…. Okowa promises hitch-free event
By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday lights the 21st National Sports Festival Torch at a brief but historic ceremony held in front of State House Banquet, Abuja.
Professor Osinbajo who represented President Muhammadu Buhari who was away on official trip said the National Sports Festival (NSF) is a crucial activity in the sporting life of Nigeria because it is the breeding ground and the engine room for the production of many outstanding athletes who have represented the country well in the past.
The VP stated this at the flag off of movement of Torch of Unity for the 21st National Festival to be hosted by Delta State.
He said, “Let me first express my delight on this occasion of the flag-off ceremony for the movement of the torch for the 21st Edition of the National Sports Festival, scheduled to hold in Asaba, Delta State from the 28th of November to 10th December 2022.
“The Torch of Unity, which heralds the festival, symbolizes as we have been told the peace and unity of Nigeria and it’s also meant to create awareness of the festival amongst Nigerians and also the world at large.
“The National Sports Festival is crucial activity in the sporting life of our country and this is because it is the breeding ground, the engine room for the production of the very many outstanding talents that will go on to become world champions.
“Some of the great champions who we know today were actually discovered at various National Sports Festivals, including the likes of Blessing Okagbare, a world medallist in the 200 meters Olympics and World Championship; and also the medallist in long jump at the Olympics; Chioma Ajunwa, notable for being the first Nigerian to win gold at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, and the first black woman to win an Olympic Gold in any field event.
“Of course, you also have Olusoji Fasugba who was the African record holder and gold medallist in the 100 meters event with the time of 9.85 seconds until Akani Simbine beat that time in 2021 with a time 9.84 seconds then, Lucy Ejike a gold medallist and world record holder at the Paralympics from 2000 in Sydney through to 2021 in Tokyo. And Enifiok Udo Ubong, the only Nigerian to win two bronze medals in the 4 by 400 meters relay and also silver medal in long jump.
In his speech Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa promised his state will be a worthy host.
He said all is set, 15, 000 athletes participating in the national event.
“Delta will come top at November sports festival”, Okowa boasted.
