Dalung hails Nigerian Army, as curtail falls on sports festival 

Youth and Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, says the Nigerian Army has proved that it has a special role to play in the bid to resuscitate the country’s sports through the successful hosting of its sports festival, tagged NASFEST.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the festival held at the main bowl of the National Stadium, Abuja yesterday, the minister praised the leadership of the Nigerian Army under the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. T.Y. Buratai, for resuscitating the sports festival after seven years due to insecurity caused insurgency.

“Good leadership is key and fundamental to development. I want to congratulate the Nigerian Army and the athletes for the talents, skills and determination exhibited here. I have no doubt that the talents exhibited here only need little touch for us to have Olympic materials. I want to charge you all to remain dedicated and committed to our country,” he said.

Dalung pledged his ministry’s determination to collaborate with the Nigerian Army to develop sports in the country and also promised to communicate to President Muhammadu Buhari, a report of the Army games.

Earlier, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President, Habu Gumel, had highlighted the role of the Nigerian Army in producing athletes for the All Africa Games, Commonwealth Games, the Olympics and other international sporting competitions.