Some youths in the Federal Capital Territory have expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the realisation of local government autonomy as it will aid speedy grassroots development and give the people a sense of belonging in governance.
The youths, led by the Mandate Secretary of the FCT, Bitrus Garki, showed their appreciation to the president by organising a football competition tagged ‘FCT Area Council Cup 1.0’ at the Apo Resettlement Playing Ground on Wednesday.
Garki said the competition was aimed at appreciating the deliberate policies of the present administration which is now integrating the rural people into governance by giving them a voice.
Also, the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Hon. Zaphaniah Jisalo, commended the FCT youth for the initiative and promised the determination of President Tinubu to make life more meaningful for people at the grassroots, which is the reason for the local government as the third tier of government.
Jisalo also asked stakeholders to support grassroots sports development in the FCT as a way of discovering young talents in the country.
He described the football competition as another way of turning the youth away from crime and other social vices.
The Special Adviser to the President on Youth and Sports, Anthony Adeyinka, said the event showed support for the present administration by the FCT youth.
He said President Tinubu is committed to youth development and empowerment and reiterated different empowerment programmes for youth that have been put in place to get them engaged in different entrepreneurship skills.
The Sakaruyi of Karu, His Royal Highness Danfulani Narayi, said the traditional institution in the FCT is happy with the present administration for its efforts in building strong communities across the FCT.
He said competitions like this would also help to unite the youth and create a sense of ownership by the people in the development of their communities.