Dogara
Speaker
of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has urged
Nigerian youths to focus on developing their talents in sports as
participation on professional levels has proven to be an effective
route to exiting poverty.
Speaking
at the finals of the intra-state Dogara Unity Football Competition in
Bauchi, Bauchi State, the speaker said though education remains the
bedrock of development, participating in professional sports
have over the years, played a big role in empowering youths,
especially financially.
He
explained that it was because of this fact that he took the
initiative to sponsor the football competition which was keenly
contested by football teams from all the local government areas in
the state and beyond.
Recall
that in December 2017, the speaker had vowed to sponsor a state-wide
football competition in order to harness the talents of Bauchi youths
and put them in form for onward selection into local and national
teams.
He
promised that the 2nd edition of the competition will be better
organised and requested the support of Bauchi people to elect a
government that will support his initiative.
The
speaker said, "This event is not just for playing and feeling
good about it. You will notice that football has become one
profession that can lift youths out of poverty. One good footballer
may do better in uplifting a community out of poverty. I am not
saying that education is not important. It is important but as you
train yourselves in education, also concentrate on sport activities."
Expressing
delight that about six of the participants have already been
contracted by clubs outside the state, he hoped that it will lead
eventually to the inclusion of a Bauchi State indigene in the
national team.
The
competition was won by Dogara Boys Football Club who carted away one
million naira prize money; Super Starlets of Azare second place with
a cash prize of seven hundred and fifty thousand naira; while Misau
FC went home with a cash prize of five hundred thousand Naira.
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