By James Sani
President Bola Tinubu says his administration will continue to use sports as a tool for national integration because it binds people together irrespective of tribe,age and religion.
He stated this while declaring open the twenty second national sports festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu explained that the federal government would continue ensure sports development as it remains a powerful force for national cohesion.
He praised the national sports commission for initiating the Renewed Hope Agenda in the sporting industry thereby integrating young talents into sporting events for it’s sustainability and building a brighter future for the youths.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said the state was proud to be hosting the sporting festival as it was a catalyst for economic development and youth empowerment.
He said hosting the national sports festival contributes to national economy, showcases the rich cultural heritage and sporting infrastructure of internation standard in the state.
While promising that his administration would continue promote grassroots sport development, Governor Abiodun urged the athletes and their coaches to display the spirit of sportsmanship during the festival.
In an address of welcome, the Chairman National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, said the festival was a celebration of Nigerian’s unity in diversity.
He explained that the sporting industry under President Tinubu had been repositioned to creating jobs , foster unity and boosting the economy.
Mallam Dikko maintained that this year’s edition of the national sports festival introduce, young athletes under the Invited Junior Athletes, IJA, programme to compete with other states and the FCT as the thirty eighth state in the competition.
Present at the opening of the games was Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development Hon Aridaojo Monday Anyebe who were in company of several other governors, ministers.
James Sani
Information Officer Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development Lokoja .
