Asaba, Delta State was agog Wednesday night as the 21st National Sports Festival “Delta 2022” commenced with the beautiful Stephen Keshi Stadium awash with delightful sights from beautiful images, colorful movements, and sonorous music adorning every corner of the Ifeanyi Okowa Mainbowl.
The opening ceremony which officially kicked off at 6:23 pm saw the mammoth crowd at the Ifeanyi Okowa Mainbowl thrilled with various beautiful displays which include cultural dances from selected tribes to drive home the peculiarity of Nigerian cultural backgrounds, Unity, and brotherhood regardless of the region. A choreography group of over five hundred children sauced the stage performances with beautiful steps to various trending music.
The Match Past preceded the introduction of guests present to grace the occasion witnessed by a fully packed stadium.
The 36 states present matched past the blue-laid tartan track in their cultural ways, costumes, and the state’s flag wrapped with excitement all over them.
Team Edo meanwhile stole the show after the Team led by the governor of the State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki – flanked by the First Lady, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, Chairman Edo State Sports Commission, OLY Yussuf Alli, Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mrs. Sabina Chikere, and other executive directors- appeared in their red on red tracksuit marched ahead by the Flying ‘Stars decorated Face of Edo’ Flag to the amazement of the crowd which led to them being applauded after it was mentioned by the anchor that “that is the best match past so far”.
Other highlights of the ceremony include the lightening of the Torch which indicates the official commencement of the Festival.
Declaring the festival open, Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa congratulated all states for being part of this tournament calling it the ‘Premier Competition’ in the country.
“On behalf of the government, and good people of Delta State, I welcome you all to the state for the 21st National Sports Festival held in Delta State.”
“The National Sports Festival arguably the premier competition in the country has become the breeding ground for new stars, making of new talents, making new friends, and building bridges of unity.”
“More records would be broken and new ones set to further show the beauty of the event.”
“The moment the hosting right was given to the state, the local organizing committee has been working frantically day and night to meet the deadline and ensure that this festival meets the aspirations of Deltans and Nigerians.”
“Our security, protocol, traffic management team, and volunteers are poised to ensure a beautiful, safe and secure environment in easing movement across the length and breadth of the state.”
He however charged the athletes to do themselves proud have gone through rigorous months of training ahead of the festival.
“To the athletes, congratulations for making it here to the 21st National Sports Festival – this is the moment you have been waiting for, all months of rigorous training you have put up will be tested in the next ten days. I celebrate your extraordinary capacity as an athlete.”
” I wish you all the best as we all enjoy this Festival held in the state.”