A-Pillar of Sports in Nigeria, Donatus Aguejidike, has called on the Federal and State Governments to explore sports as a veritable tool for combating insecurity and youth restiveness.
Aguejidike made the call at the grand finale of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) U-17 Football Cup final which was held at NEROS Stadium, Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra.
He said the youth must be willingly engaged through sports activities, to take them away from the lure of crime and vices.
According to Aguejidike, everybody must wake up and explore sports as a veritable tool to curb vices in our society.
“Nigeria today is no longer safe, this is because our youths are not gainfully engaged and employed, whereas sport is a platform to accommodate these teeming youths,” he said.
Aguejidike commended organizers and Igwe Godwin Ezeilo, the traditional ruler of the Nanka community in whose name the competition was held, for addressing the demands of the sport of the youth at the grassroots.
Also speaking, Rev. Fr Obinna Dike, Director of Sports, Catholic Diocese of Awka, called on the Anambra government to develop a clear policy on sports to provide leadership for the private sector, which drives sports activities in the state.
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Dike, who is the Chairman of, Anambra Independent Football League, said he was impressed with the quality of the games, adding that the players would go places, if well nurtured.
Victor Aniekwena, Vice Chairman Anambra State Football Association, said that the body would continue to provide technical and administrative support for football in the state.
In the final matches, Hark Dove FC of Awka beat Jefab FA of Nanka 3-1 to emerge, third-place winner, while Agate GSDA beat GP World FA of Nnewi 4-2 on penalties after playing 1-1 draw to lift the cup.
Akonam Obiefuna, Chairman of YSFON, commended the teams for giving a good account of themselves throughout the competition and promised that the body would continue to provide a platform for sports development in Anambra.
