Stories by Ene Osang
The Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Boni Haruna, has pledged full support to the maiden edition of the President Cup, saying sports is a vital instrument of peace and unity in the country.
Haruna made the commitment in Abuja, when the organizing committee of the tournament led by Darlington Anyanwu, paid him a courtesy visit.
He commended the committee members for the initiative of the tournament and assured of his commitment to ensure the competition is sustained for the interest of Nigeria youths.
“You will agree with me that sports have become a major tool for peace in Nigeria, not only national integration but creating unity in diversity.
“I may not have know some of you (Emmanuel Babayaro) if not sports, I know the good name some of you have brought to the great nation, I can assure you, the ministry are fully behind the idea, we will assist the committee when the need arise.
“The ministry will support your activities to the latter when it necessary in as much the interest of youths and country are protected,” he noted.
Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Darlington Anyanwu said that the competition which was billed to kick-off immediately after the World Cup in Brazil, cut across seven hundred and seventy four local governments in Nigeria between the age of 14 to 24.
According to him, Goodluck Jonathan has been decorated as grand patron of the tournament while some ex-players and high profile dignities in and out of the country have accepted patron.
The minister of youth development was decorated by the delegates led by Darlington Anyanwu, Emmanuel Babayaro and Folorunshor Okela as patron of the President Cup.
