Ahead of the commencement of the 20th National Sports Festival(NSF) tagged “Edo 2020”, billed to take off in Benin City,Edo State by March 22nd – April 1st, the Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has urged Abia contingents to exhibit a high sense of discipline as they take part in the sporting event.
Governor Ikpeazu stated this, Monday,when he officially recieved the Torch of Unity from the South East Zonal Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development,Jane Owoh,at the Government House, Umuahia.
According to him, “We also expect them(athletes) to exhibit the legendary characteristics of Ndi Abia underscored by resilience and ability to stay on irrespective of what the odds are.
“You will meet with stiff challenge but we are sure that with God on our side, and the spirit of Ndi Abia behind you, you will surely triumph.
“On behalf of the government and people of Abia State, I’m indeed happy to receive the Torch of Unity officially signifying the willingness and determination of the Abia State contingent to be part of the sports festival in Edo as it is billed to open soon”.
While reiterating his administration’s commitment to continue to support sports development in the state, the Governor expressed optimism that Abia contingent will emerge victorious in the various sporting activities.
“We are not just going to participate, but we are participating to win,” Ikpeazu said.
He expressed hope that the sporting family in Nigeria will receive a boost as a result of Edo 2020 adding that future sports festivals will yield better and greater results.
The South East Zonal Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development,Jane Owoh,in an interview with National Ambassador, said the torch which signifies that the National Sports Festival is around the corner, began it’s journey to the states across the federation since 30th of January this year after President Muhammadu Buhari received the torch.
According to her, the Torch of Unity has traveled all the states in North Central, North East, North West, and is presently touring the SouthEast Zone.
The National Sports Festival, a biennial multi-sport event organized by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Sports Commission for athletes from the 36 States of Nigeria,started in 1973 at the National Stadium, Surulere in Lagos, the game was originally conceived as a “unifying tool” with the main purpose of promoting peace and cross-cultural affiliation in Nigeria after the Nigerian Civil War in 1970.
The game also serves as an avenue for the development and training of Nigerian athletes, in order to prepare them for continental and international meets.
