Nigeria, South Africa reach youth, sports development agreement

• Ministry warns states against age cheats

NIGERIA has reached an agreement with South Africa to explore areas of mutual benefits in youth, sports, culture and educational development, Sports Minister, Sunday Dare has disclosed.

Speaking in his office in Abuja when a delegation led by South Africa’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Thamsanga Mseleka, paid him a courtesy call, Dare recalled that both countries have had a long history of mutual bilateral relationship, which could be further explored to enhance socioeconomic development.

“Clearly, history bears you out that both countries have longstanding diplomatic relationship. We have however recently seen a number of unpleasant occurrences that have drawn both countries back to the table to fashion out a part way of resolution. This involved mostly youth, who were the victims. But I am happy that just as Nigeria was talking about how to protect the rights of her citizens, particularly the youth population, South Africa was also thinking of doing the same. This will normalise our relationship, as we seek ways of peaceful co- existence.”

Also speaking on the pact, South Africa’s Mseleka said he was looking up to opening areas of cementing the long standing diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and South Africa.

He assured that South Africa was ready to partner with Nigeria to work out mechanisms that would strengthen relationship involving the youth in sports, culture and education.