The Director of Sports at the Kogi State Sports Council, Obakachi Onipe, representing the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Anyebe, has extended heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ododo, on his recent victory at the Supreme Court, which affirmed his win in the gubernatorial polls.
Onipe made this announcement while addressing the press on the council’s preparations for the upcoming National Youth Games, emphasizing the significance of this victory and its positive impact on the sports community in Kogi State.
He revealed that the Kogi State Sports Council is fully in camp, preparing for the preliminary games of the 8th edition of the National Youth Games, scheduled to take place in Jos.
Onipe further explained that the zonal preliminaries will commence on Wednesday, 28th August, and continue until 4th September, with Jos serving as the zonal headquarters for the event.
“Our teams, representing various sports including beach volleyball, basketball, cricket, and soccer, have been in camp for almost a week now. “We are prepared to give our best performance, thanks to the dedication of our coaches and the support of the new Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports. Financial constraints have been a challenge in the past, but with the current administration, we have seen significant improvements” Onipe stated.
Onipe also praised Governor Ododo’s unwavering commitment to sports, recalling his timely intervention last year when financial support was needed.
Continuing, the Director of Sports said“His Excellency has always been a sports-loving governor. Last year, he provided the necessary funds at a crucial moment, enabling our teams to participate and excel. We are confident that with his continued support, we will achieve even greater success this year.”
In addition to congratulating Governor Ododo, Onipe made a passionate call for further support as the preliminary games approach and the actual National Youth Games follow in September.
“While we are fully committed to preparing our athletes, we still require additional financial and logistical support to ensure that our teams can perform at their highest level. We call on the government, private sector, and well-meaning individuals to lend their support to our efforts. Together, we can ensure that Kogi State do not only participates but excels in these games.”
Earlier, the Head of Coaching and Training at the Kogi State Sports Council, Amade David, echoed this call for support, expressing optimism ahead of the National Youth Games. “We are prepared for more victories. Our athletes are in high spirits, and we are ready for the preliminaries next week. With the ongoing government support and further backing from the community, we are hopeful of bringing home medals” he added.
The Assistant Weightlifting Coach in Kogi State Blessing Anthony Itodo, highlighted the readiness of the athletes but emphasized the need for better equipment and facility improvements.
Her words“We have been in camp, and the preparation has been intense. However, our facilities, particularly the pitch and halls, need urgent repairs and better security. Proper maintenance could make these venues revenue-generating assets for the state. We appeal to the government and private sector to assist us in addressing these issues.”
Two-time Olympian and Chief Coach of Judo, Suleiman Musa, called for continued support from the state government and stakeholders. “The Director’s initiative to start the camp early has given us an edge, and we are confident in our athletes’ abilities. However, we need more resources to ensure their success. We hope His Excellency and other supporters will visit the camp and address our needs” Musa added.
Speaking on behalf of all the athletes, Sunday Ibrahim expressed their determination to excel at the games and reiterated the need for collective support. “We are motivated by the support we’ve received so far and are committed to bringing glory to Kogi State at the National Youth Games. But to achieve this, we need everyone to come together and back us fully.”
With the preliminary games just days away, Kogi State’s athletes and coaches are optimistic about their chances, buoyed by recent successes and the support of the state government. However, the call for additional support underscores the importance of collective efforts in ensuring the state’s success at both the preliminary games and the National Youth Games in September.
