The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, has charged youths across the state to shun all forms of crime and take advantage of sporting opportunities to develop their talents and contribute meaningfully to society.
CP Ojo gave the charge during the closing ceremony of the 17th edition of the State Commissioner of Police Cup, organised by the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) in Ilorin.
The Commissioner described sports as a unifying force and an effective tool for engaging young minds productively, stressing that channeling youth energy into positive ventures significantly curtails crime and social restiveness.
He noted that the command will continue to support grassroots sports development as part of its broader community policing and engagement framework to sustain peace and security across Kwara.
He urged aspiring athletes to identify their strengths early and leverage available platforms, observing that successful sporting careers offer both personal fulfillment and sustainable economic livelihood.
Assessing the standard of football displayed during the tournament, Ojo commended the finalists for their tactical discipline and competitive spirit.
He remarked that Kwara has long maintained an enviable tradition of discovering and nurturing athletic talent, adding that the quality on display reaffirmed the immense potential domiciled in the state.
The Police Chief expressed appreciation to YSFON, coaches, match officials, and parents for their collective commitment to the competition’s success, reiterating the command’s resolve to back youth-oriented initiatives that foster safer communities.
In the final matches, Future Stars FA emerged champions of the U-17 Boys category after defeating Koller FC 3-2. Future Stars completed a double in the boys’ division by overcoming UNIPES FA 2-0 to claim the U-13 crown.
In the U-17 Girls category, Kwara United Queens lifted the trophy following a dominant 4-0 victory over Model Queens FC, bringing the 17th edition of the competition to a close.