Edo 2020: Make National Sports Festival Priority In Your Lists- Buhari Tasks Governors
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday at the official opening ceremony of the 20th National Sports Festival in Benin City, Edo State urged state governments to make NSF a primus place in the priority list of their governments.
Buhari made this appeal during the official opening ceremony of the festival held at Samuel Ogbemudia stadium on Tuesday night whereby all the thirty six states and Abuja contingents are currently participating at the sports festival.
President Buhari, ably represented by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Chief Sunday Dare stated in his address that narrated that the sport’s festival has remained a bond and major force that unites all Nigerians.
He hereby counseled all the participating athletes from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to ensure they play by the rules of the game and not deviate from the dreams of the founding fathers of the game which started shortly after the Civil War.
He commended the resilience of Edo State government despite several postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic to host the festival rightly described as Nigeria’s Olympics because it has produced renowned athletes both locally and internationally that have represented Tue country at world stage.
“The National Sports Festival as we all know is the biggest sports fiesta in the country, where both professionals and home based athletes converge to display their prowess.
“Although, the 20th National Sports Festival was supposed to have taken place one year ago, but due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, it suffered several postponements.
“However, with the determination of His Excellency, President, Muhammadu Buhari in ensuring that the youth are engaged productively through sports, and the doggedness of Edo State government to host the festival as well as the unwavering commitment of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, today, we are here not to just have the festival, but a befitting festival.
“To thousands of our young athletes, let me commend your stoic patience and faith in government to make this happen. Indeed, this sports festival rightly dubbed Nigeria’s Olympics showcases Nigeria’s best talents in over 30 different sporting events.
“By the sheer population of the participants, historically about 14,000, the reach and how it engages our youths, the sports festival deserves a primus place in the priority list of any government.
“The National Sports Festival as we all know still remains one of the veritable tools for uniting the country as well as bringing the young men and women to interact and make friends. it is also an avenue to discover talents for various sports that will represent the country in the global arena,” he said.
Meanwhile, he paid tributes to the founding fathers of the games such as former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.); Late Major General Henry Adefope; Late Brigadier General Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia and others who initiated and brought this great event to limelight.
“Since the commencement of the festival in 1973, it has resulted in the discovery of great stars. The NSF promises to thrill and produce talents and expose stars. From Benin City will emerge a new tribe of world beaters and great athletes,” he concluded.
