Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said that sport, especially football, has the potential to create jobs considering the abundant talents in the sector, particularly at the grassroot.
The Minister stated this yesterday at the opening ceremony of the 5-star premier league, which held at Astroturf Pitch, Abuja.
Olawande, who joined football lovers at the opening game of the tournament that will see 16 teams compete for the title, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is determined to improve and develop youth in all sectors.
He emphasized that President Tinubu is committed to improving youth participation in sports, noting that the partnership with 5 Stars Football is in furtherance of that mission.
“This government acknowledges the abundant football talents amongst the youth, and that is why we must ensure the much-needed improvement in our local leagues in order for us to fully take advantage of this important sector. We look forward to exporting our youth talents in sports and other sectors so that we can create the much needed jobs and improve our foreign exchange earning,” Olawande said.
He commended the organizers of the tournament for their continued commitment to the growth of sport in the country and urged them to continue to expand to other parts of the country, especially the grassroots.
The Minister, thereafter, joined other dignitaries, including the first lady of Kwara State, Ambassador (Prof.) Olufolake Abdulrazaq, to undertake a tour of the pitch before joining the players for the kick-off of the match.