Ikpeba Tasks FG on Grassroots Sports Development

  Ikpeba Tasks FG on Grassroots Sports Development   By Victor Okoye   Ex-international Victor Ikpeba has urged the Federal Government (FG) to strengthen grassroots sports development and infrastructure in order to produce more football stars in the country. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ikpeba gave the advice on Wednesday in Abuja on the sidelines of a grassroots talent hunt programme known as "Next Naija Football Super Star". The grassroots programme is a reality TV show aimed at creating a viable platform for raw untapped talent in Nigeria and beyond. Ikpeba tasked the federal government to give sport development at the grassroots the desired attention in order to enhance national development. "For a truly genuine nation-building and national integration, sport development and promotion at the grassroots must be given serious attention. "The Nigerian population is dominated by the youths who are sport lovers, hence the need to capture and shape their patriotic zeal through sport," he said. He added that sport is the only instrument through which nationalism and patriotism could be preached and imbibed. “Sport has been identified as a platform through which crime could be curbed as the youths would be gainfully engaged in that venture. "I don't want to sound too 'political' but I know that there are challenges but I am positive we can overcome these challenges by giving the youths a sense of belonging through sports. "So, I implore the federal government to come up with implementable policies that will enhance sports development in our dear country. "When this is accomplished, the nation would witness rapid socio-economic growth,” he said. The former African footballer of the year also praised the organisers of the grassroots programme, adding that it was worthy of note that even with all the current challenges in the country, people still find time to come out and inspire the youths. "I am indeed so delighted to be part of this great project and had to risk my life to be here in Abuja. "It's shocking what is happening around the country and we pray and hope that the government can quickly fix these problems. "That's why this is also an avenue to inspire our youths and I give kudos to the organisers for putting this together," he said. (NAN)