Minister donates trophy to AYSOF

Onolememen presented the trophy during a courtesy visit on him in Abuja by a delegation of the African Youth Sports Federation (AYSOF) led by its President-General, Ahmed Lawal. The minister said he made the donation because the youths needed to be encouraged to ensure human development in the country, adding that the ministry would support […]

Onolememen presented the trophy during a courtesy visit on him in Abuja by a delegation of the African Youth Sports Federation (AYSOF) led by its President-General, Ahmed Lawal.

The minister said he made the donation because the youths needed to be encouraged to ensure human development in the country, adding that the ministry would support such development.

“This is in line with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan,’’ he said.

Onolememen said sports is “an instrument of national cohesion and national integration, and it has a dominant role in the creation of unity and economic growth’.

“We need to bring out the hidden talents of the youths to promote national cohesion, unity, the eradication of pervasive youth restiveness and the reduction of involvement of the youths in social crises.

“These crises have continued to undermine Nigeria’s desire to sustain a peaceful atmosphere for Foreign Direct Investment and economic growth.’’

In his remarks, Lawal commended the minister for his contributions to the development of youths in the country, adding that lack of sponsorship was a major challenge to sports in the country.

He also pledged AYSOF’s support to the growth and development of the country’s youths through sporting activities.