“Sports Can Help Reduce Crime” — Kwara Governor Pledges More Support For Grassroots Development
Kwara State Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has pledged increased government support for grassroots sports development, saying sustained investment in youth sports can help reduce crime while improving the physical, mental and economic well-being of young people.
The governor made the commitment during the closing ceremony of the 17th Kwara State Commissioner of Police Cup, organised by the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) in Ilorin.
Represented by the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Mogaji, AbdulRazaq said his administration would strengthen its sponsorship and active participation in future editions of the competition.
The governor stressed that keeping youths actively engaged in sports would provide a positive avenue for them to develop their abilities while keeping them away from criminal activities.
“Keeping young people actively engaged in sports would help reduce crime while promoting their physical, mental and economic well-being,” the governor said.
He also highlighted the importance of properly structured grassroots programmes in identifying talented athletes and creating pathways for them to secure professional contracts with major clubs.
Mogaji, who represented the governor at the event, commended YSFON for introducing the female category, describing sports as one of the strongest unifying forces across communities and cultures.
He said the inclusion of the women’s competition, now in its second year, demonstrates the importance of gender inclusivity in grassroots sports development.
Mogaji also praised Commissioner of Police CP Adekimi Ojo and the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) for their partnership and support towards the successful staging of the tournament.
On the field, Future Stars FA emerged champions of the U-17 Boys category after defeating Koller FC 3-2 in an entertaining final.
Future Stars completed a boys’ double after also defeating UNIPES FA 2-0 to claim the U-13 title.
In the U-17 Girls category, Kwara United Queens secured the championship with a convincing 4-0 victory over Model Queens FC.
The results brought the 17th edition of the YSFON Commissioner of Police Cup to a colourful conclusion, while reinforcing the growing importance of grassroots competitions in discovering and nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of sporting talents.
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