Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
Commissioner, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Ambassador Lucky Isaac Yargwa, has called on organisers of the National Sports Festival (NSF) holding in Asaba to beam their searchlights into event centres to quash alleged corruption.
He made the call at a press briefing on Saturday held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, venue of the ongoing NSF in Asaba, Delta State.
“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,” he disclosed.
According to him, “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 meet.”
Speaking further in relation to cultural differences at the festival, he averred that “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.”
Stonix News has been inundated with some sharp practices ongoing at the sports festival as some officials are alleged to be making quick monies from some state officials who are desperate for medals to show case to their home states.
This perhaps underscored the call of the Nasarawa State commissioner on the organisers to monitor such activities that might undermine the essence of the festival.
He, however, commended the organisers for meeting required standards, especially as regards sports facilities and accommodation provision.
“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.
“Even though you can’t guarantee a perfect event, I must say Delta State has fulfilled its promise of hosting a historic Sports Festival, and this is evident to everyone,” he noted.
Stonix News reports that Team Nasarawa arrived Asaba on November 29 with 181 athletes, 33 coaches, eight referees, 27 sports secretaries, 20 accompanying officials, two medical personnel and six security details and is participating in 27 sporting events.
As of the time of the press briefing, Team Nasarawa has carted in three medals namely: one Silver from Para-Table Tennis, and two from Taekwondo events (Poomsae Individual and Poomsae Team Event).