Youths
By Igbaugba Ehigimetor
Benin, May 12, 2018 (NAN) Edo Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, on Saturday in Benin said the state government was ready to use sports as a veritable tool to get the youths productively engaged.
Shaibu, while speaking with newsmen, said the state government would invest in the development of sports to curb the issue of illegal migration.
“Aside the current renovation and upgrading of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin to an international standard, government has concluded plans to also build a mini-stadium in each of the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
“We have a renewed commitment to invest massively in sports development because of its numerous benefits to the government and people of the state.
“The state has the challenge of illegal migration. We have therefore resolved to use sports not only to check this, but put a final stop to it.
“We will be using sports to productively engage the youths and, as such, keep them off things that will pose danger to their lives and the society.
“This is where the plan of building a mini-stadium across the council areas comes in. With sports facilities close to them, they will be kept busy at all times,” he pointed out.
The deputy governor also said the recent rebranding of Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin, was part of government’s renewed commitment to sports development in the state.(NAN)
ESI/KOLE/OLAL
==============
(Edited by Remi Koleoso and Olawale Alabi)