The Kogi State Government says it has conceived sports as a core ingredients of its Transformation Agenda in view of its numerous role in nation building.
Capt Idris Wada, Kogi State Governor stated this at a two day sensitization workshop on grassroots sports development organized by the Federal House of Representatives Committee on Sports for North Central Zone of Nigeria held in Lokoja.
The State Governor who was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, described sports as a global instrument for racial cohesion, unity, peace, has the ability to check youths restiveness and grow the youths into stardom.
The Governor said the vital role sports play globally calls for its grassroots development.
The Governor noted that sports at the grassroots level when developed will encourage sporting activities and improve performance of athletes.
Capt Wada described the workshop as timely and strategic, commended the foresight of the House Committee for the choice of the State as venue for the workshop.
The Governor disclosed that sports development will be given priority by his administration, said the 25,000 capacity Olympic size stadium in the state due for commissioning, ranks amongst the best in the country.
In his remarks, the House of Representative Committee Chairman on Sports, Godfrey Gaya, said the workshop was geared towards discovering talents at the grassroots as basis for age competition.
He described sports as an important sector, with potentials to cater for unemployment,serve as a business and guarantees unity of the nation.
He said sports goes beyond recreation,but should serve as a tool for development.
Earlier in his speech, the Kogi State Commissioner for Youths and Sport, Anthony Puke represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry,Vincent Abu, described grassroots Sports development as the core and most fundamental programmes to the success of sporting activities in the country.
The Commissioner commended the commitment of Capt Idris Wada to the growth and development of sports in the state.
