Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Honourable Mobolaji Ogunlende has come out with a declaration that sports has a universal language that unites young people across various strata of life.
Sports247 reports that Ogunlende made the assertion while speaking at the opening ceremony of this year’s edition of the annual higher institutions’ football competition, UNITECOL Cup at University of Lagos sports complex.
Read Also: Youngsters Mesmerize on Opening Day as Battle for Main Sraw Heats up
Ogunlende commended the organisers for creating what he referred to as a strong platform that promotes youth empowerment, sports development and unity among tertiary institutions within Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.
While also reaffirming the continued commitment of Lagos State Government in supporting initiatives that positively impact young people, Ogunlende recalled how he witnessed last year’s edition of the competition and applauded its growth.
He acknowledged that meaningful youth development requires collaboration of corporate bodies and private individuals with state authorities, because government alone cannot provide every opportunity needed for young Nigerians to thrive.
“It’s very important for collaboration of things like this, the government can’t do it alone. We must always come together to be able to give our young people the platform to thrive. That’s why I really appreciate the organisers of this tournament.
“Bringing several universities together into a single stadium builds unity, promotes culture and brings different backgrounds under one space. That’s what Nigeria and Lagos is all about. That’s the power of sports, it’s a universal language for young people.
“Through them, the Lagos of tomorrow will surely start today. Young players here have an opportunity to play abroad, as we have different scouts with many of these programmes,” said Ogunlende, who also pledged continued support for the venture.
