Sequel to the ever increasing rate of unemployment and other youth development challenges in the country, the Federal Government has been charged to use sports to adequately engage the youths.

The charge was given yesterday in Ilorin by the Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, while receiving Delegates to the Triennial Conference of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), led by its National President, Mallam Saidu Abubakar.

Ahmed noted that achievements of the state in sporting events in past months had attested to the growing successes of the state in sports development. He promised that the government would continue to sustain its grassroots development in order to engage youths meaningfully.

Governor Ahmed who welcomed the SWAN delegates to the state assured sportswriters of support with a view to holding a hitch-free election in the state. In his earlier remarks, the National President of SWAN, Mallam Saidu Abubakar commended the state government for providing enabling environment to host sporting events in the state.

Abubakar urged the state government to redeem its past pledges to the SWAN as well as upgrade the indoor sports hall of the State Stadium Complex in order to open the state to more national and international competition.

Earlier in his welcome address, the State Chairman of SWAN, Mallam Abdulwaheed Bibire had praised the state government for its constant support for the Association. Delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja have arrived Ilorin, the Kwara State capital for the Triennial Delegates Conference of SWAN which holds today (Wednesday).

Also on ground were members of the National Executive Council of SWAN, members of SWAN Electoral Committee and Candidates seeking elective positions into various offices.