President Buhari who was represented by Minister for Sports/ Youths, Mr Sunday Dare stated this during the opening ceremony of the 21st Edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF) at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.
During his speech, he thanked the Delta State Government for keeping faith with the aim of the founding fathers of the National festival saying that it was
He described the sports sector as a business that can ensure the National productivity of the youths on the global stage.
Hence, he urged athletes participating in the festival to use the opportunity to build lasting relationships while competing with discipline and respect.
He then called for synergy between the state and Federal Government, stating that the success of this festival shows that with joint efforts we can surmount challenges despite political differences.
Earlier, Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa lauded the Local Organizing Committee ( LOC) for delivering several facilities to be used for the festival despite logistic and financial constraints.
He assured the athletes and visiting competitors from the 35 states and FCT of their security as he urged them to compete at their best.
” This is the moment you have been waiting for. Your days of training would be put to test in the next ten days.
Records will be broken and new ones would be set to push the development of sports in the state and Nigeria” he asserted.
