By Goodluck Ikiebe.
The Main Organising Committee (MOC) for the 21st National Sports Festival tagged “Asaba 2022” has held its inaugural meeting with a view to commencing early preparations for the successful hosting of the games.
Speaking during the virtual meeting on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and Chairman, Main Organizing Committee (MOC), Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, stated that the Festival which commenced in 1973, was aimed at not only promoting National Unity through sports but also to adopt athletes that will represent the Country at international competitions.
According to him, “this year’s theme, ‘Uniting Nigeria and Uniting the new Generation’ was quite timely as the country was in a period when one of its major focus was on curbing insecurity and its attendant challenges”.
The Permanent Secretary, who expressed optimism
on the calibre of technocrats chosen as members of the Main Organizing Committee (MOC), called on them to bring their wealth of experience to bear in the organisation of the event.
“Let me use this medium to call on you as seasoned technocrats to ensure you bring your wealth of experience to bear towards the successful organisation of a sports festival that will not only stand the test of time, but also meet up with International standards”.
“Let me further charge the MOC to step up communication with relevant stakeholders at all levels to ensure that the 2022 National Sports Festival records a huge success”, he said.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman (MOC), and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Mr. Patrick Ukah, assured that Delta State Government has since commenced the rehabilitation of various sporting facilities in the State in addition to other logistics with a view to ensuring the successful hosting of the games, adding that the State is ready to deliver one of the best festivals in the history of the event.
Earlier, the Secretary, MOC and Director, National Sports Festival and Para Sports Department of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Peter Nelson, stated that the inaugural meeting was aimed at bringing the Committee members up to date with efforts so far put in place by both the MOC and LOC towards the smooth organisation of the 21st National Sports Festival.
