Nigerian athlete, Precious Okoronkwo, has lamented what she described as the collapse of grassroots athletics development in Lagos State, blaming inadequate competitions, poor athletes welfare, and declining support for athletes.
She said this on Monday when she featured on: “Sports Update,” a programme on The Eagle Online Nigeria YouTube channel.
The national champion said the state of athletics development in Lagos has deteriorated significantly over the years.
“Since 2012 till now, Lagos State has not hosted any festival,” she said.
Okoronkwo noted that many athletes who participated in the 2012 National Sports Festival were secondary school students who gained valuable exposure and experience through the competition.
She added: “Grassroot development of athletes in Lagos State is dead.”
The long jumper and sprinter said the shortage of competitions available to athletes in Nigeria has further compounded the problem.
She said: “This year, there was not really much competition for athletes.”
According to her, only the MTN Champs, Police Games, and the first Golden Week have been organised so far this year in Nigeria.
She stressed that regular competitions are essential for athlete development.
“The more you compete the better you get,” Okoronkwo said.
Drawing comparisons with athletes abroad, she noted that competitors in the United States and other countries participate in events almost every weekend, while Nigerian athletes spend most of their time training.
She asked: “Are we training materials?”
Okoronkwo said many athletes remain in the sport despite the challenges because of their passion and commitment.
She said: “We do it because of passion and love.
“No state is saying we are going to pay you every month like before.”
She recalled that athletes enjoyed better welfare during the administration of former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), through the Adopt-a-Talent initiative.
According to her, athletes were camped, educated, and properly catered for during the programme.
The athlete also questioned why national trials are being staged on school fields despite the existence of a national stadium.
She said home-based athletes are not receiving adequate support and welfare, insisting that better treatment would lead to improved performances.
Okoronkwo also criticised the organisation of recent athletics trials, alleging poor planning and unfair treatment of competitors.
“Yesterday (Monday) I was not really okay because we had to cause a lot of trouble before we could compete,” she said.
She claimed athletes were required to meet certain conditions before being allowed to participate in a 100-metre race and were informed that the event was closed.
The athlete further alleged that organisers postponed the competition without prior notice, leaving many participants stranded and forcing them to spend more on accommodation, feeding, and transportation.
She said: “We were supposed to start the event on the 19th, but it was postponed overnight for no reason.
“Athletes that came in since Tuesday were stranded.”
Okoronkwo also claimed that some athletes had been pre-selected for participation, a situation she said was unacceptable for a national trial.
“I remember in the time of Chief Solomon Ogba, everybody would compete,” she said.
She urged state governments and sports authorities to prioritise athletes’ welfare and organise more sports festivals and competitions to promote grassroots development and provide athletes with opportunities to improve their performance.
