Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday pledged to increase investment in sports development to encourage greater participation and talent discovery to turn vulnerable youths away from criminal activities.

Ambode made the pledge at the Lagos House, Ikeja, while receiving the Green Team which represented Nigeria and Africa at the Mini International Basketball tournament recently in Matera, Italy.

The members of the team are the first Africans to participate in the competition since its inception in 1993.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Green Team Nigeria is an international basketball organisation that promotes the development of the game amongst children.

Ambode, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule, said that sports remained one of the avenues to develop the younger generation and encourage social integration among people of different races.

“In furtherance to our campaign promises, this administration remains committed to the development of sports and sporting facilities in the state to encourage greater participation.

“While efforts are ongoing to reduce crime and criminal activities in the state, attention will be given to the provision of modern sports facilities.

“This will encourage our young sportsmen and women and turn vulnerable youths away from criminal activities using sports as a veritable alternative.”

He enjoined the team not to rest on its oars but to continue to strive for excellence in basketball.

“Our government will continue to support the team and other similar groups committed to the development of sporting prowess of Nigerian children, especially of Lagos extraction.”

Earlier in his address, President of the Green Team Nigeria, Mr. Jerry Aigbede thanked the government for receiving the team.

Aigbede said the children were delighted to participate in the competition as they were more exposed and had cultural exchanges with children from other countries.

He urged government at all levels to see sports as development strategy for youths who constituted about 70 per cent of the population.

“In order to address the societal disadvantage, marginalisation and discouragement which youths face today, government must use sports to develop them.

“Sporting activities will take them out of their present state of despair and they will continue to do the country proud at international competitions.”

Highlight of the visit was the presentation of awards won by the team in Italy to the governor.

The Green Team that visited the government house included the children who participated in the competition, their parents and coaches as well as the members of management of the organisation. (NAN)

•Photo shows Gov. Ambode

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