Governments at all level have been encouraged to empower the youths through sports to enable them the play prominent role in national development.
The first Professor of sports in Africa and Vice Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, ABUAD, Ado-Ekiti, Michael Ajisafe, made the call in Ibadan while delivering the July edition of SWAN Seat, a personality lecture program organized by Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Oyo state Chapter.
Professor Ajisafe explained that without youth empowerment, the government will not be powerful and effective, hence the need to invest in sports to capture the youths especially the street children for national development.
He argued that sports was a tool for national development as it had over the years created platforms for youth engagement, training and economic growth.
While noting that investment would expose the youths to sports as a game, academic discipline, professional career as well as business entity, enjoined the youths to venture into sports for self-reliance.
In a remark, SWAN Vice President, Southwest, Mr. Boye Ajayi who identified sports as the shortest way to fame, wealth and power urged the youths to develop interest in sports to register their names in the society’s hall of fame.
Similarly, NUJ Vice President, B Zone, Mr. Cosmas Oni, called on the government to upgrade all sporting facilities in the country to strengthen sports in Nigeria.
Earlier in an address of welcome, Oyo SWAN Chairman, Olaolu Fawole, said the program was propelled by the drive of his administration to promote sports development.
Fawole implored Governments and other stakeholders to concentrate on measures to harness talents and potentials through sports.
Adedayo Adelowo
