NYG 2024: NSSF says PPP pivotal to shooting sport development

The Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF), has called for a Public Private Partnership (PPP) to sponsor Nigeria Shooters and prepare them for Olympics and Commonwealth games.

Mr. Olusoja Akomu, General Secretary of NSSF, made the call at the ongoing National Youth Games (NYG) on Friday in Asaba, Delta.

Akomu said that it would require a concerted effort of all stakeholders to showcase the athletes at international events like the Olympics and Commonwealth.

He said that the lack of sponsorship had been the challenge, adding that the federal government cannot not do it alone.

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“The federation is trying its best, the Federal Ministry of Sports Development is trying its best, but we need sponsorship of the private sector.

“Shooting sport is an Olympics and Commonwealth sports but athletes do not get automatic ticket to participate, so there are minimum qualification series.

” As at this moment, there is no indoor shooting range in any other state in Nigeria.

“Delta is the first with a normal 10 metre indoor Shooting range equipped but we improvise with a makeshift Shooting range in other states in the country.

“We thank God for the awareness, before now we used to have less than eight states register for the game but now we have 17 States participating, that is an improvement.

“So, with time, more state government will be convinced to get facilities, build and equip their shooting sport because it is a multi-medal event.

He explained that the shooting sports is a game for both civilians and the military.

The general secretary said that since the athletes were aged below 15 years, skills acquired would be an advantage should they opt for military carrier.

He said