To nib in bud youths’ restiveness and re- direct their talent to participation in the non-oil export value chain, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, has organized foot ball talent haunt in collaboration with GP 777 football academy.
Dr. Ezra Yakusak, Executive Director/CEO of NEPC said the initiative was part of the Council’s Export for Survival campaign program and diversification from oil dependent.
Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the main field of Aguiyi Ironsi Barrack, Asokoro, he said the programme was designed to address the challenges of youth restiveness by encouraging youth participation in the non-oil export value chain.
“The Youth for Export Programme is designed to empower young Nigerians by providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to engage in export activities. It is targeted at youth who are interested in entrepreneurship and export business.
“The project will provide training and mentorship on the export process, market research, product development, and access to funding and markets.
“This football talent hunt is therefore one of the strategies adopted to mainstream the youths in export activities through the Youth for Export Programme”, he said.
Ezra said Football was the most popular sport in Nigeria and had become a significant source of national pride.
“Our country has produced some of the most talented and successful football players in the world. However, we believe that there are many more talented young people in our country whose skills are yet untapped.
“The initiation of this nationwide football talent hunt programme is to identify and develop young footballers with exceptional skills and nurture them to become world-class players.
“Our goal is to create a sustainable pool of talented football players who can represent Nigeria on the global stage.
“Through this programme, we also hope to create a positive impact on the Nigerian economy by promoting football as a viable career option for young people who may eventually export such services. Hopefully, this talent hunt will bridge the gap between unseen talents and European clubs”.
To reap the benefits of this programme, he said the Council would be partnering with various stakeholders within and outside the country, including football clubs, coaches and talent scouts.
“To this end, we have with us today scouts and directors of clubs from different European countries. Similarly, we shall also be working closely with local communities to ensure that we reach as many young people as possible. Through this event, we hope to introduce successful players to showcase event in Cairo Egypt”.
The event scheduled for the first week of August 2023, he said was a great opportunity for young talented footballers around the world to showcase their skills to professional Spanish clubs in a bid to sign football contracts with the clubs.
Speaking in an interview, CEO Showcase Cairo,Marc Bautista said he believes that talent without opportunity is nothing and this opportunity is very apt.
He said players will have the opportunity to showcase themselves and urged them to use the platform as an opportunity to do great in football.
