Makurdi – Emmanuel Uja, Media Officer of Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi has called for government-private sector partnership for the development of sports in the country.
Uja, the immediate past Chairman, Benue Chapter, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Makurdi.
Uja, who spoke on SWAN’s 53rd anniversary commemoration, urged states and local governments to create employment through sports to curb youth’s restiveness.
According to him, sports remain a veritable tool in promoting healthy living standards, image branding, public relations and reputation management.
He also urged the government to resuscitate sports facilities to enhance the states’ Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The Lobi Star media officer noted that most sports facilities at the federal and state levels were dilapidated and needed upgrade.
“The Handball, Volleyball, Basketball and Tennis courts at both levels are all in bad shape; these are money spinning games,’’ he said.
Uja suggested that grassroots programmes were important to the discovery of young talents to replace the ageing athletes.
“It is important to hold competitions on yearly basis,’’ he said, while calling on corporate organisations to sponsor sports events.
“The government on its part should encourage youths with scholarships to motivate them show interest in sports,’’ Uja said.