Kogi To Invest In Beach Soccer

The Kogi Government says it will take advantage of the shoreline of River Niger to promote beach soccer.

Governor Idris Wada made the promise while declaring open the Nigeria Football Association,  NFA’s 2012 Beach Soccer Course last week in Lokoja.

Wada said that the state was naturally suitable for the sport hence the interest in its development.

Wada, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, urged corporate organisations and individuals to partner with the government to develop beach soccer.

According to him, the development of the game will further boost the tourism potential of the state.

He said that the present administration was working round the clock to ensure safety of lives and property and encourage socio-economic development of the state.

Wada said that government’s passion for sports made it to complete the 25,000 capacity stadium in Lokoja.

The Governor also promised appropriate funding for the sports sector, to create employment opportunities and checkmate youth restiveness and other anti-social vices.

The President of NFA, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, said beach soccer was a catalyst for development and solicited the assistance of government at all levels in the provision of infrastructure.

Maigari, who was represented by Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, Director, Technical, said that beach soccer, apart from serving as a means of recreation, had economic advantages.

In a message, Mr Sunday Okai, the National Secretary of Beach Soccer, said Nigeria was ranked 6th in the world.

According to him, the training programme is a prelude to the formation of beach soccer associations in all states.