By Jacob Ajom
A top taekwondo instructor, Ferguson Oluigbo has called on the minister of sports and chairman of the national Sports Commission, Ibrahim Bio to intensify effort at developing sports from the grassroot level.

Speaking in Lagos at the pre-2010 Pan African Martial Arts International camp and competition, Oluigbo said with the current global focus on youth development, Nigeria could not afford to take the back seat.

Said he, “Right now, the World Youth Olympics is on, and very soon, Africa will organise the first African youth Games. Nigeria must not be caught unawares in this new approach.”

He emphasised that “catching them young” formed the focal point of the Pan African Martial Arts International annual programme which was in its eighth year.

The P.A.N.A.M.A.I programme is a developmental event which features taekwondoists in U-12, U-16 and the senior category.

“Our primary target has been on catching them young. We have to redirect our efforts to developmental sports, promote youth events and attract the desired patronage from the corporate community,” Said Oluigbo.
He said this year’s event which is open to states, clubs and universities would attract over 350 participants.