The Edo State Government has disclosed plans to host local tournaments for 15 sporting competitions in line with the government’s sports development drive.
The Edo State Acting Governor, Rt. Hon. Comr. Philip Shaibu, who disclosed this to journalists in Benin City, said the government plans to harness the full sporting potential of its youthful population and create jobs through sports.
He said with the Edo league tournaments for the 15 sports, over 50,000 job opportunities will be created, ensuring that youths in the state are positively engaged and stay away from crime and other criminal activities.
Shaibu noted that “the easiest way to deal with youths’ restiveness and unemployment is to engage the youths in sporting activities.”
The acting governor said the Edo league for the 15 games will begin from January 2023, calling for the support of all stakeholders, including private organisations to ensure the realisation of the project.
Reassuring support for private organisations and other businesses, Shaibu noted, “Our cardinal focus is to make sure that the private sector drives the economy of the state. We are repositioning the government to create an environment for businesses to thrive.”
He added, “We are commencing a flagship programme for the 15 sports in January 2023. This will enable us to give our youths a new lease of life and positively engage them so that they would not be available for anti-social activities.”
