Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu yesterday proffered solutions to the dwindling fortune of the country’s sports sector.
Speaking during the kick-off of the 2018 edition of the Ikeoha Youth Sports Championship at the Awgu Township Stadium, Enugu State, Ekweremadu urged government at all levels and well-meaning Nigerians to support grassroots sports development to revive the nation’s dwindling sports fortunes.
“Nigeria’s sporting might has declined significantly because the nation has neglected grassroots sports over the years. Therefore, all hands must be on deck to reverse the trend and bring back the glorious days. It is also my hope that participants in this Championship will play for club sides in and outside the country and also represent Nigeria in the near future,” he stressed.
He said the Ikeoha Youth Sports Championship was intended to imbibe in the youth the spirit of sportsmanship, healthy competition, friendship, and to provide opportunities for the youth to flourish in sports. He urged them to eschew the desire to win by all means.
The Championship, which comes to a close with the final at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu on Sunday, February 18, 2018, opened with a goalless draw by Aninri and Awgu LGAs football teams.