Garissa County Government has started a sports programme aimed at nurturing talent and keeping the youth in the County away from drug and substance abuse.
County Secretary, Abdi Sheikh, said the County will roll-out more sports activities to sensitise the youth from things that distract them from achieving their future dreams.
Sheikh was speaking after awarding the ‘White Eagles’ football team that beat Wamo FC 2-0 to lift the 2021 Governor, Ali Korane, Eid Football Cup, in a hotly contested match held at Boys Town Secondary School Grounds. “Going forward, we are going to have more sporting activities in the county, “Sheikh said.
“The aim of this contest was to not only nurture talent but also create an avenue to keep the youth busy and sensitise them on the need to avoid substance abuse,” he added.
The County Secretary called on the players and the fans present to uphold the highest standards of discipline so that the ultimate mission of the competition was realised.
He reiterated that the County Government would continue to invest and support youths pursuing their sporting talents.
The two teams were awarded with new balls and brand new kits as well as cash prizes, with the winners also taking home the trophy. They are also set to meet the Governor.
According to a Multi-agency Security Team, the Region has been mostly used as a drug transit area from neighbouring Ethiopia and Somalia. The team has, hence, vowed to root out the traffickers before the residents are addicted.
National Government Administration officers have been in the forefront in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse, where more than one tone of bhang has been intercepted in the County over the past one year.
Speaking recently, North Eastern Regional Commissioner, Nicodemus Ndalana, said that the government will take firm actions against drug traffickers and dealers of contraband goods which has been more rampant in the region.
By Erick Kyalo
