Council official urges FCTA to invest in sports to reduce unemployment

The Sports Technical Adviser in Bwari Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Emmanuel Obiagba, has urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to invest more in sports development to reduce unemployment.

Obiagba gave the advice at the weekend in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the margins of the just-concluded Chairman’s Cup Football competition within the area.

He said that the need for investment in sports had become imperative because of its propensity to create employment for youths and divert their attention from indulging in social vices.

He said although vocational training centres were located in the community to engage young people, not much had been done on sports to encourage the youth engagement in more positive activities.

“Sport is an engine that can be used to transform young people and expose them to a world of business and numerous opportunities to be self-employed.

“It is important to invest in sports because it will help to preoccupy their minds towards achieving a positive goal, both within and outside of the community.

“This will reduce crimes; when you look at the financial benefits sports can be used to expose the youths to economic opportunities that will bring about self-reliance.

“This will also reduce unemployment often faced by youths that are churned out of universities every year and provide them with platforms to be self-employed, while waiting for white-collar jobs.’’

He identified lack of awareness about rules and regulations governing sports to be major factor that that limits sporting activity.

Obiagba, however, advised the administration to sensitise people on the benefits of engagement in sports to encourage youth participation.

The chairman’s football competition began on July 15 and ended on Oct. 18 with Peyi Lion’s club taking the first position by beating Veritas University 3-1 in penalties.