Cross River: Otu calls for private sector collaboration to revitalize sports

Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has sought the collaboration of the private sector to reposition sports in the State.

The governor said that sports had become a business that demanded adequate funding that the government alone could not shoulder.

Otu stated this during the groundbreaking ceremony for the remodelling of the UJ Esuene Stadium Hostel in Calabar .

Otu, who said that the remodelling was private sector driven, added that it was part of efforts to reenact the state’s sporting prowess.

”In doing this, we however need the active partnership of the private sector to overhaul sports infrastructure and effectively deliver on the policy thrust of the government in the sports sector,” he said.

Earlier in her address, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Agnes Atsu, said that the hostel would provide a decent accommodation for athletes during sporting activities.

”We are taking Cross River to her rightful position as far as sport is concerned. We want to host the world and showcase our great talents,” she said

The project consultant, Sanjay Oscar, listed accommodation as a significant consideration for hosting sporting events.

He said that the 72-room International Sports Hotels and Resort would to accommodate a minimum of 400 athletes when completed.

According to him, the hostel will address athletes’ accommodation issues and put the state in a vantage position to host sporting events.