By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rev. Joseph John Hayab, has urged governments at all levels to invest more in sports, describing it as a vital tool for promoting national unity, peace, and economic growth.
Hayab made the call on Sunday during the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) @60 Thanksgiving Service held at Supernatural Dominion Bible Ministry International, Gonin Gora, Kaduna.
He said the passion and energy Nigerian youths display in sports present a unique opportunity for the government to harness their potential for nation-building and social cohesion.
“If you see the enthusiasm and commitment youths put into sports, then there’s nothing wrong with using sports to catch them,” he said.
“I have seen inter-church, inter-faith, and inter-community competitions. What this country needs today is unity, and if sports can give us unity, let’s hold on to it.”
The cleric emphasized that sports go beyond entertainment, noting that nations across the world invest heavily in the industry because of its capacity to create jobs, stimulate economies, and unite people.
“When you look at the kind of investments made in stadia across the world, you realize that sports is not just about unity, it’s an economic booster. It creates jobs and opportunities,” he added.
He urged the government to invest in grassroots sports development, saying such initiatives would empower young people and reduce crime.
“We must invest in the talents of our children and our future generation. Great nations of the world are celebrated not only for technology but also for sports,” Hayab said.
“Jamaica is famous because of sports; so are Kenya and Ethiopia. Nigeria has all it takes to be among the best sporting nations in the world.”
According to him, sustained investment in sports could serve as a non-violent means to address insecurity.
“If we invest in sports, the money we are spending to fight banditry will soon be a thing of the past,” he noted.
Hayab, who also serves as Country Director of the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), commended sports journalists for their role in promoting unity and urged them to amplify the positive narratives around sports.
In his remarks, SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, represented by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Jacob Dickson, said the thanksgiving service was part of weeklong activities marking the association’s 60th anniversary.
He explained that Friday prayers were held in mosques nationwide, followed by church services on Sunday across all 36 states and the FCT.
Benjamin added that the celebrations would climax in Abuja with a public lecture featuring the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on October 30, and an awards and fundraising night on October 31.
Earlier in his sermon, Brother Philip Adejumo of the host church emphasized the importance of faith in overcoming challenges, urging believers to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ.
End.
