One effective way to tackle unemployment, rural-urban drift, and youth involvement in crime is to encourage participation in sports, according to a medical practitioner and veteran squash player, Dr. Tosin Akinkoye.
Speaking after the finals of the 3rd edition of the Minna Monthly Squash League at the Minna Sports Club over the weekend, Dr. Tosin urged parents and guardians in Niger State to take advantage of the long holiday by registering their wards in sports programmes.
He said such initiatives would keep young people gainfully engaged and away from negative influences.
“Sports unite people across tribes, religions, and political lines, while also improving health and reducing certain medical conditions to the barest minimum,” he noted, adding that more sponsorships are needed to help use sports as a tool against drug abuse and other vices.
Vice President of the African Squash Federation for West and Central Africa, Alhaji Adamu Erena, commended the sponsors for “making the needed sacrifice to safeguard the lives of future leaders.”
He expressed optimism that Niger State players will soon regain their place in the national squash rankings.
Chairperson of the Niger State Squash Association (NSSA), Mrs. Taiwo Akinkoye, encouraged players who did not win prizes to prepare harder for next month’s championship.
In the male category, Gideon Ibrahim retained his top position after defeating Sampson Alabi, while Hephzibah and Mercy Afokhai shared third place. In the female category, Kayasa Gloria beat Esther Paul to clinch the first position.
