By Adeniyi Adedoyin
The foremost sports club in Nigeria; Abeokuta Sports' Club on Wednesday said it is ready to partner with Ogun State government to revitalize sports activities in both primary and secondary schools across the State.
The President of the Club, Prince Seni Ogunyemi, who disclosed this at a press conference held in Abeokuta, to herald the 120th anniversary of the Club, lamented that the dearth of sports activities in both primary and secondary schools has led to social vices among the youths.
He said through development of sports at the grassroot, new talents will be discovered among students and as well serve as means of fighting against social vices among the youths.
Ogunyemi also disclosed the readiness of the Club to collaborate with the State government in hosting a successful National Sports Festival in January 2025, saying that the Club has offered the state the use of some of its standard facilities for various events during the games.
He said the Club, played prominent roles during the 2006 Gateway Games hosted by the state, saying the club, is ready to perform better than last time.
He also said that the Club, has been opening its gate for children to use sporting facilities within its premises for training by the young children.
Ogunyemi said the Club has written proposal this the State Commissioner for Sports, on the need to organise sporting competitions for school children.
"On how to use sports to fight social vices among the youth, if you come here on Saturday, we have a lot of children playing different games. Almost every day, they have been coming to play squash, we are also planning to have table tennis in that manner as well".
"The problem we have at the moment is sponsorship. We need sponsors because want to have children here and we need to take care of them, give them transport fare. We also write a proposal to the State government to host an all-primary schools games. We have met with the State Commissioner for Sport on the matter".
Ogunyemi added that the club had the intention of organising such competition twice a year.
He said, "The club had been given its facilities to children for training free of charge.
"The club had discovered and recruited athletes from this club and had played in both national and international competitions.
"What we need is support from corporate organisations so that more young athletes and talented youths can be discovered and nurtured".
Highlighting some of the programmes highlighted for the celebrations, Ogunyemi said club will be inaugurating two landmark projects which include four blocks of old charlets and canteen to serve charlets needs especially at night to commemorate the 120th anniversary.
Other activities lined up for the celebrations, also include jumat service, sports competition, health walk, medical outreach among others.
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