The Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Engr. Lekan Badmus, has faulted the Osun State Government over what he described as poor attention to youth development and inadequate investment in sports in the state.

Badmus, who spoke on Sunday at Baruwa Field during a football tournament organised by the Olayiwola Football Association, said the government had failed to provide sufficient programmes capable of engaging young people and developing their talents.

He specifically claimed that he could not identify any major sports programme initiated by the present administration in the last three to four years, arguing that sports could serve as an effective tool for youth empowerment, talent discovery and crime prevention.

“Sports is very, very essential as a source of engagement and as a source of carrying the youth along. The present government of Osun State has no programme for the youth. I cannot pinpoint any single sports programme that has been done in the last three or four years,” he said.

The NPA executive director said the impressive turnout at the football tournament was an indication of the passion young people have for sports, stressing that government could harness such interest to promote unity and provide meaningful opportunities for youths.

He further noted that the participation of teams associated with different political parties in the tournament demonstrated that sports could transcend political differences and unite people ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

“And we all represent three different political parties. This speaks volumes and, I tell you, is a message for what is coming before us by August 15, 2026, when the election will actually be taking place,” Badmus said.

He urged the government and other stakeholders to expand investment beyond football, saying sporting disciplines such as boxing could also provide platforms for young people to develop their talents and earn a livelihood.

Badmus also cited what he described as his personal contribution to youth empowerment, saying he had facilitated employment opportunities for at least 50 people, including those who had undergone industrial training and Information Technology programmes before securing permanent Federal Government employment.

“As I speak today, I’ve been able to get employment for a minimum of 50 people that have been able to serve or do IT and also got permanent federal government jobs,” he said.

He added that he had supported individuals involved in tailoring and other small-scale businesses as part of his efforts to improve their economic wellbeing.

Turning to the August 15 governorship election, Badmus canvassed support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, saying the former Commissioner for Finance had demonstrated an understanding of the challenges confronting young people in the state.

According to him, Oyebamiji’s recent interaction with youths showed that the candidate was prepared to address issues relating to employment, sports development, skills acquisition and support for small businesses.

Badmus said Oyebamiji had also promised to create employment opportunities by addressing manpower shortages in critical sectors, particularly education and healthcare.

“Our schools are there. We don’t have teachers. Hospitals are there. We don’t have the right hands to do it. We will engage the youth by employing all these people to be part of this system,” he quoted Oyebamiji as saying.

He also cited the participation of young politicians in the APC, including House of Assembly candidate, Hon. Ayodeji Olaiya, and Hon. Kayode Taofeeq, as evidence of what he described as the party’s commitment to youth participation in politics and governance.

The NPA director urged eligible voters across the state to participate actively in the August 15 election and support Oyebamiji, saying the APC candidate would, in his view, provide purposeful leadership and deliver impactful development.

Meanwhile, Omo Oloore FC emerged winners of the football tournament, with Gangaria FC finishing second and Iwaloye FC taking the third position.

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