The National Chairman of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Ambassador Samuel Oyameda Ikpea has tasked sports sector to raise young people of integrity to assume leadership position in order to realize and foster unity and drive national development.
Reflecting on the Leadership award he received recently , Amb. Ikpea disclosed that “ there’s urgent need to have leaders with discipline and fear of God.
Speaking on the topic “The Power of Sports for Unity and Development”, Amb. . Ikpea emphasised how sports transcend barriers, bridge divides, and act as a catalyst for societal growth.
The award hosted by the Africa Leadership Group, attracted prominent leaders, sports enthusiasts, and development advocates to explore the intersections of sports, unity, and economic progress.
The forum was moderated by Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, President of the NLS, alongside his Vice Presidents, Jumoke Akin-Taylor and Pastor Sunny Enebi.
In an engaging presentation, Amb. Ikpea identified sports as a universal language capable of uniting diverse people, regardless of ethnic, cultural, or religious affiliations.
Ambassador Ikpea told our correspondent that one of the cardinal problems we are having in sports has to do with leadership problems in the ecp-system.
“We have the wrong system, that’s why we are not getting the right answer. The right system simply means having the right people in the right place ,square peg in square hole. The right people are those that don’t compromise whose ox is gored ,they are people that are ready to sacrifice , they are genuine, they are patriots who will put the country first in everything they are doing”
“Right people are always ready to work, if we have them in the eco-system things will begin to change. Our leaders should allow the upcoming youths to enjoy their time, let’s us have the best in all segment in the eco-system and sports will change for the better.
“Self-discipline and fear of God are the ingredients needed to change the narratives. If our leaders knows that if nobody is seeing them, God is looking at them and they will give account for their actions . Today the system may protect you what happens if you’re no longer there tomorrow ?
“ Be self –disciplined “ Ikpea added
He praised Nigeria Football Federation president, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusua for endorsing and giving the enabling environment for the Nigeria Football Premier League(NPFL)
“ The NPFL is gradually taking shape. The system is working perfectly and smoothly, why ? It boil down to the NFF president to has given stern waning and laid down a standard and others are following. Every officers are made to be accountable and been held responsible and we are all witnessing tremendous improvement” Ikpea said
