By Bishop Aturu
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has charged athletes at the on-going National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to make the state proud by being good ambassadors and bringing home medals.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ododo charged Kogi State athletes to be exemplary ambassadors and to aim for victory in their respective competitions.
He reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering support for sports development and expressed confidence in the state’s ability to shine at the festival.
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According to him, his personal attendance at the festival underscores the importance he places on youth and sports in Kogi State.
Governor Ododo also lauded his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for the impressive organization and hospitality shown to contingents from across the country. He equally commended Hon. Anyebe for his leadership in guiding the Kogi team to the games.
Kogi Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, while addressing the Kogi contingent, reiterated the governor’s commitment to their welfare and tasked them to bring home medals.
He praised the athletes’ morale and discipline, urging them to remain focused and avoid actions that could tarnish the state’s image.
In response, the Director of Kogi State Sports Council, Elder Akowe Adejoh, assured both the governor and the commissioner of the athletes’ determination to make the state proud. He said the support shown by the state leadership had significantly boosted the team’s morale and motivation.
The 22nd National Sports Festival continues in Abeokuta with states competing in various events, promoting unity, and showcasing Nigeria’s diverse sporting talents.
It would be recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to using sports as a strategic tool for fostering national integration and development.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the opening ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival, President Tinubu described sports as a unifying force that transcends tribal, religious, and age barriers.
He emphasised the importance of the festival in nurturing young talents, promoting unity, and building a sustainable future for Nigerian youths.
The President also commended the National Sports Commission for initiating the Renewed Hope Agenda within the sporting sector, noting that such initiatives align with his administration’s vision for youth engagement and empowerment.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his welcome address, had expressed pride in hosting the national event, highlighting its impact on economic development and cultural promotion.
He pledged his government’s continued support for grassroots sports and urged athletes to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, described the festival as a celebration of Nigeria’s unity in diversity.
He noted that the inclusion of young athletes through the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) programme and the participation of the Federal Capital Territory as the 38th competing state demonstrates the evolving inclusiveness of the event.
Meanwhile, the 22nd National Sports Festival continues in Abeokuta with states competing in various events, promoting unity, and showcasing Nigeria’s diverse sporting talents.
