By; MUSA KUTAMA, Calabar.
The Sole Spiritual Head, Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS), Olumba Olumba Obu has called for concerted efforts in sports development and sponsorship to generate employment and promote the physical well-being of Nigerians.
His Holiness, made the call in Calabar when he hosted Albert Andinam, the Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Cross River State Chapter and the management team of the Rovers Football Club at the BCS World Headquarters.
He called on the private sector, individuals and governments to sponsor and promote sports to ensure that unemployed Nigerians, especially the youths were gainfully employed.
He said that sports sponsorship and development would no doubt improve Nigeria’s dwindling fortune in sports at global meet and foster Nigeria’s reputation in international circles.
He also called on the Cross River State Government, individuals and organisations to support Rovers FC through funding and sponsorship.
Obu said that SWAN also has a role in promoting sports development through informed reportage as demanded by its statutes and the National Sports Policy.
Adding that BCS though its Royal International Farms and Estates Limited, First royal Microfinance Bank and Triple Star Printing Press would continue to sponsor sports including Taekwondo and Table tennis.
He assured SWAN and rovers management team of his support in their activities whenever he is called upon to do so.
“We were talking about Rovers when you came in, I think the government has to key behind them, we need people like the private sector to support Rovers.
“And it is through you the media that such message can be put across to attract support for Rovers.
“Even it means the government bringing in foreign money to support them they should do so because sports create much awareness and love.
“In the past we used to use pennies to run sport but it is no more like that now.
“We on our part we will support you but will not be able to take active part but whenever time permits, I will look into what I can do. The support you don’t get, you will begin to get it,’’ he said.
Earlier, Andinam acknoledged His Holiness’ contribution to sports in years gone by as Chairman of Calabar Rovers.
“The history of Calabar Rovers cannot be told and will never be complete without you. It was in your time that Calabar Rovers became a household name in the annals of Nigeria’s sports history,’’ Andinam said.
Andinam said that his visit was to intimate His Holiness of series of activities mapped out by SWAN in the state to promote sports, adding that the association required his support and those of other organisations including individuals through sponsorship.
He also lauded the BCS for promoting sports though its conglomerates, the Royal International Farms and Estates Limited, First royal Microfinance Bank and Triple Star Printing Press.
He said the three companies recently sponsored successfully, a Taekwondo and Table Tennis championships in the state.
