By Ovie Okpare
The immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has warned youths in the country against kidnapping, saying such could continue to damage the Nigeria’s image among comity of nations.
He, however, charged youths especially in the Niger Delta region to develop their talents in the overall good of the region.
Uduaghan spoke on Friday when he received a former Super Eagles defending midfielder, Christian Obodo, at his Warri residence in Delta State.
Obodo, whom has since retired from active football, was at Uduaghan’s home on a “thank you visit” over the former governor’s contributions to his soccer career especially when he was kidnapped in the state eight years ago.
He charged Nigerian youths to shun kidnapping, as well as other social vices that could negatively impact their talents and society.
According to him, “Thank God for a successful football career. You have moved from the active stage to trying to develop young players. I thank God for your talent. You used it to the highest level, being able to play for the nation and other clubs.
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“On behalf of Deltans, I want to apologize for what happened to you that time. It brought embarrassment to you and the state at the time. You had to be incarcerated.
“I keep telling youths that when you kidnap from this area, it shows how devilish you are. You (Obodo) developed your talent. I used to tell young people that is what they should follow.”
Earlier, visiting Obodo, who played for Greece Football Club, Appollon Smyrnis, before his retirement, commended Uduaghan for the swift response of the state government under his leadership at the time of his abduction.
Obodo, accompanied by ace sports broadcaster, Azuka Chiamaka and a friend, Engineer Sam, urged youths not to allow hardship push them into criminal activities, as they may lose their lives in the process.
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“I don’t think kidnapping is the way forward in life. I think there are better things to do. I know things are not easy, but there is always a solution.
“Finding yourself in that kind of situation, you can get yourself caught or killed. I think you can use your talent and skill to do better and stay away from crime,” the player, nicknamed bundle of skill, advised.
He further expressed gratitude to Dr. Uduaghan for the “fatherly support and love” showed him and his family when he was kidnapped.
He informed the former governor that he is now in the business of scouting for young and skillful talents who will take Nigerian football to greater heights.
