Member of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Zakari Mohammed, was no doubt elated about the outcome of the 2018 Channels International Kids Cup for obvious reasons. Mohammed represents the Baruten/Kaiama federal constituency in the House of Representatives and the winner team is from his constituency . The federal lawmaker while speaking with Global Excellence, lauded the members of the team for making the people of the constituency proud.
His words;
“For two obvious reasons; today is one of the happiest days of my life. As the representative of the Baruten/Kaiama federal constituency, the kids made us proud by emerging as the winner of the 2018 Channels National Kids Football Competition and they have proudly lifted the coveted cup. The timing of the huge soccer success also falls on the very day we are celebrating the children in the country, the Children’s Day. It was a highly competitive football competition that drew participants from the 36 states of the federation and some other countries in West Africa, Iam therefore happy that we won.”
Zakari Mohammed who submitted that coming up with such competition by the Channels Television was well thought out , not only described it as a laudable initiative but also added that it has greatly assisted in developing football at the grassroots level. He particularly thanked the television station for introducing the soccer competition, stating that youth football actually comes with a lot of advantages; social, health etal.
“The decision made by the management of the Channels Television to focus on football was definitely not out of place; football is by an overwhelming margin, the most popular high school sport for boys as over 80 per cent prefers football rather than track and field games. The skills learned and the resulting judgement used are also invaluable in later life , youth football has much to offer the children and it remains extremely popular, it comes with advantages that include learning teamwork, effective time-management skills and the numerous health benefits. It increases cardiovascular fitness and stamina. It offers a fun and effective way to build strength,” he said.
While appreciating Channels Television for blazing the trail, the federal lawmaker also appealed to well-meaning individuals, corporate organizations and other relevant stakeholders to toe same path and join others in promoting youth football. He equally appealed to the government at all levels to join the league of the promoters of youth football which will according to him, help in bringing out talents and potentials in the pupils who can achieve state, national and international representative honours in the future.
Zakari who promised to have an interface with the kids by holding a reception in their honour next month said he decided to host them in order to encourage the members of the team.
“Having consulted the stakeholders, we have decided to hold a reception for the sensational blast kids in Kaiama, headquarter of Kaiama local government Kwara state, next month, precisely after the fasting period. Such a step is for dual purpose; while it will provide a platform to show the members of the victorious team that we honestly appreciate them for making us proud, it will also serve as a form of encouragement to other youths that sports excellence and exceptional academic performance will be adequately acknowledged, appreciated and rewarded,” he concluded.
