Daar Communications Plc, parent organization of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM, have committed their full support to the
Elite Athlete Development Grant initiative by the Nigeria Sports Developments Funds Inc (NSDFI).
The General Managing Director of Daar communications, Mr. Tony Akiotu who received the NSDFI committee in his office in Abuja, thanked them for their great foresight in birthing the initiative that will change the lives of many athletes.
Elite Athlete Development Grant
Akiotu, who was a member of the NSDFI team at its inception in 1994, recounted how he and his team made a lot of sacrifices to raise funds to sponsor players to the African Nations Cup (which Nigeria won), the World Cup and the Olympics.
“With the new initiative you have devised, it is obvious this is a product of critical thinking. You have brought your personal experiences to play. Every Nigerian deserves to support you. Moreso, it is a cost that even an okada rider can contribute, just two hundred naira.”
— Akiotu
Former
track and field queen and Executive Director (Technical) of the NSFDI, Chief Mary Onyali, narrated how she herself was a beneficiary of the support of the NSDFI in 1994.
“…today, I am on the other side. With our plans some athletes will surprise the nation and themselves in Tokyo. Secondly, we have started preparations for the 2024 Olympics.”
— Onyali
The committee disclosed that 30 athletes who represented Nigeria in Algeria for the Africa Youth Games have been shortlisted to enjoy a ₦5 million yearly grant for the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 seasons, after which any athlete that meets the required standards set by the committee will be awarded a four year grant of ₦50 million.
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This article was first published on 4th September 2018
achem
Achem Samuel is a writer and a musician, he is passionate about God and also an ardent fan of tech, sports and music.
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