Arthur Ferdinand CEO Calls for Grassroots Football Revival to Reorient Youth for a Better Delta

The Chief Executive Officer of Arthur Ferdinand Limited, Mr. Idama Amurun, has called for a deliberate return to grassroots sports development as a strategic pathway to positively reorient young people and build a more prosperous Delta State.
Mr. Amurun made the call while receiving an award presented to him by members of the Delta State Football Association (DFA) Board at his Warri office on Monday, where he also commended ongoing reforms in the sports sector and urged stronger private sector participation to complement government efforts in repositioning Nigerian sports for global relevance.
The seasoned entrepreneur offered a frank assessment of football administration in Delta State and the country at large, stressing the need for comprehensive reforms built on accountability, transparency, inclusivity, and alignment with global best practices.
According to him, sports
especially football
must be repositioned from the fringes to the centre of development planning, given its immense capacity to drive economic growth, youth empowerment, social cohesion, and national pride.
Drawing from his upbringing in Warri, Mr. Amurun expressed concern over the decline in Delta State’s once formidable presence in national football, recalling a period when the state consistently produced top talents across various levels of the national teams.
“I remember the golden era of players like Wilson Oruma, the Soji brothers, and several others who brought pride to Delta State. In those days, footballers were role models. When someone like Christian Obodo gave out his jersey, it became a prized possession for young players, inspiring them to dream big. Today, that culture is fading, and we must return to the grassroots to rebuild it,” he stated.
He emphasized that re-engaging young people through structured grassroots programmes would not only revive football fortunes but also serve as a tool for redirecting youth energy towards productive ventures, reducing social vices, and instilling discipline, focus, and ambition.
Mr. Amurun urged sports administrators to set aside personal interests and short-term benefits, and instead pursue long-term, people-oriented reforms that prioritize talent development, institutional credibility, and sustainable growth.
He noted that deliberate investment in grassroots competitions, coupled with proper branding and organization, could transform communities, create jobs, and support the Delta State Government’s broader vision for meaningful socio-economic development.
“Sports remain one of the most effective instruments for shaping society. If properly harnessed, it can unify communities, inspire excellence, and provide opportunities for thousands of young people. This is how we can build a better Delta State,” he added.
The Arthur Ferdinand boss also expressed appreciation to the DFA for honouring him, reaffirming his commitment to supporting initiatives that will create viable platforms for discovering and nurturing young football talents in the state.
Earlier, while presenting the award, the Chairman of the DFA, Chief Godwin Adode, lauded Mr. Amurun for his consistent contributions to football development in Delta State. He specifically cited the impact of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori Under-17 Football Tournament, sponsored by Arthur Ferdinand Limited, as a major boost to grassroots football.
Chief Adode assured that the forthcoming Federation Cup, also backed by the company, would be delivered with high standards and accountability to ensure value for resources invested.
He described the partnership between the DFA and Arthur Ferdinand Limited as a shining example of how public-private collaboration can drive sports development and open new pathways for young athletes.
The engagement highlighted a shared resolve among stakeholders to return to the basics of grassroots development as a foundation for rebuilding Delta State’s football legacy and fostering a new generation of disciplined, inspired, and purpose-driven youth.