• Moves to discover new talents, unlock tourism potential
By Ogalla Daniel
Kogi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Aridaojo Anyebe, has inaugurated the Main Organising Committee (MOC), to spearhead the maiden Mount Patti Race.
The committee which is chaired by Fadili Abdulraheem, is composed of representatives from the sports, environment and tourism sectors as well as a selection of notable Kogi State sports veterans and seasoned administrators.
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Inaugurating the Committee in his office in Lokoja, Hon. Anyebe, explained that the tournament, christened “Mount Patti Hunt Race”, is a critical step toward repositioning Kogi’s tourism sector as a driver of economic growth.
He further explained that the initiative was part of the developmental strategy of the state Government aimed at enhancing sports.
The commissioner charged members of the committee to discharge their assignment with dedication, professionalism and diligence. Just as he enjoined them to work as a team and deliver on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s vision of a hitch-free global event.
He further stressed the importance of organising a memorable event that will transform into a global showpiece in the next few years.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Youth and Sports Development and Co-chairman of the Committee, Mr Momoh Stephen, enjoined members of the committee to hit the ground running, strive for excellence in the maiden edition to ensure Kogi is placed on the global map.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Mr Fadili Abdulraheem, said the international race is a sports initiative with the potential to discover and nurture new athletic talents while unlocking the tourism potentials of the state to attract global tourists.
In order to raise the profile of the event and inspire competition among participants, the MOC chairman said the event shall be open to all athletes from across the globe, just as a website for the international race would soon be unveiled.
In addition, the committee he added will leverage on the success of the Kogi Half Marathon to promote a sports economy that will add immense value to the state’s Internally Generated Revenue.
Mr Abdulraheem used the forum to appreciate the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo led administration for creating an enabling environment for the Sports Ministry to thrive while commending the sports commissioner for dedication to his assignment.
He acknowledged the enormous task before the committee and assured that it would not leave any stone unturned to deliver on its mandate and make Kogi State proud on the national and international stage.
