By Stanley Onyekwere
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Adedayo Benjamins – Laniyi Foundation, in collaboration with the FCT Administration has unveiled debut edition of its unity championship christened FCT Football Competition, with a charge to youth in the Territory to embrace sports for the promotion of national unity.
It was gathered that no fewer than eighty teams with one thousand two hundred football players from across the six FCT area councils are participating in the maiden edition of foundation’s unity football tournament, which is expected to end this Saturday, aims at uniting the youth in the society.
Speaking yesterday during a press briefing in Abuja, the founder, Adedayo Laniyi, noted that sports remain the best way to provoke unity and peace in all the Six Area Councils that make up the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.
According to her, sporting activities cement relationships within and outside one’s immediate environment.
Laniyi, said mobilising the young people across communities for the FCT football tournament was tough for her, but she carried out the venture to contribute to the unity of the residents.
The founder noted that the future of youths is hanged on the lifestyle they live, which she said will only be achieved through activities that will promote national cohesion.
“We have initiated the unity championship tournament to bring together FCT youths, sports don’t know tribe, religion and political affiliation, so the younger ones, who are the future leaders need to be given the desired attention.
“Where there is no unity, there would not be a nation where we can call our own. Therefore the youths must embrace the sportsmanship to drive the unity of our country, and make the youth to rise to national heroes”, she said.
On his part, the Director FCT sport development, Mr. Lukas Istifanus commended the organiser for investing in the development of youths in sporting activities, especially at the grassroot level.
He reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to the promoting sports development.
