From Esther Akaa, Lafia
The Nationwide League One (NNLO), has promised to partner Sports Writers Association (SWAN) to develop grassroots sports and harness talents among the youths across the country.
The Chairman of NNLO, Hon. Silas Agara made the promise during an interactive session with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nasarawa State chapter held on Monday in Lafia.
Agara, who is also the President, Karate Federation of Nigeria said it was his desire to give the youths of the country the opportunity to exhibit their talents which have not been properly harnessed using his long term experience in sporting activities that saw him at the national level ranging from Judo, Cycling,Karate and now football.
“Sports is an industry that has not been fully tapped but I believe that we can key in and the youths of this country will have a better place to exhibit their talents because these talents have life span and if not properly harnessed, it will fade out.
“Talents come with age and some of of our youths have wasted their talents in that age barrack.They have not been able to get the best out of it as individuals and us as a community have not been able to benefit from their talents. I believe that we can work as a team and get the youths back on track,” he said.
Agara, a former deputy governor of Nasarawa State said he had promoted sporting activities such as Judo, Cycling and Karate in his state as it has been evident in their performance of Athletes at both the national and International levels hence the need for sports journalists to support him to achieve his goal.
“We promoted sports such as Judo, Cycling, Karate in Nasarawa State and got the best Athletes to represent us at national festivals and International sporting activities and these Athletes have won several medals for the state,” he said.
On Football development in the country, the NNLO boss disclosed that the league had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) to sponsor the super U-19 for the Nation Wide League One that would take place in Imo State .
He explained that the league was also organising clinics and seminars for officials to ensure that the right resources are put in place to enhance quality performance of the participants at the sporting activity.
The former deputy governor commended the State chapter of SWAN for identifying with him, acknowledging the support of members of the association to the development of sports in the country.
He, therefore appealed for enhanced partnership with the association to redefine an reposition sports in the state and country at large.
In his remarks, the immediate past Vice President of SWAN , North Central Zone, Dan-Musa Mohammed lauded NNLO Chairman for his commitment towards sporting development of grassroot sports in state and country at large.
He therefore assured of the association’s commitment to support him to succeed in his new position.
“We have the energy to drive sporting activities and contribute to it development in the state. We will be looking at you as the next pillar of sports in Nigeria due to your contributions to sports development in the country,” he said.
Others who spoke including, Isaac Ukpoju, Shehu Ibrahim, Eche Amos and Esther Akaa among others appealed to Hon. Agara to carry the association along in all his activities.
