The Delta State Government has proposed a budget of N15.7 billion for its Sports Commission for the 2023 fiscal year.
Chief Tonobok Okowa, the Chairman of the Commission announced this during the 2023 budget defence meeting with the State House of Assembly Committee on Youths and Sports on Thursday in Asaba.
The Director-General of the Commission, Mr Christopher Anazia, represented Okowa at the meeting.
He said that out of the figure, N8.9 billion is for capital expenditure while N6.8 billion is for recurrent expenditure.
He also said that the commission proposed N5.3 billion for sports development, identified as a ‘Special Area’ in the state.
The chairman said that under capital expenditure, the commission will construct three stadia projects, with maintenance works on existing stadia.
The new mini stadia are at Koko in Warri, Owa-Oyibu stadium in Ika South and Agbor township stadium in Ika North East.
Okowa also said that the commission proposed N5.3 billion for overhead costs, which would cover sports development in the state.
“The areas to cover under this subhead include the State and National Sports Festival, State’s and National Sports competitions.
Others are grants to Warri Wolves, Delta Queens and other football clubs,” he said.
He appealed to the committee to increase funding for the state’s various sports leagues.
“I wish to appeal to this great committee to graciously consider and allocate more funds for the smooth running of the State Sports Commission.
“The Delta Queens and Warri Wolves are excellently doing well in their various leagues and they need funding to maintain their leading position.
“Secondly, the commission has a lot of qualified professionals and over the years, they have not been sent for training and retraining nor have they been able to pay their annual subscription fees.
“I crave the indulgence of the committee to allocate funds for these professionals for their membership status.
Okowa commended the committee members for efficiently performing their oversight functions.
He said that the commission is almost set to host the National Sports Festival.
“Every facility required for the smooth take-off of the event is already in place,” he added.
Responding, the Chairman of the committee, Mr Fred Martins, assured the commission that the committee would look into its request.
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