Former presidential candidate urges greater investment in sports, citing its role in shaping discipline, identity, and opportunity for Nigerian youths

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has spotlighted the powerful role of sports in youth development, describing athletics as a vital force for shaping character, discipline, and long-term success beyond mere recreation.

During a recent visit to Ibadan, Obi stopped at the Lekan Salami Stadium, where he witnessed a vibrant scene of young Nigerians actively participating in various sporting activities, including basketball, lawn tennis, handball, and judo, as part of a community clean-up initiative.

He said the experience was deeply inspiring, noting that the energy, focus, and discipline displayed by the youths reflected the immense but largely untapped potential within Nigeria’s younger population.

Drawing parallels with global sporting legends like Pelé, Obi emphasised that sports have the power to shape identity and define legacy, offering young people a platform to rise above their circumstances through commitment and excellence.

He stressed that athletics remain a crucial pathway for social mobility, enabling youths to develop resilience, teamwork, and a sense of purpose, while opening doors to new opportunities.

Obi further called for increased investment and structured support for the sports sector, arguing that it holds significant promise for national development and the empowerment of future generations.