Nigeria’s National Ambassador for Sports Diplomacy, Segun Odegbami, has hailed The Africa Military Games 2024, as a ground breaking moment for Nigeria’s sports development, describing the event as a bold step toward reversing decades of neglect and underachievement in the sector.
Odegbami, in an interview with Arise News on Friday, praised the military for spearheading the initiative and reviving critical sports infrastructure, particularly the Abuja Stadium, once considered a symbol of failed promises.
“The military has just brought a new dawn for sports development in this country,” Odegbami declared. “They have reminded us of the past and shown us the way forward—a compass into the future.”
He said the event marks a significant step forward in using sports as a tool for national development.
Odegbami reflected on Nigeria’s hosting of the All-Africa Games (COJA) in 2003, which, despite its potential, was marred by scandals and unfulfilled promises. “A major international sports event is a panacea for national development, but in Nigeria, if you want to host such an event, you face a brick wall because of what we experienced in 2003 when we hosted COJA,” he remarked.
“If you remember, Koja was riddled with scandals. We harbored the idea of hosting events, but for 21 years, we haven’t done anything that would advance us to use sports as a major developmental tool—until somebody was brave enough to change this narrative. That’s why I completely associate with the military this time for daring to undo the misdeeds of the past.”
Odegbami expressed admiration for the military’s determination to transform past failures into a renewed vision for sports development.
He highlighted the rehabilitation of the Abuja Stadium, once considered a “white elephant project” after the COJA games. “After Koja, we now have a white elephant project in Abuja—a project that should be a cash cow bringing in so much revenue.
“They promised us it would be a major tourist destination, but it had gone to waste. Out of that waste, we now have one man who has championed a new day and a new course, brought in the hosting of this huge game, and done it with very little resources,” he said.
“The stadium that they said was not fixable has been fixed within record time and not at a high cost. Everything is functioning to a certain degree now. People are going back, and that lost hope is now arising from level zero.”
Odegbami’s support for the military’s efforts was evident as he praised their initiative. “I’m completely supporting the military. You see me wearing the military uniform now because I think this is a new dawn. The military has just brought a new dawn for sports development in this country. They have reminded us of the past and shown us the way forward—a compass into the future.”
When asked about balancing soldiers’ responsibilities as athletes and competitors, Odegbami lauded the military’s level of organization and discipline. “Since I came into Abuja, the level of organization, discipline, and competition has been extraordinary. The spirit of Olympism—friendship, respect, and excellence—is so high. The military is actually setting a new standard for the rest of us. That is my biggest observation and takeaway.”
On the potential for paramilitary organizations to emulate the military’s approach to sports, Odegbami shared an inspiring example from Amsterdam. “There is a facility in Amsterdam called the Amsterdam Arena, owned by a football club. They use it only eight hours a week, but that facility works 24 hours a day, seven days a week with all other related activities. The stadium in Abuja was designed with that concept in mind. What this event has just done is to show us that possibility,” he said.
Boluwatife Enome
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