From Esther Akaa, Lafia
The Nasarawa State government is to reintroduce inter-school sports competition, aimed at harnessing talents and skills of youths to enable them contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in the state, Mr Lucky Yargwa, stated this on Tuesday during the Inter-House Sports Competition of ECWA Comprehensive College in Lafia, the state capital.
Mr Yargwa, who underscored the importance of school games, said it motivates students who possess talent and skills in sports to perform better in academics and provide them with options to choose their career paths.
He said that the state government was working out modalities towards reviving sporting competitions in schools both at the local government and state levels, so that the younger generation can replace ageing sportsmen and women.
“We will continue our pursuit for grassroots talent hunt to replace ageing athletes and create world champions.”
“We don’t need to go too far to discover budding athletes who can compete for the state and country at local, regional and international levels. The talents here are smart, intelligent and naturally gifted, and can do anything once the opportunity presents itself.
“I must tell you we have here future Serena Williams, Lionel Messi, Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Chioma Ajunwa, Divine Oborodudu, mention them – if only we can properly harness these talents and give them the right environment to explore their hidden potentials.
“We will try our part, as a responsible government to see that some of these potentials are well-groomed for medal haul, especially ahead of the forthcoming National Youth Games to be hosted in Kano State later this year,” he said.
Mr Yargwa commended the management and staff of the school for instilling discipline and creativity among the students, while prioritising sports as part of their academic components, saying it would go a long way in creating the self-esteem of the students.
Earlier, the Proprietor of the school, Rev. Joshua Twan, appreciated the commissioner for his commitment towards the development of sports, especially in the area of sport infrastructure development in the state.
He assured that the school would continue to work in synergy with the ministry and other relevant institutions to usher in the needed change in the state and country at large.
The Voice reports that the sporting competition came to an end with Blue House emerging overall winner, with a total of 142 points, while Green House came 2nd with 128.5 points.