Football is a unifying factor, says Niger NLC Chairman
Football is a unifying factor, says Niger NLC Chairman
By Abubakar Hassan
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Niger State Chapter, Comrade Idrees Abdulkareem Lafene have said that sports, particularly football is a unifying factor and a means of livelihood.
The state NLC Chairman made this disclosure on Saturday, during the finals of a football competition organized in his honour by Rafi Local Government Football Council (RLFC), at the Kagara Township Stadium.
He observed that football unite the people, making reference to the peaceful and lively atmosphere at the stadium.
"You can see that the town is very lively, many have come to ease out tension and pressure of life by watching this match," he added.
Comrade Lafene observed further that when the youths are not engage meaningfully they will fine a way to engage themselves negatively because an idle mind is a devil's workshop.
He however revealed that sponsoring football tournaments across local government areas, as NULGE President and NLC Chairman in the state was his own way of contributing to youths development in the state, by engaging them to be active and self reliant in the society.
"Football is more than a leisure game now, football is a business. People earn their living with football, this is why we are engaging the youths and coaches to be productive," said the NLC Chairman.
He also advised participants to play by tbe rules of the game and exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship, saying bringing hooliganism into the game would kill their future.
"In football, when you play consistently you are building your talent, but when you mar it with violence and discourage the sponsors you will not have the opportunity to build up your talent," Comrade Lafene observed.
While appreciating the executive board members of Niger State Football Association (NSFA) for their efforts in developing the round leather game in the state, the NLC Chairman described the state FA Chairman as a long time friend and brother since their days as branch chairmen of NULGE.
He noted that the state FA is the custodian of football in the state and that his new found passion of developing the youths in the state through football can best be achieved when he joins hands with the state FA, assuring that he will continue to work with the state FA.
Tegina United Fc emerged as the champions of the tournament after beating Sabon Garin Mariga Fc by 2-1 via penalty shootout after both teams played goalless draw at the end of regulation time. 40 teams participated in the tournament tagged "Lafene Peace And Unity Cup, Kagara 2025."
Trophies, medals, jerseys and cash prizes were presented to teams and individual players for their outstanding performance during the tournament.
The finals was witness by sons and daughters of Rafi Local Government from all works of life, including the royals. The Emir of Kagara, Alhaji Attahiru Gunna was represented by the Tafidan Kagara, Alhaji Shabudeen Isah.
