The Labour party 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi has advocated for increased investment in Nigerian youth following the outstanding performance of Spanish teenage footballer Lamine Yamal at Euro 2024.
Yamal, at just 17 years old, captured global attention by becoming the youngest goal scorer in Euros history, surpassing Pele’s record and setting a new benchmark in international football.
In a statement posted on his official X handle, Obi drew parallels between Yamal’s achievements and the untapped potential of Nigerian youths.
He emphasized the need for strategic investment and support in youth development, particularly in sports, as a means of harnessing their talents and steering them away from social vices.
Obi stated, “While watching the Euro2024 final match between Spain and England yesterday, I was impressed by the exceptional football skills of a young Spanish footballer, Lamine Yamal. At just 17, the teenage Yamal stunned the world with his impressive skills, becoming the youngest goal scorer in the Euros and international football competitions, breaking Pele’s record and setting a new one that will be hard to beat.
“His achievements remind me of the immense potential of Nigerian youths, who are gifted in many ways and can achieve similar success with the right investment and support. As I have always maintained, leaders can invest in sports as a means of empowering our youths, pulling them out of social vices and uniting the nation in the process.
“By investing in sports, we can raise an army of football stars to export to the world, earn foreign exchange, and have a large number of productively engaged youths contributing to the nation’s growth.
“On this World Youth Skills Day, I urge the government to prioritize investing in our youths by supporting their skills empowerment and development. By investing in our youth, we can build a New Nigeria, which is now very POssible,” he added.
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
