NAN-S-5
Stadium
Omu-Aran (Kwara), March 28, 2017 (NAN) The Sports Director, Mr Yemi Aransiola, Oyeyemi Sports Academy, Omu-Aran, has called on the Kwara Government to actualise its promise of establishing township stadium in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government area as part of its promises to the people.
Aransiola made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Omu-Aran.
He said a township stadium in the community would assist in discovering more budding talents and boost government’s efforts to resuscitate sporting activities at the grassroots.
NAN reports that the state government had approved the construction of a township stadium each in three towns in Kwara: Ilorin, Kaiama, and Omu-Aran.
The stadia, according to government, are expected to serve communities in Central, North and South Senatorial districts of the state
Aransiola, a former councilor representing Ihahe ward of Irepodun Local Government in Omu-Aran, also called for adequate fund allocation to develop sports at the grassroots.
According to him, such an intervention will go a long way to encourage and attract youths to embrace sports, thereby reducing their involvement in crime and other anti-social vices.
He disclosed that his academy had continued to partner with stakeholders in the sector to facilitate and promote the desired synergy between sports and the academic community, especially among youths.
“Quite a number of our athletes in age-grade competition, including football, athletics are now doing well in their respective cadres.
“Some even had the opportunity to represent the state and country in both national and international sporting events.
“So establishing such stadium in the town will serve as a kind of morale booster.
“This will also reduce the difficulties being encountered in having to travel to Ilorin, a distance of about 75 kilometres to train for events,” Aransiola said.
He also said that such stadium would promote the Federal Government’s `Rhythm `N’ Play’ initiative aimed at discovering budding sports talents at the grassroots.
“The Federal Government’s `Rhythm `N’ Play’ initiative is a well-thought out plan which requires relevant and adequate facilities to achieve the desired result,’’ Aransiola said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the `Rhythm `N’ Play’ initiative was launched by former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in June 2013 in Abuja.
The initiative is geared toward enhancing mass participation of youths in sports, especially age-grade competitions through a marriage of culture and sport.
Aransiola appealed to parents to always encourage their wards to actively participate in sporting activities to give them a better and brighter future.
He commended the Omu-Aran Council of Chiefs and Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA) for ensuring enabling and peaceful environment for education, sport and human capital development to thrive among the people.
ISHO/COF/DUA
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Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Dada Ahmed