National Assembly, Abuja – The House of Representatives Committee on Sports has pledged to create employment opportunities for Nigeria’s youth by harnessing the power of grassroots sports development.
During the Committee’s maiden meeting at the National Assembly on Thursday, 10th October 2024, Chairman Honourable Kabiru Amadu laid out an ambitious plan aimed at using sports as a tool to curb unemployment and reduce crime rates across the country.
Amadu, representing Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency, highlighted the vital role sports can play in providing economic opportunities, especially for young Nigerians.
He said, “Sports is a veritable instrument for reducing crime and unemployment if optimally pursued, and the Committee’s focus would be on grassroots sports development, where the potential for growth is untapped.”
He emphasized that fostering youth participation in sports at the grassroots level could serve as a pipeline for talent development and employment creation.
“By developing sports at the grassroots, we can engage our youth, give them a sense of purpose, and provide avenues for them to make a livelihood, whether as athletes, coaches, or sports administrators,” Amadu explained.
The Committee’s vision includes a sustainable development plan that supports youth sports programs in schools, communities, and local clubs, providing young people with access to training facilities, coaching, and competitions.
Amadu stressed that the right infrastructure and funding must be put in place to support these initiatives, adding that, “There is an urgent need for adequate budgetary allocation to rehabilitate our decaying sports infrastructure, which is essential for nurturing talent and creating job opportunities.”
According to Amadu, the sports sector, when properly managed, can serve as a significant source of foreign exchange for Nigeria, as seen in other countries.
He highlighted further, “Sports has the capacity to generate income and contribute to the economy, particularly through international participation and sponsorship deals, so I urge government to make sports development a priority.”
Amadu also underscored the importance of building a strategic partnership with the private sector to fund youth sports programs and provide resources for grassroots sports initiatives.
The Chairman also expressed optimism that “We will engage stakeholders, both in the private and public sectors, to ensure we create an ecosystem that supports youth development through sports.”
The Chairman concluded his remarks with a commitment to ensuring Nigeria’s sports federations operate effectively, creating a viable system where young athletes can flourish.
He expressed hope for better performance in international competitions, which would, in turn, increase opportunities for Nigerian youth to showcase their talents on the global stage.
Hon. Amadu said, “We believe the success of our Super Eagles and other national teams will inspire millions of young Nigerians and open up more doors for employment in the sports industry, as he wished the Super Eagles success in their upcoming matches against Libya on 11th and 13th October 2024.
