By NAN
Pastors of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) have called on the Federal Government and other key stakeholders to invest more in grassroots sports as a strategic tool for youth empowerment, economic growth, and national development.
The call was made on Sunday during the grand finale of the 2026 Regional Football Competition organised by the RCCG Region 10 Directorate of Sports at the Goal Project, National Stadium Premier Academy, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition was held under the theme: “United by Faith, Driven by Passion, One Game, One Goal, One Region.”
Speaking at the event, the Secretary of the 2026 Regional Football Competition, Pastor Gabriel Oladapo, said that adequate investment in grassroots sports would significantly reduce social vices among youths by engaging them in productive and positive activities.
According to him, grassroots sports serve as a vital platform for talent discovery, youth development, value orientation, discipline, unity, and peaceful coexistence.
He added that sports also contribute meaningfully to economic growth and national development.
Pastor Oladapo further emphasised the critical role of parents and religious institutions in raising responsible children and guiding them away from negative influences and anti-social behaviours.
Also speaking, the Pastor in Charge of Province 13, Pastor Paul Kolawole, urged Nigerian youths to shun all forms of social vices, embrace education, and actively participate in sporting activities for personal development and national progress.
He described grassroots sports as an effective tool for youth engagement, talent identification, and economic revitalisation, stressing that sustained investment in the sector could contribute significantly to the nation’s development.
Similarly, Pastor Peter Olokunle, Pastor in Charge of FCT 15, noted that the RCCG had successfully used football and other sporting activities as platforms for youth engagement and evangelism.
According to him, several participants in the competition have become actively involved in church programmes, including baptismal and believers’ classes.
He expressed confidence in his team’s performance and reaffirmed their determination to emerge victorious in the tournament.
Meanwhile, one of the major sponsors of the competition, First Generation Mortgage Bank (FGMB), commended the RCCG for organising the 2026 Regional Football Competition and promoting youth development through sports.
Speaking on behalf of the bank, the Group Head of Public Services, Mrs. Ifeoma Malomo, encouraged Nigerian youths to remain focused, resilient, and committed to positive endeavours that would contribute to national growth and development.
NAN reports that FCT 15 emerged champions of the competition after defeating FCT 13 in a penalty shootout following a keenly contested final match.