An Ibadan chief, Adegboyega Adegoke, has called on the federal government and states to develop grassroots sports as a way to curb various social vices among the youths in the country.
Adegoke, who is the Mogaji of Abose compound in Olubadan traditional lineage, made the call in Ibadan while speaking as chairman of the NNL Match Day 3 between Shooting Stars Sports Club, 3SC, and Osun United Football Club, which ended 3-0 in favour of the home team.
While urging states and federal government to invest more in local football and grassroots competitions, he noted that by doing that it would help to reduce unemployment and reduce social vices among the youths.
The Executive Director, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of OES Energy Services, who assured of identifying with the 3SC at all times, donated $3,000 to the club.
He tasked all the stakeholders that love the club to join hands together to return its past glory by ensuring that it gained promotion back to the Premier league.
He said, “There are many social vices in Nigeria which we can prevent if the government invests in grassroots sports. The government should develop our own local football clubs, by this many youths will be engaged and then they will be shunning social vices. When youths are fully engaged, they will have no time to commit crimes.
“I am happy that our team, 3SC, the pride of Ibadan, pride of Oyo State, pride of South West geo-political zone secured victory against another South West team from our baby state; at least it is clear to everybody that Osun State was created from old Oyo State, so Osun is our baby.
“3SC as I said earlier is a pride to everyone of us here, in the past 3SC had even made the country proud by winning many laurels for the state and the country as a whole.
“We all need to join hands together to return the past glory back to 3SC by ensuring that it returns to Premier league. In my own little way I give this 3,000 dollars to 3SC and I will continue to contribute my qouta for the upliftment of the team.
“3SC is not about any political party but about the glory and pride of the state, and we all know sports, especially football, is a uniting factor irrespective of tribe or party affiliation. Football always brings everyone together.”
