Ismail Sambo, a youth leader in Bakin Iku, Suleja, has organised a football tournament to encourage youths to engage in productive activities and discourage them from drug abuse and other social vices.

Mr Sambo, who disclosed this on Sunday in Suleja, said the tournament attracted youths from different communities in the area.

He said that it was aimed at promoting sportsmanship, discipline, teamwork and healthy lifestyles among youths.

Mr Sambo said the initiative would provide youths with a positive platform to develop their talents and remain meaningfully engaged, rather than engaging in activities that could jeopardise their future.

According to him, football has the potential to unite youths, build their confidence and provide opportunities for discovering and nurturing sporting talents.

Mr Sambo appealed to the government and relevant stakeholders to assist the community with a football field, noting that Bakin Iku currently lacked a standard playing ground for youths.

Hussaini Fulani, a community leader in the area, said engaging young people in productive activities would help reduce their exposure to peer pressure, drug abuse and other harmful behaviours.

Mr Fulani urged the participants to see the tournament not only as a sporting competition but also as an opportunity to build friendships, discipline and a strong sense of responsibility.

He called on parents, community leaders and other stakeholders to support initiatives that promotes development and opportunities for young people to realise their potential.

Mr Fulani commended Sambo for organising the tournament and expressed hope that similar programmes would be organised regularly.

At the end of the tournament, tokens were presented to all participating players, while the winning team received a trophy.

(NAN)