By Bridget Ikyado
Makurdi – Mr Terver Mnger, Director Schools Sports, Teaching Service Board (TSB), Benue, says the board will develop a comprehensive youth identification and enlistment programmes to enhance sports development in schools.
Mnger made the assertion an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Makurdi.
He expressed regret that most schools in Benue lacked the facilities and personnel to introduce the youth to sports, saying: “Such facilities are scarce and not found in schools and the sport councils’’.
According to him, the development of sports cannot be complete without an understanding of the role of youths in the total process.
Mnger said that teachers in the physical health education field should be engaged and trained.
The sports director also said that the board would need to establish more sport centres at local government schools and encourage youths to use such theme effectively.
Mnger said that there were talented youths in Benue schools and all they required was for them to be nurtured with sport programmes.
He said the programme would meaningfully engage them either as athletes or players in the case of football which was the most popular sport in the country.
“In this state, we are blessed with talented youths in the field of sports, however, these youths require a comprehensive sport development plan that would enable them to develop their God-given potential.
“The development of youth-oriented programmes in sport is fundamental towards promoting a sports culture among young people in Nigeria.
According to him the plan will further decrease the crime rate among idle youths.
“We must not lose sight of the potential in sport as a vehicle for addressing unemployment among Benue youths.
“Sports, when properly organised and managed, can serve as an economic catalyst for any state,’’ he said.
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