David Mark: FG Should Take Sports Devt Serious

George Okoh in Makurdi

Former Senate President, Senator David Mark has urged governments at all levels to take sport development seriously as a way to check all forms of social ills in the country.

Mark who spoke yesterday after teeing off a golf competition in commemoration of his 68th. birthday celebration at the Otukpo Golf and Country Club, said sports was also a veritable platform for national integration.

The former Senate President also urged youths to take advantage of sport facilities and competitions in the country to develop themselves and become better citizens.

Mark said, “here in Otukpo we long initiated and started a golf academy which has over 400 membership strength and still counting and in so doing we have raised champions at various competitions across the globe, the initiative has helped the children and youths focus their lives towards greatness.

“Aside golf I’m also encouraging and supporting football and athletics all in the spirit of ensuring that our children and youths engage in gainful ventures in order to become useful citizens.”

The tournament drew both amateur and professional golfers from across the country.
Earlier on on Friday Mark marked his 68th birthday with the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Agatu local government area of Benue State rendered homeless aftermath of the massacre that left hundreds of people dead.

He was at one of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Aila community of Agatu local government area where he distributed relief materials, food stuff, clothes and toiletries to them.

Senator Mark who distributed the relief materials through his wife, Mrs. Helen Mark said:” I identify with you. I share in your pains and frustrations. But don’t lose hope. Help will come your way.”

He said spending time with the IDPs gave him a sense of fulfilment “because I have devoted the rest of my life to serve God and the less privileged in the society.
“Nothing can be more fulfilling for me on my birthday than bringing joy and relief to the IDPs in Agatu. I will do whatever I can to improve their condition. The situation is not palatable. But we must give them hope.”

Senator Mark also urged Corporate Institutions as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to come around to assist the IDPs.
He specifically pleaded with Benue State government to collaborate with the Federal government in order to initiate an action plan towards rebuilding and resettling the survivors of the Agatu massacre.

Receiving the relief materials on behalf of the people, District Head of Aila community, Chief Michael Magaji expressed appreciation to Senator Mark for the gesture.
Chief Magaji however requested the authorities to increase security presence in the war ravaged communities to enable the survivors return to their ancestral homes.

The call he said has become imperative now to enable people go into the farming season.
Meanwhile, life has started returning to the some communities in Agatu local government. A handful of people were seen in make-shift structures trying to pick their pieces as soldiers parades the communities to guarantee security.