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Rasaq Oboirien
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a turnaround in Nigerian sports in 2025 and beyond.
Adeyinka Adeyinka Zulu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, made this statement during the final match of the inaugural FCT Area Council Cup held on Sunday at the Apo Football Pitch in Abuja.
Zulu expressed that all necessary plans are being put in place to engage youths positively and productively, from elementary school through higher education, in sports as a means of developing their careers for long-term benefits.
He also assured that the 10-Year Sports Master Plan will be implemented under the National Sports Commission, led by Mallam Shehu Dikko as Chairman and Bukola Olopade as Director General.
“My main goal for 2025 is to correctly implement grassroots programs that will educate and encourage youths on the importance of participating in sports within their local governments and states,” Zulu stated.
“It is crucial that we enable our talented young individuals to build their futures for themselves, their states, and the country. We intend to engage youths from primary schools through tertiary institutions to ensure their active participation in sports.
“I assure you that the 10-Year Master Plan for Sports will be realized. We have a respected and reliable chairman of the National Sports Commission as well as a Director General with 30 years of experience in sports. Working together, we aim to significantly improve grassroots sports, elevating it to elite levels across the country.
“What we see today is the younger generation coming out in large numbers to support the President. This demonstrates that the President is committed to grassroots development. It also shows that Bitrus is a man of the people and reflects the love he has for Abuja. Soon, we will witness our youths representing the country in international competitions,” the Senior Special Assistant added.
Bitrus Lawrence Garki, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Area Council Services Secretariat and organizer of the competition emphasized that the event aimed to provide a platform for youths in the FCT to showcase their talents. He noted that it was a celebratory tournament to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for achieving local government autonomy and for prioritizing grassroots development.
After the tournament, which featured 12 competing teams, Emirates FC emerged as champions, defeating Strikers FC 3-2 in a penalty shootout. Emirates FC received N1 million as their prize, while Strikers FC was awarded N500,000 for their efforts.
