In a resolute move aimed at fostering the emergence of world-class athletes, the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Council of Rivers State has unveiled an ambitious grassroots sports development program.
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This initiative promises to cultivate a fertile ground for primary and secondary school students within the region to nurture their inherent talents and ascend to the grand stage of sports excellence.
Vincent Job, Chairman of the council, spoke fervently about the potential of sport as a potent force in calming the restless energies of youth, fostering unity, and countering social unrest.
Job underlined the council’s unwavering commitment to harnessing the power of sports, capitalizing on the invaluable opportunity it presents to foster talent development among the youth.
“Sport,” Job declared, “has proven to be a balm for societal ailments, acting as a unifying force and a beacon against divisiveness.
It kindles camaraderie among the youth, for in the realm of football, adversaries are transformed into allies. With this in mind, our strategy revolves around infiltrating primary and secondary schools in ONELGA to initiate these young minds into the world of sports.”
He was quick to acknowledge the role of the stadium erected in the area by former Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Felix Obuah.
This state-of-the-art facility has undeniably bolstered grassroots sporting activities within the community, resonating as a testament to the transformative power of investment in infrastructure.
The emergence of Go Round FC, an initiative spearheaded by Obuah, has further amplified the crescendo of footballing enthusiasm in the council.
“Through sports, we have unveiled the latent talents of our youth, thrusting them into the limelight.
Many young aspirants have found their trajectory towards prosperous careers in the sector,” Job enthusiastically stated, reflecting on the burgeoning success stories that bear testament to the potential of nurturing local talent.
However, Job’s aspirations stretch beyond just football. The council has also undertaken the training of football referees, nurturing skilled arbiters who ensure fairness and equity on the field of play.
Looking ahead, Job extended a fervent call to the state government, urging a collaborative partnership to amplify sporting activities within the council.
This alliance, he believed, could act as a catalyst propelling the dreams of burgeoning athletes towards fruition, while simultaneously elevating the sporting landscape of the region.
As the curtains rise on this enterprising grassroots initiative, all eyes are trained on the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Council, as it endeavors to shape a new generation of athletes who will not only compete on the global stage but also carry the torch of unity and camaraderie.
