Edet Ikotidem
The idea of the Akwa Ibom government funding football is not the best.
The first reason is that this funding is not helping the economy. The money that is being spent on these clubs will be used to buy equipment and facilities which would have been used for the education of our children, health care, and other social services.
This money could be used to develop other industries which could generate more income and create jobs for our people.
The Nigerian football scene has been corrupted since its inception in the 1960s when the government started funding the teams and players. Since then, nothing has changed until now. It has become a joke to everyone except those who are involved in it financially or otherwise (those who run the clubs).
The question is: why does Akwa Ibom State continue to fund football teams when we know that most of them do not perform well on the pitch? Most of the players do not even play for the state for long but will leave for other countries and states, using the government’s funds to prepare themselves for a brighter future.
The amount of money spent on Akwa United football each year is enough to build a refinery for the state.
For instance, it alleged that the management of Akwa United receives nothing less than N40m monthly to execute football matches monthly for one season. This amount of money does not include the salaries of players and staff of the football club The state also sponsors Dakkada Fc, Ibom Angels, and Ibom Youths football clubs. The amount spent monthly on these other clubs is under seal, only the commissioner for sports and his cronies know what they get. There has been a lot of infighting within the rank and file in the management circle of Akwa United and siphoning of resources to other items not listed for the execution of the allotted funding.
Akwa Ibom Government Funding of Akwa United
If you calculate N40m monthly for a year, you will see reasons with me why the government should stop football funding and disband Akwa United and other clubs.
That huge amount of money is enough to build a permanent residence for Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation.
Of all these monies spent, how much has been allotted to the development of basketball, volleyball, swimming badminton, and other sports in the state?
Nigeria and Akwa Ibom state are going through a lot of difficulties in education, it’s not just about football but about underdeveloped research centers, libraries, museums, etc.
Football does not contribute to the economy of the state or country. They don’t make money and they are a drain on our economy.
Also read: Why Akwa United Management Should be Sacked
As I am sure you know that people in governments tend to get involved in football for their own personal gain – to prove that they are doing something good for ‘the state’
There are so many challenges that the state is facing and football clubs are not helping solve any of them.
It is obvious that money meant for football development is being diverted into other areas.
All those involved in the management of football in this state are only interested in making money from the game for personal enrichment.
Football is a major distraction, an expensive distraction for governments with severe economic problems. Money that may have been better spent on health or other areas is seen in individuals’ pockets in the name of football.
Football will grow when there are more people who are passionate about it and not when there is government funding. Funding football clubs is not one of the functions of the government.
Football clubs are supposed to be run by private individuals and corporations who have a passion for running a club, not the government.
Football clubs are not charity homes, government funding of football clubs breeds corruption.
Football clubs can fund themselves from their ticket sales, merchandising, and sponsorship by mobile companies and banks.
