The Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Opeyemi Bamidele has called for more investment in sports for the country to achieve desired results.
Bamidele said that investment in the sports sector would lead to good performance of Nigeria in sporting competitions and help tackle insecurity and joblessness.
The former Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Lagos State stated this at the final of the M.O.B Ekiti Central Unity Cup held at Oluyemi Kayode stadium, Ado-Ekiti.
In the male category, Irepodun-Ifelodun FC emerged winner to be awarded the cash prize of N1m while Ado-Ekiti F.C emerged first runner-up to receive N750,000 while Are FC emerged 2nd runner-up and awarded N500,000.
In the female category, the MOB Queens emerged as the winner with a cash gift of N1m while Tripple W FC emerged as first runner up with N750,000 and Golden Queen FC emerged as 2nd runner up and awarded N500,000.
Bamidele said governments must invest more in sports to take the country to its rightful place in sports, adding that when the youths are productively engaged they become more resourceful, creative, and socially responsible.
He explained that sponsoring sporting activities was one of the ways through which he planned to gainfully engage the youth, especially those with sports potential.
“For instance, some of the products of our previous football competitions have become local and international football stars today. These include Babatunde Bello ( now in Egypt), Alimi Sunday (now in Turkey), Sikemi Adisa (Ekiti United), Wale Makanjuola (Ekiti United), and Seyi Akinyemi (Ekiti United).
“I am persuaded that many female and male football stars will emerge from this competition also and I will not hesitate to continue to encourage and sponsor them until they become great sources of pride to us in Ekiti state”, he added.