and Kogi.