By Eneh Awodi

The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, has pledged to resuscitate sports facilities in the agency to improve physical and mental wellbeing of staff.

Ali stated this on Wednesday in Abuja when the victorious NAN contingent to the 2024 China/ NUJ annual Table Tennis tournament presented medals/trophies won at the tourney to him.

NAN reports that the team won four trophies in different categories; mixed doubles (Gold and Bronze), men’s doubles (Silver), men’s singles (Silver)

An elated Ali, said that the victory underscores the dedication of the NAN staff and management’s unwavering support for sports.

“We are sports-friendly, and this management is committed to supporting the sports club.

“Sports binds us as a family and brings out the best in all of us. A team that exercises together wins together.

“The enormity of this success cannot be understated. You’ve done the agency proud and spurred the management into action,” Ali said.

The NAN boss consequently promised to fast track the rehabilitation of the agency’s sports facilities, such as the Volleyball and Basketball courts, and the procurement of a standard Table Tennis board.

“This management is committed to reviving the volleyball court. I wish we also have a functional basketball court, and I think we need to work on that.

“By the beginning of next year, we will ensure these facilities are upgraded, and collaborate with stakeholders to support our teams for greater achievement,” he said.

Ali assured the NAN Sports Club (NSC) of management’s continued support, while emphasising the importance of teamwork and bonding through sports.

Earlier, Tokunbo Adesanya, Sports Manager of the Club thanked the management for their unwavering support and efforts to revitalise sports in the agency.

He, however, stressed the need to expand and rehabilitate the agency’s sporting facilities, so as to maintain its competitive edge in sporting competitions.

He specifically appealed to management for the agency’s sports team to register and participate in competitions such as the annual Federation of Public Service Games ((FEPSGA).

High point of the event was the presentation of medals and trophies won at the Table Tennis tourney to the managing director. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh