More than 38 football teams of youth from Wajir County took part in a unique football tournament over the weekend as part of an initiative to nurture talent and eradicate crime and drug abuse.
The football tournament organised by Governor Ahmed Abdullahi attracted youth from all sub counties.
Shabah FC emerged winners in the tournament which also seeks to save youth from radicalisation.
Governor Abdullahi said the football tournament under the theme "Say no to radicalisation and drug abuse," would keep youth active and focused.
He urged the players to continue working hard and engage in sports in order to avoid idleness.
"Sports provide a positive and healthy outlet for young individuals, keeping them active, focused, and away from negative influences," said Abdullahi.
"By participating in sports, youth develop discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills, which can help steer them away from radical ideologies and drug abuse," he added.
Youth Affairs and Arts Principal Secretary Ismail Madey, who was the chief guest also outlined the benefits and responsibilities that come with engaging in sports.
Madey advised the youth to shun people out to lure them with fake job promises and other niceties.
The final pitted FC Shabah and Al Ansar FC with the former emerging winners to pocket a cash prize of Sh500,000 while the runners up received Sh250,000. The. Best player of the tournament was awarded Sh50,000.
The tournament's main objective was to actively engage over 1,300 footballers and more than 30 officials within Wajir township.
The youth who will represent the county in the upcoming 2024 Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association (KYISA) games in Kilifi county will be selected from the teams that participated in the tournament.
