By Sunny A. David, Awka
With the round-off of polls and subsequent inauguration of various political offices in Nigeria, the electorate expects their representatives to begin the implementation of various campaign pledges.
One of those to hit the ground running is the Member representing Anaocha II Constituency at the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Ejike Okechukwu, who has begun sponsoring a screening project to harness young football talents from his constituency who would also be sponsored abroad to pursue professional careers.
Saint John’s Catholic Church, Neni, was venue of the screening where scores of teenage football talents showed their football abilities.
The screening, which was carried out under the close monitoring of 60 Goals Soccer Star Project; an international scouting project that will undertake the management of the successful youth talents, is expected to take phases of intense screening to pick out the talented from the pool of aspirers.
Appraising the programme, he said the project was cardinal in his blueprint for youth development, especially at the grassroots of his constituency.
He added that the most talented teenagers would be sponsored on a free professional football career abroad, while some others would be accommodated in the Nigerian Football League.
The lawmaker, who praised the efforts of Governor Willie Obiano in sports development in Anambra State, said his programme would complement the efforts of the Anambra State Government in harnessing sports talents.
A FIFA Intermediary Agent in Nigeria, Miss Jane Ndubuisi, who was part of the 60 Goals Soccer Star scouting team, said the programme is worthwhile, noting that huge talents abound at the grassroots but are often neglected.
She applauded the financier and implored other representatives to emulate him.
Also in the scouting team was a former Nigerian Under-23 player, Mr. Francis Ikechukwu, who observed that the programme was a fine avenue to harvest talents who could become future professional.
