From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Middle Belt Youth Development Organisation (MYDEVO) has launched a bold initiative to tackle growing insecurity, youth restiveness, and underdevelopment in the region through sports.
The organisation will stage a football competition, tagged “Tinubu Youth for Greater Nigeria Maiden Edition of Soccer Competition and Empowerment Programme,” to promote unity, social cohesion, and development in the region.
In an interview on Tuesday, Hon Jerry Peleng, Secretary-General of MYDEVO, explained, “The football competition is a deliberate move to mitigate the level of insecurity, encourage the spirit of togetherness, and provide ample opportunity for the region to speak with one voice.”
Peleng noted that the competition, scheduled for October 2024, will feature participants from 15 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He called on Nigerians to support the initiative, saying, “We believe that sports can be a powerful tool for unity and development, and we are committed to using it to make a positive impact in the Middle Belt region.”
MYDEVO has executive members representing 196 Local Government Areas and 2,242 electoral wards across the country. The organisation aims to extend its reach to 15 states, bringing together Nigerians irrespective of religious, political, and ethnic backgrounds.
By leveraging sports, MYDEVO hopes to rescue states within the region from the shackles of insecurity, poverty, and underdevelopment, while strengthening the bond of unity and promoting development.
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