The Chairman, Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Mr Gbenga Edema, on Thursday said the commission was developing sports in its mandate area to curb youth restiveness.
Edema made this known when the executives of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State Chapter paid him a courtesy visit in Akure.
He said that incidents of kidnapping and restiveness had reduced in the area because the present government was giving attention to issues affecting the people in riverine areas.
Edema said OSOPADEC Football Club did not have a player above 22 years of age, because the commission was focussing on catching young talents to have a prolonged career at the national level.
“We have a lot of youths that we manage but to the glory of God, for some years back now, we have not had issue of kidnapping in the area. It is because we decided to engage them in sports.
“It is not that they desire those things (restiveness); it is as a result of neglect, environmental over the years.
“With intervention through the amnesty programme and implementation of sporting activities under this government, they will soon be stars.
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“That you (SWAN) are identifying things we are yet to achieve, means we are doing it right. Our goal is about developing young people and pushing them to the next level.