Lottery Proceeds will Boosts Sports in Nigeria, Says Gumel 

By Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The Executive Secretary National Lottery Fund (NLTF), Habu Gumel, has said that the proceeds realised by the agency are being put into use to benefit Nigerians, particularly in the area of sports.
Gumel made this declaration at the unveiling of sport equipment donated to 2,000 Nigerian primary schools in Abuja last Friday.
The gathering had the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, who was represented by Labour Minister, Chris Ngige; Secretary to Federal Government, David Babachir Lawal and Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung.
Gumel, who doubles as the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) , said the presentation illustrated how the cause charted by the lottery is being promoted through innovative use of funds.
He said the approach was to reinforce the NLTF vision of promoting social inclusion among all Nigerians in a balanced, transparent and cost-effective manner.
“The event celebrates our national lottery beneficiaries to whom these sports equipment will be distributed, and this illustrates how good causes is served having put our comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system to help National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) track the progress of its intervention programmes, and in particular, the utilization of these equipment. This is to ensure that project outcomes are delivered and the benefits continue to accrue to Nigerians, ” Gumel said.
Some of the beneficiaries included primary schools established for physically challenged students in six geo-political zones in the country.
Gumel said the equipment would enhance the country’s capacity to expand its talent-base by securing the interest and involvement of children from the primary school age in sports.
“We have put in place a robust and comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system to help National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) track the progress of its intervention programmes, and in particular, the utilization of these sports equipment. This is to ensure that our projects outcomes are delivered and the benefits continue to accrue to Nigerians”, Gumel added.
The equipment valued at half a billion naira would enhance the grassroots promotion of nine sports including football, track and field, table tennis, volleyball, basketball, judo, taekwondo, handball and basketball.

Related Articles