Nigerian Athletes Deserve Lifelong Financial Support – Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for the creation of a pension fund to support retired athletes who have brought pride to Nigeria.

He made this appeal during the groundbreaking ceremony for a 25,000-capacity Olympic stadium in Igbogene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The event was part of the celebrations marking Governor Douye Diri’s fifth anniversary in office.

During his speech, Jonathan expressed concern about the struggles many Nigerian athletes face after retiring, despite their contributions on the international stage.

“It is disheartening to see those who have represented Nigeria on global stages, such as the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics, being forgotten after their victories,” he said.

He stressed the importance of establishing a system to ensure that athletes who have made the country proud are supported throughout their lives.

“We must ensure that anyone who has made our country proud is taken care of for life. This will inspire young people to fully invest in their sporting aspirations,” he added.

Jonathan also expressed his hope of returning in 24 months to join President Bola Tinubu in commissioning the new stadium.

Bayelsa State’s Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Igali, noted that the stadium would not only serve as a sports hub but also host entertainment events like live concerts, helping Bayelsa gain prominence in Africa’s sports industry.

The stadium is designed to be expandable and is expected to be completed within the next two years.

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