EDU LGA’S PERFORMANCE AT THE KWARA SPORTS FESTIVAL 2026: THE NEED FOR IMPROVEMENT — By Ambassador Aliyu Isa Edu

EDU LGA’S PERFORMANCE AT THE KWARA SPORTS FESTIVAL 2026: THE NEED FOR IMPROVEMENT — By Ambassador Aliyu Isa Edu

The performance of Edu Local Government Area in several sporting events at the ongoing Kwara Sports Festival 2026 should serve as an important call to action for all stakeholders committed to sports and youth development in our communities.

While we commend and congratulate every athlete representing Edu LGA, and acknowledge their courage, commitment and sacrifice, this reflection is not intended to blame the athletes, the Local Government or any individual, nor should the outcome of the festival be turned into a political issue. Rather, it is an opportunity to honestly assess where we are, identify the gaps and consider what can be done differently to improve our performance in future competitions.

Our athletes should not be blamed. Their performance is influenced by the opportunities, preparation, coaching and resources available to them.

The responsibility therefore extends beyond the athletes.

The Edu Local Government Council, under the leadership of the Council Chairman, must strengthen its support for sports development.

Sports should not be treated merely as entertainment or as an activity remembered only when competitions approach. It should form an integral part of a deliberate and sustainable youth development strategy.

Edu LGA has talented young people across Lafiagi, Tsaragi, Shonga and other communities. What many of them lack are opportunities, adequate facilities, qualified coaching, regular competitions, exposure and consistent institutional support.

While football remains important, investment must extend beyond it. We should deliberately identify and develop young talents in athletics, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, badminton and other competitive sports in which our youths can excel.

A well-structured grassroots sports programme can promote peace and unity, reduce youth idleness, encourage discipline, identify talent, create career opportunities and strengthen relationships among our communities.

The results of this festival should therefore be used as a basis for reflection, accountability and constructive action rather than blame or political attacks. What matters now is how we can learn from the experience and build a stronger system for our young athletes.

AIEDU INTERNATIONAL AGENCY WILL ENGAGE STAKEHOLDERS

In the coming period, AIEDU International Agency will engage relevant stakeholders, sports professionals, community leaders, youth representatives, philanthropists and other concerned individuals to discuss practical strategies for improving sports and youth development across Edu Local Government Area.

The objective is clear:

Identify the gaps. Bring stakeholders together. Develop practical solutions. Support our young talents.

We need a sustainable structure that identifies talented children and youths at the grassroots, provides coaching and equipment, organises regular competitions and creates pathways for exceptional athletes to progress to state, national and professional levels.

This responsibility cannot be left to government alone. However, government must provide leadership, coordination and an enabling environment.

I therefore respectfully call on the Council Chairman and the leadership of Edu Local Government to take the lessons from the Kwara Sports Festival seriously and initiate stronger investment in sports and comprehensive youth development programmes.

We are prepared to engage constructively, contribute ideas and collaborate with stakeholders who genuinely believe in the potential of our young people.

Our youths have the talent.

What they need is opportunity, investment, structure and leadership.

Let the performance at the Kwara Sports Festival 2026 mark the beginning of a new chapter in sports development in Edu LGA.

AIEDU International Agency — Supporting Sports, Peace, Unity and Youth Development

 Together, we can build a stronger generation and a better Edu LGA.