October 27, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been praised by a non-governmental organisation, GoodTalk Nigeria (an arm of GoodTalk Development Initiative), for adhering to good governance practises and methods, hosting international football matches across the country, and attracting strong corporate sponsorship to the game of football.
Mr Otto Ikpe, the initiative’s National Coordinator, said at a plaque presentation ceremony in honour of Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, the NFF Secretary-General in Abuja on Wednesday that the current NFF administration has demonstrated excellent work ethic, transparency in its processes, and a commitment to building a sustainable football culture for the Nigerian nation.
In “recognition of diligent service by walking the talk towards promoting football in Nigeria,” Sanusi was named a “icon of football in Nigeria.”
Ikpe noted: “GoodTalk Nigeria is impressed not only by the good governance practices around the NFF and the National Teams, but also by the deliberate efforts to take the National Teams to several parts of Nigeria, fully aware that Nigerians have great passion for the game and would appreciate nothing more than being able to see their National Teams at close quarters.
“This policy is praiseworthy and has over the years seen our National Teams qualify for major championships with ease.
“The NFF has also worked hard to achieve tremendous breakthroughs in the area of private sector funding of football. The Federation now has so many partners and sponsors and this can only be achieved if an organization is credible, reliable and accountable.”
Sanusi thanked GoodTalk Development Initiative for the honour, and emphasised that the current NFF administration was more committed than ever to building a viable football industry that will create jobs and opportunities in related industries, improve the country’s image through the game, and deter the country’s teeming youth population from all forms of social vices.
“We are enamoured and encouraged by your kind observations,” Sanusi began. “At the onset, the present administration opted to prioritize the issue of good governance and best practices, which was why we brought on board PricewaterhouseCoopers as external auditors and Financial Derivatives Company as financial advisers.
“We also put in place various control instruments and measures to ensure we accomplish our mission of transparency and probity, while at the same time building a sustainable football culture.
“Football is not only a beautiful game, but a powerful instrument to unite a nation, employ millions of people, enhance a sovereign’s image, substantially reduce crime and contribute significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.”
Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, the NFF Deputy General Secretary; Ademola Olajire, the NFF Director of Communications; and GoodTalk Nigeria project coordinators Hajiya Fatima Mohammed (North Central), Hajiya Maryam Adamu (North West); Olabode Adeniji (South West); and Rita Nsima (South South) were also present at the occasion.
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
