Calabar — Sports patron Orok Duke has called for the adoption of a political sponsorship model to address funding challenges in Cross River’s sports sector, urging elected officials and political office holders to “adopt” specific sports and provide financial backing NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
Speaking in Calabar on Monday during preparations for the Niger Delta Games, Duke said the current funding structure is insufficient to sustain over 30 sporting disciplines under the Cross River State Sports Commission.
He proposed that lawmakers, including members of the State House of Assembly and National Assembly, as well as political aspirants, should be assigned particular sports to support financially.
“Reach out to the Speaker, reach out to senators. Donate sports to them. They are not coming to train or play; they are coming to finance,” Duke said.
Sharing Responsibility
According to him, distributing sports among political leaders would create a structured sponsorship framework capable of funding tournaments, equipment purchases and athlete welfare.
He explained that if each political figure commits to supporting a discipline, funding gaps that often hinder participation in competitions could be significantly reduced.
“For instance, if there is a tournament in Delta and the sport needs ₦1 million, the sponsor can step in. Before you know it, we have people supporting different sports,” he said.
Duke argued that the approach would reduce overdependence on government subventions, which he described as limited due to competing obligations such as athlete accommodation and logistics during major competitions.
Funding Pressures
He noted that rising equipment costs and tournament expenses have placed additional strain on sports administrators, making alternative funding sources necessary.
While acknowledging the role of the state government, Duke said broader stakeholder involvement is essential for sustainable development.
“Government doesn’t have the capacity to do it alone. Anybody who wishes the state well in sports should step in,” he said.
Grassroots and Competitive Impact
Duke emphasized that consistent funding would improve grassroots development and enhance the state’s competitiveness at regional and national events, including the Niger Delta Games.
He added that the sponsorship model would also encourage private-public collaboration, ensuring athletes receive timely support for training, equipment and participation in competitions.
The sports patron maintained that the proposal is aimed at strengthening institutional support structures and ensuring long-term growth across all sporting disciplines in the state.
