The Accord governorship candidate in the 2023 Imo State governorship election, Ikenga Johnjude Okere has clamoured for sports entrepreneurship as a tool to boost the economy, Wakawaka Sports Extra reports.
According to him, sports should be seen as an instrument to reduce unemployment and the insecurity issues that has bedevilled the state and country at large.
While outlining the various sporting events he organised in the state, the guber candidate noted that his priority is to add value and create impact in the society.
His words: “Sports is an exercise that involves physical and skills like footballers, volleyballers, etc all require a physical level of skill and practice.
“Over the years because of the government in power, they think that governance is about show biz and grandstanding. They don’t actually become deliberate in the things they do especially in sports because they think it’s a thing you will put money and allow the sector go its own.
“We need to begin to see sports as an instrument to boost entrepreneurship because of the level of unemployment and under-employment in our state which is also the reason why we have insecurities.
“If we begin to use sports as a measure to boost our economy and for people to see it as a channel to do business, by that way we will be directional and conscious in what we are doing in channeling sports not just as a recreational activity but an instrument to boost our economy.
“Sports as an instrument to boost commerce should be developed under such a way that some people will identify the business edge of it that will help boost our economy, while some will grow the economy through the tourism arm of sport without loosing its beautiful essence as a tool for recreation. There is no arms of sports that does not generate resources or become a wheel to empower the economy.
“Sports should not be left in the hands of political cronies. Sports should be directional, conscious and for those who understand the business and how to tap the potential of sports into economic wellness.
“Over the years, the Ngor Okpala Champions League which still stands as the biggest local football outing in the South-East was part of instruments for the integration of sports.
“Sports takes people out of crime because you get them engaged to go and participate and the people in the community are looking forward to participate.
“Sports should be consciously put in the hands of those who understand the instrument in its present and how it can make our state better. I expected to have a unifying football competition in the state that can bring local governments together and tap great young skilful and young individuals who will represent the state and the country and match international footballers and get resources back.
“The basketball program we have also been able to support in our own little way to encourage the MVP and a lot we have done in sports. I tell people that what I go for is value. I don’t go for grandstanding. I look for where value is needed and plug in there. That is the instrument we can use so that our people will be resourceful.”
