Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged the establishment of a pension fund for retired athletes who have brought honor to Nigeria. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for a 25,000-capacity Olympic stadium in Igbogene, Yenagoa, Jonathan highlighted the struggles of former athletes who face financial hardship after retirement.
Addressing the event, which marked Governor Douye Diri’s five years in office, Jonathan lamented that many Nigerian sports heroes are celebrated during their victories but later abandoned.
“I always feel sad when I see people who have promoted the name Nigeria and gone for international games, either the Commonwealth or Olympics and win medals. Immediately after, there are all kinds of ceremonies, but after that, they are forgotten,” Jonathan stated.
He emphasized that the National Sports Commission should establish a pension fund at both national and state levels, ensuring retired athletes receive lifelong financial support. He stressed that reputable individuals should manage the fund to secure its integrity and effectiveness.
“We must make sure that anybody who made the country proud should be taken care of until that person dies, and that will encourage young men and women to invest 100 percent of their skills and lives into sports,” he added.
Jonathan also expressed optimism that he would join President Bola Tinubu in commissioning the stadium upon its completion in 24 months. He recalled past difficulties in securing FIFA-standard stadia for international matches.
Governor Douye Diri, in his remarks, described the stadium as a transformative project that would not only enhance sports development but also boost the economy by creating jobs and attracting investments.
He called for sponsorship from the Niger Delta Development Commission, banks, and international oil companies, advocating for a funding model similar to those in Europe and America.
“This facility will serve as an inspiration for our youth – a place where dreams can take flight, talent can be cultivated, and champions can arise,” Diri said.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, Nigeria Football Federation President, Ibrahim Gusau, and FIFA committee member, Amaju Pinnick, pledged their support to ensure the stadium meets global standards.
Bayelsa State’s Commissioner for Sports, Dr. Daniel Igali, noted that the completed ultra-modern stadium would serve as a hub for sports and entertainment, including live concerts, positioning Bayelsa as a dominant force in African sports.
The stadium, to be constructed by New Mutual Company, is designed for future expansion and is set for completion within 24 months.
