7th September, 2010
West African youths must fully utilise the gains of sports to prepare themselves for future leadership roles in the sub-region, President Goodluck Jonathan said on Sunday in Abuja.
Jonathan, who said this while declaring open the First Under-23 ECOWAS Games, noted that sports’ benefits would help youths to develop excellent leadership qualities.
“Through sports, youths can develop excellent qualities because it helps them to cultivate friendship, develop self-control, have respect for the rule of law and discipline.
“These are qualities for our youths to imbibe for their future roles as leaders in the sub-region,†Jonathan, who was represented at the opening ceremony by Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Vice-Chairman of House of Representatives’ Sports Committee, said.
He urged participants at the Games, which is featuring delegations from 10 west African countries, not to see the essence of their being in Abuja as that of winning their events only.
“The essence of sports is not in winning but in participating, and you should utilise your participation to gain more friends, develop yourselves and to help make the west African sub-region better,†Jonathan said.
He assured that the Nigerian government would always support ventures such as hosting of sports competitions that would help in further integrating and developing the west African sub-region.
Earlier, Sports Minister and National Sports Commission (NSC), Chairman Isa Bio, had in his address said Nigeria had provided a level-playing ground for all participating athletes.
“Nigeria has provided a level-playing ground for all athletes as everything that will guarantee your high quality performance, relaxation and total comfort have been provided.
“This is in order to ensure a smooth and result-oriented competition,†Bio, who was represented by Mr Patrick Ekeji, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), said.
NAN reports that athletics, handball, traditional wrestling and volleyball are the only sports featuring in the Games holding from 2 to 13 this month t at the Abuja National Stadium’s mainbowl.
The countries participating are hosts Nigeria, Ghana, Benin Republic, Niger Republic, Guinea, Togo, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Mali.