The Commodore of the Navy Sailing Club, Ojo, Lagos State, Tunde Giwa-Daramola, on Friday urged maritime companies to partner with the club to enhance water sports.
Giwa-Daramola made the call during a visit to the club by the management of Mercury Maritime Concession Company (MMCC) and Port of Antwerp International.
Reports state that the team was led by retired Rear Adm. Andrew Onoja, the Chairman of MMCC, who was the first Commodore of the club established in 1987.
Kristof Waterschoot, Managing Director, Port of Antwerp International, was among the visitors.
Giwa-Daramola said: “Corporate sponsorship is the oil that runs sports in Nigeria; that is why we need the support of companies such as these to identify and train athletes in water sports.
“Navy Sailing Club, which is the foremost sailing club over the years, has produced athletes who have represented the country at the international level.
“Government alone cannot be saddled with the responsibility of sports development.
“MMCC and its partner, Ports of Antwerp International, are trying to establish a deep seaport in Nigeria, we want to use this opportunity to talk to them on how they can support us and also engage their staff.’’
Giwa-Daramola said that the club needed equipment, including new boats, for training athletes to sharpen their skills.
The Chairman of MMCC, Onaja, described the club as the social face of the maritime sector.
Onoja said that MMCC would support to the club to hone the skills of budding athletes.
“This club is the social face of maritime in Nigeria, we will support the club when and where necessary,” he said.