Sports Key to tackling youth restiveness, says NSC Chairman

By Tosin Omojola

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has emphasized that sports is a powerful tool in curbing youth restiveness and violence.

During a meeting with the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, Prince Ezelekhae Ewuare, on Thursday, Dikko stressed the importance of channeling the energy of young people into positive activities like sports.

“Sports is not just about participation and medals; it is a vital tool to address youth restiveness. Issues like cultism and violence can be reduced when youths are provided with outlets to channel their energy,” Dikko said, referencing past success when night games in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) led to a decrease in crime rates.

To foster grassroots sports development, Dikko outlined plans to revive school sports at all levels, from primary schools to universities.

“We intend to establish centers of excellence at each education level. Talented young athletes will be identified early and guided through specific schools, with the necessary facilities and well-trained coaches provided to support their development,” he added.

Prince Ewuare, who has established eight gyms across Edo State to promote fitness and grassroots sports, praised Dikko for his commitment to youth development.

He also highlighted the role of sports in combating cultism in Edo and beyond, requesting the NSC’s support to bring his vision for grassroots sports to fruition.

Dikko assured Prince Ewuare of the NSC’s full backing. “The involvement of royalty in sports is key to ensuring that the Commission’s mission reaches the grassroots. We will establish a small team to assist you, with experts offering guidance in the short, medium, and long term,” he said.

The meeting concluded with the presentation of a Benin bronze head to Dikko as a gesture of goodwill.