There is no doubt that sports is a major unifying factor amongst Nigerians.
However, despite the massive talents in the country and the palpable love of the people for sports; it is quite unfortunate that the industry is still very much under-developed.
This is the reason Nigeria only records success in international competitions once in a while; rather than replicating it on a constant basis.
Sports development around the world is hinged on a number of factors which include: Sports management and administration; Facilities and equipment; Sports personnel; Funding/Sponsorship; Institutional sport development; Sports competitions and festivals.
It is against this backdrop that the founder of YAFA Football Academy, Mr. Olayinka Adegbemiro said to experience the desired growth in the Nigerian sports industry, there has to be an encompassing National Sports Policy which directly addresses the improvement of the above listed factors.
Olagbemiro stated this while briefing newsmen during the Academy tenth year anniversary in Abuja.
He explained that majority of the different Nigerian sports federations have no sports policy at federation, state and local government level.
Olagbemiro who is also the General manager of TIKI- TAKA urged the Federal government to partner sport administrator to curb social vices among the youngs by engaging them in sporting activities.
The founder of the YAFA football Academy who emphasized that government should invest in the youths to enable showcase their potential stressed that the grassroots sports is where the talent can be discovered and nurtured to stardom.
He explained that Countries desirous of excelling in sports pay serious attention to the development of their youths noting that way, they are assured of excellent performers in given time frames.
“I believe in grassroots sporting events for the development of our sports that’s where we can create opportunities for our sports people to thrive.”
He therefore appealed to government that fund for youths development is properly appropriated to take Nigerian sports to higher ground and assist sports men and women to reach their potential and as well as curb the negative energy of the youths in the right direction.
Some of the parents who were on ground to support the kids expressed profound gratitude to the coaches for a work well done and urged parents to channel the energy of their wards towards sports activities to unify the youths.
About three Nigerian youth who graduated from the Academy are now playing with various international clubs while the academy also assist intelligent players with international scholarship mixed with education.
Highlights of the event was the cutting of the tenth year anniversary cake by the YAFA Daddies and Mummies.
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