More than just an entertainment galore - It can change the world

Sport has become a world language, a common denominator that breaks down all the walls of barriers. it is a worldwide industry whose practices can have widespread impact. Most of all, it is a powerful tool for progress and for development - 
      United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon, once said.

       At first, it is needless to say that apart from religion, sport remains arguably the only true forum that bring us together for a common goal irrespective of tribal or ethnic bias, religious affiliations or colour, in the face of myriads of challenges ranging from poverty, unemployment, conflict, insecurity among others. This universal language have tremendous potential to connect and unite groups and communities. Sport has the capacity to empower individuals, and bring one’s moral values to the forefront.

In a development context the definition of sport usually includes a broad and inclusive spectrum of activities suitable to people of all ages and abilities, with an emphasis on the positive values of sport. In 2003, the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on Sport for Development and Peace defined sport, for the purposes of development, as

All form of physical activity that contribute to physical fitness, mental well-being and social interaction such as play, recreation, organized or or competitive sport, and indigenous sports and games.
In this light, the power of sport has enjoyed global acceptance from Inter-Governmental Organisations like the United Nation, Commonwealth, EU, AU among others as a viable tool to drive social change, peace and development. Most notably its role to consolidate efforts towards actualization of key goals in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) championed by the United Nation Office of Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP), Geneva.

Key targets are:-

| Health  -                       SDG 3                                                          | Education -                  SDG 4ߑ
| Gender Equality -        SDG 5 
| Economic Growth -     SDG ߏ 8
| Peace  -                        SDG 16                                                                           | Partnerships  -             SDG 17

Sport has been used continuously all over the world to contribute to a better society for all. Using sport to advance social change, peace and development. Through sport and play programmes, children and youths in vulnerable communities can be reached and supported. Giving them opportunity to live a healthy, peaceful and good life.

Initiation into sports at a young age can fill a void in the lives of vulnerable youth at a critical stage - which may prevent them from becoming involved in delinquent or criminal activity.

Through early intervention, sport programs can help to move youth onto a positive life trajectory. This reduces the risk of future involvement in delinquency which, if not prevented, can continue over a lifetime. Continued intervention is crucial in the lives of youth facing a pivotal choice about whether or not to join a gang. Short-term interventions may not be sufficient.

There is no less expensive potential than sport to support a healthy, peaceful and inclusive Nigerian communities.
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