Commonwealth Handball Association (CHA) Secretary General Saidu Jibril has called on key stakeholders in Nigeria to align their policies with international best practice.
Wishing Nigerians a prosperous 2023, Jibril said sports administrators at primary and secondary school levels, corporate bodies and former internationals are mandated to support government policies to accelerate the development of sports at the level of base.
“At a time when we have more young people emerging from our different learning institutions and those who have branched out into artisanal businesses, handball can offer them real platforms to have profitable careers in sports,” Jibril said.
According to him, the implementation of handball development programs in schools is key to achieving significant results at various levels of competition.
“State sports directors and handball association presidents need to wake up to the realities on the ground. They must be prepared to support schools with genuine handball development plans at age and grade levels. At the CHA, we can only urge you to take the bold step. We know there is a shortage of funds, but if you don’t implement these programs, how will support come through? Opportunities are only found with preparation.”
Jibril, a former international handball player, lamented the Golden Arrows’ inability to qualify for the ongoing International Handball Federation Men’s World Cup in Poland and Sweden.
“We cannot be doing the same thing over and over again and expect a different result. Stakeholders in Nigeria must take their own destinies into their own hands. We must not be left behind in the scheme of things.”
Therefore, he urged the leaders of the Nigerian Handball Federation to implement their plans for the year well in advance for optimal results.