Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has charged the state contingent to the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival to be worthy ambassadors.
Aiyedatiwa stated this on Tuesday at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, while receiving the touch of unity, which symbolises the flag of the festival.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition will be held from April 1 to April 9 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, said the government appreciated the previous performances of the athletes in the various categories of sports festivals.
“You are good and worthy ambassadors of the Sunshine State, I will implore you to do well and come back victorious by winning this inaugural edition.
“I must emphasise that we hold sporting activities very dear to our hearts in Ondo State.
“Our participation and performances in the various categories of sports festivals are a manifestation of our commitment to sports development.
“Ondo state is known for grassroots sports development, which is actually in sync with the concept of the Niger Delta Sports Festival.
“We have contributed immensely to the national pool of talents that are representing Nigeria at international competitions all over the world,” he said.
The Executive Director of Corporate Services, Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr Ifedayo Abegunde, thanked the state government for its support in ensuring that the athletes were fully ready for the festival.
“Our MD envisioned this project that there should be a sports festival, that the festival will produce athletes that will represent the country at the national level outside the world.
“You know we have the best in the Niger Delta when it comes to sports; I congratulate our people and kudos to our MD for the vision,” he said.
The Chairman Ondo State Liaison Committee for the festival, Mrs Tolulope Adeyemi, who said the 320 state contingent would participate in 17 accredited sports, assured of their resolve to come out tops at the festival.
Adeyemi said that over 1,000 athletes participated in the trials and the best were selected for the competition
