Stakeholders react ‘unknown’ Dalong’s appointment as sports minister

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Nigerian sports officials searched yesterday for the antecedents of newly appointed sports minister, Solomon Dalong in the industry, but the man who will oversee the country’s sports has scanty involvement in the business.

President Muhammadu Buhari toed the line of previous leaders, who despite calls by members of the sports family to have a round peg in a round hole, were ignored and a complete outsider was appointed as sports minster. Babatunde Raji Fashola and Heinenken Lokpobiri were two names that were bandied, but at the end they were assigned different portfolios.

Dalong was born on September 26,1964 in the town of Sabon Gida. He had his primary school education at LEA Primary School Sabon Gida from 1971 to 1977. He attended Government College Keffi, currently in Nassarawa State, and then joined the Prison Service.

At the same time, he studied law at the University of Jos and was called to the bar in 2001. He retired from the Nigerian Prison Service as an Assistant Inspector of Prisons in 2004. Armed with a master degree in law, he lectured for a while at the University of Jos, before joining politics and was chairman of the Langtang South Local Government of Plateau State. He returned to teaching and politicking after his tenure expired in 2008. Dalong is married with seven children.

His lack of sporting background notwithstanding, some sports persons who offered their comments on his appointment backed him to perform and make Nigerian sports better off.

“Dalong may not have a sports back ground, but he is very equipped for the job. I have seen his record of service and I am confident that he can function well. He is not the type that will tolerate all that shenanigans they are used to in the sports ministry,”said Ahmed Shuaibu Garra Gombe.

He submitted that the new minister must not shy away from studying the misdeeds of the past if he wants to make a headway.

Also speaking, was Athletics Federation of Nigeria medical director, Professor Ken Anugueje.

“His not having a sports background is immaterial. There are technocrats all around to guide him.

“What we need is a prudent person who will not be swayed by sentiments either ethnic or region. He should avoid being held hostage by a group or groups inside the ministry, because it has happened several times before.”

Source: Vanguard