By Albert Akota
The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) yesterday in Abuja solicited the support of the Nigerian Army for the development of sports in the country.
This was contained in a statement issued by Lt.-Col. Sumaila Uba, the Public Relations Officer to the Chief of Army Staff.
The statement said the President of the Committee, Sani Ndanusa, made the appeal when he led members of the “One Service One Medal (OSOM) Games” project on a visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-. Gen. Kenneth Minimah.
It stated that considerable percentage of medalists produced by Nigeria at past international events, Olympic and Commonwealth games had come from the military and paramilitary, hence the need to collaborate with the agencies.
The statement said OSOM project team was particularly set up by the National Sports Commission to partner with military and paramilitary agencies.
According to the statement, OSOM will also partner with tertiary institutions to ensure Nigeria’s quality participation at the upcoming Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Ndanusa commended the Chief of Army Staff for his efforts in the handling of the current security challenges facing the nation.
Responding, Minimah thanked the delegation for the visit, adding that the performance of Nigerian athletes in international sporting competitions was a source of concern to stakeholders.
He promised that the Nigerian Army would identify with the OSOM project in order to rekindle the medal glory of the country, especially in boxing.
Minimah is the current President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation.
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