Speaking on the championship which is expected to attract participation from 52 African countries, the honourary life President of the NSF and chairman of the fund-raising committee, Chief Olatokunbo Thomas said the amount required would take care of accommodation, transportation, medical, a secretariat and cater for the expected 1,176 swimmers and their officials throughout the duration of the championship.
“It is a massive project,” Chief Thomas started, “that’s why we are appealing to corporate sponsors, well-meaning individuals and state governments to assist in making the event a success. We must not put ourselves to shame.”
The FINA Vice President added that “we must organise ourselves very well in order to project the name of our country in good light to the international community.”
Chief Thomas said the federal government through the National Sports Commission had promised to renovate the venue and put everything right before the event. “Government told us they had no money for us but they will renovate the venue for us. That is a very important aspect of the event and we are grateful for that contribution,” the honourary life President of the Nigeria Swimming Federation said.
He lamented the attention given to football at the expense of other sports by corporate sponsors. “They won’t identify with other sports because government only recognises football.”
If we are given one tenth of what football gets from government, swimming will achieve wonders,” chief Thomas said.
He however pleaded for understanding from Nigerians as the project at hand was a national project which required every hand to be on deck.
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