The Northern CAN chairman said that if the government invested more in sports development, the resources currently being used to fight insecurity could be channelled into empowering the youth.
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The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the 19 Northern States and the FCT, Reverend Joseph Hayab, has called on government at all levels to take sports more seriously by investing heavily in it.
He made this statement while speaking with journalists during the SWAN @60 Church Service, held on Sunday at the Supernatural Dominion Bible Ministry International, Gonin Gora, Kaduna.
According to Reverend Hayab, sports have the power to unite Nigerians and reduce the insecurity currently troubling the nation. “If you see the enthusiasm, the commitment youths put into sports, then there’s nothing wrong with using sports to catch them,” he said, adding that if sports can give us unity, then we should hold it tightly.
Reverend Hayab also appealed to Nigerians to continue investing in young talent, saying the country has what it takes to top the global sports scene, citing Jamaica, Kenya, and Ethiopia, which are celebrated in the world today because of their sports achievements.
Speaking further, the Northern CAN chairman said that if the government invested more in sports development, the resources currently being used to fight insecurity could be channelled into empowering the youth.
He also praised sports writers for their role in promoting peace and unity, urging them to keep writing positive stories about how sports can bring people of different faiths, tribes, and communities together.
SWAN National President, Isaiah Benjamin, represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Okpani Jacob Dickson, said the church service was part of the nationwide activities marking SWAN’s 60th anniversary. He explained that Muslim prayers were held on Friday across the country, while Christians held their thanksgiving services on Sunday.
He added that the celebrations will continue in Abuja with lectures on October 30, featuring top personalities including the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and an awards/fundraising night for the proposed SWAN House on October 31.
Earlier in his sermon, Brother Philip Adejumo of the Supernatural Dominion Bible Ministry International reminded the congregation that “with faith, nothing is impossible,” urging them to keep trusting God in all situations.
The event, coordinated by Kaduna SWAN Vice Chairman, Okpani Mike James, ended with a vote of thanks and group photographs as members celebrated six decades of promoting sports and unity across Nigeria.
– Kadunanews24.com
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