The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) in Lagos Monday called for the intensification preparations of the Nigerian contingent toward the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Olabanji Oladapo, Secretary General of the NOC, said there is need more than ever before for the country to step up its preparation process for the Games

He said closed camping and arrangements for training tours should commence without further delays.

Oladapo said now that the country's budget that held up the release of funds has finally been resolved between the President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and National Assembly, preparations of the Nigerian contingent toward the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games should be intensified.

"We of the NOC are deeply concerned and ready to work toward meeting the aspiration of our President, who recently pledged that Nigeria will not only participate at the Games but will seek to win eight gold medals at the Beijing Games.

"The President's pronouncement is a directive to which both the NOC and the National Sports Commission (NSC) will have to work in concert to achieve," according to the email sent by its spokesman reaching here on Tuesday.

The NOC scribe called on the National Sports Federations involved in the Games to work hard toward ensuring success.

(Xinhua News Agency May 7, 2008)