The central senatorial district of Kogi state can be described as one of the volatile spots in this country, despite being blessed with a growing and agile youth population we haven’t been able to effectively use the agility and vibrancy of our youth to their best advantage and of the society. Idleness as a result of unemployment has even further worsen the situation, as the youth of Ebiraland are left to roam and wander the streets even after a good number of them have finished school and graduated with good grades and degrees.
Government and political representatives of Ebiraland in the past have implemented several unsuccessful policies and programs which dwells majorly on initiating social packages and monetary handouts to the youth who as a result of their economic predicaments have become ready tools in the hands of desperate politicians who use them as thugs and other negativities.
Although the history of youth restiveness in ebiraland can be said to be as old as existence of anebira, traditional and political leaders havent been able to devise programs or deliberate policies in permanently putting an end to an unfortunate monster which often makes the youth readily disposed to crime and violence at the slightest provocation.
Since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999, successive senators and other political representatives have continued in the old ways of dolling out cash incentives and packages to the youth instead of putting measures in place with the aim of getting a larger population of them off the streets. The role of sports in adequately engaging the youth and strengthening bonds of unity, harmony and brotherliness cannot be over emphasized. countries like Brasil, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Hunduras and Jamaica have been able to effectively take advantage of sports in engaging their teaming youth population and take their minds off criminality. considering the fact that as a senator of the federal republic their isnt much money at your disposal to continue to doll out social packages which can never go round, it is important to turn to sports in massively engaging our youths at this time.
Fortunately, the sports facilities available at Abdul Aziz Atta Memorial College Okene and Okene stadium complex are all situated within the central senatorial district. If adequately rehabilitated and put to good use these facilities has the capacity to host and serve the entire state, let alone only five local governments that makes up kogi central district. we have several Usain Bolt, Ronaldo, Messi and other great sports men and women in Ebiraland who are just roaming the streets, it would do them a lot of good if given the right avenue and atmosphere to discover and improve their talents. Sports is the only industry that has the capacity to create the kind of massive employment that is needed to adequately engage our youth, curb restiveness and stamp out other social ills from Ebiraland.
As a distinguished senator and a political leader in Ebiraland we implore you to use your good office and influence to work in synergy with other elected representatives of Ebira origin at the federal house of representatives and state house of assembly in doing something urgent in this regard.
– Hussain Obaro
oseniobaro@yahoo.com
