CHAIRMAN of the Local Organising Committee for the 21st National Sports Festival, Patrick Ukah, has promised that the closing ceremony of Delta 2022 tomorrow would be highly entertaining.
Ukah stated that the target was to stage a world-class ceremony which would be enjoyed by all participants and lovers of sports worldwide.
“We started preparation for the closing ceremony just same time with the opening and we are happy the opening was a huge success.
“The closing is more significant to us because we want people to go back to their respective states with good memories of the display at the closing ceremony.
“We have school children preparing for another round of amazing calisthenics display just as they did at the opening while some notable artistes will also perform to thrill the audience,” Ukah, who is also the Secretary to the Delta State Government said.
“We are very proud that the Games are going on well and our target is to end it well with the closing ceremony. So much work has been put in for this event to run smoothly and we intend to put icing on the cake on Saturday with the closing display,” Ukah added.
Meanwhile, Zoro, Erigga and Zlatan are the artistes to entertain the crowd at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, tomorrow to round off Delta 2022.
The decision on the host of the 2024 National Sports Festival will be taken today, as Delta 2022 will be rounded off tomorrow at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
Sportingtribune gathered within he Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports that the National Sports Festival department under the ministry will meet today to assess all the bids submitted and select the most qualified state to host the 2024 NSF.
The source hinted that the meeting will involve technical personnel and other major stakeholders that will look into all proposals.
According to the source, the NSF department after looking into the bids will now submit its report that contains recommendation of who deserves to be the 2024 NSF host to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, who will now make the official announcement tomorrow at the closing ceremony.
“A lot of issues ranging from technical, medical, political to security will be looked into to determine who will be named the host of the next NSF,” the source told Sportingtribune.
MULTIPLE National Sports Festival medallist, Blessing Oborududu, says she is at Delta 2022 to inspire upcoming wrestlers.
The African and 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games champion, Oborududu told Tribunesport that her mission is to nurture young wrestlers to become world champions.
Oborududu who won three gold medals at the National Sports Festival noted that Nigeria is blessed with abundance of talents.
“Talents have never been an issue with us [in Nigeria] but nurturing them is the problem. This is why am in Asaba to motivate our young wrestlers, having been in this position before.
“Our sports need mentorship and that is one way we can produce more future champions.
“My generation looked up to our President [Nigeria Wrestling Federation], Honourable Daniel Igali and we were able to follow his legacy and is time for us to inspire the young ones,” Oborududu won 2020 Tokyo Olympics said.
Patrick Onyedum, Chairman of Anambra Sports Development Commission (ASDC), has said the desperation of states to amass medals, especially gold, was robbing the National Sports Festival (NSF) of its beauty.
Onyedum told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Asaba on Wednesday that NSF was supposed to be an arena where states presented products of their developmental programme every two years for national competition.
He expressed worry that athletes who had represented the country at international competitions, including the Olympics in senior category, still found their way to compete for states at NSF.
Onyedum, a former athlete, said the NSF was supposed to be part of the national sports development programme and not an end in itself.
According to him, what I find strange is the fact that most states are competing at this festival with athletes who have represented Nigeria in the senior category and abroad-based professionals.
“That should not be the case, these people have outgrown the national festival. What is playing out here is desperation of states to win medals.
“Why should world class athletes be here doing with athletes from academies, secondary schools and universities,” he said.
Onyedum called on the Federal Ministry of Sports to review the festival policy and enforce the rule that elite athletes who have represented Nigeria would not take part in the festival any longer.
Onyedum said the review of the policy should be immediate so that the gold rush plaguing the festival did not inform the quality of athletes that would feature in next edition.
“In our time, if you represented Nigeria twice, you would not be allowed to take part in the festival, that is some of us who went to national camp did not compete at the festival.
Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the ongoing 21st National Sports Festival, Delta 2022, Patrick Ukah, is excited about the Hockey Arena in Asaba which he said is of world-class.
Ukah said the ultra-modern facility was one of the biggest legacies of Delta 2022, as he noted that having the tartan tracks, indoor sports hall, swimming pool and other facilities ready are normal situations but to have an amazing edifice as the hockey arena is very special.
“The turf of the Hockey Arena is astro and it can be compared with some of the best in the world. In Africa the hockey pitch should be one of the best.
“Another interesting part is the hostels built there. We have about 80 rooms there and so it can pass as camp arena to more than three teams at the same time.
“We are so proud of the Hockey Arena for the Delta 2022 Sports Festival. It is good and massive enough to host Africa and global hockey events in future.
“For me, the Hockey Arena is the legacy of the ongoing games and the entire LOC and the government of Delta State are very proud of the facility,” Ukah said.
The biennial Games will be rounded off on December 10 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
President Muhammadu Buhari has declared the 21st National Sports Festival tagged Delta 2022 open with a charge to all participating athletes to compete fairly, shun all forms of anti-social behaviour and the use of performance-enhancing substances so as to come out magnanimous in victory and gracious in defeat.
The President who gave the charge today at the Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba, Delta State, disclosed that the ceremony, isanother landmark achievement of his administration in the area of sports development in the country.
The President who was represented by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, commended all the Stakeholders and Delta State Government in particular, for working assiduously to deliver a successful Festival that the nation can be proud of, calling on other States to emulate them.
He explained that since the inception of the National Sports Festival in 1973,was one of the measures that the Federal Government introduced in the aftermath of the civil war to renew the fabric of our social cohesion and to promote our common destiny as a people, stressing that the architects of the Festival recognized the unifying power of sports and sought to create a platform that would bring young Nigerians together in an edifying contest of wits, will and skill”
The President who thanked the Government and people of Delta State for keeping their promise of hosting the festival in line with the dreams of the founding fathers, such as General Yakubu Gowon, late Major General Henry Adefope, Brigadier General Samuel Ogbemudia among other illustrious patriots who brought this great event into being, noted that his administration believes in providing an enabling environment and equal opportunity for every Nigerian, irrespective of where he or she is from.
“This is one of the reasons why in the last two editions of the Festival, every restriction hitherto placed on the participation of Nigerians in the diaspora was expunged from the rule book, thus creating an opportunity for all Nigerians, wherever they are based in the world, to come home and participate in this biennial event.
He affirmedthat the cardinal objective of his administration is the pursuit of youth development through initiatives that empower and create jobs as a lynchpin of our national development goals which is why the National Sports Industry Policy was approved by the Federal Executive Council.
Sports sector he added,must become a business from which we will reap untold dividends in employment, manufacturing, investments, and increased national productivity”.
He therefore called on the private sector to join hands with government in opening a new chapter in our sporting history by investing massively in this sector, stressing further that Sports can absorb the dynamic energies of our youth, give them a sense of purpose and pride and provide platforms for them to demonstrate their gifts on a global stage.
The President observed further that throughout its history, “the National Sports Festival has been the nursery and breeding ground of some of the most legendary names in the annals of our sports history. Super stars like Innocent Egbunike, Chidi Imoh, Henry Amike, Yusuf Ali, Davidson and Osmond Ezinwa, Mary Onyali, Falilat Ogunkoya, Faith Idehen and Beatrice Utondu, among others, emerged through this Festival using it as a springboard to international stardom.
Many of these remarkable men and women, he said,went on to enjoy highly decorated careers as record breakers and record makers” and thus called on the athletes at this Festival, to follow the examples of these stars so as to achieve greater heights in history.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa commended the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration for granting the State the hosting rights for the 2022 edition of the Festival
While assuring of a hitch-free Festival, Governor Okowa appreciated the Main and Local Organizing Committees for the months of sacrifice, dedication and planning with a view to meeting the aspirations of the Councils and Nigerians, as well as the preparations that have gone into making the occasion a success.
Also speaking, Dare stated that the National Sports Festival is the biggest sports fiesta in Nigeria, where both professional and home-based athletes converge to display their prowessas well as serve as one of the avenues where young talents are discovered and nurtured for the Podium.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of his Ministry, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, Dare thanked the Delta State Government for accepting to host the Games as well as 36 States of the Federation and FCT for their participation and said that globally, sports has gone beyond recreational activities to business. “As such, his Ministry willwork assiduously to ensure that sports in Nigeria has alsoreclassified to a business.”
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion include the Executive Governors of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, as well as the Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Hon. Olumide Osoba.
A total of 14,000 athletes are expected to compete at the forthcoming National Sports Festival (NSF) in Asaba.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mohammed Manga, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development (FMYSD) on Monday.
Manga quoted Sunday Dare, Minister of FMYSD, as saying that he was optimistic that the competition will expose new set of athletes that will compete favourably with their counterparts globally.
“I am optimistic that at the end of the competition, budding talents will emerge and the country will witness more podium performances through them in subsequent global competitions,” he said.
The minister also commended the Delta Government for its dogged determination towards ensuring the reality of the 21st NSF.
While stressing that the Games will also help in strengthening the unity of Nigerians, Dare called on participating states to go all out for medals.
Dare called on all sports loving Nigerians to create time to grace the festival, saying that the National Sports Festival is the “Nigerian Olympics”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 36 states and the FCT will be competing in over 30 different sports in the Festival beginning from Monday to December 10.
Ambassador Romoke Ayinde, Chief Executive Officer, KAYROM LEE GYM (right)
Oyo state sport council has appointed proprietress, Kayrom lee fitness center, Ambassador Moromoke Ayinde as the Oyo state mother of sport to the 21st National sports festival Delta 2022.
In a letter signed by the general manager, Oyo state sports council, A.C Makinde, it was stated the recognition is prompted by Ambassador Ayinde’s contribution towards sport promotion, development and infrastructure.
“I am pleased to inform you that the Oyo state sports council has graciously approved your appointment as the Oyo state Mother of sports to 21st National sports festival, Delta 2022
“We are prompted by conspicuous fact that your innumerous contributions towards sports promotion, development and infrastructure was never unnoticed and agreed by all the available facts that you are a force to reckon with in total development and progress of sports in our dear state
“Your appointments for this assignment is as a result of the high confidence that the Oyo state contingent reposes in your person, and I strongly believe you will justify this by working assiduously and diligently for Oyo state to perform exceedingly in the21st National sports Festival, 2022 of which the generality of Oyo state and Nigeria sports fraternity will be proud of.
“We believe your National and international exposure will be of immense benefits to sports men and women of the state in the coming 21st National sports festival, Delta 2022 and in the future,” the statement reads.
Athletes from different parts of the country will arrive Asaba, Delta State capital today and tomorrow ahead Wednesday’s opening ceremony of the 21st National Sports festival.
Delta won the bid to host the fiesta, which is Nigeria’s version of the Olympics Games at the end of the last edition held in Benin City, Edo State last year.
Since then, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who is the vice presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, had put several structures in place to actualise his dream of delivering the best ever Games in history of Nigeria sports.
Among the facilities build for Delta 2022 Games are two brand new indoor sports hall, a new swimming pool, new tartan track, new shooting range all within the Stephen Keshi stadium as well as new hockey pitch at Okpanam.
Governor Okowa also constructed new hostel facilities at the NYSC camp at Issele-Uku and in various schools within Asaba.
A total of 11, 000 athletes will participate in Delta 2022 National Sports festival, which is about 2,000 more than the number that participated at the last edition held in Edo State.
Secretary of Local Organising committee (LOC), Chris Anazia confirmed yesterday that today and tomorrow is for arrival of contingent from different State.
“We are set to receive athletes from the various states on Monday and Tuesday. The opening ceremony will hold on Wednesday. I am sure the athletes, coaches and sports administrators will enjoy their stay in Delta. I wish everyone safe journey to Asaba,” Anazia stated.
Speaking further, Anazia, who is tbe Director General of Delta State Sports Commission said; “Whenever Delta agree to do anything, we always go for the best. We are not just going to host a sports festival, but the best ever in the history of the Games.”
Meanwhile, the Festival Torch of Unity, which has been moving round the country, has arrived in Delta State. It will begin a tour around all local government headquarters for chairmen and council officials to have a feel.
According to the Adviser to the LOC, Chief Solomon Ogba, the Festival Torch of Unity will arrive in Asaba on November 30, the day of the opening ceremony.
He said; “The flag hoisting ceremony for Delta 2022 National Sports festival will take place at 4pm on the day of the opening ceremony on November 30.”
The first event for Asaba 2022 will be cycling in the early morning of Wednesday. .
Delta 2022 National Sports festival will end on December 10.
President Muhammadu Buhari has flagged off the Torch of Unity movement signifying the commencement of the 21st National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged “Delta 2022”.
At the ceremony which took place today at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President expressed his delight over the forthcoming Festival which he described as the engine room for producing great champions that will represent the country at International Competitions.
He stated that, all outstanding stars that have written the name of the country in gold were born out of the National Sports Festival which clearly shows that the resources government is investing in sporting activities is not a waste.
Represented by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the President commended the Main Organising Committee (MON) as well as the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for their commitment and doggedness towards ensuring the successful hosting of the games.
ALSO READ: Para athletes protest in Lagos over exclusion from Delta 2022 NSF
While reiterating his administration’s commitment to the development of sports in the country, he explained that sports has remained a unifying platform for Nigerians and as such, government will continue to invest in it.
President Buhari commended the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, the Nigerian Olympic Committee, led by Engr. Habu Gumel and the athletes for the outstanding performance at the Games.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare described the Sports Festival as Nigerian Olympics where the best and brightest athletes are selected to represent the country at International çompetitions.
ALSO READ: Para athletes protest in Lagos over exclusion from Delta 2022 NSF
He stated further that the Touch of Unity Movement being flagged off today by Mr President will travel round the 36 States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory and will finally arrive at Delta which is the host State of the Festival.
Dare commended the Executive Governor and the good people of Delta State for their resilence in sports and commitment to hosting a successful festival.
He called on corporate organisations and sports loving Nigerians to join hands with government in order to develop sports for the benefit of our youth.
Also speaking, the Executive Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa assured of the States’ readiness to deliver the best Festival that will culminate into an outstanding 2024 Olympic outing.
According to him, sports represent peace and unity in the country and as such the State will leave no stone unturned in ensuring a peaceful, unique and formidable sports festival in the history of Nigeria.
He challenged the participating States to come and compete with Delta State, being the leading sporting State in the Competitions.
ALSO READ: Para athletes protest in Lagos over exclusion from Delta 2022 NSF
In her good will message at the event, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, commended Nigerian female athletes for making the country proud at the just concluded Commonwealth Games.
She called on them to ensure that they maintain the lead during the forthcoming festival.
