…as Ambassador Lucky Yargwa reiterates state’s commitment to sports
The commissioner of sports in Nasarawa State, Ambassador Lucky Isaac Yargwa has reiterated the commitment of the Governor of Nasarawa State, to continue his drive in erecting an enviable sporting state in Nigeria.
The commissioner made the disclosure at a Press briefing held at the Media Center of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba Saturday evening.
Ambassador Lucky accompanied by the Public Relation Officer of the Nasarawa state’s Sports Commission, Ache Amos, highlighted the state’s preparation towards the ongoing festival and the motivating mechanisms they put in place to better their previous best.
“We are participating in 27 events and we are confident in our athletes that they will do us proud than the previous edition.
“We have won 3 medals so far in the competition. Some of our athletes are already on the Medals table and we hope to increase it at the end of the day.”
“I can assure you that we will be amongst the top 10 at the end of the festival. Our athletes are well motivated and no one is being owed anything as our Governor has graciously redeemed the 16 million naira promised to the athletes of the last edition as a morale booster.”
“We are deliberating on building sporting infrastructures to further strengthen our pursuit in building a good sporting state that will rub shoulders with other states in the country.”
The commissioner said the experience gathered so far is second to none as it has provided them with the opportunity to showcase what they have, both talent and sports-wise.
The ‘Solid Miners’ are looking to surpass their 2021 feat where they won a total of 22 medals – 5 gold, 4 silver and 13 bronze medals to place 18th out of 36 States and FCT, Abuja, on the medals’ table. In the same festival, only three States (namely, Kano, Plateau and Kwara) and FCT Abuja, did better than the entire 19 Northern States and FCT, Abuja outclassed despite participating in fewer sports events.
“In all of these sports, we are very confident of surpassing our previous medal records.”
“Our sport-loving Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, accorded us all the necessary support to ensure we excel at the Festival.”
“We had early preparations for the Sports Festival and we were among the first States to arrive in Asaba. We came in on 29th November 2022, and participated fully in the opening ceremony.”
“Some of our athletes are already in the medal stage in some sports, and before the end of today, we should have more medals in our cabin.”
“There are many other sporting events we are yet to commence participation in. But I want to assure you that before the end of the Festival, Team Nasarawa will be among the top ten highest medal-winning States.”
“Our athletes and coaches are more than motivated to deliver results. Nobody is owed any dime. The State Government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, made every necessary and adequate provision for each member of the contingent.”
“As a State, our main focus is on the real stakeholders, that is the athletes and coaches, we are here because of them.”
According to Yargwa, Governor Abdullahi Sule to further boost the morale of the athletes to redouble their efforts at this year’s edition has graciously redeemed the sum of 16.5 million pledge he made to athletes who won medals at last year’s Sports Festival in Edo State.”
“The Governor is a firm believer of hard work and graciously rewards excellence, no matter where it is coming from.”
“We are deliberate in building sports infrastructure and supporting human resource development for optimum performance and healthy competition wherever we find ourselves.”
Yargwa however commended the organizers of the 21st National Sports Festival for putting in place wonderful facilities and coordinating the events so far.
“Finally, I must commend the organizers of the Sports Festival, including the Delta State Government, the Federal Government and Partners for ensuring that this Event doesn’t only hold, but meets the required standard.”
“The facilities are wonderful. The coordination is welcoming, and the hostel accommodation, especially for my contingent members, is excellent.”
While praying for peaceful coexistence and sportsmanship amongst participating states, the soft-spoken commissioner charged the organizers to be watchful to ensure that the aims and objectives of the games are achieved.
“However, I want to call on the organizers to put searchlights in and around Event Centres to ensure that the aims and objectives of the Sports Festival are not eroded by selfish stakeholders whose motive is to favour some States at the expense of others, probably due to pecuniary gains.”
“They must stick to the rules and regulations guiding the competition and ensure that talents, irrespective of the State they come from, are discovered and be nurtured to represent the country at international sports meets.”
“Also, peaceful co-existence, love for one another and acceptance of social, cultural, religious and economic values should and must be preached, because that’s why the Sports Festival was established”, he added
Team Nasarawa since making their debut at the festival in 1998 has participated in the previous 10 with this year’s making it their 11th appearance. The team will be participating in 27 sports stormed Asaba with the largest contingent, comprising 181 athletes, 33 coaches, 8 referees, 27 sports secretaries, 20 accompanying officials, 2 medical personnel and 6 security details.