Delta Athletes, coaches seek corporate friendly person to lead sports commission

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori receives the National Youth Games trophy from Chairman of Delta Sports Commission, Tonobok Okowa during the opening ceremony of the 7th NYG held at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba

Less than five months from now, the tenure of current chairman of Delta Sports Commission, Tonobok Okowa, will end, having served eight years (two terms of four years each).

For majority of the athletes, coaches and administrators who spoke to The Guardian, the sports commission will need a man, who has good relationship with the corporate world.

Midway into the just concluded Seventh National Youth Games in Asaba, the organisers ran into what an official described as ‘financial hitch,’ which nearly affected the smooth running of the event.

However, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori quickly rescued the Games by providing the needed funds for the closing ceremony. Since then, the athletes, coaches and officials have been pondering on the kind of person that will steer the Sports Commission’s affairs with little financial assistances from government, considering the harsh economic situation in the country.

“To be sincere, Delta Sports Commission needs a capable hand to replace Okowa. We need someone, who is vast in the corporate world. Someone, who can pull his weight and bring in sponsors for activities of the Sports Commission since the government can’t do it alone,” one track and field athlete told The Guardian shortly before the closing ceremony of NYG.

“But if it possible for Okowa to continue in office for another term, we will appreciate it,” the athlete said. In the same vein, one coach, who pleaded anonymity, said: “No doubt, the harsh economic situation in the country now will affect sports, particularly, at