AFN President, Chief Solomon Ogba

The President of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Solomon Ogba, has called on the Federal and State governments to use sports as a tool to curb crime in the country.

Ogba told NAN in Lagos on Monday that sports was a veritable tool which could motivate the youth to stay off crime.

“Sports is a tool that affects the psyche of citizens, especially the youth and because of this, governments should take it seriously by funding it adequately.

“For example, during the 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos last year, we did not hear of the neither  Boko Haram crisis nor any serious crime. This shows that sports can help to reduce crime.”

He also said that sports helped to reduce dropouts from the various callings in life and also enhanced unity.

“If you go to countries like the U.S. and Australia, you will notice that entertainment and sports are the major tools their governments use to check hooliganism.

“Our government should not see sports as a lesser ministry, they should also emulate these countries,’’ he said.

Ogba also said it was important for athletes to be educated because the AFN was interested in the athletes’ welfare, even after their active careers.

“Education must go with sports because when your legs cannot assist you anymore, the brain will continue from there and that is where the certificates come in.

“In AFN, we are also interested in our athletes’ careers, after their sports days are over,’’ he added.