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Wants private sector’s investment in sports
Thrilled by the facilities provided by Delta State for the ongoing 21st National Sports Festival, President Muhammad Buhari has commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, saying, “You kept to your promise.”
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Buhari, represented by Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, spoke at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Wednesday while declaring the Games open.
With the unity of Nigeria severely threatened at the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970, the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, introduced the National Sports Festival in 1973 as an avenue to bring together youths from all parts of the country to compete, using sports as a tool for national unity.
In Asaba on Wednesday, Buhari reiterated the position of the competition as an avenue for scouting young talented athletes that will represent the country at the international level. “The National Sports Festival has produced great athletes that have made the nation proud and written their names in gold in the All Africa Games, Commonwealth Games and at the Olympics,” he said.
Buhari thanked the government and people of Delta State for keeping their promise by completing the facilities to host the 21th festival.
Meanwhile, Governor Okowa has assured all athletes, coaches and administrators of adequate security throughout the duration of the National Sports Festival.
Four Governors, including that of Bayelsa and Edo states were among top dignitaries that graced the occasion. Governor Godwin Obaseki and the host governor, Okowa, joined their states’ athletes during the march past ceremony.
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