GOV. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Sunday described the 19th National Sports Festival (NSF) as another “unique opportunity towards enhancing national unity and promotion of sports activities in the country’’.

Akeredolu, while receiving the Torch of Unity of the NSF tagged “Abuja 2018’’ Torch of Unity in Akure, said the festival was a way to bring everyone together.

He said this was more explained with the fact that sports was dear to the heart of Ondo State and its people.

“Our participation in the 19th NSF is a manifestation of our avowed commitment to sports development in the state and in Nigeria.

“It is a known fact that sports remains a veritable channel for harnessing youth energies, just as they are good avenues for interaction and social integration among athletes of this nation.

“This is no doubt desirable for our great nation, which is beset with a myriad of socio-political challenges.

“Indeed, Ondo State has always produced athletes to various national teams which had represented Nigeria in international engagements.

“I am also using this medium to assure you all of Ondo State Government’s commitment to full participation of the state’s athletes in the 19th National Sports Festival,” the governor said.

Earlier, Olufemi Ajao, a representative of the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, had said the torch was to sensitise the people of Ondo State.

“This sensitisation is to the fact that the festival had come to stay, and that there won’t be any more postponement or shift in date of the festival.

“By Dec. 5, the big torch will be lit in Abuja to herald the beginning of the sports festival that will last for about 10 days.

“I will like to implore that Ondo State should have a better representation at the sports festival,” he said.

Also, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, the Ondo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, commended the Akeredolu-led administration for according the sports sector the priority and attention it required.

He said this was exemplified in its having recognised the roles sports played in the social empowerment of teeming youths in the state.

“While new facilities are built, old ones are being given facelift to meet international standards.

“Funds are also released for teams to attend national and international competitions while the athletes and coaches are performing brilliantly well in their chosen sports.

“It is in view of this that Gov. Akeredolu approved a substantial amount of money for our participation at the 19th NSF.

“The `Torch of Unity’, which symbolises peace and unity, is being taken round all state capitals to herald the Festival and transmit the message of peace and brotherhood among the people of Nigeria,’’ the commissioner added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 19th NSF is billed to hold from Dec. 6 to Dec. 16 in Abuja.

-NAN

BE

– Nov. 26, 2018 @ 09:45 GMT |